[Blood rheology in peripheral occlusive disease. Effects of hemodilution and pentoxifylline]

The understanding of rheological relations in peripheral chronic arterial occlusive disease gained in the past two decades allows the conclusion that an efficient conservative therapy may be realized by rheological measures even in advanced states of this vascular disease. The points of therapeutic approach are the flow properties or the fluidity of the blood. The therapeutic objective consists in the improvement of the microcirculation by restoring perfusion reserves for the formation of collaterals. Employment of hemodilution and administration of the rheologically active drug pentoxifylline are quoted as exemplary possibilities for a promising treatment. The therapeutic procedures must also include consequent elimination of risk factors and should bear in mind correction of hypercoagulation in order to counteract the progression of the disease.