Lens changes and the incidence of cardiovascular events among persons with diabetes

Increased risk of peptic ulcer in patients with early-onset cataracts: A nationwide population-based study

Early-onset cataracts (EOC) are associated with an increased inflammatory response; therefore, a potential risk of other inflammatory diseases, like peptic ulcer, may be related. This study investigated the risk of peptic ulcer after being diagnosed with EOC. Retrospective claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were analyzed. Study subjects comprised patients with EOC (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9- CM] codes 366.00, 366.01, 366.02, 366.03, 366.04, 366.09, 366.17 and 366.18), aged 20–55 years and newly diagnosed between 2000 and 2010 (n = 1910), and a comparison cohort without the disease (n = 7515). Both cohorts were followed up until 2010 to estimate the incidences of peptic ulcer. We used the Poisson regression model to compare incidence rate ratios and the 95% confidence interval (CI). Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess the hazard ratio (HR) of peptic ulcer associated with EOC. The overall incidence rate of peptic ulcer was higher in the EOC cohort than in the comparison cohort (10.3 vs 7.68 per 1000 person-years) with an adjusted HR of 1.33 (95% CI = 1.05, 1.69). The present study suggests that patients with EOC are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with peptic ulcer in subsequent years.

Does early onset cataract increase the risk of ischemic stroke? A nationwide retrospective cohort study

This study was attempted to address the association between early onset cataract (EOC) and ischemic stroke. Using the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000, we established an EOC cohort and a comparison cohort by using 4-fold propensity score matching according to age, gender and comorbidities to detect the incidence of ischemic stroke. A Cox model was used to express the risk of ischemic stroke for the EOC patients compared with the comparison cohort. After adjusting for age, gender and comorbidities of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, heart failure, obesity, and atrial fibrillation, the EOC patients had a 1.48-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke than the comparison cohort, but it was not statistically significant. A non-significant increase in the risk of subsequent ischemic stroke development for the EOC patients is demonstrated in this study.

Association Between Cataract and Risk of Incident Atrial Fibrillation: A Nationwide Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify the association between cataract and the subsequent atrial fibrillation (AF) risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our retrospective cohort study was designed to analyze the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 of the Taiwan National Health Insurance program. We established a cataract cohort (n=39,347) and a noncataract cohort (n=39,347) to observe the incidence of AF. The cataract cohort included patients who were newly diagnosed with cataract from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2010. Propensity score matching was used to form matched sets of participants with cataract and participants without cataract who share a similar value of propensity score. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the association between having a cataract and AF.

RESULTS

The median (range) follow-up period was 6.52 years (range, 3.76-9.19 years) and 5.88 years (range, 3.12-8.66 years) for the cataract and noncataract cohorts, respectively; the cumulative incidence curves of AF indicated that the cataract cohort had a significantly higher risk of developing AF than did the noncataract cohort (P<.001). Moreover, the risk of AF was 1.32-fold (95% CI, 1.18-1.48) higher in patients with cataract with surgery and was 1.21-fold (95% CI, 1.06-1.37) higher in patients with cataract without surgery than in patients without cataract.

CONCLUSION

The present study is the first to report that cataract is associated with an increased risk of AF.

Bilateral cataracts in a 6-yr-old with new onset diabetes: a novel presentation of a known INS gene mutation

The prevalence of diabetes-related cataracts during childhood is less than 1%. When cataracts occur, it is often in adolescent females with prolonged symptoms and significant hyperglycemia. Cataracts are not a classic feature of monogenic diabetes. We report a case of a 6-yr-old, previously healthy Caucasian male, who presented with bilateral acquired cataracts and was subsequently diagnosed with new onset diabetes. Additional symptoms at presentation included a several year history of polyuria and polydipsia, mild hepatomegaly, and short stature. Pertinent negatives include acanthosis nigricans, lipoatrophy, deafness, muscle weakness, or neuropathy. HbA1c was significantly elevated at diagnosis (>14%, 129.5 mmol/mol) without evidence of ketosis. Autoantibody testing was negative. Features of Mauriac syndrome (short stature, hepatomegaly) as well as acquired cataracts indicated long-standing hyperglycemia with sufficient insulin production to prevent ketone production and development of diabetic ketoacidosis. Whole exome sequencing was conducted and a de novo heterozygous mutation in the INS gene (c.94G>A; p.Gly32Ser) was identified. INS gene mutations are common causes of permanent neonatal diabetes but rare causes of antibody-negative diabetes in children. Importantly, INS gene mutations have not been previously associated with acquired cataracts. Knowledge of a monogenic cause of diabetes allows clinicians to tailor counseling and screening of diabetes-related comorbidities. In summary, this case highlights the need to consider testing for monogenic diabetes, specifically INS gene mutations, in pediatric patients with antibody-negative diabetes, especially if complications of prolonged hyperglycemia are present at diagnosis.

