Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in children and adolescents at an urban tertiary eye care center

Are soluble E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 potential predictors for the development of diabetic retinopathy in young adults, 15-34 years of age? A Swedish prospective cohort study

The aim of this study was to determine plasma levels of three adhesion molecules that may contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy; soluble endothelial selectin (sE-selectin), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), in young adults, aged 15-34 years at diagnosis of diabetes, to find potential predictors for development of retinopathy, and to evaluate their relation to diabetes associated autoantibodies. Participants with type 1 (n = 169) and type 2 diabetes (n = 83) were selected from the complications trial of the Diabetes Incidence Study in Sweden and classified in two subgroups according to presence (n = 80) or absence (n = 172) of retinopathy as determined by retinal photography at follow-up 8-10 years after diagnosis of diabetes. Blood samples were collected at diagnosis in 1987-88. The levels of sE-selectin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and islet cell antibodies by a prolonged two-colour immunofluorescent assay. Mean HbA1c (p<0.001) and clinical characteristics: mean body mass index (p = 0.019), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.003), male gender (p = 0.026), and young age at diagnosis of diabetes (p = 0.015) remained associated with development of retinopathy in type 1 diabetes. However, in a multivariate analysis only HbA1c remained as a risk factor. sE-selectin was significantly higher in the group with type 2 diabetes and retinopathy, compared to the group with type 2 diabetes without retinopathy (p = 0.04). Regarding sE-selectin, sICAM-1, and sVCAM-1 in participants with type 1 diabetes, no differences were observed between the groups with or without retinopathy. This trial confirmed the role of HbA1c and clinical characteristics as predictors for development of retinopathy in type 1 diabetes. sE-selectin stands out as a potential predictor for development of retinopathy in type 2 diabetes, whereas a predictive role for sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 could not be identified neither for type 1 nor type 2 diabetes.

Comparison of Clinical Profiles, Demographics, and Surgical Outcomes of 25-Gauge Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Young Adults with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a leading cause of poor vision in young adults. This study sought to evaluate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of primary vitrectomy for PDR in young adults.

Patients and Methods

Medical data were retrospectively collected at a large ophthalmology hospital in China. We analyzed data for 99 patients (140 eyes) aged <45 years with T1D or T2D who underwent primary vitrectomy for PDR-related complications.

Results

There were 18 patients with T1D and 81 patients with T2D. The proportion of males was significantly greater than that of females in both groups. The T1D group had a longer duration of diabetes (P = 0.008), younger age at primary vitrectomy (P = 0.049), and lower body mass index (P < 0.001) than the T2D group. The proportion of eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) was greater but the proportion of eyes with traction retinal detachment (TRD) was lower in the T1D group than in the T2D group. The final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved or remained stable in 100% and 85.3% of eyes and decreased in 0% and 14.7% of eyes in the T1D and T2D groups, respectively. After surgery, the incidence of postoperative complications was significant greater in the T2D group than in the T1D group (P = 0.045). Factors influencing the final visual acuity included preoperative BCVA in both groups, the duration of diabetes (P = 0.031) and preoperative FVP (P = 0.004) in the T1D group, and preoperative RRD (P < 0.001) and postoperative NVG (P < 0.001) in the T2D group.

Conclusion

In this retrospective study, young adults with T2D who underwent vitrectomy had worse final visual acuity and more complications than young adults with T1D.

Differences in retinopathy prevalence and associated risk factors across 11 countries in three continents: A cross-sectional study of 156,090 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence, time trends, and risk factors of diabetic retinopathy (DR) among youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) from 11 countries (Australia, Austria, Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Slovenia, United States, and Wales).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data on individuals aged 10-21 years with T1D for >1 year during the period 2000-2020 were analyzed. We used a cross-sectional design using the most recent year of visit to investigate the time trend. For datasets with longitudinal data, we aggregated the variables per participant and observational year, using data of the most recent year to take the longest observation period into account. DR screening was performed through quality assured national screening programs. Multiple logistic regression models adjusted for the year of the eye examination, age, gender, minority status, and duration of T1D were used to evaluate clinical characteristics and the risk of DR.

