Dataset Information

Corneal confocal microscopy is a rapid reproducible ophthalmic technique for quantifying corneal nerve abnormalities.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To assess the effect of applying a protocol for image selection and the number of images required for adequate quantification of corneal nerve pathology using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM).

Methods

IVCCM was performed in 35 participants by a single examiner. For each participant, 4 observers used a standardized protocol to select 6 central corneal nerve images to assess the inter-observer variability. Furthermore, images were selected by a single observer on two occasions to assess intra-observer variability and the effect of sample size was assessed by comparing 6 with 12 images. Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), branch density (CNBD) and length (CNFL) were quantified using fully automated software. The data were compared using the intra class correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland-Altman agreement plots for all experiments.

Results

The ICC values for CNFD, CNBD and CNFL were 0.93 (P<0.0001), 0.96 (P<0.0001) and 0.95 (P<0.0001) for inter-observer variability and 0.95 (P<0.0001), 0.97 (P<0.001) and 0.97 (P<0.0001) for intra-observer variability. For sample size variability, ICC values were 0.94 (P<0.0001), 0.95 (P<0.0001), and 0.96 (P<0.0001) for CNFD, CNBD and CNFL. Bland-Altman plots showed excellent agreement for all parameters.

Conclusions

This study shows that implementing a standardized protocol to select IVCCM images results in high intra and inter-observer reproducibility for all corneal nerve parameters and 6 images are adequate for analysis. IVCCM could therefore be deployed in large multicenter clinical trials with confidence.

SUBMITTER: Kalteniece A

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5560560 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

Corneal confocal microscopy is a rapid reproducible ophthalmic technique for quantifying corneal nerve abnormalities.

Kalteniece Alise A Ferdousi Maryam M Adam Safwaan S Schofield Jonathan J Azmi Shazli S Petropoulos Ioannis I Soran Handrean H Malik Rayaz A RA

PloS one 20170817 8

<h4>Purpose</h4>To assess the effect of applying a protocol for image selection and the number of images required for adequate quantification of corneal nerve pathology using in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM).<h4>Methods</h4>IVCCM was performed in 35 participants by a single examiner. For each participant, 4 observers used a standardized protocol to select 6 central corneal nerve images to assess the inter-observer variability. Furthermore, images were selected by a single observer on ...[more]

PMID: 28817609

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Project description:ObjectiveCorneal confocal microscopy is a novel diagnostic technique for the detection of nerve damage and repair in a range of peripheral neuropathies, in particular diabetic neuropathy. Normative reference values are required to enable clinical translation and wider use of this technique. We have therefore undertaken a multicenter collaboration to provide worldwide age-adjusted normative values of corneal nerve fiber parameters.Research design and methodsA total of 1,965 corneal nerve images from 343 healthy volunteers were pooled from six clinical academic centers. All subjects underwent examination with the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph corneal confocal microscope. Images of the central corneal subbasal nerve plexus were acquired by each center using a standard protocol and analyzed by three trained examiners using manual tracing and semiautomated software (CCMetrics). Age trends were established using simple linear regression, and normative corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve fiber branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), and corneal nerve fiber tortuosity (CNFT) reference values were calculated using quantile regression analysis.ResultsThere was a significant linear age-dependent decrease in CNFD (-0.164 no./mm(2) per year for men, P < 0.01, and -0.161 no./mm(2) per year for women, P < 0.01). There was no change with age in CNBD (0.192 no./mm(2) per year for men, P = 0.26, and -0.050 no./mm(2) per year for women, P = 0.78). CNFL decreased in men (-0.045 mm/mm(2) per year, P = 0.07) and women (-0.060 mm/mm(2) per year, P = 0.02). CNFT increased with age in men (0.044 per year, P < 0.01) and women (0.046 per year, P < 0.01). Height, weight, and BMI did not influence the 5th percentile normative values for any corneal nerve parameter.ConclusionsThis study provides robust worldwide normative reference values for corneal nerve parameters to be used in research and clinical practice in the study of diabetic and other peripheral neuropathies.

Dataset Information

Corneal confocal microscopy is a rapid reproducible ophthalmic technique for quantifying corneal nerve abnormalities.

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Corneal confocal microscopy is a rapid reproducible ophthalmic technique for quantifying corneal nerve abnormalities.

Similar Datasets

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