Association of obesity and age-related macular degeneration in Indian population

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and association of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and obesity which was not studied extensively in Indian population over 60 years of age.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional, population-based study. A total of 4791 patients with gradable fundus photography were included. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmic examination and AMD was graded with retinal photographs. Grading of AMD was done according to the International ARM Epidemiological Study Group and staged based on grading in worse eye. The association of AMD severity and obesity (based on body mass index, waist–hip ratio, waist circumference, isolated abdominal obesity, isolated generalized obesity, and combined obesity) was assessed. The main outcome variable was an association between the presence and severity of AMD with different grades of obesity.

Results:

No direct significant association was noted between the presence and severity of AMD and any obesity indices. Subgroup analyses based on lifestyle patterns and common systemic pathologies in AMD population were done. Late AMD was significantly associated with tobacco consumption in population with combined obesity (P = 0.033 and odds ratio = 2.998).

Conclusion:

No direct association was noted between the presence or severity of AMD and obesity in South Indian population. However, indirect associations between the severity of AMD and combined obesity were found.

Trends in incidence of Ewing sarcoma of bone in India - Evidence from the National Cancer Registry Programme (1982-2011)

Background

Ewing sarcoma is a malignant tumour found mainly in childhood and adolescence. The present study aims at analyzing the data on Ewing sarcoma cases of bone from the National Cancer Registry Programme, India to provide incidence, patterns, and trends in the Indian population.

Materials and Methods

The data of five Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCR) of Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, Bhopal and Delhi over 30 years period (1982- 2011) were used to calculate the Age Specific and Age Standardized Incidence Rates (ASpR and ASIR), and trends in incidence was analyzed by linear and Joinpoint Regression.

Results

Ewing sarcoma comprised around 15 % of all bone malignancies. Sixty-eight percent were 0-19 years, with 1.6 times risk of tumour in bones of limbs as compared to other bones. The highest incidence rate (per million) was in the 10-14 years age group (male -4.4, female -2.9) with significantly increasing trend in ASpR observed in both sexes. Pooled ASIR per million for all ages was higher in male (1.6) than female (1.0) with an increasing rate ratio of ASIR with increase in age. Trend of pooled ASIR for all ages was significantly increased in both sexes. Twelve percent cases were reported in ≥30 years of age.

Conclusion

This paper has described population based measurements on burden and trends in incidence of skeletal Ewing in India. These may steer further research questions on the clinical and molecular epidemiology to explain factors associated with the increasing incidence of Ewing sarcoma bone observed in India.

Color vision abnormalities in type II diabetes: Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study II report no 2

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to assess color vision abnormalities in a cohort of subjects with type II diabetes and elucidate associated risk factors.

Methods:

Subjects were recruited from follow-up cohort of Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study I. Six hundred and seventy-three eyes of 343 subjects were included from this population-based study. All subjects underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation, including the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 hue test.

Results:

The prevalence of impaired color vision (ICV) was 43% (CI: 39.2–46.7). Risk factors for ICV were higher heart rate (odds ratio [OR]: 1.043, [1.023–1.064]) and a higher intraocular pressure (IOP) (OR: 1.086, [1.012–1.165]). Subjects with clinically significant macular edema (CSME) had three times higher chance of having ICV. C1, C2, and C3 are the commonly found Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) patterns. The moment of inertia method showed that the angle did not reveal any specific pattern of color vision defect. Although the major and minor radii were high in those with ICV, we did not observe polarity. Confusion index was high in subjects with ICV, indicating a severe color vision defect.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of ICV was 43% among subjects with type II diabetes. The most commonly observed patterns were increasing severities of the blue–yellow defect on ETDRS patterns, but no specific pattern was observed at the moment of inertia analysis. The presence of CSME, a higher heart rate, and IOP was significant risk factors for ICV. This functional impairment in color vision could significantly contribute to morbidity among subjects with diabetes.

Incidence, Progression, and Risk Factors for Cataract in Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose

We report the 4-year incidence, progression, and risk factors of cataract subtypes in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 779 subjects completed baseline and 4-year follow-up.