RESULTS

Data from 156,090 individuals (47.1% female, median age 15.7 years, median duration of diabetes 5.2 years) were included. Overall, the unadjusted prevalence of any DR was 5.8%, varying from 0.0% (0/276) to 16.2% between countries. The probability of DR increased with longer disease duration (aORper-1-year-increase  = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.03-1.04, p < 0.0001), and decreased over time (aORper-1-year-increase  = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-1.00, p = 0.0093). Evaluating possible modifiable risk factors in the exploratory analysis, the probability of DR increased with higher HbA1c (aORper-1-mmol/mol-increase-in-HbA1c  = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.03-1.03, p < 0.0001) and was higher among individuals with hypertension (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.11-1.38, p < 0.0001) and smokers (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.17-1.44, p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of DR in this large cohort of youth with T1D varied among countries, increased with diabetes duration, decreased over time, and was associated with higher HbA1c, hypertension, and smoking.

Thirty-Year Time Trends in Diabetic Retinopathy and Macular Edema in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To examine trends in diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes between 1990 and 2019.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed 5,487 complication assessments for 2,404 adolescents (52.7% female, aged 12-20 years, diabetes duration >5 years), stratified by three decades (1990-1999, 2000-2009, 2010-2019). DR and DME were graded according to the modified Airlie House classification from seven-field stereoscopic fundal photography.

RESULTS

Over three decades, the prevalence of DR was 40, 21, and 20% (P < 0.001) and DME 1.4, 0.5, and 0.9% (P = 0.13), respectively, for 1990-1999, 2000-2009, and 2010-2019. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) use increased (0, 12, and 55%; P < 0.001); mean HbA1c was bimodal (8.7, 8.5, and 8.7%; P < 0.001), and the proportion of adolescents meeting target HbA1c <7% did not change significantly (8.3, 7.7, and 7.1%; P = 0.63). In multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis, DR was associated with 1-2 daily injections (odds ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.42-2.48) and multiple injections in comparison with CSII (1.38, 1.09-1.74); older age (1.11, 1.07-1.15), higher HbA1c (1.19, 1.05-1.15), longer diabetes duration (1.15, 1.12-1.18), overweight/obesity (1.27, 1.08-1.49) and higher diastolic blood pressure SDS (1.11, 1.01-1.21). DME was associated with 1-2 daily injections (3.26, 1.72-6.19), longer diabetes duration (1.26, 1.12-1.41), higher diastolic blood pressure SDS (1.66, 1.22-2.27), higher HbA1c (1.28, 1.03-1.59), and elevated cholesterol (3.78, 1.84-7.76).

CONCLUSIONS

One in five adolescents with type 1 diabetes had DR in the last decade. These findings support contemporary guidelines for lower glycemic targets, increasing CSII use, and targeting modifiable risk factors including blood pressure, cholesterol, and overweight/obesity.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Ocular Changes in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus in Selected Health Facilities in Ghana

BACKGROUND

The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), other diabetes-related ocular changes (e.g., cataracts, corneal ulceration), and non-diabetic ocular disease in Ghanaian children and adolescents. The second objective was to evaluate the relationship between these conditions and age at diagnosis, current age, diabetes mellitus (DM) duration, and participant's sex.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study, undertaken by a multidisciplinary team, included a cohort of children and adolescents (4-19 years) with DM recruited from selected health facilities in Ghana, from March 2016 to September 2019, after written informed consent or assent. The cohort will be followed up for 3 years to determine the natural course of the ocular changes, reported later. Participants were examined for all microvascular and macrovascular complications, non-diabetic ocular disease, anthropometric measurements, laboratory characteristics and quality of life issues. Full ocular examination was also undertaken. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25.0) was used for the data analysis. Continuous and categorical variables were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD), median (interquartile range) and as percentages (%), respectively. T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used in establishing associations.

RESULTS

A total of 58 participants were recruited. DR was detected in only 1 out of 58 (1.7%) participants at baseline. Cataracts were the most common ocular finding, detected in 42 (72%) at baseline. Other anterior segment changes observed included blepharitis 46 (79.3%) and tear film instability 38 (65.5%). There was a significant positive association between duration of the DM and the risk of cataract (p = 0.027). Participants' age at diagnosis was significantly associated with the presence of prominent corneal nerves (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

DR was uncommon in this cohort of young persons with DM in Ghana. Cataracts, blepharitis and refractive errors were ocular changes commonly observed. All young persons with diabetes should undergo regular eye examination in all clinics where follow-up care is provided.

