Association of Inflammatory Markers and Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Diabetic retinopathy is a micro-angiopathy, the pathogenesis of which is manifold. Chronic inflammation releasing various mediators has been proposed to cause micro-angiopathy in long-term diabetics. These markers can be easily measured in serum and may serve as a risk factor for progression as well as allow newer modalities of management aimed at this pathology. Aims and Methodology: The aim of the study was to determine the association between different inflammatory markers and diabetic retinopathy. A total of 100 eyes in diabetic patients, 20 each with no retinopathy, mild NPDR, moderate NPDR, severe NPDR, and PDR were included. The serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and absolute neutrophil count were recorded and compared across each of these groups. Results: The mean ANC among these groups, respectively, was 5525, 5162, 5374, 5239, and 5313 (per microlitre), and neither were these raised significantly nor was the difference between groups statistically significant. Mean CRP levels were within normal limits in all groups (2.56, 2.87, 4.06, 5.15, 6.97 mg/dl), although there was a steady increase with each grade of retinopathy, and this was found statistically significant. Conclusion: There was no association between absolute neutrophil count and diabetic retinopathy. Serum CRP levels may guide progression of retinopathy and can be monitored to help management protocols.