Reversion of ‘Early Worsening’ of Diabetic Retinopathy by Deliberate Restoration of Poor Metabolic Control

Vol. 217, No. 5, 2003

Free Abstract Article (Fulltext) Article (PDF 141 KB)

Case Report

Reversion of 'Early Worsening' of Diabetic Retinopathy by Deliberate Restoration of Poor Metabolic Control
E. Chantelau^a, R. Meyer-Schwickerath^b

^aDiabetesambulanz MNR-Klinik, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, and
^bOphthalmologic practice, Bocholt, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

Ophthalmologica 2003;217:373-377 (DOI: 10.1159/000071355)

Key Words

Proliferative retinopathy
Vitrectomy
Diabetes complications
Intensive insulin therapy
Adverse effects
Haemoglobin A_1c
Vascular endothelial growth factor
Macular oedema
VEGF

Abstract

Acutely lowering long-standing severe hyperglycaemia can trigger progression ('early worsening') of diabetic retinopathy, most likely by up-regulation of the circulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). This condition, also called 'florid retinopathy', rarely responds to standard laser coagulation treatment. In this retrospective report, 2 young patients with type 2 diabetes are described, in whom deliberate restoration of poor diabetes control reduced the serum IGF-1 levels and improved 'early worsened' diabetic retinopathy.

Author Contacts

Prof. Dr. E. Chantelau
Diabetesambulanz MNR-Klinik
Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Postfach 10 10 07
DE-40001 Düsseldorf (Germany)
Fax +49 211 811 8772

Article Information

Received: December 23, 2002
Accepted after revision: March 20, 2003
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 22

Medline Abstract (ID 12913330)

Download Citation

For non-native English speakers and international authors who would like assistance with their writing before submission, we suggest American Journal Experts for their scientific editing service.