Increased risk of ischemic heart disease among subjects with cataracts: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Association between cataract and the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) development is not completely clear.

PURPOSE

The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the association between cataract and the risk of incident IHD. The secondary aim was to investigate the subsequent IHD risk of patients with cataracts undergoing cataract surgery.

METHODS

Retrospective data from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID2000) was analyzed. Study participants were composed of patients with cataracts (International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] code 366) (n = 32,456), and a comparison cohort without the cataracts (n = 32,456) from 2000 to 2010. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to address the hazard ratio (HR) of IHD associated with cataract.

RESULTS

Within 12 years of follow up, the overall incidence rates of IHD were 24.2 per 1000 person-years in the cataract cohort and 18.2 per 1000 person-years in the noncataract cohort with an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.35 (95% CI = 1.29-1.41; P < 0.001). Furthermore, the cataract patients undergoing cataract surgery were associated with a higher risk of IHD compared with those cataract patients without surgery (aHR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding suggested that patients with cataracts are at an increased risk of subsequent IHD development.

Cataract increases the risk of peripheral artery occlusive disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study with propensity score

PURPOSE

We conducted this study to evaluate the risk of peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) among patients with cataracts.

METHODS

We analyzed the data from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Study participants were classified into the cataract group and the non-cataract group between 2000 and 2010. All patients were observed from the index year until PAOD diagnosis, loss to follow up, or the end of 2011. Both study groups were 1:1 matching based upon a propensity score. We used a cox proportional hazards regression model to assess the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of PAOD for the cataract cohort compared with the non-cataract cohort.

RESULTS

After adjustment for age, sex and comorbidities, the risk of PAOD was significantly higher in the cataract cohort [adjusted HR (aHR)=1.48, 95% CI=1.38-1.58] than the non-cataract cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that patients with cataracts had a 1.48-fold increased risk of developing PAOD compared to the non-cataract patients.

Acute juvenile cataract in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients: a description of six cases

Cataract represents one of the most frequent eye complications in type 1 and type 2 patients; contrarily, acute cataract in young diabetic patients occurs very rarely. The aim of this study was to describe six cases of acute cataract in adolescents at the onset of type 1 diabetes. Eight hundred and twenty-six patients with type 1 diabetes were retrospectively studied. A multivariate analysis was applied to verify the weight of the following laboratory findings taken on admission (independent variables): glycemia, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), pH, base excess (BE),and on the occurrence of cataract (dependent variable). Six patients (0.7%) presented with acute lens opacities. Cataract development was significantly correlated with HbA1c and glycemia. The relative risk increases about twice for each percentage point from 12.8 to 14.1% of HbA1c; glycemic blood levels represent a moderate risk factor for cataractogenesis. Ketoacidosis and BE were not significantly correlated.

Associations between hearing impairment and mortality risk in older persons: the Blue Mountains Hearing Study

PURPOSE

To assess whether hearing loss predicts an increased risk of mortality.

METHODS

The Blue Mountains Hearing Study examined 2956 persons (49+ years) during 1997 to 2000. The Australian National Death Index was used to identify deaths until 2005. Hearing loss was defined as the pure-tone average (0.5-4 kHz) of air-conduction hearing thresholds greater than 25 dB HL. Associations between hearing loss and mortality risk were estimated using Cox regression and structural equation modeling (SEM).

RESULTS

When we used Cox regression, we discovered that hearing loss was associated with increased risk of cardiovascular (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.84) and all-cause (AC) mortality (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.79) after adjustment for age and sex but not after multivariable adjustment. SEM pathway analysis, however, revealed a greater AC mortality risk (HR 2.58, 95% CI 1.64-4.05) in persons with hearing loss, which was mediated: cognitive impairment (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.08-1.94) and walking disability (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.24-2.15). These variables increased mortality both directly and indirectly through effects on self-rated health.

CONCLUSIONS

Hearing loss was associated with increased AC mortality via three mediating variables: disability in walking, cognitive impairment, and self-rated health. It is important to recognize that persons with combined disabilities are at increased risk of cardiovascular and AC mortality.

Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and mortality in older women: Study of osteoporotic fractures

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether poorer visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are independent risk factors for all-cause and traumatic mortality in older women.

DESIGN

Twelve-year prospective cohort study (1986-2003).

