505-P: Relationship between Plasma CRP and Fibrinogen Measured Using Dried Blood Samples and Vascular Complications in Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background: Measurement of biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) should improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of CVD and enhance disease prediction. Innovative approaches like the use of dried blood samples in assessing these biomarkers could simplify population-based studies.

Method: In this ongoing cross-sectional study, we enrolled 44 patients with T2DM (41% male, mean age 63.7 years). Following a fingerstick, five drops of blood were collected using a device containing absorbent paper and a desiccant (HemaSpot-HF®). Levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen were measured using a Luminex assay. The presence of vascular complications (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, heart disease or stroke) was determined through an interview of each participant and a detailed chart review. Nonparametric M-W tests with exact p-values were used to compare groups using SPSS and R software.

Results: Patients with nephropathy had significantly higher levels of fibrinogen recovered from the devices (147.55 ± 163.27 mg/dl) compared to those without nephropathy (22.64 ± 10.27 mg/dl), (p=0.043). There was no significant relationship between fibrinogen and other vascular complications or CRP with any of the vascular complications associated with T2DM (p>0.05 for all).

Conclusion: Higher plasma fibrinogen was found among patients with T2DM and nephropathy compared to those without nephropathy. This may reflect a higher state of systemic inflammation related to tissue damage. The use of a dried blood sample method for biomarker assays can be applied to larger population studies and towards simplifying translational biologic research.