Effect of homocysteinemia on the development of diabetic nephro- and retinopathy in adolescents

Abstract

Aim. To consider homocysteinemia in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus (DM1) as an independent risk factor of diabetic nephro- and retinopathy (DN and DR). Materials and methods. Twenty nine adolescents (19 girls and 10 boys) with DM1 were examined. DN and DR were diagnosed in conformity with medical aid standards for DM1patients. Plasma homocysteine level was measured by IEA. Results. Plasma homocysteine level in DN patients was higher (6.4?1.6, n=10) than in DR group (5.3?1.7, n=9) and controls (5.6?1.8, n=10). Patients of all study groups werecomparable in terms of age, DM duration, and HbA1c level. Conclusion. Plasma homocysteine level in DN patients was higher than in DR and control groups. It gives reason to consider this parameter as an independent risk factor alongwith some others in pathogenesis of diabetic microangiopathies (in the first place, nephropathy). Adolescents with DM1 and elevated plasma homocysteine level need additionalcorrection by specific medicines.

Keywords

• diabetic nephropathy
• diabetic retinopathy
• adolescents
• homocysteinemia