Objective  To explore the clinical application of fundus vascular parameters (vessel diameter, curvature and fractal dimension) and cognitive function evaluation in patients with diabetes undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

  Methods  Twenty-six patients underwent peritoneal dialysis with diabetes were divided into normal cognitive function group and impaired cognitive function group according to the results of cognitive function measurement. Demographic data, related indicators and retinal vascular parameters were compared between the two groups.

  Results  There were 12 patients in the normal cognitive function group and 14 patients in the impaired cognitive function group. Compared with the normal cognitive function group, there were significantly more complications and lower residual renal function in the cognitive function impaired group (P < 0.05). The average diameter of arteries, average diameter of veins, arteriovenous ratio and average curvature of veins in the impaired cognitive function group were slightly lower than those in the normal cognitive function group; the mean arterial curvature and vascular fractal dimension were slightly higher than those of the normal cognitive function group, but the differences were not statistically significant (P>0.05). The incidence of microaneurysm in the impaired cognitive function group was significantly higher than that in the normal cognitive function group (P < 0.05).

  Conclusion  Microaneurysm may be a fundus marker of cognitive dysfunction in patients with diabetes undergoing peritoneal dialysis.