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Retinal nerve fibre layer thinning associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy
A M Shahidi1, G P Sampson, N Pritchard
1Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.
Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the British Diabetic Association
|January 25, 2012
Summary
Inferior retinal nerve fibre layer thinning is linked to peripheral neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes patients. This thinning is more severe in individuals at higher risk for foot ulcers.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Neurology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of peripheral neuropathy.
- Peripheral neuropathy in diabetes increases the risk of foot ulceration.
- Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness may serve as an indicator of neurological damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between RNFL thickness and peripheral neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes patients.
- To identify if RNFL thinning is more pronounced in diabetic patients at high risk for foot ulceration.
Main Methods:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure global and sectoral RNFL thickness.
- Neuropathy severity was assessed using the 0-10 neuropathy disability score in 106 participants (82 with Type 2 diabetes, 24 controls).
- Multivariable regression analysis evaluated the impact of neuropathy scores, age, disease duration, and retinopathy on RNFL thickness.
Main Results:
- Inferior RNFL thinning correlated with higher neuropathy disability scores (P=0.03).
- Diabetic patients with neuropathy disability scores ≥ 6 exhibited significantly thinner inferior RNFL (P<0.005).
- Age, disease duration, and retinopathy did not significantly affect RNFL thickness.
Conclusions:
- Inferior quadrant RNFL thinning is associated with peripheral neuropathy in Type 2 diabetes.
- This finding is particularly evident in diabetic individuals at elevated risk for foot ulceration.
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