The relationship between antihypertensive medications and mood disorders: analysis of linked healthcare data for 1.8 million patients

Abstract Background Recent work suggests that antihypertensive medications may be useful as repurposed treatments for mood disorders. Using large-scale linked healthcare data we investigated whether certain classes of antihypertensive, such as angiotensin antagonists (AAs) and calcium channel blockers, were associated with reduced risk of new-onset major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD). Method Two cohorts of patients treated with antihypertensives were identified from Scottish prescribing (2009–2016) and hospital admission (1981–2016) records. Eligibility for cohort membership was determined by a receipt of a minimum of four prescriptions for antihypertensives within a 12-month window. One treatment cohort (n = 538 730) included patients with no previous history of mood disorder, whereas the other (n = 262 278) included those who did. Both cohorts were matched by age, sex and area deprivation to untreated comparators. Associations between antihypertensive treatment and new-onset MDD or bipolar episodes were investigated using Cox regression. Results For patients without a history of mood disorder, antihypertensives were associated with increased risk of new-onset MDD. For AA monotherapy, the hazard ratio (HR) for new-onset MDD was 1.17 (95% CI 1.04–1.31). Beta blockers' association was stronger (HR 2.68; 95% CI 2.45–2.92), possibly indicating pre-existing anxiety. Some classes of antihypertensive were associated with protection against BD, particularly AAs (HR 0.46; 95% CI 0.30–0.70). For patients with a past history of mood disorders, all classes of antihypertensives were associated with increased risk of future episodes of MDD. Conclusions There was no evidence that antihypertensive medications prevented new episodes of MDD but AAs may represent a novel treatment avenue for BD.

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The relationship between antihypertensive medications and mood disorders: analysis of linked healthcare data for 1.8 million patients

10.1101/19001719 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Richard J Shaw ◽

Daniel Mackay ◽

Jill P. Pell ◽

Sandosh Padmanabhan ◽

David S. Bailey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bipolar Disorder ◽

Mood Disorder ◽

Mood Disorders ◽

Previous History ◽

Area Deprivation ◽

Antihypertensive Medications ◽

Healthcare Data ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

New Onset

AbstractBackgroundRecent work suggests that antihypertensive medications may be useful as repurposed treatments for mood disorders. Using large-scale linked healthcare data we investigated whether certain classes of antihypertensive, such as angiotensin antagonists and calcium channel blockers, were associated with reduced risk of new-onset Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder.MethodTwo cohorts of patients treated with antihypertensives were identified from Scottish prescribing (2009-2016) and hospital admission (1981-2016) records. Eligibility for cohort membership was determined by receipt of a minimum of four prescriptions for antihypertensives within a 12-month window. One treatment cohort (n=538,730) included patients with no previous history of mood disorder, whereas the other (n=262,278) included those who did. Both cohorts were matched by age, sex and area deprivation to untreated comparators. Associations between antihypertensive treatment and new-onset MDD or bipolar episodes were investigated using Cox regression.ResultsFor patients without a history of mood disorder, antihypertensives were associated with increased risk of new-onset MDD. For angiotensin antagonist monotherapy, the hazard ratio (HR) for new-onset MDD was 1.17 (95%CI 1.04-1.31). Beta blockers’ association was stronger (HR 2.68; 95%CI 2.45-2.92), possibly indicating pre-existing anxiety. Some classes of antihypertensive were associated with protection against bipolar disorder, particularly angiotensin antagonists (HR 0.46; 95%CI 0.30-0.70). For patients with a past history of mood disorders, all classes of antihypertensives were associated with increased risk of future episodes of MDD.ConclusionsThere was no evidence that antihypertensive medications prevented new episodes of MDD but angiotensin antagonists may represent a novel treatment avenue for bipolar disorder.

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New-onset congestive heart failure (CHF) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors: A population-based study.

