[Prostaglandin E1 in stage III and IV arterial occlusive diseases. results of a multicenter study].

In a controlled randomized trial at four centers, using a common protocol, 57 patients with advanced chronic arterial occlusive disease (21 in stage III, 36 in stage IV) were treated with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) or adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for three weeks. Both substances were administered intraarterially over 60 min. Daily dose of PGE1 was 20 micrograms, of ATP 30 mg. Both produced a significant reduction in resting pain at the end of the treatment phase, in stage III significantly better with PGE1. There was also a clear reduction in the use of analgesics, significantly more so with PGE1. Healing or improvement of ulcers was significantly better with PGE1, while there was no significant differences between the two drugs as regards stage improvement. Three amputations had to be performed in the PGE1 group, nine in the ATP group, a significant difference. Side effects in the form of reddening, pain and swellings occurred in 15 patients of the PGE1 group and six of the ATP group. Final verdict by the treating doctor about the success of treatment was significantly more favorable for PGE1.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes