Evaluation of early corneal topographic changes in children with Down syndrome

Authors: MURAT ASLANKURT, LOKMAN ASLAN, ADNAN AKSOY, MUHAMMED MUSTAFA KURT, MURAT ÖZDEMİR

Abstract: To evaluate early corneal changes using a Scheimpflug imaging (SI) system (Pentacam) in a pediatric population with Down syndrome. Materials and methods: This study was carried out in a prospective and nonrandomized fashion. Twenty-seven children with Down syndrome and 30 healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Corneal measurements were done using a Scheimpflug topography system. Central corneal thickness (CCT), minimum corneal thickness (CTmin), central corneal power (CP), difference of central corneal power (DCP) between 2 eyes, inferior superior steepening (I-S), and keratoconus indices were tested with a SI device. Results: Mean CCT and CTmin values were significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (P < 0.01). Mean CP and DCP values were higher in the patients than in the control group (P < 0.001). Although mean I-S values were not statistically different, 11 eyes in the Down syndrome group and 3 eyes in the control group had 1.20 or higher I-S. Eleven eyes (21.1%) in the patient group and 1 eye (1.7%) in the control group had subclinical keratoconus (P < 0.01), and 20 eyes (38.4%) in the case group and 2 eyes (3.3%) in the control group had at least 1 abnormal parameter (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Corneal abnormalities and subclinical keratoconus are more common in children with Down syndrome.

Keywords: Down syndrome, keratoconus, Scheimpflug imaging, Pentacam, corneal parameters

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