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Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders

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Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article

The effect of transdermal nitroglycerin on pain control in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy

Authors: Arman Taheri, Arash Farbood, Ramin Heshmat, Afshin Samadi, Patricia Khashayar, Mostafa Qorbani, Mohammad Ghorbani, Ghazaleh Ebrahimi Khaneqah

Published in: Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders | Issue 1/2015

Abstract

Background

Despite high prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy there is no definite treatment for the condition. The present study was conducted to assess the efficacy of transdermal nitroglycerin patch in pain control of patients with DPN.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, crossover study was conducted on 30 patients with symmetric distal peripheral neuropathy and good glycemic control. The patients were randomly assigned to receive nitroglycerin transdermal and placebo patches in two 4-week stages. The severity of pain and other neuropathic sensory symptoms were assessed at the end of each course.

Results

Mean reduction of pain severity was more prominent in the NTG group compared to placebo group of the study (p = 0.048) at least during the first phase of the study. Except for mood and sleep, a significant reduction in all Brief Pain Inventory scores was noted in the drug group (all corrected p < 0.05). SF-MPQ also showed the drug patch to be effective in improving different aspects of pain measured using McGill Pain Questionnaire, except for Role–emotional.

Conclusions

It could be concluded that nitroglycerin plasters can effectively help alleviate pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy.

Trial registration

IRCT201308223213N1

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Title: The effect of transdermal nitroglycerin on pain control in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Arman Taheri
Arash Farbood
Ramin Heshmat
Afshin Samadi
Patricia Khashayar
Mostafa Qorbani
Mohammad Ghorbani
Ghazaleh Ebrahimi Khaneqah
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 2251-6581
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40200-015-0217-3

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Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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