Clinical Trial: Diabetic Retinopathy and Sickle Trait

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Diabetic Retinopathy and Sickle Cell Trait

Brief Summary: To more clearly ascertain the relationship between ocular manifestations of sickle cell disease and diabetes, specifically; whether the presence of sickle cell trait exacerbates the disease progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Detailed Summary: The objective of this research study is to evaluate the relationship between sickle cell trait and the progression of diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes have high blood sugar that damages small blood vessels. Damage to the blood vessels that supply the retina in the back of the eye is called diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is worse in African-Americans with diabetes, with earlier and more severe disease progression and common complications including vitreous hemorrhage - where these blood vessels in the eye leak - and retinal detachment - the separation of the nerves of the retina from the back of the eye which may lead to blindness. One explanation for this increased severity of diabetes in African-Americans is the presence of sickle cell disease, or even just sickle trait, which causes damage to red blood cells and blood vessels under conditions of stress; like low oxygen levels, or hyperglycemic acidosis.
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

Current Primary Outcome: We aim to screen African-American diabetic patients with retinopathy to ascertain whether sickle trait is present, and if so whether there is increased severity of diabetic retinopathy in the group with sickle trait. [ Time Frame: One Year ]

Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Medical University of South Carolina

Dates:
Date Received: July 18, 2008
Date Started: May 2008
Date Completion:
Last Updated: September 15, 2010
Last Verified: September 2010