Results

The incidences of nuclear opalescence (NO), nuclear color (NC), cortical cataract (CC), and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) were 70%, 55.2%, 25.7%, and 7.3%, respectively. One-step progressions of NO, NC, CC, and PSC were 14.3%, 16.1%, 8.8%, and 8.1%, respectively, and two-step or more progressions were 5.0%, 6.0%, 0.8%, and 6.0%, respectively. Incident NO was seen in patients 50 to 59 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.3), NC in those 50 to 59 (OR = 2.7) and 60 to 69 (OR = 3.9), and CC in those 60 to 69 (OR = 3.3) years old. A lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c; OR = 0.7), longer diabetes duration (OR = 1.1), and hyperopia (OR = 4.0) were associated with incident PSC. Women (OR = 1.7) and patients with higher total cholesterol (OR = 1.3) at baseline showed one-step NO progression. Patients 60 to 69 (OR = 2.8) and ≥70 (OR = 3.8) years old showed one-step NC progression, while those 60 to 69 years old showed one-step CC progression (OR = 6.3). A lower HbA1c (OR = 0.3) was associated with one-step PSC progression. A higher low-density lipoprotein (OR = 1.6) was associated with two-step or more NO progression. Patients 60 to 69 years old (OR = 6.7) had a greater risk, while those with hyperopia at baseline (OR = 0.2) had lower risk of two-step or more NC progression. Patients 40 to 49 years old constituted the reference group for all.

Conclusions

The 4-year cumulative incidence of cataract is higher than that of progression. Greater age is a risk factor for incidence and progression of most types of cataract.

Failure to initiate early insulin therapy - A risk factor for diabetic retinopathy in insulin users with Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Sankara Nethralaya-Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study (SN-DREAMS, Report number 35)

Context:

Insulin users have been reported to have a higher incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR).

Aim:

The aim was to elucidate the factors associated with DR among insulin users, especially association between duration, prior to initiating insulin for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and developing DR.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective cross-sectional observational study included 1414 subjects having Type 2 DM. Insulin users were defined as subjects using insulin for glycemic control, and insulin nonusers as those either not using any antidiabetic treatment or using diet control or oral medications. The duration before initiating insulin after diagnosis was calculated by subtracting the duration of insulin usage from the duration of DM. DR was clinically graded using Klein's classification. SPSS (version 9.0) was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Insulin users had more incidence of DR (52.9% vs. 16.3%, P < 0.0001) and sight threatening DR (19.1% vs. 2.4%, P < 0.0001) in comparison to insulin nonusers. Among insulin users, longer duration of DM (odds ratio [OR] 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.25, P = 0.044) and abdominal obesity (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02–1.29, P = 0.021) was associated with DR. The presence of DR was significantly associated with longer duration (≥5 years) prior to initiating insulin therapy, overall (38.0% vs. 62.0%, P = 0.013), and in subjects with suboptimal glycemic control (32.5% vs. 67.5%, P = 0.022).

Conclusions:

The presence of DR is significantly associated with longer duration of diabetes (>5 years) and sub-optimal glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin <7.0%). Among insulin users, abdominal obesity was found to be a significant predictor of DR; DR is associated with longer duration prior to initiating insulin therapy in Type 2 DM subjects with suboptimal glycemic control.

Influence of serum lipids on the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema: Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology And Molecular genetics Study-II

IMPORTANCE

The importance of lipids on incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy has not been studied in the Indian population.

BACKGROUND

To elucidate the influence of serum lipid control on the incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

DESIGN

Population-based longitudinal observational study in a hospital setting.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight hundred ninety subjects were examined at baseline and follow-up.

