Genetic marker in juvenile diabetic retinopathy

Thirty five patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) were investigated for development of retinal microangiopathy by fluorescein angiography. HLA typing (A,B.C antigens) was done as a genetic marker. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of HLA antigens between patients without retinopathy (Gr.I) and with retinopathy (Gr.II) Frequency of various HLA antigens did not differ significantly in the mild and severe retinopathy groups or in comparison with controls. HLA B8 was significantly over represented in the patients of IDDM as a single group (GrI + II) when compared with controls (26% vs 8%). HLA profile was not a predictor of either the development or the severity of retinopathy in IDDM.