Pediatric Diabetic Retinopathy: Updates in Prevalence, Risk Factors, Screening, and Management

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus and a major cause of vision loss worldwide. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in youth, discuss risk factors, and review recent advances in diabetic retinopathy screening.

RECENT FINDINGS

While DR has long been considered a microvascular complication, recent data suggests that retinal neurodegeneration may precede the vascular changes associated with DR. The prevalence of DR has decreased in type 1 diabetes (T1D) patients following the results of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial and implementation of intensive insulin therapy, with prevalence ranging from 14-20% before the year 2000 to 3.7-6% after 2000. In contrast, the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in pediatric type 2 diabetes (T2D) is higher, ranging from 9.1-50%. Risk factors for diabetic retinopathy are well established and include glycemic control, diabetes duration, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, whereas diabetes technology use including insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors has been shown to have protective effects. Screening for DR is recommended for youth with T1D once they are aged ≥ 11 years or puberty has started and diabetes duration of 3-5 years. Pediatric T2D patients are advised to undergo screening at or soon after diagnosis, and annually thereafter, due to the insidious nature of T2D. Recent advances in DR screening methods including point of care and artificial intelligence technology have increased access to DR screening, while being cost-saving to patients and cost-effective to healthcare systems. While the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in youth with T1D has been declining over the last few decades, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of DR in youth with T2D. Improving access to diabetic retinopathy screening using novel screening methods may help improve detection and early treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Ocular Sequelae in a Population-Based Cohort of Youth Diagnosed With Diabetes During a 50-Year Period

Importance

Despite the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) diagnosed in childhood, little is known about the natural history of ocular sequelae in youth-onset T2D compared with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Objective

To assess the risk of developing diabetes-associated ocular complications among youth diagnosed with diabetes.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective, population-based medical record review included all residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota (95.7% White in 1990), diagnosed with diabetes at younger than 22 years (hereinafter referred to as children) from January 1, 1970, through December 31, 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Risk of developing ocular complications over time.

Results

Among 1362 individuals with a diagnostic code of diabetes, medical record reviews confirmed a diagnosis of T1D or T2D in 606 children, of whom 525 (86.6%) underwent at least 1 eye examination (mean [SD] age at diabetes diagnosis, 12.1 [5.4] years; 264 [50.3%] male). Diabetes-associated ocular complications occurred in 147 of the 461 children (31.2%) with T1D and in 17 of the 64 children (26.6%) with T2D. The hazard ratio illustrating the risk between T2D and T1D rates was 1.88 (95% CI, 1.13-3.12; P = .02) for developing any diabetic retinopathy (nonproliferative or greater), 2.33 (95% CI, 0.99-5.50; P = .048) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, 1.49 (95% CI, 0.46-4.89; P = .50) for diabetic macular edema, 2.43 (95% CI, 0.54-11.07; P = .24) for a visually significant cataract, and 4.06 (95% CI, 1.34-12.33; P = .007) for requiring pars plana vitrectomy by 15 years after the diagnosis of diabetes.

Conclusions and Relevance

Diabetic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and the need for pars plana vitrectomy occurred within a shorter diabetes duration for children with T2D compared with T1D in this population-based cohort. Children with T2D had almost twice the risk of developing retinopathy compared with those with T1D. These findings suggest that to prevent serious ocular complications, children with T2D may require ophthalmoscopic evaluations at least as frequently as or more frequently than children with T1D.

