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Diabetic retinopathy in acromegaly
1Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Bab El Oued Hospital, 5boulevard Said Touati, Algiers, 16000, Algeria.
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 20, 2014
Summary
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) affects 12.5% of acromegaly patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Poor glycemic control is the primary factor linked to DR development in this group.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Ophthalmology
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) excess in acromegaly is paradoxically linked to low diabetic retinopathy (DR) prevalence.
- Understanding DR pathogenesis in acromegaly with co-existing diabetes mellitus (DM) is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of DR in acromegaly patients with DM.
- To analyze DR characteristics and identify predictive factors including age, GH levels, and DM control.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 40 acromegaly patients with DM underwent comprehensive ophthalmological examinations.
- Systematic dilated funduscopy was used to detect diabetic retinopathy.
Main Results:
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR) was identified in 12.5% of the study population.
- DR observed was predominantly early-stage or background retinopathy.
- No significant correlation was found with age, GH parameters, or DM duration, but poor glycemic control showed borderline significance.
Conclusions:
- The prevalence of DR in acromegaly patients with DM is 12.5%, typically mild to moderate.
- Poor glycemic control emerged as the sole significant factor associated with DR development in this cohort.
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