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TREATMENT OF DIABETIC NEUROPATHY WITH CLOFIBRATE
Author(s) -
Berenyi Magdalena R.,
Straus Bernard,
Miglietta Osvaldo E.
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-5415.1971.tb02426.x
Subject(s) - medicine , clofibrate , peripheral neuropathy , placebo , gastroenterology , diabetic neuropathy , surgery , anesthesia , diabetes mellitus , endocrinology , pathology , alternative medicine
A bstract Since angiopathy is an important factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, any drug which modifies lipid deposition in the peripheral vessels is of value in therapy. Therefore a double‐blind study was made of the lipid‐lowering agent, clofibrate (ethyl chlorophenoxyisobutyrate). Clofibrate (2 gm daily) was given to 9 patients with diabetie neuropathy, and a placebo to 6 such patients, during a 12‐month period. The diagnosis of neuropathy was confirmed by electromyography. Seven of the 9 clofibrate patients improved clinically during the medication period, as judged by the disappearance of pain, paresthesia and numbness, by an increase in muscle strength, and by a return of deep tendon reflexes. Only 1 of the 6 placebo patients showed clinical improvement. Moreover, in 3 of the placebo group, peripheral vascular complications developed which resulted in gangrene and leg amputation. In none of the clofibrate patients did vascular complications develop during the same period. No untoward side effects were noted. The concentration of serum lipids (cholesterol, total lipids, phospholipids and triglycerides) did not change significantly in either group. Changes of conduction velocity in the motor and sensory nerves were not significant in the clofibrate group, whereas there was a tendency toward deterioration in the placebo group. The clinical improvement observed and the lack of major side effects with the dosage used warrant further study of clofibrate in the management of diabetic neuropathy.