According to the ACCORD-Eye substudy, addition of fenofibrate to statin therapy in type 2 diabetes had which effect on diabetic retinopathy progression?
- A It accelerated progression by worsening lipid profiles in the retina
- B It slowed progression, an effect independent of its modest effect on plasma lipids ✓
- C It slowed progression only in patients whose triglycerides normalized
- D It had no measurable effect on any retinopathy endpoint
Correct answer: B. It slowed progression, an effect independent of its modest effect on plasma lipids
Explanation
ACCORD-Eye found that fenofibrate reduced 3-year progression of diabetic retinopathy by roughly one third compared with placebo, and the benefit was independent of the degree of lipid lowering, implying a direct protective mechanism possibly involving reduced inflammation and oxidative stress. This mirrors the earlier FIELD trial. Indian exam convention treats fenofibrate as adjunctive therapy for early diabetic retinopathy alongside glycemic and blood pressure control.
Reference: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.