CITICOLINE AS A SUGGESTED NOVEL ADJUVANT FOR PAINFUL DIABETIC POLYNEUROPATHY

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the effectiveness of citicoline as suggested adjuvant therapy for painful diabetic polyneuropathy based on evidences. Pain is one of the most common symptoms that make patients consult with a doctor, especially chronic pain. One of the examples is painful diabetic polyneuropathy, which prevalence is increasing by global development. Diabetic polyneuropathy is the most common cause of neuropathic pain caused by long-term complications of microangiopathy. Affect not only individual socioeconomic status but also the psychological aspect of the patient. Neuropathic pain is one of the most common causes of long-term disability. Some medicines already recommended as the drug of choice, but not all of them give maximum results. Adjuvant neuroprotector therapy is often considered to help manage painful diabetic polyneuropathy, such as citicoline, which has been proven in some studies. Painful diabetic polyneuropathy is very challenging because of its pathophysiology, which has not fully understood. The different mechanism of pain sensation is still unknown but it is thought that the oxidative stress after microangiopathy triggers the discharge of abnormal load from damaged neurons. Some analgetics have not given the expected result. Conclusion. Citicoline may be suggested as adjuvant therapy based on evidences with animal subject, but further studies with human subject are still needed.