Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes mellitus. Protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor's has been thought to be a potential disease modifying drug's in DPN as it slows or reverse neuropathy's progression. To assesses the efficacy and safety of ruboxistaurin on the progression of symptoms, signs, or functional disability in DPN.
A systematic review of the literature databases like PubMed, ProQuest, EBSCO, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central was performed up to August 2012. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PKC inhibitor ruboxistaurin (RBX) with control and lasting at least 6 months. Our primary outcome measure was change in neurological examination, measured by neurological total symptom score (NTSS) and vibration detection threshold (VDT). Secondary outcome measures were total quality of life (QoL), skin microvascular blood flow and others.
Six RCTs were included in review. Change in neurological function assessed by NTSS was reported in six studies, out of which significant difference between the RBX and placebo group seen in four studies favouring treatment group while remaining two studies reported no significant difference. VDT was assessed in only one study in which no significant difference seen between RBX and placebo group. Two studies reported significant improvement in QoL data. Safety data was reported in only two studies in which none of side effect was related to RBX.
RBX had effects on DPN in some studies, but the evidence is not enough for meta-analysis and firm conclusion.
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Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is known to be a good surrogate marker of clinical atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a major predictor for developing neuropathy. The goal of this study was to determine the relationship between baPWV and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes.
A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 692 patients with type 2 diabetes. The correlation between increased baPWV and DPN, neurological symptoms, and neurological assessment was analyzed. DPN was examined using the total symptom score (TSS), ankle reflexes, the vibration test, and the 10-g monofilament test. DPN was defined as TSS ≥2 and an abnormal neurological assessment. Data were expressed as means±standard deviation for normally distributed data and as median (interquartile range) for non-normally distributed data. Independent
Patients with DPN had higher baPWV and systolic blood pressure, and were more likely to be older and female, when compared to the control group. According to univariate analysis of risk factors for DPN, the odds ratio of the baPWV ≥1,600 cm/sec was 1.611 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.072 to 2.422;
Increased baPWV was significantly correlated with peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
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Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), a common and troublesome complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), contributes to a higher risk of diabetic foot ulcer and lower limb amputation. These situations can negatively impact the quality of life of affected individuals. Despite its high prevalence and clinical importance, most diabetes mellitus patients not only do not recognize the presence of diabetic neuropathy, but also do not report their symptoms to physicians or other health care providers. Therefore, DPN is usually under diagnosed and undertreated. For early detection and appropriate intervention for DPN, a careful history, physical with neurologic examination, and prompt treatment are needed in T2DM patients.
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