Global Advanced Research Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences (GARJMMS) ISSN: 2315-5159
December 2018 Special Issue, Vol. 7(10), pp. 214-220
Copyright © 2018 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Article

Efficacy of α-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy. A Randomized, Double–Blind Study

Millán-Guerrero RO MD. DSc¹*, García-Ramírez AL MD², Trujillo-Hernández B MD. DSc¹, Caballero-Hoyos R DSc1, González–Pérez O MD.DSC³, Isais-Millán S MD¹ and Trujillo-Magallón Erick MD¹

¹Unidad de Investigación en Epidemiología Clínica, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Colima, Col.
²Medicina Física y de Rehabilitación, HGZ No.1 Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Colima.
³Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Colima, Colima, México.

Registration number: 2009-601-13

*Corresponding Author E-mail: millanrebeca@hotmail.com; Phone: 01312-31-4-17-57; Fax: 01312-31-4-17-57

Accepted 19 June, 2018

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of α-lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy focusing on sensory symptoms, nerve conduction velocity and H reflex in type 2 diabetes mellitus. 100 diabetic patients presenting with symptomatic polyneuropathy were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. They received a daily dosage of 1200mg of α-lipoic acid (n = 50) or placebo (n = 50) for 4 weeks. Main results were evaluated with the Total Symptom Score (TSS). Secondary results included nerve conduction velocity, individual symptom score, and H-reflex. Mean age was 50.9±8.0 years, mean disease duration was 10±6.3 years and mean fasting glucose was 169±110 mg/mL. The statistical analysis of data collected showed no significant differences between the baseline values obtained for the alpha lipoic acid and the placebo groups (p>0.05). Analysis showed that by the end of the 4th week, there was not a significant difference between both groups in the Michigan variable, Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity and H-reflex variable. In our study after 4 weeks of treatment, the effects of α-lipoic acid oral not shown significant clinical improvement; results from both the α-lipoic acid group and the placebo group. 

Keywords: Diabetic neuropathy, type 2 diabetes mellitus, α-lipoic acid, double–Blind Study

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