title: Phenytoin in the treatment of diabetic symmetrical polyneuropathy.
abstract: The efficacy of phenytoin in the treatment of the symptoms of diabetic symmetrical polyneuropathy has been tested in a double-blind, crossover study. Symptoms were evaluated daily by linear analogue self-assessment, while control of blood glucose and plasma phenytoin level were monitored on a weekly basis. There was no significant improvement in symptoms on phenytoin, whether analyzed in aggregate, as pain alone, or on the last 3 days of each treatment week. Blood glucose, however, was elevated in diabetic patients taking phenytoin, and the incidence of  undesirable side effects was increased. It is concluded that phenytoin has no role in the treatment of diabetic symmetrical polyneuropathy.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010919:Placebos; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D010919:Placebos; D010672:Phenytoin