Meta-analysis of some results of clinical trials on sulodexide therapy in peripheral occlusive arterial disease.
The aim was to look at the effect of sulodexide in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD), by verifying, through meta-analysis of Italian data, if the drug affects the clinical course of claudication or the main risk factors for POAD. Sulodexide increases the pain-free walking distance (benefit 36% vs controls, P < 0.001). The meta-analysis confirmed the effectiveness of sulodexide in improving claudication (lower limit of the 95% CI for overall odds ratio always > 1). There was a marked effect in lowering triglycerides (overall -28%, P = 0.0015), fibrinogen (-13%, P < 0.0001) and plasma and serum viscosities, and in increasing high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (24.4%, P = 0.0007). The medium-term administration of sulodexide has a therapeutic effect on claudication of diabetic and/or hyperlipidaemic patients suffering from POAD stages- and also counteracts several POAD risk factors. Long-term use of sulodexide appears to be well tolerated. The treatment has a low daily cost; therefore, it has a favourable cost-benefit ratio, in view of the high general costs associated with global POAD care, particularly in diabetic patients.
Centre for Athorosclerosis Study and Metabolic Diseases, Giancarlo Descovich, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy.
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Gaddi
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Galetti
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Illuminati
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Nascetti
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001809:Blood Viscosity / Q000187:drug effects; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D005080:Exercise Test; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000378:metabolism; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007383:Intermittent Claudication / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D007558:Italy; D008875:Middle Aged; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D014280:Triglycerides; C007858:glucuronyl glucosamine glycan sulfate; D005340:Fibrinogen