Continuous Infusion Treatment with Pentoxifylline in Patients with Severe Peripheral Vascular Occlusive Disease

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Abstract
The effect of continuous i.v. infusion of pentoxifylline, administering 1,200 mg/24 hours through 15 days, was studied in 22 patients (19 m, 3 f) with arterio graphically confirmed extensive occlusion in the femoro-popliteal segment, as sociated with marked intermittent claudication and rest pain of varying sever ity. The following parameters were used for the verification of the therapeutic response: Flow resistance factor (RF), pressure indices at rest (RPI) and after exercise (PPI and recovery time (RT) assessed by means of ultrasonic Doppler technique; muscle and skin blood flow at rest and after exercise using 99m Technetium Clearance Technique (TC); toe skin temperature (TST) by electric thermometer; painfree walking distance (WD) assessed on treadmill (horizon tal, 4 km/h); rest pain (RP) was assessed by a 4-step-relief-scale. There was an overall good response to treatment, the studied parameters showing the following changes: RF improved in 12/17 patients (= 70%); RT decreased in 14/22 patients (= 63%) RPI and PPI showed no change; TC (mus cle) increased after exercise in 17/22 patients (= 77%); TC (skin) increased after exercise in 20/22 patients (= 90%); WD increased on average by 80% (from 115 m to 206 m); TS increased in 16 limbs; RP showed an overall relief. The results of this study indicate that the continuous infusion of pentoxifyl line is safe and effective in improving the condition of patients with severe pe ripheral vascular disease.