Iloprost Use in Patients with Persistent Intestinal Ischemia Unsuitable for Revascularization

Persistent or chronic intestinal ischemic injury (i3) can lead to severe malnutrition and acute mesenteric ischemia. Although recommended, revascularization of splanchnic arteries is sometimes unrealizable.

We report a case series of iloprost use in consecutive stable patients with persistent i3 unsuitable for revascularization followed in a tertiary care center. The feasibility of revascularization was discussed and ruled out by a multidisciplinary team, and informed consent was obtained prior to consideration of a vasoactive therapy. Therapeutic response was defined at 6 months by a decrease in the use of analgesic and parenteral nutrition, and no need for intestinal resection.

Between 2006 and 2015, 6 patients (mean age: 51) were included. Splanchnic vascular insufficiency was due to superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis (n = 4), dissection of the celiac trunk and SMA (n = 1), or repeated vasospasm resulting in chronic nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (n = 1). Iloprost was delivered via continuous intravenous perfusion at a maximum dosage of 2 ng/kg/min for 6 hours/day on 4 consecutive days, without severe adverse events. Therapeutic response was observed in 4 patients, 3 of which completely stopped parenteral nutrition and analgesic with no need for intestinal resection.

Our results are consistent with findings of a favorable effect of iloprost in patients with persistent splanchnic ischemia that should be confirmed in prospective trials.