AIM: To explore the association between serum complement C3 and C4 with optic neuritis.

METHODS: Case-control study design. Optic neuritis subjects(n=137)and control subjects(n=147)who attended the Eye-ENT Hospital of Fudan University from January to August 2018 were recruited. The levels of serum complement C3 and C4 was detected by Roche automatic biochemical analyzer. Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were performed to compare the level of serum complement C3 and C4 between optic neuritis group and control group. ROC analysis was performed to analysis the diagnosis value of C3 and C4 to distinguish optic neuritis patients.

RESULTS: The levels of serum complement C3 and C4 was significant lower(P<0.05)in optic neuritis group(96.17±17.93mg/dL),(22.41±7.53mg/dL)compared with control group(108.85±15.94mg/dL),(24.55±6.37 mg/dL). Multivariate logistic regression analysis shown that decreased level of complement C3(OR=1.048, P<0.001, 95%CI:1.031-1.065)and C4(OR=1.045, P=0.014, 95%CI: 1.009-1.083)was a risk factor for optic neuritis.

CONCLUSION: The levels of serum complement C3 and C4 was decreased which suggested that the decreased level of complement C3 and C4 was risk factor for optic neuritis.