[Infusion of prostaglandin E1 in resting angina resistant to conventional therapy]

Effect of 48-72 hour infusion of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) was studied in 17 patients with angina refractory to conventional medical treatment (combination of propranolol, 160 mg/day nifedipin, 30 mg/day and nitrates) by the double blind test. PGE1 was infused to 11, placebo to 6 patients. There was no difference between PGE1 and placebo groups in the number of ischemic episodes and duration of myocardial ischemia as evidenced by Holter ECG monitoring. But in 2 patients with vasospastic angina attacks of ischemia were almost completely abolished by PGE1.