Peer-reviewed article
Choroidal thickness and choroidal vascular index in childhood malnutrition.
Elmas Yüksel Şükün, Fuat Yavrum, Begüm Yavrum ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study examined how malnutrition affects the choroid, a blood vessel layer in the eye, in 52 malnourished and 40 healthy children aged 6-16 years. Malnourished children had lower choroidal vascular index (a measure of blood vessel density) compared to healthy children, and this decline was linked to the severity of malnutrition. The study also found that certain nutrients, particularly iron (ferritin) and vitamin D, were associated with better choroidal blood vessel function. The findings suggest that malnutrition can damage the eye's blood supply, even in early stages.
Key points
- Choroidal vascular index was significantly lower in malnourished children compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05)
- Choroidal vascular index negatively correlated with malnutrition severity (r = -0.45, P < 0.01)
- Ferritin and vitamin D levels were positively associated with choroidal vascular index (P < 0.001)
- Lower hemoglobin levels were linked to vascular compromise in the choroid
- Choroidal thickness showed no significant difference between malnourished and healthy children
Limitations
This is a cross-sectional study that can only show associations, not causation. The study does not specify which countries the children were from, and the sample size is relatively small, limiting generalizability.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Malnutrition is a global health issue affecting growth and systemic health in children, yet its impact on the choroid-a vascular layer essential for retinal nourishment-remains underexplored. This study evaluates the choroidal vascular index (CVI) and choroidal thickness in malnourished children compared to healthy controls using optical coherence tomography (OCT). It also examines the relationship between these parameters and nutritional markers, including serum ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and hemoglobin levels. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 52 malnourished and 40 healthy children aged 6-16 years. Malnutrition severity was categorized as mild, moderate, or severe based on WHO BMI criteria. Choroidal parameters were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Statistical analysis compared CVI and thickness between groups and assessed correlations with malnutrition severity and nutritional markers. RESULTS: CVI was significantly lower in malnourished children compared to controls (P < 0.05), while choroidal thickness showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). CVI negatively correlated with malnutrition severity (r = -0.45, P < 0.01). Ferritin and vitamin D levels were positively associated with CVI (P < 0.001), whereas vitamin B12 showed no significant relationship. Lower hemoglobin levels were linked to vascular compromise. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition adversely affects CVI, even in early stages, suggesting it as a marker of choroidal vascular compromise. Micronutrients, particularly ferritin and vitamin D, appear protective. Monitoring choroidal parameters and addressing nutritional deficiencies may help prevent ocular complications in malnourished children.