[The treatment of critical lower limb ischemia using serotonin]

This paper describes the first experience with conservative treatment of 30 men suffering from critical lower limb ischemia using serotonin as an agent which may return endogenous vasomotility to normal and eliminate tissue hypoxia. Good and satisfactory results were obtained in 76% of patients (43 and 33% respectively). Deterioration followed by amputation was marked in 7% of patients. The removal or considerable abatement of rest pains was recorded in 86% (53 and 33% respectively) of cases. Amputation was performed in 10% of patients. It is recommended that serotonin adipinate should be included into multiraodality therapy of atherosclerotic critical lower limb ischemia. The use of the treatment method suggested will allow to improve the treatment results, to reduce the number and level of amputations, and to minimize the percentage of disability.