SETTING

Four U.S. clinical centers.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine thousand seven hundred four postmenopausal white women aged 65 and older.

MEASUREMENTS

Habitually corrected binocular visual acuity and low- and high-frequency contrast sensitivity were measured at baseline using a standard protocol. A study physician adjudicated the primary cause of death from death certificates and medical record review.

RESULTS

During an average of 12.2 years of follow-up, 3,427 women died (35%), 72 (0.7%) from traumatic events. In multivariate models adjusted for age, chronic medical problems, and smoking, all-cause mortality risk was 19% greater for persons in the worst quartile of visual acuity than for those in the best (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.19, P = .008) and 39% greater for persons with the worst contrast sensitivity (HR = 1.39, P < .001) than for those with the best. Traumatic mortality risk was 2.4 times greater for women with the worst contrast sensitivity than for those with the best (HR = 2.44, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Poorer visual acuity and contrast sensitivity are associated with greater risk of traumatic and all-cause mortality in older women, even after controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics. Although further research is necessary to determine how treating reversible causes of visual impairment or improving current refraction affects mortality in older women, clinical detection and follow-up of these visual impairments holds promise for identifying those who are at risk of mortality from other systemic conditions.

Diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease

Diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes, is a growing concern in America. Longitudinal trends show that obesity is more prevalent than in the past, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes is also increasing. Type 2 diabetes typically doubles the CHD risk in men and triples the risk in women. Intervening to control lipid levels and blood pressure has been shown to be especially helpful in preventing CHD, but the impact of better glycemic control on CHD risk is less convincing, especially in clinical trials. Revascularization studies in diabetics show that coronary bypass surgery is related to better outcomes than angioplasty procedures.

Lens opacities and mortality : the Barbados Eye Studies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between cataract and mortality in a black population by type of opacity, which has not been documented previously.

DESIGN

Population-based cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

The Barbados Incidence Study of Eye Diseases reexamined the Barbados Eye Study cohort, identified through a simple random sample of predominantly black Barbadian-born citizens, aged 40 to 84 years. Of those eligible, 85% (3427 participants) had a 4-year follow-up visit.

METHODS

Baseline and follow-up visits included an interview, blood pressure and other measurements, and a detailed ophthalmologic examination with slit-lamp lens gradings (Lens Opacities Classification System [LOCS] II protocol). Mortality at follow-up was verified from Ministry of Health records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Lens opacities were defined by a LOCS II score of 2 or more. Opacity types were classified in two ways: (1) single (cortical-only, nuclear-only, and posterior subcapsular-only) and mixed opacities; and (2) any cortical, any nuclear, or any posterior subcapsular opacities. Information on dates and causes of death was obtained from death certificates.

RESULTS

Cardiovascular disease was the principal cause of death in black participants (3.6%), followed by malignant neoplasms (1.4%). The cumulative 4-year mortality varied with lens types, increasing from 3.2% for those without cataract to 6.0% for cortical-only, 8.8% for nuclear-only, and 20.9% for mixed opacities. Persons with mixed opacities had a 1.6-fold increase in mortality, while controlling for other factors (age, male gender, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cigarette smoking, cardiovascular disease, and family history of diabetes) in Cox proportional-hazards regression analyses. Persons with any nuclear opacities also had increased mortality (death rate ratio, 1.5). The death rate ratios increased with age, but peaked at age 60 to 69 years. Coexisting diabetes further increased mortality: people with mixed opacities and diabetes had a 2.7-fold increased risk of death. A trend toward increased mortality from neoplasms was observed for individuals with mixed opacities or with any nuclear opacities.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with mixed opacities or any nuclear opacities had increased 4-year mortality rates, with diabetes acting as an effect modifier. This study is the first to identify a relationship between type of cataract and mortality in an African-descent population.

Plasma fibrinogen and other cardiovascular disease risk factors and cataract

PURPOSE

To determine whether associations exist between cataract and established cardiovascular risk factors (other than smoking) - hypertension, body mass index, serum lipids and plasma fibrinogen.

METHODS

The Blue Mountains Eye Study is a large (n=3654) population-based cross-sectional study conducted among people aged 49-97 years residing in the Blue Mountains, a region west of Sydney, Australia. Risk factor data were collected using standardised clinical procedures. Lens photographs were taken and graded for presence and severity of cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular cataracts.

