Benfotiamine in treatment of alcoholic polyneuropathy: An 8-week randomized controlled study (BAP I study)

A three-armed, randomized, multicentre, placebo-controlled double-blind stu dy was used to examine the efficacy of benfotiamine vs a combination contai ning benfotiamine and vitamins Bg and Bit in out-patients with severe sympt oms of alcoholic polyneuropathy (Benfotiamine in treatment of Alcoholic Pol yneuropathy, BAP I). The study period was 8 weeks and 84 patients fulfilled all the prerequisite criteria and completed the study as planned. Benfotia mine led to significant improvement of alcoholic polyneuropathy. Vibration perception (measured at the tip of the great toe) significantly improved in the course of the study, as did motor function, and the overall score refl ecting the entire range of symptoms of alcoholic polyneuropathy. A tendency toward improvement was evident for pain and co-ordination; no therapy-spec ific adverse effects were seen.