Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Research Articles

Age-related macular degeneration in a South Indian population, with and without diabetes.

PurposeTo elucidate the prevalence and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in people with diabetes.MethodsOf the 5495 subjects ≥60 years of age recruited in the population-based study in south India, 4791 subjects with gradable images on 30° three-field retinal photographs were analyzed. AMD and diabetic retinopathy (DR) were graded based on the International ARM Epidemiological Study Group classification and International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale, respectively. All subjects underwent a detailed history, physical examination, and a comprehensive ocular examination.ResultsOf the 4791 subjects, 1256 had diabetes. In those with diabetes, 166 (13.2%) had DR: of which, 9.6% had AMD. Of those with diabetes but no DR, 15.6% had AMD. Presence of DR (OR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.99, P=0.046) was a protective factor for AMD in diabetes. When adjusted for potential confounding factors, those with AMD and diabetes were from urban areas (OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.09-2.49, P=0.018), had raised systolic blood pressure (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.00-1.03, P=0.01), higher BMI (OR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10, P=0.005), and higher serum triglycerides (OR=1.00, 95% CI: 1.00-1.01, P=0.011). A higher level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (OR=0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-0.99, P=0.038) was a protective factor for AMD in subjects with diabetes.ConclusionsThe presence of DR and higher serum HDL are protective factors whereas obesity and higher systolic blood pressure are risk factors for AMD in subjects with diabetes.

Optimal Glycemic and Hemoglobin A1c Thresholds for Diagnosing Diabetes Based on Prevalence of Retinopathy in an Iranian Population.

BackgroundThe use of glycemic thresholds for diabetes diagnosis is controversial. However, no information is available regarding glycemic and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) thresholds for detecting diabetic retinopathy (DR) in the Iranian population.ObjectivesThe main purpose of the current investigation was to examine the association of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c levels with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and to determine the relevant cut-off levels in an Iranian population.Patients and MethodsThis cross-sectional, population-based study was performed during 2012-2013 in Urmia, the capital of West Azerbaijan province, Iran. The subjects were 3,010 Iranians aged 40-81 years. The FPG levels were determined using the glucose oxidase method whereas, the HbA1c values were measured using a standardized assay by high performance liquid chromatography. DR was evaluated by an examination of the fundus photograph of each eye. The photographs were graded according to the international clinical diabetic retinopathy disease severity scale by photograph graders who were masked to the clinical information.ResultsOf the subjects, 59 had DR. The prevalence of DR increased steeply between the ninth and the tenth deciles for both variables. The ROC curve analysis showed overall glycemic thresholds for DR of 6.5 mmol/L (117 mg/dL) for FPG and 6.2% (44 mmol/mol) for HbA1c. The sensitivities and specificities were 78.0% and 87.1% for FPG and 89.8% and 89.5% for HbA1c, respectively. The areas under the ROC curves indicated that HbA1c was a stronger discriminator of retinopathy: the area under curve was 0.880 for FPG and 0.946 for HbA1c P < 0.001). However, the thresholds for detecting DR for the two measures showed no significant differences after excluding individuals receiving anti-hyperglycemic medication.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the HbA1c and FPG thresholds for detecting diabetes in the Iranian population are lower than the current diagnostic criteria.

National Eye Institute Visual Function Scale in Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

Aim. To examine subscale and total scores of NEI-VFQ questionnaire of type 2 diabetes patients at different diabetic retinopathy (DRP) stages. Methods. A total number of 201 patients have been included. Prior to ophthalmological examination all patients participated in the NEI-VFQ questionnaire. The patients were divided into 5 groups according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale (ICDRS). Results. The diabetes duration in general health scores (p = 0.029); the stage (p = 0.011); and clinically significant macular edema (CSME) (p = 0.019) in general vision were found to be the most efficient factors. In near vision activities the most efficient factors were near vision acuity (NVA) (p = 0.0001) and DRP stage (p = 0.020). EDTRS visual acuity was found to be the most efficient factor in vision specific role difficulties (p = 0.034) and dependency (p = 0.011) whereas Snellen visual acuity was found to be among the most effective factors in distance activities (DA) (p = 0.014) and total scores (p = 0.026). Discussion. Difference was based not on the diabetes duration, clinically significant cataract (CSCat), CSME presence, and DRP stage but on the visual acuity levels of the better seeing eye of the patients.

