EFFECT OF ASPIRIN AND ASPIRIN COMBINED WITH DIPYRIDAMOLE IN EARLY DIABETIC RETINOPATHY

In a double blind randomised controlled clinical trial the effect of antiplatelet agents (aspirin 330 mg × 3 × day) or in combination with dipyridamole (75 mg 3 × day) versus placebo, was tested in 475 patients with early diabetic retinopathy. Patients were follewed fourmonthly for 3 years. Ophtalmological examinations were carried out initially and at yearly intervals. The assessment of retinopathy was based on changes in the number of microaneurysms (MA) present in the macular field as seen on fluorescein angiograms over a period of three years. Forty one patients did not complete the study. Among the others at least three readable initial and yearly angiograms were available on 420 patients who had a 3 year follow up (266 insulin treated and 154 non insulin treated). The results are based on these patients.It is concluded that either Aspirin alone or in conjunction with dipyridamole significantly slows down the progression of MA evolution in early diabetic retinopathy. Because of the very small, although significant changes, the clinical relevance of these drugs has not been established.