Macular thickness is associated with pathologically confirmed diabetic nephropathy
Fang Liu1, Qian Wang2, Ying Li3
1Department of Nephrology, First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Kidney Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing 100853, China; First Clinical Medical College, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy
|November 3, 2025
Summary
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is associated with increased retinal thickness. Macular thickness can help differentiate DN from non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) non-invasively.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Nephrology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
- Accurate differentiation between DN and non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) is crucial for appropriate management.
- Non-invasive biomarkers for DN are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between macular thickness and pathologically confirmed diabetic nephropathy (DN).
- To evaluate the potential of macular thickness as a biomarker for differentiating DN from NDRD.
Main Methods:
- Adult patients with T2DM and chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing renal biopsy were included.
- Patients were classified based on pathological renal biopsy results.
- Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess associations.
Main Results:
- 206 patients were analyzed, categorized into Isolated DN, Isolated NDRD, and combined DN/NDRD groups.
- Patients with DN exhibited significantly increased retinal thickness compared to those without DN.
- Outer temporal macular thickness, diabetes duration, smoking, diabetic retinopathy, fibrinogen, and LDL-C were independently associated with DN.
Conclusions:
- Retinal macular thickness serves as a valuable, non-invasive indicator for differentiating diabetic nephropathy from non-diabetic renal disease.
- Macular thickness measurements can aid in the rapid assessment of renal complications in diabetic patients.
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