Association of serum calprotectin with peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

INTRODUCTION: Peripheral neuropathy is a common microvascular complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with a prevalence of around 50%. OBJECTIVES: This prospective observational cross-sectional study was done to assess serum calprotectin levels among diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy as compared to those without neuropathy. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 126 diabetic patients attending the out-patient department of JIPMER Hospital, Pondicherry from July 2017 to January 2019. The subjects were divided into two groups (with and without peripheral neuropathy) and underwent nerve conduction study of both the lower limbs. Blood samples were collected and stored at −80°C for estimation of serum calprotectin. Serum calprotectin levels were compared between diabetic patients with and without peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS: Serum calprotectin levels were increased in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) as compared to those without DPN. However, there was no significant difference in the mean value of serum calprotectin among the various sub-groups of DPN. CONCLUSION: Serum calprotectin, an inflammatory biomarker is elevated in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy as compared to those without neuropathy.