Effect of Pentoxifylline on inflammatory factors and quality of life in hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Introduction: Increased levels of inflammatory factors remains a common complication in patients with renal failure, which can lead to many other complications and have a negative impact on the quality of life. According to the anti-inflammatory effects of pentoxifylline, this drug can have a significant effect in reducing serum levels of inflammatory factors and increasing the quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Aim: To evaluate the effects of Pentoxifylline on inflammatory factors and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Method: This study was conducted as a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. 100 chronic hemodialysis patients were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups; the treatment group consisted of 50 patients who received 400 mg of Pentoxifylline daily for 3 months. The control group consisted of 50 patients who received daily 400 mg of placebo for 3 months. The placebo tablet, other than the active ingredient, was quite similar to the pentoxifylline tablet. Serum levels of CRP and TNF-α was evaluated and compared before and after the study. SF-36 questionnaire for assessment of quality of life was used at the start and end of the study. Results: The results displayed a significant decrease in serum levels of TNF-α and CRP in pentoxifylline group compared to placebo group. Also a significant improvement was obsereved in all components of QoL . Any relations between QoL and TNF-α and CRP concentration was not obsereved.

Conclusion: Daily consumption of pentoxifylline 400 mg led to the reduction of serum levels of TNF-α and CRP and significant improvement in main components of QoL in patients. There was no relations between QoL and TNF-α and CRP concentration change.