METHODS

Diabetic retinopathy was graded per Modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scales; 45°, 4-field dilated stereoscopic digital photography was performed with an additional 30°, 7-field for those who had retinopathy. Macular oedema was evaluated per Proposed International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Oedema Disease Severity Scales.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Association of serum lipids and incidence and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

RESULTS

Poor control of total cholesterol was associated with the incidence of sight-threatening retinopathy (odds ratio = 7.2 [95% confidence interval: 1.5-34.3], P = 0.012) and macular oedema (odds ratio = 5.5 [95% confidence interval: 1.4-27.4], P = 0.037) after adjusting for potential confounders. Poor control of triglycerides was associated with progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (odds ratio = 3.2 [95% confidence interval: 1.1-10.5], P = 0.048). Risk for incident macular oedema (P = 0.041) and progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.028) was greater when all lipid types were abnormal.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Poor control of lipids is a risk factor for incidence of and progression to late stages of retinopathy. Abnormal levels of all lipid types are associated with risk of incident macular oedema and progression to proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Retinal sensitivity in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus: Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study (SN-DREAMS II, Report No. 4)

AIM

To evaluate retinal sensitivity (RS) in subjects with diabetes in a population-based study and to elucidate associated risk factors for abnormal RS.

METHODS

A subset of 357 subjects from Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study-II was included in this study. All subjects underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation including microperimetry and spectral domain optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

The prevalence of abnormal mean retinal sensitivity (MRS) was 89.1%. MRS was significantly reduced in subjects with diabetes but no retinopathy when compared with non-diabetic subjects. MRS was reduced in moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DR) and macular oedema (ME) at 8° (p=0.04, p=0.01, respectively) and in ME at 10° (p=0.009) and 12° (p=0.036) compared with no DR. Significant negative correlation was found between MRS and best corrected visual acuity, duration of diabetes, glycosylated haemoglobin and central foveal thickness. Increased retinal thickness remained a significant risk factor (OR, 1.02; p=0.044) for abnormal MRS. Altered inner retinal layers and foveal contour were associated with reduced MRS among subjects with DR and presence of epiretinal membrane, altered foveal contour and altered retinal pigment epithelium were associated with reduced MRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced RS in those subjects with diabetes but no retinopathy suggests the early neuronal damage in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Impairment of Colour Vision in Diabetes with No Retinopathy: Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study (SNDREAMS- II, Report 3)

PURPOSE

To assess impairment of colour vision in type 2 diabetics with no diabetic retinopathy and elucidate associated risk factors in a population-based cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This is part of Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular-genetics Study (SN-DREAMS II) which was conducted between 2007-2010. FM 100 hue-test was performed in 253 subjects with no clinical evidence of diabetic retinopathy. All subjects underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation including cataract grading using LOCS III and 45° 4-field stereoscopic fundus photography. Various ocular and systemic risk factors for impairment of colour vision (ICV) were assessed in subjects with diabetes but no retinopathy. P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The mean age of the study sample was 57.08 ± 9.21 (range: 44-86 years). Gender adjusted prevalence of ICV among subjects with diabetes with no retinopathy was 39.5% (CI: 33.5-45.5). The mean total error score in the study sample was 197.77 ± 100 (range: 19-583). The risk factors for ICV in the study were women OR: 1.79 (1.00-3.18), increased resting heart rate OR: 1.04 (1.01-1.07) and increased intraocular pressure OR: 1.12 (1.00-1.24). Significant protective factor was serum high-density lipoprotein OR: 0.96 (0.93-0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Acquired ICV is an early indicator of neurodegenerative changes in the retina. ICV found in diabetic subjects without retinopathy may be of non-vascular etiology.

Association of systemic and ocular risk factors with neurosensory retinal detachment in diabetic macular edema: a case-control study

Background

Diabetic macular edema (DME) with neurosensory retinal detachment (NSD) remains an important cause of visual loss in patients with diabetes. The aim of the study was to elucidate the association of systemic and ocular risk factors with NSD in DME.

