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Comparison between intravenous iloprost and vasoactive drugs in limb ischemia IIB severe. A retrospective analysis

M M Di Salvo1, G Ardita, L Giani

  • 1Department of Angiology, Vittorio Emanuele Ferrarotto, S. Bambino Hospital, Catania, Italy.

Minerva Cardioangiologica
|May 31, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Iloprost treatment significantly improved pain-free walking distance in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) claudication. This vasodilator therapy offers a promising option for improving mobility and quality of life in PAD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) stems from atherosclerosis, increasing risks of heart attack, stroke, and vascular death.
  • Claudication affects one-third of PAD patients, impairing walking capacity and quality of life.
  • Severe PAD (IIB stage) with limited walking distance (<100m) lacks effective medical treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively analyze the efficacy of iloprost versus vasodilator drugs (buflomedil or pentoxifylline) in patients with severe claudication.
  • To evaluate the impact of these treatments on pain-free walking distance (PFWD).

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 99 patients with severe PAD.
  • 79 patients received iloprost (10-day cycles, 4x/year); 20 patients received buflomedil or pentoxifylline.
  • Pain-free walking distance (PFWD) was measured via treadmill test at baseline and 3, 6, 12, and 18 months.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in bypass surgery or endovascular procedures between groups.
  • Iloprost treatment showed a significantly greater improvement in PFWD compared to control (P=0.02).
  • Consistent and statistically significant improvements in PFWD were observed with iloprost at all follow-up points (P<0.0001).

Conclusions:

  • Iloprost demonstrates effectiveness in enhancing walking distance for patients with severe IIB stage PAD.
  • This suggests iloprost as a potential therapeutic option for improving mobility in severe claudication.
  • Further research may validate iloprost's role in managing advanced peripheral arterial disease symptoms.
Abstract

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