A team of Chinese researchers recently studied the characteristics and associated factors of retinal microvascular abnormalities in children with Type 1 diabetes without visual impairment and diabetic retinopathy. They found that retinal microvasculopathy had already occurred in the parafoveal area of these patients and recommended early screening and close follow-up for children with high-risk factors.

This case-control, hospital-based study evaluated 47 children with DM and 44 healthy controls. They used optical coherence tomography angiography to scan the posterior retina and optic disc and analyzed vascular length density, perfusion density and foveal avascular zone area, perimeter and morphology. 

Statistical analysis showed that vascular length density within 1mm to 3mm (inner ring) of the macula in the DM group was smaller than that in the control group, with excessive weight gain of the mother during pregnancy acting as an independent factor. The team also discovered that vascular length density within 3mm to 6mm (outer ring) of the macula in the DM group was smaller than that in the control group and that serum creatinine level was an independent factor. They add that perfusion density within 3mm to 6mm of the macula in the DM group was higher than that in the control group, with no independent factors observed in regression analysis.