Journal of Clinical Oncology ◽

10.1200/jco.2017.35.15_suppl.10011 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽

pp. 10011-10011

Author(s):

Kelly Kenzik ◽

Courtney Balentine ◽

Smita Bhatia ◽

Grant Richard Williams

Keyword(s):

Cumulative Incidence ◽

Cox Regression ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Diabetic Patients ◽

Cumulative Incidence Functions ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Incidence Functions ◽

New Onset

10011 Background: CRC is primarily a disease of the elderly. The high burden of pre-existing comorbidities alone or in concert with cancer treatment place the older patients with CRC at increased risk of new-onset morbidities, specifically, CVD and CHF. However, the magnitude of risk of new-onset morbidity, and its association with pre-existing comorbidities or treatment remain unknown. Methods: Using SEER-Medicare data, we evaluated individuals diagnosed with incident stage I-III CRC at age ≥66y between 1/1/2000 and 12/31/2011 who had survived ≥2y after diagnosis (n = 57,256; 77% with colon cancer). We compared these to an age, sex-, and race-frequency matched comparison group of non-cancer Medicare patients (n = 104,731). We evaluated new-onset CHF and CVD using competing risk cumulative incidence functions and multivariable Cox regression models. Results: The median age at diagnosis was 77y (66-106y); 45% males; and 85% non-Hispanic white. Median follow-up was 8y (2-14y) from diagnosis of CRC. Treatment included surgery for 99%, chemotherapy for 31%, and radiation for 12%. New-onset morbidity: The 10y cumulative incidence of new-onset CHF and CVD were 43.6% and 58.9%, respectively. After controlling for pre-cancer comorbidities, CRC survivors were at increased risk of new-onset CHF (HR 1.29) and CVD (HR 1.74) (all p < 0.001) compared to controls. Patients receiving radiation (HR 1.29) or 5-FU+oxaliplatin (HR 1.09) were at increased risk of CVD compared to those without those therapies (p < 0.001). Pre-existing diabetes (HR 1.16) and CHF (HR 1.21) independently increased the risk of CVD (p < 0.001). While 5FU+oxaliplatin did not increase the risk of CHF independently (HR 0.97), diabetic patients treated with 5-FU+oxaliplatin were at 1.71-fold increased risk of developing CHF (p < 0.001) when compared with those without pre-existing diabetes. Conclusions: Older CRC survivors are at increased of developing CHF and CVD. Monitoring survivors with a history of exposure to 5FU+oxaliplatin or radiation, and improving management of pre-existing comorbidities may reduce the burden of long-term morbidity for older CRC survivors.

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Lifestyle is associated with atrial fibrillation development in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-84307-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Chan Soon Park ◽

Kyung-Do Han ◽

Eue-Keun Choi ◽

Da Hye Kim ◽

Hyun-Jung Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Vigorous Physical Activity ◽

Previous History ◽

Lifestyle Behaviors ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Never Smokers ◽

New Onset

AbstractWe evaluated the impacts of lifestyle behaviors, namely smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, on the development of new-onset AF in patients with DM. Using the Korean Nationwide database, we identified subjects diagnosed with type 2 DM and without previous history of AF between 2009 and 2012. Self-reported lifestyle behaviors were analyzed. Among 2,551,036 included subjects, AF was newly diagnosed in 73,988 patients (median follow-up 7.1 years). Both ex-smokers (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.07) and current smokers (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.08) demonstrated a higher risk of AF than never smokers. Patients with moderate (15–29 g/day) (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.09–1.15) and heavy (≥ 30 g/day) (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.21–1.28) alcohol consumption exhibited an increased risk of AF, while subjects with mild alcohol consumption (< 15 g/day) (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.99–1.03) had an AF risk similar to that of non-drinkers. Patients who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity showed a lower risk of AF (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.91–0.94) than those who did not. This study suggests that smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity are associated with new-onset AF in patients with DM, and lifestyle management might reduce the risk of AF in this population.

