From September 1999 to September 2001 we treated 45 patients affected with peripheral occlusive arterial disease at Stage IIb (25) and III (20, of whom 6 had Buerger's disease) with a continuous infusion of Iloprost. We used an alternative infusion method: 28 consecutive days by elastomeric pump. The outcome was encouraging: increased walking distance in 76% of the Stage IIb patients, marked decrease in pain in the Stage III patients (complete regression of pain in the patients with Buerger's disease). The side-effects were: fushing in two patients, which receded after three days' treatment; phlebitis at the infusion site in 5 cases, which required a new venous access. The infusion method we used offers the advantages of achieving a steady plasma drug concentration throughout the 24 hour period, markedly reducing hospitalisation costs (3-5 days' hospitalisation, after which the elastomeric pump can be recharged once a week in day-hospital) and minimal or no discomfort for the patient.
Continuous infusion of Iloprost by elastomeric pump in stage IIb and III peripheral occlusive arterial disease
SANFILIPPO, ROBERTO;
2003-01-01
Abstract
From September 1999 to September 2001 we treated 45 patients affected with peripheral occlusive arterial disease at Stage IIb (25) and III (20, of whom 6 had Buerger's disease) with a continuous infusion of Iloprost. We used an alternative infusion method: 28 consecutive days by elastomeric pump. The outcome was encouraging: increased walking distance in 76% of the Stage IIb patients, marked decrease in pain in the Stage III patients (complete regression of pain in the patients with Buerger's disease). The side-effects were: fushing in two patients, which receded after three days' treatment; phlebitis at the infusion site in 5 cases, which required a new venous access. The infusion method we used offers the advantages of achieving a steady plasma drug concentration throughout the 24 hour period, markedly reducing hospitalisation costs (3-5 days' hospitalisation, after which the elastomeric pump can be recharged once a week in day-hospital) and minimal or no discomfort for the patient.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.