Peripheral retinal drusen and reticular pigment: association with CFHY402H and CFHrs1410996 genotypes in family and twin studies.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the relationship between peripheral retinal drusen and reticular pigment changes and genotypes associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

Using standard protocols, 2103 family members and twins were examined. Clinical and photographic data were graded according to the Clinical Age-Related Maculopathy Grading System (CARMS) as grade 1 (no AMD), grade 2 (small drusen and/or pigment irregularities), grade 3 (intermediate AMD), grade 4 (central or noncentral geographic atrophy), or grade 5 (neovascular disease). Peripheral drusen and reticular pigment were assessed with a standardized examination. Associations between six AMD genetic variants and retinal phenotypes were analyzed.

RESULTS

AMD grade was associated with peripheral drusen and reticular pigment (odds ratio [OR] 1.9 for advanced AMD; P<0.001). Both peripheral retinal phenotypes were associated with AMD related genotypes. For CFHY402H, the OR was 2.8 for the CC genotype versus TT (P for trend<0.001, with increase in peripheral drusen with each additional risk [C] allele). Similar results were seen for CFHrs1410996. Reticular pigment was related to CFHY402H, with OR 2.0 for the CC genotype versus TT (P for trend<0.001, for increase in pigment with each risk allele) and to CFHrs1410996 (P for trend=0.006). These findings were not seen for the LOC387715 A69S gene region, CFB, C2, or C3. Among individuals with no or minimal maculopathy, CFH variants were associated with more than a twofold increased risk of drusen and reticular pigment.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral retinal drusen and reticular pigment are associated with AMD and with CFHY402H and CFHrs1410996 genotypes, adjusting for AMD grade. These phenotypes may be a marker of genetic susceptibility for patients with or without AMD.