Cilostazol reduces dry eye symptoms and improve walking distance in patients with peripheral artery disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Cilostazol is a phosphodiesterase III inhibitor that has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects and can act with beneficial effect in Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). This clinical trial evaluates the effects of cilostazol on the tear film.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Following the run-in period, subjects were randomly into two groups: 40 subjects treated with cilostazol and 40 no-treated subjects. The Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) has been administered to all patients.

RESULT: The data obtained from comparison of the two study groups A and B were, respectively, the following: Schirmer I: 10.2±0.2 Vs 13.8±0.4 (p< 0.001); Schirmer II: 3.8±0.1 Vs 4.6±0.2 (p<0.001); Break-up time (BUT) 4.2±0.3 Vs 6.5±0.2 (p<0.001) with disappearing of symptoms. The WIQ showed a significant difference in the walking distance (p<0.05) and calf pain severity (p<0.005) of treated patients. In comparison with the placebo group, treated patients showed an improvement (p<0.03) in calf pain severity.

CONCLUSION

The administration of cilostazol was effective, in reducing DES and improve walking distance questionnaire.