Methods

In a retrospective case–control study, we reviewed clinical records of all the subjects with DME seen between January 2010 and December 2010. Cases and controls were selected based on optical coherence tomography and stereoscopic biomicroscopy review. NSD was defined as subfoveal fluid accumulation under detached retina with or without overlying foveal thickening. The association between the presence of NSD, blood pressure, lipid status and various other biochemical parameters was evaluated.

Results

Group I (cases) included 37 eyes of 33 patients having DME with NSD and Group II (controls) included 30 eyes of 21 patients having DME without NSD. Patients ranged in age (mean ± SD) from 50 to 62 years (56.6 +/-6.78) for cases and from 51 to 65 years (58.4+/-7.84) for controls. The duration of diabetes ranged from 4 to 15 year (mean 9.45+/-6.08) among cases and 4 to 14 years (9.7+/-5.12) among controls. Significant risk factors for NSD were high values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.039 and 0.043 respectively).

Conclusion

High systolic and diastolic blood pressures are independent and significant risk factors for NSD in DME.

Utility values associated with diabetic retinopathy in Chennai, India

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to estimate utility values associated with different severity stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in India by a direct elicitation method (time-trade off, TTO) and indirectly by questionnaire.

METHODS

People with diabetes aged 40 years and over were recruited from an on-going DR epidemiology study and a laser clinic in Chennai, India. Utility values were elicited using the direct TTO method and indirectly through a validated questionnaire (EQ-5D).

RESULTS

Of 249 participants, 30 had no DR, 73 had non-proliferative DR, 114 had sight-threatening DR, and 32 were blind from DR (bilateral visual acuity <6/60). The mean TTO utility value was 0.73 (standard deviation, SD, 0.31). TTO utility values decreased with increasing severity of DR (p < 0.001) and were significantly lower among participants with sight threatening DR (0.70, SD 0.33) and blindness (0.55, SD 0.24) compared to those with no DR (0.89, SD 0.25) after adjustment for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Blindness from DR was independently associated with a lower EQ-5D utility value. The utility value derived from EQ-5D (0.06) associated with being blind from DR was substantially lower than that of the TTO utility value (0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides estimates of utility values that can be used in economic evaluations of DR screening strategies in India. The relatively low utility values associated with blindness highlights the importance of screening programs for early detection of the sight-threatening stages to prevent vision loss from DR in this setting.

Prevalence and risk factors for severity of diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

To estimate the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy (severity wise) and associated risk factors in a population having type 2 diabetes mellitus.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A population-based sample of 1401 persons with diabetes (identified as per the WHO criteria) underwent comprehensive eye examination including stereoscopic digital photography (45° four field) for diabetic retinopathy grading. Vibration perception threshold (VPT) measurements were done to assess neuropathy (cut off ≥ 20 V). Severity of neuropathy was graded into three groups based on VPT score as mild (20-24.99 V), moderate (25-38.99 V), and severe (≥39 V). Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to find out the independent risk factors for severity of diabetic neuropathy.

RESULTS

In the overall group, the prevalence of diabetic neuropathy was 18.84% (95% CI: 16.79-20.88). The prevalence of mild diabetic neuropathy was 5.9% (95% CI: 4.68-7.15), moderate diabetic neuropathy was 7.9% (95% CI: 6.50-9.33), and severe diabetic neuropathy was 5% (95% CI: 3.86-6.14). Increasing age per year (P < 0.0001) was a statistically significant risk factor for all - mild, moderate, and severe - types of diabetic neuropathy. For severe diabetic neuropathy, other significant risk factors were duration of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.027), macroalbuminuria (P = 0.001), and presence of diabetic retinopathy (P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggested that every fifth individual in a population of type 2 diabetes is likely to have diabetic neuropathy. Nearly 13% had neuropathy of moderate and severe category, making this group vulnerable for complications such as foot ulceration or lower limb amputation.

Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic retinopathy in rural India. Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetic Study III (SN-DREAMS III), report no 2

OBJECTIVE

The study was aimed at estimating the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy in a rural population of South India.

DESIGN

A population-based cross-sectional study.

PARTICIPANTS

13 079 participants were enumerated.

