CHRONIC EFFECTS OF O-(BETA-HYDROXYETHYL)-RUTOSIDES ON MICROCIRCULATION AND CAPILLARY FILTRATION IN DIABETIC MICROANGIOPATHY

Forty patients with diabetic microangiopathy were studied by measuring skin blood flow at rest (RF) and venoarteriolar response (VAR) with laser-Doppler flowmeter, by transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2 measurements and by evaluation of capillary filtration (rate of ankle swelling [RAS]) using straingauge plethysmography. Twenty randomly selected patients (group 1) were treated in the first period of six months with oral O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (HR) (1 gm TID), while 20 other patients acted as controls. In the second period of six months, HR was given only to group 2. After six months there were no significant changes in the control group, but a significant improvement of the microcirculatory parameter was observed in patients treated with HR. In the second period of six months, there was a significant improvement in microcirculation in group 2 (HR), while in group 1 (controls) microcirculatory parameters became similar to those observed at the begining of the study. HR acted on microcirculation decreasing RF, increasing transcutaneous PO2 and decreasing PCO2. Capillary filtration was also decreased. Treatment with HR appears to be beneficial in diabetic microangiopathy because it improves abnormal microcirculatory parameters and decreases capillary permeability. Future studies are needed to investigate whether the effects of HR treatment on microcirculation may protect against the long-term evolution of diabetic microangiopathy.