The Treatment of Symptoms of the Chronic Painful Form of Diabetic Neuropathy with the Use of Alpha-lipoic Acid (Thiogamma)

Objective: This work was designed to study dynamics of the symptoms of chronic painful form of diabetic neuropathy under the influence of the short-term treatment with alpha-lipoic acid (Thiogamma) and to identify the predictors of its effectiveness. Methods: Was done analysis of treatment with alpha-lipoic acid (hTiogamma) for the diabetic neuropathy patients with chronic pain. Were studied 135 diabetic neuropathy patients with chronic pain (females-69%, males-31%; age - 56,9±11,8, duration of diabetus mellitus 15,8±9,5 years). Range of HbA1c was 8,4±2,3. Was studied dynamics of symptoms. Lipoic acid (Thiogamma) was administered by means of 10 infusions dosed 600 mg each. In order to determine the sensitivity and severity of sensorimotor neuropathy, a standard neurological examination was performed with the calculation of the severity of sensory and motor deficits according to the NIS-LL scale. The strength of neuropathic sensations was evaluated by a visual analogue scale (VAS). Treatment was considered effective, when the intensity of symptoms and pain was reduced by 50% or more. Results: Initially, the average intensity of neuropathic symptoms according to VAS was 5.5 ± 2.6 points. After treatment-3,8±2,1 points. In 55% of patients the treatment was effective. The greatest effect of Thiogamma was noted for seizures, aching pains, tingling, burning and shooting pains. Dynamics of allodynia, hyperalgesia, and negative symptoms was insignificant. Conclusion: We were able to show the uneven dynamics of different neuropathic sensations by the using Thiogamma. Key words: Alpha-lipoic acid (Thiogamma), type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetic peripheral neuropathy.