Diabetic Retinopathy and Sickle Trait

Completed

• Conditions: Diabetic Retinopathy; Sickle Cell Trait

• Registration Number: NCT00720317
• Lead Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina

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 Description

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2008-05
• Study First Submitted: 2008-07-18
• Study First Submitted QC: 2008-07-21
• Study First Posted: 2008-07-22
• Primary Completion: 2010-07
• Study Completion: 2010-07
• Status Verified: 2010-09
• Last Update Submitted: 2010-09-15
• Last Update Posted: 2010-09-16

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 48

Inclusion Criteria

• Self-identified African-American patients with diabetes will be identified from Dr Bowie's retina clinic at Storm Eye Institute.
• These subjects are either being screened or treated for the progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Exclusion Criteria

• None

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
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.	One Year

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Medical University of South Carolina, Storm Eye Institute; 🇺🇸 Charleston, South Carolina, United States