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Diabetic retinopathy in Down's syndrome
T Fulcher1, M Griffin, S Crowley
1Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|June 26, 1998
Summary
Patients with Down syndrome and diabetes mellitus show a low prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, even with long-term diabetes. This suggests a potential protective factor in this population against diabetic eye disease.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Genetics
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes.
- Down syndrome is associated with various health conditions, but its impact on diabetic complications is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in individuals with Down syndrome and diabetes mellitus.
- To explore potential factors influencing diabetic retinopathy in this specific patient group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of nine patients with Down syndrome and diabetes mellitus was evaluated.
- Data collected included diabetes type and duration, glycemic control, blood pressure, urinalysis, and ophthalmological examinations.
Main Results:
- The study included patients with diabetes duration ranging from 8 to 41 years.
- All patients demonstrated satisfactory glycemic control and low-normal blood pressure.
- Only one patient exhibited early background diabetic retinopathy; the rest showed no signs of the condition.
Conclusions:
- A surprisingly low prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was observed in patients with Down syndrome and diabetes mellitus.
- This finding suggests a possible inherent protective mechanism against diabetic retinopathy in individuals with Down syndrome.