Clinical Phenotype of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy and Relation to Symptom Patterns: Cluster and Factor Analysis in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Korea. (13th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Won, Jong Chul; Im, Yong-Jin; Lee, Ji-Hyun; Kim, Chong Hwa; Kwon, Hyuk Sang; Cha, Bong-Yun; Park, Tae Sun
• Other Names: Catrina Sergiu Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of diabetes research. Volume 2017(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-12-13
• Subjects: Diabetes -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Pathophysiology -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Etiology -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Diabetes -- Pathogenesis -- Periodicals; 616.462005
• DOI: 10.1155/2017/5751687
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2314-6745

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives . Patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common complication. However, patients are usually suffering from not only diverse sensory deficit but also neuropathy-related discomforts. The aim of this study is to identify distinct groups of patients with DPN with respect to its clinical impacts on symptom patterns and comorbidities. Methods . A hierarchical cluster analysis and factor analysis were performed to identify relevant subgroups of patients with DPN (n = 1338 ) and symptom patterns. Results . Patients with DPN were divided into three clusters: asymptomatic (cluster 1, n = 448, 33.5%), moderate symptoms with disturbed sleep (cluster 2, n = 562, 42.0%), and severe symptoms with decreased quality of life (cluster 3, n = 328, 24.5%). Patients in cluster 3, compared with clusters 1 and 2, were characterized by higher levels of HbA1c and more severe pain and physical impairments. Patients in cluster 2 had moderate pain levels but disturbed sleep patterns comparable to those in cluster 3. The frequency of symptoms on each item of MNSI by "painful" symptom pattern showed a similar distribution pattern with increasing intensities along the three clusters. Conclusions . Cluster and factor analysis endorsed the use of comprehensive and symptomatic subgrouping to individualize the evaluation of patients with DPN.