Effect of pentoxifylline on microalbuminuria in diabetic patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

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 m(2) 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.

Figure 1

Patients who entered to the study, divided into the study groups and analyzed.

Figure 2

Comparison of trend of studied variables in time points between case and control groups. Case group included 20 patients who received regular medications plus 400 mg pentoxifylline. Control group included 20 patients who received regular medications plus placebo. Statistical analyses were done using ANOVA and no significant differences were noted between groups for trend of albumin/creatinine ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and glomerular filtration rate at time points (P values > 0.05).