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Degenerative vascular changes in children with diabetes mellitus
E Karahanyan1, B Boikinov, M Pechilkova
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Medicine, Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
Insights
Diabetic children can develop microvascular complications like kidney disorders and neuropathy early. Early detection and treatment of these vascular issues are crucial for managing childhood diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Childhood diabetes mellitus presents a significant risk for developing microvascular complications.
- These complications can impact various organ systems, including kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of microvascular complications in children with diabetes.
- To explore the relationship between disease duration, glycemic control, and the onset of these complications.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 23 diabetic children (aged 4-16 years) with varying disease durations (2 months to 10 years) was studied.
- Assessment included evaluation for kidney disorders, peripheral neuropathy via electromyography, nail wall capillary microscopy, and ophthalmopathy.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of microvascular complications: kidney disorders (34.8%), peripheral neuropathy (39.1%), nail wall alterations (30.4%), and ophthalmopathy (8.7%).
- No correlation was found between microvascular complications and children's age.
- Disease duration and the degree of diabetes compensation were significantly related to the severity of microvascular complications.
Conclusions:
- Degenerative vascular complications manifest early in childhood diabetes.
- These complications can be detected at the time of diabetes diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of microvascular complications are essential in pediatric diabetes care.
Abstract:
Twenty three diabetic children aged 4 to 16 years with duration of the disease from 2 months to 10 years were investigated for microvascular complications. Eight of them (34.8%) had kidney disorders (low creatinine clearance, fluctuating microproteinuria, echographic changes), and nine children (39.1%) had peripheral neuropathy (sensory disorders as assessed by electromyography). Seven children (30.4%) were found to have microscopic alterations of the capillary loops of the nail wall. Ophthalmopathy was found in two (8.7%). There was no correlation between the microvascular complications and the age of children. The duration of the disease affected the severity of the complications. Microangiopathy was related to the degree of compensation of diabetes. It is emphasized in conclusion that the degenerative vascular complications have their onset rather early in childhood diabetes. They can be detected simultaneously with the diagnosis of diabetes, and therefore should be sought, duly diagnosed and treated.