[Effects of the aldose reductase inhibitor on diabetic polyneuropathy--the efficacy of F wave measurement].

The effects of the aldose reductase inhibitor epalrestat (150 mg/day) on electrophysiological function were examined in 22 NIDDM patients with diabetic polyneuropathy for 6 months. Although no significant differences were observed in sensory (the sural nerve) or motor (the posterior tibial nerve) conduction velocities and amplitude, only F wave conduction velocities were significantly improved at 3 and 6 months after the treatment. There were no significant changes in CV-RR, vibration threshold and laboratory data. No serious side effects were observed during the therapeutic trial. This study suggests F wave is appropriate for the assessment of diabetic neuropathy and for therapeutic trials.