Prostaglandin E1 in decreased arterial perfusion
Pilger, E.; Bertuch, H.; Stark, G.; Hönigl, K.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 100(14): 490-495
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 3062908 Document Number: 311592
Prostaglandin E 1 has been used for the past 15 years in decreased peripheral arterial perfusion with differing degrees of success. The exact mechanism of action has not been clarified so far. Vasodilatation, increased fibrinolytic activity and an improved cellular metabolism were observed in response to PGE 1 in animal experiments both in vivo and in vitro. In the clinical studies performed so far PGE 1 has been used in cases of decreased peripheral arterial perfusion after functional, inflammatory, degenerative or diabetic arteriopathy (stages IIb-IV). Reduction or alleviation of ischaemic rest pain, as well as a faster healing of tissue necrosis was reported after intaarterial administration, especially in non-controlled, but also in controlled studies. Intravenous administration of PGE 1 had a positive influence on clinical symptoms in non-placebo-randomized patients; in the controlled studies, however, the results were not significant. The greatest therapeutic success can be achieved using intermittent intraarterial administration in decreased peripheral arterial perfusion due to functional or inflammatory arteriopathies.