Defibrotide therapy for thrombophlebitis--controlled clinical trial

Area of Science:

• Vascular Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) presents significant acute and chronic complication risks.
• Current therapies like anticoagulants and fibrinolytic agents often cause severe side effects.
• Defibrotide offers a novel approach with antithrombotic and profibrinolytic properties, lacking anticoagulant activity and major adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of defibrotide in treating acute thrombophlebitis.
• To assess defibrotide's impact on fibrinolysis and venous function.
• To determine the safety profile of defibrotide in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• A group of 10 patients with acute thrombophlebitis received intravenous defibrotide (200 mg TID) for 15 days.
• Fibrinolysis parameters were monitored bi-daily.
• Venous function was assessed weekly using strain-gauge plethysmography and venous occlusion tests.

Main Results:

• Defibrotide treatment led to significant improvements in plethysmographic indices of venous function.
• A significant increase in profibrinolytic activity was observed.
• Patients experienced rapid resolution of clinical and instrumental signs of thrombophlebitis.

Conclusions:

• Defibrotide demonstrates significant efficacy in treating acute thrombophlebitis.
• The drug promotes profibrinolytic activity and enhances venous function.
• Defibrotide appears to be a safe treatment option for acute thrombophlebitis, with no reported side effects.