Abstract

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM, both types 1 and 2), affecting millions of individuals worldwide. DM is known to induce changes in platelet function and hemostasis, thereby elevating the risk of thrombotic incidents. The hyperglycemic environment in DM can trigger platelet hyperactivity, potentially exacerbating the onset and progression of DR. Despite the intricate pathophysiology of DR, which involves oxidative stress, inflammation, retinal neovascularization, and the disruption of the blood-retina barrier, the specific mechanisms underlying platelet hyperactivity in the microvasculature of DM patients remain inadequately explored. Antiplatelet and anticoagulation medications have proven beneficial in preventing macrothombosis events in patients with DM. Further understanding of their therapeutic and prophylactic effects on DR could improve the understanding of underlying mechanisms and the treatment of not only DR, but other microvascular complications. This study’s purpose is to conduct a scoping review on the current literature surrounding the impact of antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications on patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2024

Notes/Citation Information

CC-By Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/SKWHC

Funding Information

Funder: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Award number: 5R01HL160910-02

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