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An Emulation of Randomized Trials of Administrating Antipsychotics in PTSD Patients for Outcomes of Suicide-Related Events

Journal of Personalized Medicine ◽

10.3390/jpm11030178 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 178

Author(s):

Noah R. Delapaz ◽

William K. Hor ◽

Michael Gilbert ◽

Andrew D. La ◽

Feiran Liang ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Clinical Trials ◽

Previous History ◽

Current Treatment ◽

Careful Consideration ◽

P Value ◽

Post Traumatic Stress ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Almost All

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent mental disorder marked by psychological and behavioral changes. Currently, there is no consensus of preferred antipsychotics to be used for the treatment of PTSD. We aim to discover whether certain antipsychotics have decreased suicide risk in the PTSD population, as these patients may be at higher risk. A total of 38,807 patients were identified with a diagnosis of PTSD through the ICD9 or ICD10 codes from January 2004 to October 2019. An emulation of randomized clinical trials was conducted to compare the outcomes of suicide-related events (SREs) among PTSD patients who ever used one of eight individual antipsychotics after the diagnosis of PTSD. Exclusion criteria included patients with a history of SREs and a previous history of antipsychotic use within one year before enrollment. Eligible individuals were assigned to a treatment group according to the antipsychotic initiated and followed until stopping current treatment, switching to another same class of drugs, death, or loss to follow up. The primary outcome was to identify the frequency of SREs associated with each antipsychotic. SREs were defined as ideation, attempts, and death by suicide. Pooled logistic regression methods with the Firth option were conducted to compare two drugs for their outcomes using SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). The results were adjusted for baseline characteristics and post-baseline, time-varying confounders. A total of 5294 patients were eligible for enrollment with an average follow up of 7.86 months. A total of 157 SREs were recorded throughout this study. Lurasidone showed a statistically significant decrease in SREs when compared head to head to almost all the other antipsychotics: aripiprazole, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone (p < 0.0001 and false discovery rate-adjusted p value < 0.0004). In addition, olanzapine was associated with higher SREs than quetiapine and risperidone, and ziprasidone was associated with higher SREs than risperidone. The results of this study suggest that certain antipsychotics may put individuals within the PTSD population at an increased risk of SREs, and that careful consideration may need to be taken when prescribed.

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Abstract 14: The Influence of Provider Specialty on Anticoagulation Prescription Fills and Stroke Risk in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With History of Cancer

Circulation Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes ◽

10.1161/circoutcomes.11.suppl_1.14 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 11 (suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Wesley T O’Neal ◽

J’Neka Claxton ◽

Richard MacLehose ◽

Lin Chen ◽

Lindsay G Bengtson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Oral Anticoagulant ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Prior History ◽

Cancer Type ◽

Patients With Cancer ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Reduced Risk ◽

History Of Cancer

Background: Early cardiology involvement within 90 days of atrial fibrillation (AF) diagnosis is associated with greater likelihood of oral anticoagulant use and a reduced risk of stroke. Due to variation in cardiovascular care for patients with cancer, it is possible that a similar association does not exist for AF patients with cancer. Methods: We examined the association of early cardiology involvement with oral anticoagulation use among non-valvular AF patients with history of cancer (past or active), using data from 388,045 patients (mean age=68±15 years; 59% male) from the MarketScan database (2009-2014). ICD-9 codes in any position were used to identify cancer diagnosis prior to AF diagnosis. Provider specialty and filled anticoagulant prescriptions 3 months prior to and 6 months after AF diagnosis were obtained. Poisson regression models were used to compute the probability of an oral anticoagulant prescription fill and Cox regression was used to estimate the risk of stroke and major bleeding. Results: A total of 64,016 (17%) AF patients had a prior history of cancer. Cardiology involvement was less likely to occur among patients with history of cancer than those without (relative risk=0.92, 95% confidence interval (0.91, 0.93)). Similar differences were observed for cancers of the colon (0.90 (0.88, 0.92)), lung (0.76 (0.74, 0.78)), pancreas (0.74 (0.69, 0.80)), and hematologic system (0.88 (0.87, 0.90)), while no differences were observed for breast or prostate cancers. Patients with cancer were less likely to fill prescriptions for anticoagulants (0.89 (0.88, 0.90)) than those without cancer, and similar results were observed for cancers of the colon, lung, prostate, pancreas, and hematologic system. However, patients with cancer were more likely to fill prescriptions for anticoagulants (1.48 (1.45, 1.52)) if seen by a cardiology provider, regardless of cancer type. A reduced risk of stroke (hazard ratio=0.89 (0.81, 0.99)) was observed among all cancer patients who were seen by a cardiology provider than among those who were not, without an increased risk of bleeding (1.04 (0.95, 1.13)). Conclusion: AF patients with cancer were less likely to see a cardiologist, and less likely to fill an anticoagulant prescription than AF patients without cancer. However, cardiology involvement was associated with increased anticoagulant prescription fills and reduced risk of stroke, suggesting a beneficial role for cardiology providers to improve outcomes in AF patients with history of cancer.

