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New treatment options in intermittent claudication: the US experience
1University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO, USA.
Summary
Cilostazol effectively improves walking distance and quality of life for intermittent claudication patients. While other treatments exist, cilostazol shows significant benefits in clinical trials for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intermittent claudication management focuses on risk factor modification, pain reduction, and improved quality of life.
- Pharmacological treatments and exercise rehabilitation are key strategies to enhance walking distance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy of pharmacological treatments for intermittent claudication.
- To evaluate cilostazol's effectiveness compared to other agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
- Analysis of studies on oxpentifylline, cilostazol, and naftidrofuryl.
- Inclusion of emerging treatments like L-arginine and growth factors.
Main Results:
- Cilostazol significantly improves maximal and pain-free walking distances in moderate to severe intermittent claudication.
- Cilostazol also enhances the physical quality of life dimensions for patients.
- Oxpentifylline's efficacy is debated, while naftidrofuryl is approved in Europe.
Conclusions:
- Cilostazol is a proven pharmacological treatment for improving walking capacity and quality of life in intermittent claudication.
- Emerging therapies like L-arginine and angiogenic growth factors show promise for future treatment strategies.