Efficacy of Alpha-Lipoic Acid in the Treatment of Diabetic Polyneuropathy. A Randomized, Double Blind Study (P03.199)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid in the treatment of diabetic polyneuropathy focusing on sensory symptoms, nerve conduction velocity and H reflex in type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients at Hospital General IMSS Colima, Mexico. Background Diabetes mellitus can present neuropathy as a complication with an elevated risk for developing foot ulcers with subsequent amputation. Design/Methods: 100 diabetic patients presenting with symptomatic polyneuropathy were enrolled, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of a daily dosage of 1200mg of alpha lipoic acid n = 50 vs placebo n = 50 for 4 weeks. Main results were evaluated with Total Symptom Score TSS. Secondary results included nerve conduction velocity, individual symptom score, and H reflex. The above parameters were recorded at zero point, and; after treatment for 2, 4 weeks separately. Results: A total of 62 women and 38 men were included with a mean age of 53.9 years; a mean diabetes mellitus progression of 10 years. 50.27 patients with symptomatic polyneuropathy improved after treatment with alpha lipoic acid for 4 weeks vs 18.27 with placebo. TSS declined by 2.6 with alpha lipoic acid. And over 0.7 vs placebo P Conclusions: Oral treatment with Alpha lipoic acid for 4 weeks may improve symptoms in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy. A 600mg dosage, bid. for 4 weeks showed pronounced positive effects with little adverse. Disclosure: Dr. Millan-Guerrero has nothing to disclose. Dr. Garcia-Ramirez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gonzalez-Perez has nothing to disclose. Dr. Millan-Guerrero has nothing to disclose. Dr. Isais-Millan has nothing to disclose. Dr. Castillo-Varela has nothing to disclose.