[The efficacy of "Ticlid" in treatment of diabetic retinopathy].

PURPOSE: The efficacy of "Ticlid" (ticlopidine) with insulin-dependent patients and early forms of diabetic retinopathy was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Examinations were carried out with 52 patients (103 eyes), including 31 women and 21 men, average age--39.9. With 33 patients (65 eyes), ticlopidine was applied twice a day in the dose of 250 mg, the rest, i.e. 19 patients (38 eyes), the control group, received a Rutinoscorbine tablet three times a day. Before the beginning of the treatment and then every three months the following parameters were examined: visual acuity for far and near distances, ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography and colour photography of the fundus. With the group of patients who received ticlopidine, fibrinolytic activity of plasma (ECLT), threshold pro-aggregative concentration for ADP in rich platelet plasma and the factor of platelet aggregates (WAP) were determined. The follow-up time of the patients lasted from 16 to 36 months (average 21.5 months). RESULTS: More frequent although nonsignificant improvement and stabilization of far distance visual acuity was ascertained in the patients receiving ticlopidine. The same group manifested a significantly frequent (p < 0.02) improvement and stabilization of the changes in the fundus. A significant shortening of ECLT (p < 0.01), a complete stopping of II phase aggregation, a significant (p < 0.01) increase in WAP could be observed as well. The above results indicate the favourable influence of ticlopidine on retina vessels in patients with the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.