Related Experiment Videos
Digoxin does not accelerate progression of diabetic retinopathy
T W Gardner1, R Klein, S E Moss
1Department of Ophthalmology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey 17033, USA.
Diabetes Care
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Digoxin, a heart medication, does not accelerate the progression of diabetic retinopathy. Studies found no significant link between digoxin use and worsening retinopathy in diabetic patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients.
- Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions by inhibiting Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether digoxin accelerates the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
- To assess the association between digoxin use and the incidence and risk of retinopathy in diabetic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of two large cohort studies: Wisconsin Epidemiologic Study of Diabetic Retinopathy (WESDR) and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS).
- Comparison of retinopathy incidence and progression in diabetic patients taking digoxin versus those not taking digoxin.
- Standardized grading of stereoscopic color fundus photographs to assess retinopathy severity.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association was found between digoxin use and the 4-year incidence of retinopathy in the WESDR.
- Digoxin use was not associated with an increased risk or progression of retinopathy in either the WESDR or ETDRS cohorts after adjusting for other risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Current data suggest that digoxin therapy does not adversely impact the course of diabetic retinopathy.
- Digoxin appears to be safe concerning diabetic retinopathy progression in patients with diabetes.