RESULTS

Cortical cataract was associated with a history of myocardial infarction, higher plasma fibrinogen, and higher serum cholesterol. Nuclear cataract was associated with a higher platelet count but hypertension was associated with lower prevalence of nuclear cataract. Posterior subcapsular cataract was associated with higher plasma fibrinogen and lower body mass index. Some of these associations appeared to be stronger in women than in men: fibrinogen and cortical cataract and body mass index and posterior subcapsular cataract.

CONCLUSIONS

Several risk factors for cardiovascular disease are associated with presence of cataract, perhaps explaining the observation in several studies that people with cataract have increased mortality rates. The possibility of strong associations between plasma fibrinogen and cataract merits further epidemiological and laboratory research.

High intraocular pressure and survival: the Framingham Studies

PURPOSE

To examine whether high intraocular pressure (greater than or equal to 25 mm Hg) or a history of treatment for glaucoma is associated with decreased survival and, if so, how such ocular markers might be explained.

METHODS

Eye examinations, including applanation tonometry, were conducted on members of the Framingham Eye Study cohort from February 1, 1973, to February 1, 1975. Participants who reported a history of treatment for glaucoma were identified. Survival data, including information on the date of death, were available from the time of the Eye Study through March 31, 1990.

RESULTS

Of the 1,764 persons under the age of 70 years at the baseline eye examination, 1,421 persons had low intraocular pressure (< or =20 mm Hg), 264 persons had medium intraocular pressure levels (20 to 24 mm Hg), and 79 persons had high intraocular pressure (> or =25 mm Hg) or history of glaucoma treatment. During the follow-up period, 29%, 30%, and 47% died in the groups with low, medium, and high intraocular pressure (or history of glaucoma treatment), respectively. In an age-and-sex adjusted Cox proportional hazards analysis, the death rate ratio for the group with medium intraocular pressure relative to the group with low intraocular pressure was 1.04. The corresponding death rate ratio for the group with high intraocular pressure was 1.56 with a 95% confidence interval of 1.11 to 2.19 (P < .001). After adjustment for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and body mass index, a positive relationship remained, but at a borderline level of significance (P = .075).

CONCLUSIONS

High intraocular pressure or the presence of glaucoma is a marker for decreased life expectancy in the Framingham Eye Study cohort. The relationship is present even after adjustment for risk factors known to be associated with higher mortality such as age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, and body mass index. Special attention to the general health status of patients with high intraocular pressure or glaucoma seems warranted.

Cardiovascular disease, selected cardiovascular disease risk factors, and age-related cataracts: the Beaver Dam Eye Study

PURPOSE

To examine the associations of cardiovascular disease and selected cardiovascular disease risk factors with the prevalence of age-related cataract.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based prevalence study of adults aged 43 to 86 years (n = 4,926) in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. An ocular examination including lens photographs, medical history, height and weight measurement, blood testing, and photograph grading was performed according to standard protocols.

RESULTS

Age and sex influenced most of the relationships between risk variables and cataract. Many relationships apparent in univariate analyses were not significant when controlling for confounders. In multivariate models, higher glycated hemoglobin was significantly and consistently associated with increased risk of nuclear cataract in women. For cortical cataract, higher serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with decreased risk in women. For posterior subcapsular cataract, men with higher ratios of total to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were at increased risk. History of cardiovascular disease was not associated with cataracts in persons with or without diabetes after controlling for additional risk indicators.

CONCLUSIONS

Some risk factors for cardiovascular disease were associated with increased frequency of age-related lens opacities. Age and sex influenced these relationships but did not entirely explain them. Longitudinal follow-up is necessary to determine antecedent-consequent relationships that may suggest causal associations.

Long-term survival rate after vitreous surgery for complications of diabetic retinopathy

The survival rate after vitreous surgery for complications of diabetic retinopathy was studied in 552 consecutive patients who underwent operations between 1979 and 1984. The 5-year postoperative survival rate was 74.7%. Factors associated with a lower survival rate included older age, older age at diagnosis of diabetes, history of renal disease, and a longer duration of diabetes. Factors unrelated to survival rate included insulin treatment, sex, and anatomic and visual outcome. Improved management of systemic diabetic complications has improved survival rates, a finding reflected in the relatively high rate of long-term survival after diabetic vitrectomy.

Lens opacity and mortality in diabetes

A population-based cohort of 294 diabetic patients were examined for the presence of lens opacities and followed up for a median of 6 years. Only two patients were lost to follow-up but there were 73 deaths, 49 in the 108 patients with opacities and 24 in the 184 patients without (odds ratio 2.4, 95% Cl 1.5-3.9). Lens opacities were a powerful predictor of death and the effect was independent of other prognostic factors. The presence of cataract identifies a high risk sub-group of elderly diabetic patients.