METHODS

A multistage cluster sampling method was used. All eligible participants underwent comprehensive eye examination. The fundi of all patients were photographed using 45°, four-field stereoscopic digital photography, and an additional 30° seven-field stereo digital pairs were taken for participants with diabetic retinopathy. The diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy was based on Klein's classification.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and diabetic retinopathy and associated risk factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetes in the rural Indian population was 10.4% (95% CI 10.39% to 10.42%); the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, among patients with diabetes mellitus, was 10.3% (95% CI 8.53% to 11.97%). Statistically significant variables, on multivariate analysis, associated with increased risk of diabetic retinopathy were: gender (men at greater risk; OR 1.52; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.29), use of insulin (OR 3.59; 95% CI 1.41 to 9.14), longer duration of diabetes (15 years; OR 6.01; 95% CI 2.63 to 13.75), systolic hypertension (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.20 to 3.82), and participants with poor glycemic control (OR 3.37; 95% CI 2.13 to 5.34).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly 1 of 10 individuals in rural South India, above the age of 40 years, showed evidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Likewise, among participants with diabetes, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was around 10%; the strongest predictor being the duration of diabetes.

Communications between intraretinal and subretinal space on optical coherence tomography of neurosensory retinal detachment in diabetic macular edema

Background:

The pathogenesis of development and progression of neurosensory retinal detachment (NSD) in diabetic macular edema (DME) is not yet fully understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) morphological characteristics of NSD associated with DME in the form of outer retinal communications and to assess the correlation between the size of communications and various factors.

Materials and Methods:

This was an observational retrospective nonconsecutive case series in a tertiary care eye institute. We imaged NSD and outer retinal communications in 17 eyes of 16 patients having NSD associated with DME using SD-OCT. We measured manually the size of the outer openings of these communications and studied its correlation with various factors. Statistical analysis (correlation test) was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software (version 14.0). The main outcome measures were correlation of the size of communications with dimensions of NSD, presence of subretinal hyper-reflective dots, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results:

The communications were seen as focal defects of the outer layers of elevated retina. With increasing size of communication, there was increase in height of NSD (r = 0.701, P = 0.002), horizontal diameter of NSD (r = 0.695, P = 0.002), and the number of hyper-reflective dots in the subretinal space (r = 0.729, P = 0.002). The minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA increased with the increasing size of communications (r = 0.827, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Outer retinal communications between intra and subretinal space were noted in eyes having NSD associated with DME. The size of communications correlated positively with the size of NSD and subretinal detachment space hyper-reflective dots, and inversely with BCVA.

Prevalence of myopia and its association with diabetic retinopathy in subjects with type II diabetes mellitus: A population-based study

Objective:

To report the prevalence of myopia and its association with diabetic retinopathy in subjects with type II diabetes mellitus and compare the diabetic retinopathy status in the myopic group vs the emmetropic group.

Design:

Population-based study.

Materials and Methods:

The population-based study estimated the prevalence of myopia from 1058 subjects, who were more than 40 years old and had type II diabetes mellitus; the patients were enrolled from a cross-sectional study. Participants answered a detailed questionnaire and underwent biochemical, physical and comprehensive ocular examination which included grading of nuclear sclerosis by lens opacities classification system III (LOCS III), seven field fundus photography and ultrasonography. Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic maculopathy were graded using the Klein's classification and early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) criteria respectively.

Results:

The prevalence of mild, moderate and high myopia in type 2 diabetes was 15.9, 2.1 and 1.9% respectively. The prevalence of any myopia was found to be 19.9% in our study population. After adjusting the age, gender, duration of diabetes, hemoglobin A1c and other factors, increasing age was associated with mild and moderate myopia [OR 1.11 (95% CI 1.05 – 1.18)]. Compared to emmetropia, complete posterior vitreous detachment (CPVD) was associated with high myopia (50% Vs 12.2%, P < 0.0001). Myopia had no association with diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of myopia and high myopia was found to be 19.9 and 1.9% respectively among subjects with type II diabetes. Myopia was not associated with diabetic retinopathy, thereby, suggesting the need for a longitudinal study.

