Dépistage de la rétinopathie diabétique par télédiagnostic dans le Haut-Rhin

Mobile Telemedicine Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy Using Nonmydriatic Fundus Photographs in Burgundy: 11 Years of Results

We analyzed the results of mobile screening for diabetic retinopathy (DR) using retinal photographs, comparing these results between rural and periurban areas, and before and after the first national COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The Burgundy Union Régionale des Professionnels de Santé (URPS) has organized an annual DR screening since 2004. The examination, performed by an orthoptist, consisted of taking the patient's history, intraocular pressure measurement, and taking retinal photographs. After remote transmission, the examinations were interpreted by participating ophthalmologists at the Dijon University Hospital. In September 2016, the screening was open to periurban townships. In 11 years, 10,220 patients were screened: 1,420 patients (13.9%) had DR of any type, with an average age of 68.5 (±11.3) years, and 59.2% were men. These patients had a statistically significantly higher glycated hemoglobin level (7.4% vs. 7.0%) and a longer duration of diabetes (13.8 vs. 9.3 years) than patients without DR. When comparing rural and periurban areas and periods before and after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not find any significant difference in the screening results. The results of this study are in line with the average findings of similar studies comparing screening strategies for DR. The early detection of DR can benefit from mobile telemedicine screening, identifying a considerable number of patients at an elevated risk, especially in rural areas where access to ophthalmological care is limited.

Prevalence, incidence and future projection of diabetic eye disease in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To examine the prevalence and incidence of diabetic eye disease (DED) among individuals with diabetes in Europe, a systematic review to identify all published European prevalence and incidence studies of DED in individuals with diabetes managed in primary health care was performed according to the MOOSE and PRISMA guidelines. The databases Medline, Embase and Web of Science were searched to 2 September 2017. Meta-analyses and meta-regressions were performed. The pooled prevalence estimates were applied to diabetes prevalence rates provided by the International Diabetes Foundation atlas and Eurostat population data, and extrapolated to the year 2050. Data of 35 prevalence and four incidence studies were meta-analyzed. Any diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) were prevalent in 25.7% (95% CI 22.8-28.8%) and 3.7% (95% CI 2.2-6.2%), respectively. In meta-regression, the prevalence of DR in persons with type 1 diabetes was significantly higher compared to persons with type 2 diabetes (54.4% vs. 25.0%). The pooled mean annual incidence of any DR and DME in in persons with type 2 diabetes was 4.6% (95% CI 2.3-8.8%) and 0.4% (95% CI 0.5-1.4%), respectively. We estimated that persons with diabetes affected by any DED in Europe will increase from 6.4 million today to 8.6 million in 2050, of whom 30% require close monitoring and/or treatment. DED is estimated to be present in more than a quarter of persons with type 2 diabetes and half of persons with type 1 diabetes underlining the importance of regular monitoring. Future health services need to be planned accordingly.

DIABSAT Telemedicine Itinerant Screening of Chronic Complications of Diabetes Using a Satellite

BACKGROUND

Health authorities recommend regular screening for the chronic complications of diabetes. The ENTRED ^* survey results show that insufficient screening is undertaken. The DIABSAT ^† program aims to improve care for diabetes patients in rural areas of the Midi-Pyrénées region, telemonitoring complications of diabetes through an itinerant screening service.

METHODS

A vehicle was equipped with a satellite dish and medical equipment for screening ophthalmological, renal, vascular, and neuropathic damage and assessing the level of risk of diabetic foot ulceration. Onboard, a nurse performs some or all of the tests on patients who have had no diabetes review for over a year. The data are entered into a computer and transmitted by satellite for interpretation by designated specialists. The results are sent to patients, general practitioners (GPs), and diabetologists.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-eight screening days were held in six departments of the Midi-Pyrénées between 2010 and 2013. 1,545 patients were screened: mean age 70.7 years, 55.8% men. 93.4% diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, mean duration 11.7 years. Recruitment was chiefly by health professionals (55%). 17-32% of tests detected pathologies: 18.7% diabetic retinopathy, 31.9% microalbuminuria, 17.2% lower limb arteriopathy, 28.3% peripheral neuropathy, and 28.2% high risk of foot ulceration (grade 2: 20.6% and grade 3: 7.6%).

CONCLUSION

The large number of patients screened and the high rate of pathological results found, confirm telemonitoring viability and relevance. DIABSAT, a primary resource for healthcare professionals, improves healthcare access through its innovative organization and use of satellite technology.

[Screening for diabetic retinopathy using a three-field digital nonmydriatic fundus camera in the North of France]

PURPOSE

To evaluate screening for diabetic retinopathy, using three-field nonmydriatic fundus photography, combined with telemedicine, in two hospitals.

METHODS

Patients from the Endocrinology Department of Saint Philibert Hospital were screened consecutively from March 2007 to September 2008. Three 45 degrees digital images per eye examination were taken using a nonmydriatic fundus camera and sent by intranet to the Department of Ophthalmology of Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital for grading by two ophthalmologists.

RESULTS

A total of 1147 patients (52% males, 48% females) were screened. The mean age was 60 years (range, 19-92 years). Most patients had type 2 diabetes (n=1000; 90%). The mean HbA1c was 8%. Microalbuminuria was detected in 239 patients (20.8%). Of these 1147 patients, 521 (45%) said they had never had a fundus examination before. Fundus photography of at least one eye could not be graded in 160 patients (14%). Diabetic retinopathy was detected in 187 patients (19%). Suspected macular edema (hard exudates within one disc diameter of the macular center) was found in 38 patients (3.8%). Referral to an ophthalmologist was required in 347 patients (30%) for diabetic retinopathy and unreadable photographs. During the period of the study, 107 patients had both three-field nonmydriatic photography and dilated funduscopy, which was used as reference. Agreement between the two readers was 0.97.

CONCLUSIONS

Nonmydriatic photography combined with telemedicine is useful for screening for diabetic retinopathy and identifies patients requiring further complete eye examination. Good collaboration between the two centers is required to improve the follow-up after screening in the future.