Clinical Observation of Probucol for Nonproliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of probucol for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Methods: 68 patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) were studied from Jan. 2012 to Aug. 2013. These patients were divided into four groups. Group A consisted of 17 patients receiving enhanced therapy and probucol; Group B consisted of 17 patients receiving enhanced therapy; Group C consisted of 17 patients receiving regular therapy and probucol; Group D consisted of 17 patients receiving regular therapy. Group A and Group C were given probucol of 0.375 g twice per day. All patients were followed up for average 11.58 ± 0.17 months. The changes of best corrected visual acuity, fundus, total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C) before therapy and one year after therapy were observed. Results: 1) The fundi of Group A and Group C were significantly improved (P 0.05); but the difference between the fundi of Group B and of Group D was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). 2) The best corrected visual acuity of Group A and Group C was improved significantly (P 0.05); but the best corrected visual acuity of Group B and Group D did not change significantly (P > 0.05). 3) The TC and LDLC level of Group A and Group C decreased significantly (P 0.05); There was no significant difference between the TC and LDLC level of Group A and of Group C (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of probucol for nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy is significant with less complications.