The Prevalence, Spectrum and Risk Factors Associated With Ocular Diseases in Children and Youth With Type 1 Diabetes Seen at the Paediatric Endocrinology Clinic In kenyatta National Hospital From 2008-2021 - a Retrospective Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: The most prevalent endocrine condition among young people around the world is type 1 diabetes mellitus. Chronic and acute complications of poorly controlled diabetes include diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, cardiovascular and renal complications, neuropathy, and ocular complications. Diabetes-related retinopathy, macular oedema, cataracts, and glaucoma are examples of ocular complications. The main causes of vision loss in children and adolescents with T1DM are proliferative diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. To identify and treat any potential ocular complications, the Kenya Ministry of Health advises routine screening for diabetic retinopathy in children with diabetes. Within five years of T1DM diagnosis and then annually after that, children with T1DM should have their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Objectives: On the spectrum and risk factors of ocular problems in children and youth with T1DM in Kenya, there are no locally available data published. Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of children and youth with T1DM who were seen in the Paediatric Endocrinology clinic between 2008 and 2021. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from patient records and transcribed onto a data collection tool for statistical analysis. Data analysis: This was done with R version 4.2.2 statistical analysis software. Categorical variables were summarized using proportions and percentages, continuous variables were summarized using means to make inferences and draw conclusions. Results: The prevalence of all ocular complications among children and youth with T1DM was 12.5%. The most common complication identified was diabetic retinopathy with a prevalence of 5.7%, glaucoma and cataracts had a prevalence of 2.8% while optic atrophy had a prevalence of 1.9%. The risk of developing ocular complications increased with an increase in the duration of T1DM. Conclusion: The prevalence of ocular disease in T1DM children and youth was comparable to those found elsewhere. Diabetic retinopathy was the most prevalent complication in the study population. Duration of T1DM was a risk factor for the development of ocular complications