The Association Between Keratoconus and Mitral Valve Prolapse: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: The debate pertaining to the association between Keratoconus (KC) and Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) continues to occur among physicians. The results of cross-sectional studies attempting to present the co-existing prevalence of these two diseases remain indeterminate. We compiled the first meta-analysis to determine the pattern of prevalence between the two diseases.

Methods: Two separate literature searches for cross-sectional studies were performed for this metaanalysis. The first search encompassed finding literature comparing the prevalence of KC between patients with MVP and a control group. The second search pertained to finding studies comparing the prevalence of MVP patients with KC and a control group.

Results: Six studies reported the prevalence of MVP in patients with KC and a control group. The prevalence was 41.6% in patients with KC and 11.5% in patients without KC (OR = 7.06 [95% CI = 2.41-20.64]). There was a significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 84%). Two studies showed the prevalence of KC in patients with MVP and a control group. The prevalence was 17.0% in patients with KC and 2.9% in the control group (OR = 5.07 [95% CI = 1.08-23.83]). There was no heterogeneity within the analysis (I2 = 0%).

Conclusion: There is a statistically significant co-existing prevalence between MVP and KC. Patients with KC are more likely to present with MVP, and patients with MVP are more likely to present with KC.

Keywords: Keratoconus; association; cardiology; epidemiology; mitral valve prolapse; ophthalmology..