Photopic full-field electroretinography and optical coherence tomography in type 1 diabetic retinopathy.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of photopic full-field electroretinography (ERG) and retinal thickness measurements by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in the assessment of disease severity in type 1 diabetic retinopathy.MethodsA population-based cohort of 151 patients with type 1 diabetes underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including photopic full-field ERG and SD-OCT for retinal thickness measurements. Stereoscopic fundus photographs were taken according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study protocol, and the classification of diabetic retinopathy was based on the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. Associations between photographically determined retinopathy level, b-wave amplitude and peak time of the photopic single-flash and 30-Hz flicker ERG, and central retinal thickness parameters were evaluated.ResultsFor all ERG measurements, the amplitude decreased and peak time increased with progression of the disease, but these associations lost statistical significance after adjusting for age and excluding laser-treated patients. Mean retinal thickness was significantly associated with the b-wave amplitude of photopic single-flash and 30-Hz flicker responses (r2 = 0.08, p = 0.006; and r2 = 0.05, p = 0.025, respectively), but revealed no association with retinopathy level.ConclusionsPhotopic full-field ERG and SD-OCT-derived retinal thickness parameters have limited clinical value in the staging of diabetic retinopathy. However, thinning of the central retina leads to significant functional impairment and may reflect an ongoing neurodegenerative process in the retinal tissue.

Effectiveness of screening for diabetic retinopathy by nonspecialist doctors: the importance of physician-ophthalmologist collaboration in the prevention of blindness. Sri Lanka Young Diabetes Study (SLYDS)

Introduction: Diabetes retinopathy (DR) is the fourth leading cause for blindness worldwide. Screening is vital for its early detection and prevention of blindness. However screening all diabetic patients by specialists is impossible, particularly in resource poor settings such as Sri Lanka. We aimed to compare the agreement between non-specialist doctors and specialist ophthalmologists in diagnosing DR and planning follow up. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted with a cohort of patients randomly recruited from the Sri Lanka Young Diabetes Study (SLYDS). They were examined by a group of non-specialist doctors by direct ophthalmoscopy after mydriasis, and specialists (by slit lamp biomicroscopy) who were blinded to non-specialist doctors’ finding. Agreement between DR grading according to International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale, and follow up decisions, by non-specialist and specialist doctors were assessed with kappa statistic, using SPSS-16. Results: Our study included 658 participants (males 36%, mean age 37.1 years, mean duration of diabetes 5.22 years (± 4.04), mean HbA1c 8.1% (±2.04)) and 123 (18.7%) had diabetes retinopathy and 54 (8.3%) required early referral. Exact agreement between ophthalmologists and non specialist doctors in determining absence or presence of diabetes retinopathy was 0.82 (Kappa 0.48, p Conclusion: Non-specialist doctors can identify DR with reasonable sensitivity. This should be encouraged in primary care, particularly in resource poor settings. Referring patients with any form of DR to a specialist should be recommended to prevent those with severe degrees of retinopathy from being missed for appropriate specialist care. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sjdem.v3i2.6363 Sri Lanka Journal of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism 2013; 3 : 63-67

Thresholds of various glycemic measures for diagnosing diabetes based on prevalence of retinopathy in community-dwelling Japanese subjects: the Hisayama Study

