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Preliminary experience with defibrotide in severe lower limb ischaemia
Haemostasis
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Defibrotide showed potential benefits for patients with severe lower limb ischemia, improving rest pain and circulation in some individuals. Further research is recommended to confirm its efficacy in treating this critical condition.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Severe lower limb ischemia presents a significant clinical challenge with limited treatment options.
- Patients often experience intractable rest pain, ischemic ulcers, and gangrene, indicating advanced peripheral vascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous defibrotide in patients with severe lower limb ischemia.
- To assess the impact of defibrotide on rest pain, ischemic symptoms, and hemodynamic parameters.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of eight patients (aged 65-80) with severe lower limb ischemia received intravenous defibrotide for 5-21 days.
- Outcomes including rest pain, sleep disturbance, analgesic requirements, ankle pressure indices, and adverse events were monitored.
Main Results:
- Four patients experienced improvement in rest pain, and two reported better sleep patterns.
- Ankle pressure indices increased in five patients, suggesting improved circulation.
- Adverse reactions were observed, including gastrointestinal issues and thrombophlebitis at the infusion site.
Conclusions:
- Defibrotide demonstrated some symptomatic and hemodynamic benefits in patients with end-stage peripheral vascular disease.
- Despite adverse reactions, the potential for symptomatic improvement warrants further investigation into defibrotide for severe lower limb ischemia.