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Ketanserin in intermittent claudication. A double-blind placebo-controlled study
D L Clement1, D Duprez, A Van Wassenhove
1Department of Cardiology-Angiology, University Hospital, State University of Ghent, Belgium.
Summary
Ketanserin significantly improved walking distance in patients with intermittent claudication. This drug demonstrated sustained benefits and minimal side effects, suggesting potential therapeutic value for peripheral artery disease.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intermittent claudication is a common symptom of peripheral artery disease, significantly impacting quality of life.
- Limited effective pharmacological treatments exist for intermittent claudication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ketanserin in patients with intermittent claudication.
- To assess the impact of ketanserin on walking distance and blood pressure parameters.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 20 patients with intermittent claudication (ankle/arm blood pressure ratio ≤ 0.75).
- Patients received ketanserin 40 mg twice daily or placebo for three months, followed by a six-week placebo run-out period.
Main Results:
- Ketanserin significantly increased pain-free walking distance by 36% compared to placebo (p < 0.04).
- Total walking distance increased by 15% with ketanserin and 11% with placebo during the double-blind phase.
- Ketanserin attenuated the rise in systemic blood pressure post-exercise and showed minimal side effects.
Conclusions:
- Ketanserin demonstrates potential as a valuable treatment for intermittent claudication.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and identify patient subgroups that benefit most.