A multi-centre investigation of macrovascular and non-ocular microvascular complications in children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus in southern Ghana.

Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of macrovascular and non-ocular microvascular complications and the associated factors among children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus in selected hospitals in southern Ghana. Design: A cross-sectional study. Setting: The out-patient clinics of the Departments of Child Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, Family Medicine, Ophthalmology, and the National Diabetes Management and Research Centre, all at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, as well as from Cape-Coast Teaching Hospital in the Central Region of Ghana. Participants: Fifty-eight children and adolescents aged 4-19 years who had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Main outcome measures: Macrovascular (peripheral artery disease and coronary heart disease) and non-ocular microvascular complications (neuropathy and nephropathy). Results: Data from 58 children and adolescents with diabetes were analysed. The mean age of participants was 14.6±2.6 years, and a female preponderance was observed (45, 77.6%). The prevalence of macrovascular and non-ocular microvascular complications was 27.6% and 8.6%, respectively. Long duration of diabetes diagnosis (p=0.044) and low triglycerides (p=0.009) were associated with microvascular complications, while high triglycerides (p=0.032), lower HDL cholesterol (p=0.046), and abnormal body mass index (p=0.020) were associated with macrovascular complications. Conclusions: Macrovascular and non-ocular microvascular complications are common among children and adolescents with diabetes in southern Ghana and are associated with a long duration of diabetes diagnosis, abnormal body mass index, low HDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Therefore, the early institution of regular screening for diabetes-related complications to allow early detection and appropriate management is recommended. Funding: University of Ghana Research Fund.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Ocular Changes in Children and Adolescents with Diabetes Mellitus in Selected Health Facilities in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR), other diabetes-related ocular changes (e.g., cataracts, corneal ulceration), and non-diabetic ocular disease in Ghanaian children and adolescents. The second objective was to evaluate the relationship between these conditions and age at diagnosis, current age, diabetes mellitus (DM) duration, and participant's sex. METHODS: A cross-sectional study, undertaken by a multidisciplinary team, included a cohort of children and adolescents (4-19 years) with DM recruited from selected health facilities in Ghana, from March 2016 to September 2019, after written informed consent or assent. The cohort will be followed up for 3 years to determine the natural course of the ocular changes, reported later. Participants were examined for all microvascular and macrovascular complications, non-diabetic ocular disease, anthropometric measurements, laboratory characteristics and quality of life issues. Full ocular examination was also undertaken. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 25.0) was used for the data analysis. Continuous and categorical variables were presented as mean and standard deviation (SD), median (interquartile range) and as percentages (%), respectively. T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used in establishing associations. RESULTS: A total of 58 participants were recruited. DR was detected in only 1 out of 58 (1.7%) participants at baseline. Cataracts were the most common ocular finding, detected in 42 (72%) at baseline. Other anterior segment changes observed included blepharitis 46 (79.3%) and tear film instability 38 (65.5%). There was a significant positive association between duration of the DM and the risk of cataract (p = 0.027). Participants' age at diagnosis was significantly associated with the presence of prominent corneal nerves (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: DR was uncommon in this cohort of young persons with DM in Ghana. Cataracts, blepharitis and refractive errors were ocular changes commonly observed. All young persons with diabetes should undergo regular eye examination in all clinics where follow-up care is provided.