PENTOXIFYLLINE INCREASES RETINAL CAPILLARY BLOOD-FLOW VELOCITY IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether oral pen toxifylline would improve retinal microvascular hemodynamics and blood theology in patients with diabetes. Design: Patients were enrolled in a double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of pentoxifylline at 2000 m g/d. Retinal capillary blood velocity and leukocyte density, filterabi lity, viscosity, and fibrinogen content were measured by the blue-fiel d entoptic phenomenon simulation, filtration, rotational viscosimetry, and heat precipitation techniques, respectively, before, during, and after drug therapy. Results: Treatment with pentoxifylline resulted in a 23.2%, 26.8%, and 37.8% increase in capillary blood flow velocity a t 1, 2, and 3 months oi therapy, respectively, with a return to pretre atment baseline levels 1 month after cessation of therapy. There were no apparent effects on the remaining variables during treatment. Concl usion: Pentoxifylline increases retinal capillary blood flow velocity in patients with diabetes.