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684 Cardiac troponins and adverse outcomes in European patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the ESC-EHRA EORP atrial fibrillation general long-term registry

European Heart Journal Supplements ◽

10.1093/eurheartj/suab127.052 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 23 (Supplement_G) ◽

Author(s):

Marrco Vitolo ◽

Vincenzo Livio Malavasi ◽

Marco Proietti ◽

Igor Diemberger ◽

Laurent Fauchier ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Coronary Syndrome ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of ◽

Cardiac Troponins

Abstract Aims Cardiac troponins (cTn) have been reported to be predictors for adverse outcomes in atrial fibrillation (AF), patients, but their actual use is still unclear. To assess the factors associated with cTn testing in routine clinical practice and to evaluate the association of elevated levels of cTn with adverse outcomes in a large contemporary cohort of European AF patients. Methods and results Patients enrolled in the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry were stratified into three groups according to cTn levels as (i) cTn not tested, (ii) cTn in range (≤99th percentile), and (iii) cTn elevated (>99th percentile). The composite outcome of any thromboembolism/any acute coronary syndrome (ACS)/cardiovascular (CV) death, defined as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause death were the main endpoints. 10 445 (94.1%) AF patients were included in this analysis [median age 71 years, interquartile range (IQR): 63–77; males 59.7%]. cTn were tested in 2834 (27.1%). Overall, cTn was elevated in 904 (8.7%) and in-range in 1930 (18.5%) patients. Patients in whom cTn was tested tended to be younger (P < 0.001) and more frequently presenting with first detected AF and atypical AF-related symptoms (i.e. chest pain, dyspnoea, or syncope) (P < 0.001). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, female sex, in-hospital enrollment, first-detected AF, CV risk factors, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and atypical AF symptoms were independently associated with cTn testing. After a median follow-up of 730 days (IQR: 692–749), 957 (9.7%) composite endpoints occurred while all-cause death was 9.5%. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a higher cumulative risk for both outcomes in patients with elevated cTn levels (Figure) (Log Rank tests, P < 0.001). On adjusted Cox regression analysis, elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher risk for MACE [hazard ratio (HR): 1.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–2.16] and all-cause death (HR 1.45, 95% CI: 1.21–1.74). Elevated levels of cTn were independently associated with a higher occurrence of MACE, all-cause death, any ACS, CV death and hospital readmission even after the exclusion of patients with history of CAD, diagnosis of ACS at discharge, those who underwent coronary revascularization during the admission and/or who were treated with oral anticoagulants plus antiplatelet therapy. Conclusions Elevated cTn levels were independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and adverse CV events, even after exclusion of CAD patients. Clinical factors that might enhance the need to rule out CAD were associated with cTn testing.

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Obtaining a Family Psychiatric History: Is it Worth the Effort?

