Vol 4, No 3 (2003): Practical Diabetology
Research paper
Published online: 2003-05-22
The efficacy of Divascan® (iprazochrome) in the prevention and treatment of early diabetic retinopathy
Diabetologia Praktyczna 2003;4(3):193-198.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. The study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of Divascan®
(iprazochrome) in the prevention of the development of diabetic retinopathy and
treatment of its early variant in patients with diabetes type 2. The safety of
the drug was analysed in patients receiving chronic treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study population consisted of 25 patients (49 eyes) with diabetes type 2 and early non-proliferative retinopathy or without the symptoms of retinopathy by ophthalmoscopy and fundus colour photography. The study was conducted in the double-blind placebo-controlled manner. The drug was given orally in a dose of 5 mg 3 times a day. The duration of follow-up was 12 months. The therapeutic outcome was analysed on the following scale: +1 — improvement, 0 — stable, -1 — deterioration. Statistical analysis was performed using chi square and Mann-Whitney’s tests.
RESULTS. The mean value for the whole group was higher (according to the scale adopted) in the treatment group (0.17; SD = 0.48) as compared with the controls (0.12; SD = 0.44). The percent improvement was also higher in the treatment group. A separate analysis of patients with and without retinopathy revealed a higher percentage value in stable for the treatment group with retinopathy as compared with the controls. The eyes without retinopathy were found stable. Better results of the treatment were observed in women (mean for the treatment group 0.29; SD = 0.47, for the controls 0.17; SD = 0.41) as compared with men - in the treatment group - who were stable. Better results were also found in younger patients.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Divascan® (iprazochrome) may be useful in the treatment of early diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
2. In patients with diabetes type 2 without retinopathy Divascan® (iprazochrome) may prevent the development of retinopathy.
3. Divascan® (iprazochrome) is well tolerated drug and no side effects were observed in chronic treatment.
MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study population consisted of 25 patients (49 eyes) with diabetes type 2 and early non-proliferative retinopathy or without the symptoms of retinopathy by ophthalmoscopy and fundus colour photography. The study was conducted in the double-blind placebo-controlled manner. The drug was given orally in a dose of 5 mg 3 times a day. The duration of follow-up was 12 months. The therapeutic outcome was analysed on the following scale: +1 — improvement, 0 — stable, -1 — deterioration. Statistical analysis was performed using chi square and Mann-Whitney’s tests.
RESULTS. The mean value for the whole group was higher (according to the scale adopted) in the treatment group (0.17; SD = 0.48) as compared with the controls (0.12; SD = 0.44). The percent improvement was also higher in the treatment group. A separate analysis of patients with and without retinopathy revealed a higher percentage value in stable for the treatment group with retinopathy as compared with the controls. The eyes without retinopathy were found stable. Better results of the treatment were observed in women (mean for the treatment group 0.29; SD = 0.47, for the controls 0.17; SD = 0.41) as compared with men - in the treatment group - who were stable. Better results were also found in younger patients.
CONCLUSIONS
1. Divascan® (iprazochrome) may be useful in the treatment of early diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
2. In patients with diabetes type 2 without retinopathy Divascan® (iprazochrome) may prevent the development of retinopathy.
3. Divascan® (iprazochrome) is well tolerated drug and no side effects were observed in chronic treatment.
Keywords: diabetic retinopathypreventionpharmacological treatmentDivascan (iprazochrome)