Prevalence and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy in subjects with suboptimal glycemic, blood pressure and lipid control. Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetic Study (SN-DREAMS, Report 33)

PURPOSE

To assess the rate of achieving optimal metabolic control among subjects with type 2 diabetes, to elucidate the influence of suboptimal control on diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to analyze the risk factors associated with DR in the subjects with suboptimal control.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A population-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in south India. The study population consisted of 1414 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Optimal control of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP) and lipids was defined as: optimal HbA1c <7%, suboptimal HbA1c ≥ 7%; optimal BP ≤ 130/80 mm Hg, suboptimal BP >130/80 mm Hg; optimal low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) <100 mg/dl, suboptimal LDL ≥ 100 mg/dl.

RESULTS

Of the subjects, 13.6% achieved combined optimal target levels for all metabolic parameters. When compared to subjects with optimal control, those with suboptimal control of HbA1c (trend P < 0.0001) and systolic blood pressure (SBP, trend P = 0.007) were more likely to have DR. Subjects having a combination of suboptimal glycemic and BP control (P < 0.0001 for SBP, P = 0.004 for diastolic blood pressure (DBP)), and suboptimal glycemic, BP and LDL control (P < 0.0001 for SBP, P = 0.017 for DBP), were more likely to have DR when compared to the subjects having optimal control of respective combinations. The factors associated with DR in the subjects with suboptimal control were younger age (P = 0.014 for BP, P = 0.016 for HbA1c), male gender (P = 0.035 for BP, P = 0.027 for HbA1c, P = 0.043 for LDL), presence of anemia (P = 0.021 for BP, P = 0.036 for HbA1c) and microalbuminuria (P < 0.0001 for both BP and HbA1c).

CONCLUSIONS

We found high prevalence of suboptimal metabolic control among subjects with type 2 diabetes. Suboptimal glycemic and SBP control, and their combination was the most detrimental for the development of DR.

Abnormal sleep patterns in subjects with type II diabetes mellitus and its effect on diabetic microangiopathies: Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetic Study (SN-DREAMS, report 20)

To study the prevalence of Abnormal Sleep Patterns (ASPs), gender-wise, in subjects with type II diabetes mellitus and its influence on diabetic microangiopathies. A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1,414 patients having type II diabetes mellitus. Diabetic retinopathy was graded using stereoscopic digital fundus photography. Neuropathy was assessed by measuring vibration perception threshold using a sensitometer. Nephropathy was diagnosed by the presence of microalbuminuria in the first morning urine sample. ASPs were defined as either short (less than 5 h) or long (more than 9 h) duration of sleep with excessive daytime sleepiness. The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score was assessed to note excessive daytime sleepiness; a score of more than 10 was considered as abnormal. The prevalence of ASPs was more in subjects with diabetes than with those without diabetes (14.8 vs. 6.6%) (P = 0.009), especially in women (15.7 vs. 5.6%) (P = 0.021). Likewise, the prevalence of short duration of sleep was higher in subjects with diabetes compared to those without diabetes (6.6 vs. 2.2%) (P = 0.040). The mean age of women subjects with diabetes, having ASPs, was higher than those without diabetes (56.4 ± 8.9 years vs. 47.2 ± 5.9 years, P = 0.033). Women subjects with ASPs had a higher risk of diabetic neuropathy on both univariate and multivariate analysis. ASPs are not only related to diabetes but can also influence the microvascular complications arising due to diabetes, particularly diabetic neuropathy. Diabetology and sleep medicine specialists need to work together to prevent the negative interactions between these two groups.

Assessing Framingham cardiovascular risk scores in subjects with diabetes and their correlation with diabetic retinopathy

Aim:

To study the Framingham cardiovascular risk assessment scores in subjects with diabetes and their association with diabetic retinopathy in subjects with diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

In this population-based prospective study, subjects with diabetes were recruited (n=1248; age ≥40 years). The Framingham cardiovascular risk scores were calculated for 1248 subjects with type 2 diabetes. The scores were classified as high risk (>10%), and low risk (<10%).

