Investigating the Association of Biochemical and Clinical Parameters With the Severity of Diabetic Retinopathy in Bangladesh

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a significant microvascular complication of diabetes leading to vision impairment and blindness. While various clinical and biochemical parameters are linked with the severity of DR, there is no such study to ascertain these association in Bangladeshi population. This cross-sectional study investigated the association of various biochemical and clinical parameters with the severity of non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in Bangladeshi patients. A cohort of 90 Bangladeshi patients with non-proliferative DR was recruited and followed for 8 months for developing different stages of DR severity (mild, modern and severe). Visual acuity (VA), Non-Contact Tonometer (NCT) readings, and biochemical parameters including C-reactive protein (CRP), random blood sugar (RBS), lipid profile (triglyceride, total cholesterol), serum ferritin, and vitamin D levels were assessed using appropriate laboratory techniques. The average value for visual activities (V/A) in different stages of non-proliferative DR is significantly different (p