Hair cortisol concentration in patients with active central serous chorioretinopathy is elevated - a pilot study.

Abstract

To investigate hair cortisol concentration (HCC), a biochemical correlate of long-term cortisol output patterns, and its relationship to active central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Twenty-six participants were included in this observational pilot study (11 patients with active CSC and 15 healthy controls). Hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) were determined from 3cm hair strands collected near the scalp from patients and controls as an index of cumulative cortisol secretion over the 3-month period prior to hair sampling. Patients with CSC exhibited higher HCCs (mean value: 20.14, 95% CI: 14.89-27.16pg/mg) than healthy controls (mean value: 11.06, 95% CI: 8.63-14.22pg/mg, p=0.008). Group differences were not affected by relevant covariates (BMI, smoking status, sex). Patients with active CSC have increased HCC, supporting the fact that cortisol is a major player in CSC pathogenesis.