AIM:To define the relationship between platelet distribution width(PDW), fibrinogen(FIB)and severity of diabetic retinopathy(DR).

METHODS: The survey included 99 patients with DR(48 with non-proliferative and 51 with proliferative DR)in our hospital during June 2012 and May 2014. Another 50 diabetic patients without DR and 50 healthy volunteers were matched as controls. Demographic data and disease history were gained. Fasting blood sample were collected to measure PDW, FIB, platelet count, fasting blood glucose and HbA1c.

RESULTS: Compared with healthy controls(16.6%±1.2%), a significant difference was found in PDW values among diabetic patients(all P<0.05). The higher development of DR corresponded with a significantly higher level of PDW 17.6%±1.8%, 19.1%±2.1%, and 20%±1.9% for patients without DR, non-proliferative DR and proliferative DR, respectively, the difference had statistical significance(P<0.05). A significant difference was also found in FIB values among diabetic patients and healthy controls(P<0.05). After correction for age, gender, disease duration and HbA1c, multi factor Logistic analysis showed that there were significant increased risks in the prevalence of non-proliferative(OR: 1.464, PDW)(OR: 2.199, FIB)and proliferative DR(OR: 1.652, PDW)(OR: 2.691, FIB)with the increased PDW and FIB value(all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION: The PDW and FIB value are parallel with the severity of DR, and there is increased risk of non-proliferative and proliferative DR with the PDW and FIB value increases.