In this multicentre double-blind study, 100 insulin-treated diabetics with background retinopathy were randomly assigned to treatment with either 250 mg ticlopidine b.i.d. (49 patients) or placebo (51 patients). The primary aim of the study was to assess the evolution of retinopathy by fluorescein angiography performed annually for at least 3 years. The metabolic control of diabetes was evaluated by quarterly assessement of the haemoglobin Ai level. Safety parameters, especially haematologic variables were closely monitored. The proportion of patients with favourable results was higher in the ticlopidine group (55.2%) than in the placebo group (36.6%). However, this difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.123), most probably because of the too limited number of patients studied. In the placebo group, a significant relationship was found between the unfavourable evolution of diabetic retinopathy and more fluctuating haemoglobin Ai levels. Such a relationship was not observed in the ticlopidine group. This could be regarded as an expression of the therapeutic effect of the compound. The number and nature of side-effects was similar in both treatment groups. However, the proportion of patients who prematurely discontinued study treatment because of side-effects was significantly higher in the ticlopidine group. Mean levels of biological, and in particular haematologic, parameters did not change significantly except for a significant increase in the cholesterol level in the ticlopidine group, which, however, remained within normal limits.

Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, Diabetic retinopathy, Ticlopidine
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1992 S. Karger AG, Basel
1992
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.