Effect of Pentoxifylline on Microalbuminuria in Diabetic Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract EN

Background.

Pentoxifylline is a nonspecific phosphodiesterase inhibitor with anti-inflammatory properties.

Human studies have proved its antiproteinuric effect in patients with glomerular diseases, but this study was designed to assess the effects of add-on pentoxifylline to available treatment on reduction of microalbuminuria in diabetic patients without glomerular diseases.

Methods.

In a double-blind placebo-controlled, randomized study we evaluated the influence of pentoxifylline on microalbuminuria in type 2 diabetic patients.

40 diabetic patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of more than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in eight weeks and microalbuminuria were randomized to two groups which will receive pentoxifylline 1200 mg/day or placebo added to regular medications for 6 months.

albuminuria; eGFR was evaluated at three- and six-month follow-up period.

Results.

Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups.

At six months, the mean estimated GFR and albuminuria were not different between two groups at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Trend of albumin to creatinine ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and eGFR in both groups were decreased, but no significant differences were noted between two groups ( P value > 0.05).

Conclusion.

Pentoxifylline has not a significant additive antimicroalbuminuric effect compared with placebo in patients with type 2 diabetes with early stage of kidney disease; however, further clinical investigations are necessary to be done.