Results:

Out of the 1248 subjects, 830 (66.5%) patients had a low risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 10 years and 418 (33.5%) had a high risk of developing CVD in 10 years. The risk of developing CVD was more in males than females (56.8% vs. 7%) The prevalence of both diabetic retinopathy and sight-threatening retinopathy was more in the high-risk group (21% and 4.5%, respectively). The risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy were similar in both the groups (low vs. high) – duration of diabetes (OR 1.14 vs. 1.08), higher HbA1c (OR 1.24 vs. 1.22), presence of macro- and microalbuminuria (OR 10.17 vs. 6.12 for macro-albuminuria) and use of insulin (OR 2.06 vs. 4.38). The additional risk factors in the high-risk group were presence of anemia (OR 2.65) and higher serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (OR 1.05).

Conclusion:

Framingham risk scoring, a global risk assessment tool to predict the 10-year risk of developing CVD, can also predict the occurrence and type of diabetic retinopathy. Those patients with high CVD scores should be followed up more frequently and treated adequately. This also warrants good interaction between the treating physician/cardiologist and the ophthalmologist.

Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic microvascular complications in newly diagnosed type II diabetes mellitus. Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetic Study (SN-DREAMS, report 27)

PURPOSE

The aims of this study were to report the prevalence of various microvascular complications and to identify the various clinical and biochemical characteristics related to these complications in subjects with newly diagnosed type II diabetes.

METHODS

Of the 5999 subjects enumerated, 1414 subjects with diabetes (both known and newly diagnosed) were analyzed for the study. Among the diabetic subjects, 248 (17.5%) were newly diagnosed with diabetes and the remaining had history of diabetes. All subjects underwent a detailed standard evaluation to detect diabetic retinopathy (fundus photography), neuropathy (vibration pressure threshold), and nephropathy (microalbuminuria).

RESULTS

The prevalence of any form of microvascular complication was 30.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]=24.5-35.9). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was 4.8%, and that of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy was 10.5%. The risk factors for developing any form of microvascular complication were increasing age (odds ratio [OR]=1.07, 95% CI=1.04-1.11, P<.0001), increasing systolic blood pressure (OR=1.03, 95% CI=1.01-1.06, P=.001), and increasing hemoglobin (OR=1.39, 95% CI=1.09-1.79, P=.011). The risk factors for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy were increasing systolic blood pressure (OR=1.06 [P=.001] for retinopathy and OR=1.04 [P=.012] for nephropathy) and increasing hemoglobin (OR=2.20 [P=.007] for retinopathy and OR=1.57 [P=.023] for nephropathy). The risk factor for diabetic neuropathy was increasing age (OR=1.12, P<.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Nearly one third of the newly diagnosed type II diabetes subjects had some form of microvascular complication; nephropathy, and neuropathy being commoner than retinopathy.

Association between various types of obesity and macular pigment optical density

PURPOSE

To elucidate the association between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and various types of obesity in the South-Indian population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In total, 300 eyes of 161 healthy volunteers of South-Indian origin were studied. MPOD was measured psychophysically at 0.25°, 0.50°, 1.00°, and 1.75° eccentricities from fovea. Anthropometric measurements included waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and body mass index (BMI). Using the WHO Expert Consultation guidelines, obesity was defined based on BMI alone (BMI ≥ 23 kg/m(2)), based on WC alone (WC ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women), and based on WHR alone (≥ 0.90 for men and ≥ 0.85 for women). Isolated generalized obesity was defined as increased BMI and normal WC. Isolated abdominal obesity was defined as increased WC and normal BMI. Combined obesity was defined as increased BMI and increased WC.