BackgroundThere has been controversy over the diagnostic thresholds of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) for diabetes. In addition, no study has examined the thresholds of glycated albumin (GA) and 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) for diagnosing diabetes using the presence of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We examined the optimal thresholds of various glycemic measures for diagnosing diabetes based on the prevalence of DR in community-dwelling Japanese subjects.MethodsA total of 2,681 subjects aged 40-79 years underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, measurement of HbA1c, GA, and 1,5-AG, and an ophthalmic examination in 2007-2008. The associations of glycemic measures with DR status were examined cross-sectionally. DR was assessed by an examination of the fundus photograph of each eye and graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. We divided the values of glycemic measures into ten groups on the basis of deciles. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the optimal threshold of each glycemic measure for detecting the presence of DR.ResultsOf the subjects, 52 had DR. The prevalence of DR increased steeply above the ninth decile for fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (6.2-6.8 mmol/l), for 2-hour postload glucose (PG) (9.2-12.4 mmol/l), for HbA1c (5.9-6.2% [41-44 mmol/mol]), and for GA (16.2-17.5%), and below the second decile for 1,5-AG (9.6-13.5 μg/mL). The ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal thresholds for DR were 6.5 mmol/l for FPG, 11.5 mmol/l for 2-hour PG, 6.1% (43 mmol/mol) for HbA1c, 17.0% for GA, and 12.1 μg/mL for 1,5-AG. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for 2-hour PG (0.947) was significantly larger than that for FPG (0.908), GA (0.906), and 1,5-AG (0.881), and was marginally significantly higher than that for HbA1c (0.919). The AUCs for FPG, HbA1c, GA, and 1,5-AG were not significantly different.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the FPG and HbA1c thresholds for diagnosing diabetes in the Japanese population are lower than the current diagnostic criterion, while the 2-hour PG threshold is comparable with the diagnostic criterion. 2-hour PG had the highest discriminative ability, whereas FPG, HbA1c, GA, and 1,5-AG were similar in their ability.

Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio as a Quick and Reliable Predictive Marker to Diagnose the Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most common complication and cause of visual impairment in diabetes patients. The pathogenesis is not fully understood, but several studies have suggested that inflammation plays an important role. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was defined as a novel potential marker to determine inflammation. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between DR and inflammation by using NLR. The study was included 58 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Twenty-four of them had DR. The control group was composed of 52 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. Retinopathy was graded using the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. NLR values of the diabetes patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy control group (P<0.001), and NLR levels of the patients with DR were higher than those of the patients without DR (P<0.001). In addition, NLR values were correlated with the presence of DR and DR grades (r=0.466, P<0.001; and r=0.630, P<0.001, respectively). According to our knowledge, this is the first study investigating the relationship between NLR, which is an inflammatory marker, and DR and its severity. Our results suggest that while evaluating diabetes patients in terms of DR, higher NLR values may be a remarkable marker.

Optimal HbA1c cutoff for detecting diabetic retinopathy

The associations between high glucose levels and diabetic retinopathy have been the basis for the diagnosis of diabetes. We aimed to provide updated data on the relationship between HbA1c and diabetic retinopathy, and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the proposed HbA1c cutoff for detecting diabetic retinopathy. This cross-sectional study included 3,403 adults from the 2009 to 2010 Ansung Cohort Study. Retinopathy was assessed with single-field nonmydriatic fundus photography and graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale. HbA1c was measured by standardized assay using high performance liquid chromatography. Based on deciles distribution, the prevalence of retinopathy was very low until the HbA1c range of 48-51 mmol/mol (6.5-6.8 %). The optimal HbA1c cutoff for detecting any diabetic retinopathy was 49 mmol/mol (6.6 %), moderate or severer retinopathy was 52 mmol/mol (6.9 %) from receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The proposed HbA1c threshold of 48 mmol/mol (6.5 %) from American Diabetes Association produced comparable accuracy for identifying both any and moderate/severer retinopathy. This study confirmed that the proposed HbA1c threshold of 48 mmol/mol (6.5 %) allowed the proper detection of diabetic retinopathy. Our data support the judicious use of HbA1c for the diagnosis of diabetes and detecting diabetic retinopathy as well.

Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases Is Increased Even with Mild Diabetic Retinopathy: The Japan Diabetes Complications Study

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is linked to cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients. This study examined whether mild-stage DR is associated with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke in type 2 diabetic patients of the Japan Diabetes Complications Study (JDCS). Prospective cohort study. In the JDCS, there were 2033 Japanese persons with type 2 diabetes free of cardiovascular diseases at baseline. Diabetic retinopathy was ascertained from clinical and photographic grading (70%) following the international clinical diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema disease severity scales. Incident CHD and stroke were followed up prospectively annually up to 8 years. Eight-year incidence of CHD and stroke compared between persons with or without DR. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, persons with mild to moderate nonproliferative DR had a higher risk of CHD (hazard ratio [HR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-2.97) and stroke (HR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.03-4.86). Presence of retinal hemorrhages or microaneurysms was associated with risk of CHD (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.04-2.56) but was not associated with stroke (P = 0.06). Presence of cotton-wool spots was associated with risk of incident stroke (HR, 2.39; 95% CI, 1.35-4.24) but was not associated with CHD (P = 0.66). When information about DR was added in the prediction models for CHD and stroke based on traditional cardiovascular risk factors, the area under the receiver operating curve improved from 0.682 to 0.692 and 0.640 to 0.677, and 9% and 13% of persons were reclassified correctly for CHD and stroke, respectively. Type 2 diabetic patients with even a mild stage of DR, such as dot hemorrhages, are already at higher risk of CHD and stroke independent of traditional risk factors.

Pattern of diabetic retinopathy in Kano, Nigeria

The aim of the study is to determine the pattern of retinopathy seen in diabetic patients attending the outpatient clinic in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Consecutive patients who were attending the diabetic clinic and who consented were examined over a three-month period. Information obtained includes patient's bio data, type and duration of disease, and findings on eye examination. The fundus was examined with direct and indirect ophthalmoscopes, +90 D with slit lamp and fundal photography. Retinopathy was graded using the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale (ICDRDSS). A total of 214 patients were examined during the study period. There were 88 males and 126 females (M: F = 1: 1.43). The mean age of the study population was 52.14 ± 13.23 years. The mean age of patients without diabetic retinopathy (DR) was 49.14 ± 13.17 years and the mean age of patients with DR was 58.51 ± 10.94 years. Forty nine patients (23%) had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) while 165 patients (77%) had non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). There was statistically significant difference in presence of retinopathy in patients with IDDM compared to those with NIDDM [X(2) =29.77 {95% CI}, P=0.000]. DR was significantly more common in patients with disease duration of 15 years or more compared with those with disease duration of 14 years or less [X(2) = 65.85, {95% CI} P= 0.000]. Based on ICDRDSS scale, 136 patients (64%) had no retinopathy and 78 patients (36%) had retinopathy. Some patients were visually impaired and the cause of blindness was DR in 6 patients (2.8%). Cataract and glaucoma were the cause in 6 patients (2.8%). Diabetic retinopathy is common in our environment and is more frequent in IDDM and those with long disease duration. DR is a cause of visual disability although diabetic patients are not exempted from blindness from other eye diseases such as cataract and glaucoma. A screening program needs to be developed to facilitate early detection and prompt treatment.

Automated Assessment of Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Using Content-Based Image Retrieval in Multimodal Fundus Photographs