The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/070674379303800904 ◽

1993 ◽

Vol 38 (9) ◽

pp. 590-594 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Ronald A. Remick ◽

Adele D. Sadovnick ◽

Boris Gimbarzevsky ◽

Raymond W. Lam ◽

Athanasios P. Zis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Family History ◽

Psychiatric Disorder ◽

Mood Disorder ◽

Mood Disorders ◽

Medical Records ◽

Psychiatric History ◽

First Degree Relatives ◽

History Of ◽

Generated Family ◽

Index Cases

The purpose of this study was to determine whether, for first-degree relatives of patients presenting to a mood disorders clinic, family history information on psychiatric conditions collected by a psychiatrist and incorporated into the patient's medical records is as informative as that gathered during an interview specifically designed to collect family history data. The study group consisted of 472 first-degree relatives of 78 randomly selected index cases from a large mood disorders genetic database. Family history of psychiatric disorders recorded in regular psychiatric medical records (“clinician history”), and data obtained by a genetic counsellor administering specific family psychiatric history questionnaires to patients and multiple family informants (“family history”) were compared using a kappa statistic. Good agreement between the two methods on the presence or absence of a psychiatric disorder was found among first-degree relatives of index cases, but poor agreement was found with respect to the presence or absence of a specific mood disorder diagnosis(es) in a relative. The results suggest that a clinician-generated family psychiatric history is sensitive to the presence or absence of a psychiatric disorder when compared to a more structured detailed genetic interview. However, for research purposes, a clinician-generated family psychiatric history of a specific mood disorder diagnosis, without supporting collateral information, may not be reliable for use in supporting a mood disorder diagnosis in a patient and/or his relatives.

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Abstract 16083: Risk of Preserved versus Reduced Ejection Fraction in Women With and Without History of Breast Cancer: The Pathways Heart Study

Circulation ◽

10.1161/circ.142.suppl_3.16083 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 142 (Suppl_3) ◽

Author(s):

Jamal S Rana ◽

Heather Greenlee ◽

Richard Cheng ◽

Cecile A Laurent ◽

Hanjie Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Radiation Therapy ◽

Ejection Fraction ◽

Endocrine Therapy ◽

White Women ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Prior History ◽

Reduced Ejection Fraction ◽

Increased Risk ◽

History Of

Introduction: Incidence of heart failure (HF), specifically with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), is rising in the general population, yet is understudied. To provide a population-based estimate of HF in breast cancer (BC) survivors, we compared risk of HF in women with and without BC history in the Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) integrated health system. Methods: Data were extracted from KPNC electronic health records. All invasive BC cases diagnosed from 2005-2013 were identified and matched 1:5 with non-BC controls on birth year, race/ethnicity, and KPNC membership at BC diagnosis. Cox regression models assessed the hazard of HF by EF status: HFpEF (EF ≥ 45%), HF with reduced EF (HFrEF; EF < 45%), and unknown EF. Women with prior history of HF were excluded. Models were adjusted for factors known to affect BC risk or CVD and for prevalent CVD at BC diagnosis. We also examined case subgroups who received cardiotoxic chemotherapy, left-sided radiation therapy, and/or endocrine therapy, versus their controls. Results: A total of 14,804 women diagnosed with invasive BC and with no history of HF were identified and matched to 74,034 women without BC history. Women were on average 61 years at BC diagnosis and 65% white. Women with HFpEF were older and more likely to have hypertension (p<0.05). Among all cases vs. controls, there was increased risk of HFrEF (HR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.98) but not HFpEF or unknown EF (figure). Compared to their controls, women treated with chemotherapy were more than 3-times likely to develop HFrEF (HR: 3.26, 95% CI: 2.2, 4.8) and more than 1.5-times likely to develop HFpEF (HR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.15, 2.24). Women who received left-sided radiation therapy had nearly double the risk of developing HFrEF (HR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.20, 2.84). No associations were found among women who received endocrine therapy. Conclusions: Increased surveillance is warranted for women with BC receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy for development of both HFrEF and HFpEF.

