Prevalence and Initial Predictors of Treatment Discontinuation in DRCRnet Research Studies
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By
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Klyve N. Otinkorang
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Gui-shuang Ying
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September 11, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Prevalence and Initial Predictors of Treatment Discontinuation in DRCRnet Research Studies
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Diabetic Retinopathy |
| Key Mechanisms | Demographic and clinical variables as predictors of treatment discontinuation. |
| Target Population | Individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus participating in clinical studies. |
| Care Setting | Clinical research studies evaluating treatments for diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema. |
Key Highlights
- Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of preventable blindness.
- Racial and ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by diabetes and related ocular conditions.
- Participant discontinuation in clinical studies can bias treatment effect estimates.
- The study analyzed data from 19 DRCRnet studies involving 7353 participants.
- Demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed as predictors of study discontinuation.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus is required for study inclusion.
Management
- Consider demographic and clinical factors when designing studies to improve participant retention.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor baseline characteristics such as HbA1c, blood pressure, and visual acuity.
Risks
- Discontinuation can lead to loss of statistical power and bias in treatment effect estimates.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Participants in clinical studies evaluating diabetic retinopathy treatments.
Understanding predictors of discontinuation may inform future study designs.
Clinical Best Practices
- Implement strategies to enhance participant retention in clinical studies.
- Collect comprehensive demographic and clinical data to identify at-risk populations.
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