Recent studies on diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening in fundus photographs suggest that disagreements between algorithms and clinicians are now comparable to disagreements among clinicians. The purpose of this study is to (1) determine whether this observation also holds for automated DR severity assessment algorithms, and (2) show the interest of such algorithms in clinical practice. A dataset of 85 consecutive DR examinations (168 eyes, 1176 multimodal eye fundus photographs) was collected at Brest University Hospital (Brest, France). Two clinicians with different experience levels determined DR severity in each eye, according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity (ICDRS) scale. Based on Cohen's kappa (κ) measurements, the performance of clinicians at assessing DR severity was compared to the performance of state-of-the-art content-based image retrieval (CBIR) algorithms from our group. At assessing DR severity in each patient, intraobserver agreement was κ = 0.769 for the most experienced clinician. Interobserver agreement between clinicians was κ = 0.526. Interobserver agreement between the most experienced clinicians and the most advanced algorithm was κ = 0.592. Besides, the most advanced algorithm was often able to predict agreements and disagreements between clinicians. Automated DR severity assessment algorithms, trained to imitate experienced clinicians, can be used to predict when young clinicians would agree or disagree with their more experienced fellow members. Such algorithms may thus be used in clinical practice to help validate or invalidate their diagnoses. CBIR algorithms, in particular, may also be used for pooling diagnostic knowledge among peers, with applications in training and coordination of clinicians' prescriptions.

Diabetic retinopathy in a hospital eye clinic population in Honiara, Solomon Islands

To determine the presence, severity and context of diabetic retinopathy among diabetic adults using hospital eye clinic services in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Fifty consecutive known diabetic patients aged ≥20 years were interviewed and underwent Snellen distance vision testing and complete ocular examination, including dilated 90 D funduscopy. Diabetic retinopathy was graded according to the International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Oedema Disease Severity Scales. Participants were predominantly Melanesian (94%). Mean age was 53.6 ± 10.7 years; 42% were female; and 34% were rural dwellers. Diabetes had been diagnosed <5, 5-10 and >10 years ago for 42%, 34% and 24% of participants. However, 54% denied ever having had a dilated fundus examination. Proliferative retinopathy, severe non-proliferative changes and maculopathy were present in 5, 12 and 26 eyes, respectively. For the 32 eyes with pinhole acuity ≤6/12, diabetic eye disease was the cause for 20, with all but one due to maculopathy. Diabetes reduced the pinhole vision of five eyes to ≤6/60. Twenty-four per cent of participants had diabetes-related pinhole vision ≤6/12 in at least one eye. Those diagnosed with diabetes 5-10 and >10 years were 17.5 and 58.8 times more likely to have such an eye compared with those recently (<5 years) diagnosed (extended Mantel-Haenszel χ² = 11.570, P < 0.001). Participants were not well informed about diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease is now a significant contributor to this clinic's workload. A population-based survey is needed to quantify the problem and inform design and delivery of eye services for this chronic disease.

Proposed international clinical diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema disease severity scales

Purpose To develop consensus regarding clinical disease severity classification systems for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema that can be used around the world, and to improve communication and coordination of care among physicians who care for patients with diabetes. Design Report regarding the development of clinical diabetic retinopathy disease severity scales. Participants A group of 31 individuals from 16 countries, representing comprehensive ophthalmology, retina subspecialties, endocrinology, and epidemiology. Methods An initial clinical classification system, based on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study and the Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy publications, was circulated to the group in advance of a workshop. Each member reviewed this using e-mail, and a modified Delphi system was used to stratify responses. At a later workshop, separate systems for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema were developed. These were then reevaluated by group members, and the modified Delphi system was again used to measure degrees of agreement. Main outcome measures Consensus regarding specific classification systems was achieved. Results A five-stage disease severity classification for diabetic retinopathy includes three stages of low risk, a fourth stage of severe nonproliferative retinopathy, and a fifth stage of proliferative retinopathy. Diabetic macular edema is classified as apparently present or apparently absent. If training and equipment allow the screener to make a valid decision, macular edema is further categorized as a function of its distance from the central macula. Conclusions There seems to be a genuine need for consistent international clinical classification systems for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema that are supported with solid evidence. The proposed clinical classification systems provide a means of appropriately categorizing diabetic retinopathy and macular edema. It is hoped that these systems will be valuable in improving both screening of individuals with diabetes and communication and discussion among individuals caring for these patients.