HLA-DR Typing as a Marker of Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose:Examine HLA-DR typing as a marker of severity of diabetic retinopathy Methods:350 patients from the diabetes clinc of a University Hospital were evaluated prospectively with ophthalmic exam, fluorescein angiography, Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C), serum creatnine (Cr), HLA-DR typing, blood pressure, history, including duration of diabetes. Patients with hypertension, renal compromise (Cr ≷ 1.2), or other ophthalmic diseases were excluded. 83 patients were found to meet these criteria. Severity of diabetic retinopahty was assessed according to ETDRS grading of photographs and angiograms. Results: Patients with short duration (5.47 +/- 3.17 yrs.) and lower HbA1C (6.35+/-1.16%) with more severe retinopathy were found to have HLA-DR5 type in greater frequency (p value 0.0068). Patients with long duration (14.3 +/- 4.96 yrs) and higher HbA1c (7.01+/-1.48%) with mild diabetic retinopathy were found to have HLA-DR2 in greater frequency (p value 0.0055). Conclusion:HLA-DR5 and -DR2 typing may serve as a marker associated with severity of diabetic retinopathy.

Keywords: 388 diabetic retinopathy