RESULTS

Mean MPOD at all eccentricities was not significantly different between men and women. Mean MPOD values did not significantly differ in various types of obesity, when compared with the normal subjects. On subgroup analysis, in age group ≥ 60 years, mean MPOD values were significantly higher in subjects with obesity based on BMI (0.61 vs 0.41, P=0.036), obesity based on WHR (0.67 vs 0.41, P=0.007), and isolated generalized obesity (0.66 vs 0.41, P=0.045) in comparison with normal subjects at 0.25° eccentricity.

CONCLUSION

We found lack of an association between MPOD and obesity in the South-Indian population. A similar finding was also noted on age group- and gender-wise analyses.

Prevalence of Visual Impairment and Associated Risk Factors in Subjects with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: Sankara Nethralaya Diabetic Retinopathy Epidemiology and Molecular Genetics Study (SN-DREAMS, Report 16)

PURPOSE

To report the prevalence of visual impairment (VI) and the associated risk factors in type II diabetic subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included type II diabetes mellitus subjects who were enrolled from a cross-sectional study. Participants underwent biochemical testing and comprehensive ocular examination including stereo fundus photography. The VI was defined based on the World Health Organization criteria.

RESULTS

The prevalence of VI was 4% in the cohort. The risk factors associated with the presence of VI included a female gender, age greater than 60 years, low socio-economic status, hypertension, microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria, neuropathy, use of insulin and alcohol. Various ocular risk factors are nuclear sclerosis, subjects who have undergone cataract surgery, myopia and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR). After adjusting for the factors using stepwise logistic regression analysis, hypertension, use of alcohol, post-cataract surgery and myopia were not risk factors. Stepwise logistic regression analysis indicated that VI was higher among subjects older than 60 years (odds ratio (OR): 4.95 [2.67-9.15]) and those who belonged to a low socio-economic status (OR: 2.91 [1.24-6.85]). The systemic risk factors for VI included microalbuminuria (OR: 2.91 [1.59-5.33]), macroalbuminuria (OR: 4.65 [1.57-13.77]) and presence of neuropathy (OR: 1.97 [1.09-3.59]) among subjects. Subjects with nuclear sclerosis (OR: 36.82 [11.12-112.36]) and presence of STDR (OR: 4.17 [1.54-11.29]) were at a higher risk of VI. Cataract was the most common cause of VI in the cohort.

CONCLUSION

Visual impairment, among type II diabetic subjects (4%), is a major public health problem that needs to be addressed. Cataract is the most common reversible cause of vision impairment in this population.

Association of mean ocular perfusion pressure and diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus: Sankara Nethralaya diabetic retinopathy epidemiology and molecular genetic study (SN-DREAMS, Report 28)

PURPOSE

To elucidate the distribution of mean ocular perfusion pressure (MOPP) and to study the relationship between MOPP and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a south Indian subpopulation with diabetes.

METHODS

This study was a population-based, cross-sectional evaluation of 1368 subjects, aged ≥40 years, with type 2 diabetes. DR was diagnosed on the basis of the modified Klein classification. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were recorded with a mercury sphygmomanometer. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was assessed by applanation tonometry. MOPP was derived by the formula: MOPP = 2/3;[DBP + 1/3;(SBP - DBP)] - IOP.

RESULTS

The mean ± SD for MOPP was 52.6 ± 9.0 mm Hg, higher in the women than in the men (P = 0.046). In comparison to subjects without DR, MOPP was higher in the men with sight-threatening DR (STDR) (P = 0.030) and higher in women with any DR (P = 0.008) and non-STDR (P = 0.006). However, on multivariate analysis after adjustment for all factors, MOPP was found not to be associated with DR (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.99-1.03; P = 0.149), non-STDR (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.99-1.03; P = 0.312), or STDR (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.98-1.05; P = 0.358).

CONCLUSIONS

Univariate analysis revealed very small differences in the association of MOPP and DR in both sexes which are probably of no clinical significance. Multivariate analysis showed no association between MOPP and DR. There seems to be very little evidence of a link between MOPP and DR. It may be more informative to evaluate the association in longitudinal studies.