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Abstract P190: Antihypertensive Monotherapy And Risk Of Depression Incidence

Hypertension ◽

10.1161/hyp.76.suppl_1.p190 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 76 (Suppl_1) ◽

Author(s):

Anwar Alnakhli ◽

Richard Shaw ◽

Daniel Smith ◽

Sandosh Padmanabhan

Keyword(s):

Dose Response ◽

Enzyme Inhibitor ◽

Previous History ◽

Cox Proportional Hazards ◽

Recent Theory ◽

Defined Daily Dose ◽

Response Relationship ◽

Dose Response Relationship ◽

Antihypertensive Medications ◽

Increased Risk

Background: Recent theory suggests that antihypertensive medications may be useful as repurposed treatments for mood disorders, however, empirical evidence is inconsistent Objective: We aimed to assess the risk of depression incidence as indicated by first-ever prescription of antidepressant in patients newly exposed to antihypertensive monotherapy and whether there is a dose-response relationship. Method: This study enrolled 2406 new users of antihypertensive monotherapy aged between 18 and 80 years with no previous history of antidepressant prescriptions. The exposure period (EP) to antihypertensive medication was fixed at one year starting from the first date of antihypertensive prescription between Jan 2005 and Mar 2012 and extended up to 12 months. Follow-up commence after the EP until March 2013. To test for dose-response relationship the cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) of antihypertensive during the EP were stratified into tertiles. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for depression incidence. Results: Among the five major classes of antihypertensive medications, calcium channel blocker (CCB) had the highest risk of developing depression after adjusting for covariates (HR = 1.40 95%CI 1.11,1.78) compared to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI). Angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) treatment showed higher risk of depression incidence with tertile 2(HR= 1.46, 95%CI 0.88,2.44) and tertile 3 (HR= 1.75, 95%CI 1.03,2.97) compared to tertile 1 of cDDD. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed previous evidence suggesting that CCB is associated with increased risk of depression incidence compared to ACEI. Risk of developing depression is also linked to ARB, though it might be dose dependent.

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Correlation between markers of renal function and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes: a longitudinal study in an Indian clinic population

BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care ◽

10.1136/bmjdrc-2020-001325 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. e001325 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ramachandran Rajalakshmi ◽

Coimbatore Subramanian Shanthi Rani ◽

Ulagamathesan Venkatesan ◽

Ranjit Unnikrishnan ◽

Ranjit Mohan Anjana ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Serum Creatinine ◽

Cox Regression ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Cox Regression Analysis ◽

Increased Risk ◽

New Onset

IntroductionPrevious epidemiological studies have reported on the prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) from India. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of DKD on the development of new-onset DR and sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy (STDR) in Asian Indians with type 2 diabetes (T2D).Research design and methodsThe study was done on anonymized electronic medical record data of people with T2D who had undergone screening for DR and renal work-up as part of routine follow-up at a tertiary care diabetes center in Chennai, South India. The baseline data retrieved included clinical and biochemical parameters including renal profiles (serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria). Grading of DR was performed using the modified Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study grading system. STDR was defined as the presence of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and/or diabetic macular edema. DKD was defined by the presence of albuminuria (≥30 µg/mg) and/or reduction in eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the hazard ratio (HR) for DR and STDR.ResultsData of 19 909 individuals with T2D (mean age 59.6±10.2 years, mean duration of diabetes 11.1±12.1 years, 66.1% male) were analyzed. At baseline, DR was present in 7818 individuals (39.3%), of whom 2249 (11.3%) had STDR. During the mean follow-up period of 3.9±1.9 years, 2140 (17.7%) developed new-onset DR and 980 individuals with non-proliferative DR (NPDR) at baseline progressed to STDR. Higher serum creatinine (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3 to 1.7; p<0.0001), eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (HR 4.9, 95% CI 2.9 to 8.2; p<0.0001) and presence of macroalbuminuria >300 µg/mg (HR 3.0, 95% CI 2.4 to 3.8; p<0.0001) at baseline were associated with increased risk of progression to STDR.ConclusionsDKD at baseline is a risk factor for progression to STDR. Physicians should promptly refer their patients with DKD to ophthalmologists for timely detection and management of STDR.

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