Browsing by Subject "ZnT8A"

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We set out to define the relationship between autoantibodies against zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) and other diabetes-associated autoantibodies, HLA DR-DQ alleles and metabolic status in Finnish children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (n=723). Metabolic status was monitored by plasma glucose and pH at diagnosis, and through a 2-year follow-up of C-peptide concentrations, daily insulin dose and GHb levels. RESULTS ZnT8A-positivity was detected in 530 children (73%). Positivity for ZnT8A was associated with older age (median 8.9 vs. 8.2 years, P=0.002) and more frequent ketoacidosis (24% vs. 15%; P=0.013). Children carrying the HLA DR3 allele were less often ZnT8A-positive (66% vs. 77%, P=0.002) than others. ZnT8A-positive children had lower serum C-peptide concentrations (P=0.008) and higher insulin doses (P=0.012) over time than their ZnT8A-negative peers. CONCLUSIONS Positivity for ZnT8A at diagnosis seems to reflect a more aggressive disease process both before and after diagnosis.