Efficacy of enhanced external counterpulsation therapy in type 2 diabetes patients with lower extremity vascular disease

Objective To determine the efficacy of enhanced external counterpulsation therapy (EECP) in type 2 diabetes patients with lower extremity vascular disease. Methods A prospective randomized and controlled study was conducted in our hospital. Type 2 diabetes patients with lower extremity vascular disease were randomly divided into research group (n=100) and control group (n=100). Patients in research group underwent EECP and general therapy, while patients in control group only underwent general therapy. The ankle-brachial index (ABI), the degree of occlusion in lower limb vessel, the severity of symptoms, and the level of serum VEGF were compared between research group and control group. Results After EECP treatment, ABI value and serum VEGF level were significantly elevated in research group [(0.97±0.11) vs.(0.73±0.20), (2.357±0.745) vs.(1.021±0.406); P=0.04, 0.01], the severity of symptoms and the degree of vascular occlusion were improved (P=0.02, 0.02). ABI value and serum VEGF level in research group after treatment were higher than those in control group [(0.97±0.11) vs.(0.71±0.09), (2.357±0.745) vs.(0.998±0.438); P=0.02, 0.01], the severity of symptoms and the degree of vascular occlusion were decreased in the research group compared with control group(P=0.01, 0.02). The side-effects of EECP included leg swelling, skin damage, tachycardia and bradycardia, these symptoms can be cured. Conclusions EECP is a safety and effective method for the treatment of type 2 diabetes patients with lower extremity vascular disease. Key words: Type 2 diabetes; Lower extremity vascular disease; Enhanced external counterpulsation; Effect