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.
Gaddi
A
A
Centre for Athorosclerosis Study and Metabolic Diseases, Giancarlo Descovich, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Italy.
Galetti
C
C
Illuminati
B
B
Nascetti
S
S
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