Aim: To evaluate dependence of abnormalities in peripheral nerves and retina in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and nerve conduction studies (NCS).
Material and methods: 50 adolescents with T1D without any signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy and neuropathy (mean age 16.92±1.6 years, diabetes duration 6.88 ±4.34years) were included. In OCTA capillary plexuses superficial (SCP) and deep (DCP) vessel density: whole, foveal and parafoveal, ganglion cell complex (GCC), loss volume focal (FLV) and global loss volume (GLV) were analyzed in relation to NCS parameters (motor nerves median and tibial potential amplitude (CMAP), velocity (CV), distal latency (DML) and F wave and sensory nerves median and sural potential amplitude (SNAP), CV and distal latency (DSL).
Results: We detected the correlations between median sensory SNAP and GCC (r = -0.3, p <0.04), motor nerves tibial DML and CV and FLV (respectively r = -0.53, p<0.001, and r = -0.34, p<0.05), and median DML and GLV (r = 0.47, p<0.001). Vessel densities were related to changes in motor nerves tibial velocity (whole SCP r = 0.43, p <0.01, parafoveal SCP r = 0.41, p <0.01), CMAP (parafoveal SCP r = -0.35, p<0.03), median DML (whole DC r = 0.36, p<0.03, foveal DCP r = 0.37, p<0.02) and in sensory median SNAP (whole SCP r = -0.31, p<0.05).
Conclusions: In adolescents with T1D without diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy we detected associations between NCS and OCT and OCTA parameters, regarding decreased GCC and density of superficial and deep vessel plexuses in relation to DML and CV and amplitudes of sensory and motor potential.