Retinal microvasculature in schizophrenia: A meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis of studies assessing vessel density using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

• Published in: Asian journal of psychiatry Vol. 84; p. 103570
• Main Authors: Janti, Siddharam S, Tikka, Sai Krishna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.06.2023
• Subjects: Cross-Sectional Studies; Endothelial dysfunction; Fluorescein Angiography - methods; Humans; Microvessels - diagnostic imaging; Neuroinflammation; Psychotic disorders; Retinal Vessels - diagnostic imaging; Schizophrenia - diagnostic imaging; Tomography, Optical Coherence - methods; Endothelial dysfunction; Psychotic disorders; Neuroinflammation
• ISSN: 1876-2018; 1876-2026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103570

We performed a series of random-effects meta-analyses on cross-sectional studies assessing vessel density (VD) using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) in schizophrenia. Five studies with a total sample size of 410 (schizophrenia-192;healthy-218) were analysed. Supplementary Trial Sequential Analyses (TSA) was also performed. Meta-analyses revealed significantly lower VD in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls in the peripapillary region of the optic disc, including both superior hemisphere and inferior hemisphere. TSA validated these significant effects. We conclude that reduced VD at the peripapillary region of the optic disc as measured by OCTA may have the potential to be a schizophrenia biomarker. •Meta-analyses of Vessel density (VD) assessed using OCTA in schizophrenia.•Five studies (sample size 410 (schizophrenia-192;healthy-218)) analysed.•Significantly lower VD in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls.•Spatially specific to peripapillary region (both superior and inferior hemisphere).•Supplementary Trial Sequential Analyses (TSA) validated significant effects.