Observational studyPloS one2025
Association between hair cortisol levels and keratoconus: A prospective study.
Observational study in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionKeratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder characterized by corneal thinning often leading to significant visual impairment. Recent research suggests a potential role of cortisol in the development and progression of keratoconus. However, the relationship between cortisol levels and keratoconus severity remains poorly understood. PURPOSE: To investigate the association between hair cortisol levels and keratoconus severity in a Jordanian population, exploring whether cortisol could serve as a potential biomarker for disease progression or stability.
methodsWe conducted a prospective, observational study at King Abdullah University Hospital in Jordan. Sixty participants aged 18-30 years were categorized into three groups: Healthy (n = 20), Progressive Keratoconus (n = 20), and Stable Keratoconus (n = 20). Demographic, clinical, and ocular data were collected, including age, gender, hair cortisol levels, and corneal topography indices (Kmax, Kmean, and thinnest corneal location).
resultsThe median cortisol level was significantly higher in the Progressive Keratoconus group (987 pg/mL) compared to the Stable group (300 pg/mL, p-value <0.001). Regression analysis revealed a significant negative association between cortisol levels and stable keratoconus (β = -1.31, p < 0.001). No significant association was observed for progressive keratoconus after adjustment for age and gender. Correlation analysis showed no significant associations between cortisol levels and BMI, Kmax, or Kmean. Cortisol levels also did not vary significantly across keratoconus severity categories in either eye.
conclusionElevated cortisol levels may be associated with keratoconus progression, while lower levels appear linked to disease stability. Cortisol could serve as a potential biomarker for disease monitoring; however, further multicenter studies are needed to validate these findings and clarify cortisol's role in keratoconus pathogenesis.
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