Effectiveness of antiplatelet drugs for the prevention of diabetic nephropathy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIMS: To evaluate the effects of antiplatelet drugs on proteinuria, renal function, and blood pressure (BP) in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed. Relevant RCTs were identified by a systematic search of the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. A random-effects model was applied to pool the results. RESULTS: Antiplatelet drugs significantly reduced urinary albumin excretion (weighted mean difference (WMD) = -69.25 mg/24, p = 0.005) and the urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.33, p = 0.009). However, renal function as reflected by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (WMD = -1.15 mL/min/1.73m2, p = 0.46) and BP (systolic BP: WMD = 1.53 mmHg, p = 0.35; diastolic BP: WMD = 0.40 mmHg, p = 0.70) were not significantly affected by antiplatelet drugs within 12 months of use (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Antiplatelet drugs may benefit patients with DN by reducing proteinuria. The long-term effects of antiplatelet drugs on the progression of DN warrant further evaluation.
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