Abstract
Purpose :
To determine the relationship between anthropometric measures and a keratoconus (KCN)-like trait of high spherical dioptric power (≥ 48.0 D).
Methods :
Participants of the 1999-2008 NHANES visual exam with demographic, ocular, and anthropometric data were included (Unweighted 20,165; Weighted 173,695,441). Cases had a KCN trait of spherical dioptric power ≥ 48.0 D (n = 171) and controls < 48.0 D (n = 19,994). Multivariable analyses were performed for pooled and sex-stratified populations accounting for NHANES complex survey design. 3 separate models assessed an outcome of KCN trait with primary predictors of (1) BMI, (2) height, and (3) weight. The independent effects of height were assessed by adjusting for weight residuals in multivariable analysis and similarly for weight adjusted for height residuals.
Results :
There was a strong inverse relationship between height and KCN trait in the pooled population (P < 0.0001 for trend) and women (P < 0.0001 for trend). In pooled analysis, the inverse relationship between height and KCN trait found that for every 1-inch increase in height, there was a 16% reduced odds (OR, 0.84; 95% CI: 0.78-0.91) of KCN trait. In women there was a 19% reduced odds of KCN trait for each 1-inch increase in height (OR, 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74-0.88), but the inverse association was borderline in men (OR, 0.88; 95% CI: 0.76-1.01).
Conclusions :
Shorter height is associated with a higher risk of KCN trait of high spherical dioptric power (≥ 48.0 D). Gender plays a role in this relationship with a greater association seen in women than in men. These findings can contribute to improved understanding of the pathogenesis of keratoconus.
This is a 2021 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.