APOE genotype is a risk factor for neuropathy severity in diabetic patients.
This cross-sectional study tested the hypothesis that APOE genotype is a risk factor for diabetic neuropathy severity. A model with age, duration of diabetes, and APOE genotype was found to predict (p = 0.0083) severity on the Neuropathy Impairment Score in the Lower Limbs (NISLL). Considering genotype alone, patients with APOE 3/4 and 4/4 genotypes had 3 more NISLL points than patients with other genotypes. This impact on severity is equivalent to having 15 extra years of age or diabetes duration.
Bedlack
R S
RS
Division of Neurology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705, USA. bedla001@mc.duke.edu
Edelman
D
D
Gibbs
J W
JW
Kelling
D
D
Strittmatter
W
W
Saunders
A M
AM
Morgenlander
J
J
D000368:Aged; D001057:Apolipoproteins E / Q000235:genetics*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D001057:Apolipoproteins E