DIABETIC-RETINOPATHY IN DOWNS-SYNDROME

Aim-To determine the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in patients wi th Down's syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Method-Nine patients with Do wn's syndrome and diabetes mellitus were assessed. Factors recorded in cluded type and duration of diabetes, level of diabetic control, blood pressure, urinalysis, and results of ophthalmological examination. Re sults-The duration of diabetes ranged from 8 to 41 years (mean 17.6 ye ars). All had satisfactory glycaemic control and blood pressure measur ements on the low side of normal (mean 106.6/70 mm Hg). One patient ha d early background diabetic retinopathy. The remainder had no evidence of diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion-The low prevalence of diabetic re tinopathy in these Down's syndrome patients, despite the long duration , is an interesting finding. It suggests some inherent protective fact or against the development of diabetic retinopathy in this patient sub group.