The use of pentoxifylliue in insdindependent diabetics with late complications

Abstract

The use of pentoxifylline in diabetic patients was studied with regard to therapeutic and prophylactic activity, side-effects, diabetic control, lipid metabolism and possible changes in the function of several organs. Twenty-seven out of 30 patients with diabetic neuropathy responded well to pentoxifylline. The 4 patients with angina remained unchanged. Elevated blood pressure values were improved in 6 out of 18 patients with hypertension. Pentoxifylline, sometimes combined with antibiotics, produced improvements in 9 out of 10 patients with gangrene in various stages. In particular, the absence of vascular disorders following long-term medication in 37 patients free from initial diabetic complications is indicative of the prophylactive activity of pentoxifylline. No adverse effects were observed. Symptoms of poor tolerability in the form of mild digestive upset were recorded in some 3% of the 122 patients. No changes were noted in liver chemistry values, cardiac function (ECG), blood constituents or lipid metabolism. Pentoxifylline medication was compatible with insulin therapy which was given concurrently in all cases. The authors recommend pentoxifylline particularly for the prophylactic therapy of diabetics with a view to avoiding or at least delaying late sequelae due to microcirculatory impairment. © 1979 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.