Evaluation of fetuin-A and carotid intima-media thickness in adolescent type 1 diabetic patients.

Abstract

To evaluate fetuin-A level and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in adolescent type 1 diabetics. The study included 62 type 1 diabetic patients and 30 healthy volunteers of the same age and sex. Blood sample was taken for assessment of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1), lipid profile, and fetuin-A. Urine sample was also taken for assessment of albumin/creatinine ratio. Anthropometric measurements were taken, including weight, height, and waist and hip circumference. CIMT was assessed for all patients and controls. Serum fetuin-A, Rt., Lt. and both CIMT were significantly higher in diabetics. Fetuin-A had a significant positive correlation with duration of disease, waist and hip circumference, BMI, BMI SDS, waist/height ratio, Rt., Lt. and both CIMT. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that the duration of disease, waist/height ratio, and HDL-c were the factors related to fetuin-A. Adolescent type 1 diabetic patients have high fetuin-A levels and increased CIMT, with the latter representing the development of early atherosclerosis. In this light, adolescents with type 1 diabetes require frequent follow up for early detection of atherosclerosis.