Tromethamol salt of thioctic (alpha-lipoic) acid in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy

Abstract

Thioctic acid tromethamol salt (thioctacide 600, ASTA Medica, Germany) was used in the treatment of 20 diabetics with type 1 disease with pronounced diabetic neuropathy (DN). The drug was injected intravenously by drip infusion in 200 ml 0.9% sodium chloride for 3 weeks (5 times a week with 2-day intervals), after which it was given orally, I tablet 30 min before breakfast for 4-8 weeks. After the course essential improvement was observed in all the patients. According to the questionnaires, pain decreased by 64%, and according to DN score 2.3 times. Elec-troneuromyographic parameters improved significantly, cardiac rhythm variability increased in 67% patients with stable heartbeat. In the placebo group 50% patients noted improvement, but it was far less expressed. Hence, the study demonstrated a high efficiency of thioctacide in the treatment of patients with DN.