Clinical and Demographic Factors Associated With Diabetic Retinopathy Among Young Patients With Diabetes

IMPORTANCE

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. As the incidence of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes among youths continues to increase around the world, understanding the factors associated with the development of DR in this age group is important.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors associated with DR among children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in the US.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional study pooled data from 2 large academic pediatric centers in the US (Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital [BCM/TCH] Diabetes and Endocrine Care Center and Johns Hopkins University [JHU] Pediatric Diabetes Center) to form a diverse population for analysis. Data were collected prospectively at the JHU center (via point-of-care screening using fundus photography) from December 3, 2018, to November 1, 2019, and retrospectively at the BCM/TCH center (via electronic health records of patients who received point-of-care screening using retinal cameras between June 1, 2016, and May 31, 2019). A total of 1640 individuals aged 5 to 21 years with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (308 participants from the JHU center and 1332 participants from the BCM/TCH center) completed DR screening and had gradable images.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Prevalence of DR, as identified on fundus photography, and factors associated with DR.

RESULTS

Among 1640 participants (mean [SD] age, 15.7 [3.6] years; 867 female individuals [52.9%]), 1216 (74.1%) had type 1 diabetes, and 416 (25.4%) had type 2 diabetes. A total of 506 participants (30.9%) were Hispanic, 384 (23.4%) were non-Hispanic Black or African American, 647 (39.5%) were non-Hispanic White, and 103 (6.3%) were of other races or ethnicities (1 was American Indian or Alaska Native, 50 were Asian, 1 was Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and 51 did not specify race or ethnicity, specified other race or ethnicity, or had unavailable data on race or ethnicity). Overall, 558 of 1216 patients (45.9%) with type 1 diabetes used an insulin pump, and 5 of 416 patients (1.2%) with type 2 diabetes used an insulin pump. Diabetic retinopathy was found in 57 of 1640 patients (3.5%). Patients with DR vs without DR had a greater duration of diabetes (mean [SD], 9.4 [4.4] years vs 6.6 [4.4] years; P < .001) and higher hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels (mean [SD], 10.3% [2.4%] vs 9.2% [2.1%]; P < .001). Among those with type 1 diabetes, insulin pump use was associated with a lower likelihood of DR after adjusting for race and ethnicity, insurance status, diabetes duration, and HbA1c level (odds ratio [OR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.93; P = .03). The likelihood of having DR was 2.1 times higher among Black or African American participants compared with White participants (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.12-4.01; P = .02); this difference was no longer significant after adjusting for duration of diabetes, insurance status, insulin pump use (among patients with type 1 diabetes only), and mean HbA1c level (type 1 diabetes: OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 0.83-3.89; P = .14; type 2 diabetes: OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.30-3.85; P = .91).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study found that although the duration of diabetes and suboptimal glycemic control have long been associated with DR, insulin pump use (among those with type 1 diabetes) was independently associated with a lower likelihood of DR, which is likely owing to decreased glycemic variability and increased time in range (ie, the percentage of time blood glucose levels remain within the 70-180 mg/dL range). Black or African American race was found to be associated with DR in the univariable analysis but not in the multivariable analysis, which may represent disparities in access to diabetes technologies and care.

The SEE Study: Safety, Efficacy, and Equity of Implementing Autonomous Artificial Intelligence for Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy in Youth

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Screening for DR is recommended in children and adolescents, but adherence is poor. Recently, autonomous artificial intelligence (AI) systems have been developed for early detection of DR and have been included in the American Diabetes Association's guidelines for screening in adults. We sought to determine the diagnostic efficacy of autonomous AI for the diabetic eye exam in youth with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this prospective study, point-of-care diabetic eye exam was implemented using a nonmydriatic fundus camera with an autonomous AI system for detection of DR in a multidisciplinary pediatric diabetes center. Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosability of AI was compared with consensus grading by retinal specialists, who were masked to AI output. Adherence to screening guidelines was measured before and after AI implementation.

RESULTS

Three hundred ten youth with diabetes aged 5-21 years were included, of whom 4.2% had DR. Diagnosability of AI was 97.5% (302 of 310). The sensitivity and specificity of AI to detect more-than-mild DR was 85.7% (95% CI 42.1-99.6%) and 79.3% (74.3-83.8%), respectively, compared with the reference standard as defined by retina specialists. Adherence improved from 49% to 95% after AI implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a nonmydriatic fundus camera with autonomous AI was safe and effective for the diabetic eye exam in youth in our study. Adherence to screening guidelines improved with AI implementation. As the prevalence of diabetes increases in youth and adherence to screening guidelines remains suboptimal, effective strategies for diabetic eye exams in this population are needed.