Update on the safety of thiazolidinediones.
Diabetic patients are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease, and they constitute a large proportion of the global cardiovascular disease burden. Although multiple drugs exist for treating the hyperglycemia associated with diabetes, few have been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk. Great hope surrounded the arrival of the thiazolidinediones-drugs that favorably affect insulin sensitivity, inflammation, and some aspects of lipid profiles in diabetic patients. However, the cardiovascular effects of these agents are varied, and studies have suggested that they may be associated with increases in ischemic heart disease and heart failure, as well as with an increased risk for bone fracture. The following article provides a summary of important studies that have been published regarding the safety profiles of these agents. Findings from two recently published trials, RECORD and BARI 2D, are emphasized in this paper.
Lieb
David C
DC
Department of Medicine, Strelitz Diabetes Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA. liebdc@evms.edu
McCall
Anthony L
AL
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000139:chemically induced; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000009:adverse effects*
D045162:Thiazolidinediones