iloprost and Varicose-Ulcer

The disturbed microcirculation is seen as a causative factor in provoking venous leg ulcers. The stable prostacyclin analogue iloprost has shown beneficial effects on the disturbed microcirculation after intravenous infusions. In this study the topical route was chosen in order to facilitate handling and to reduce the possibility of systemic adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of two concentrations of iloprost solutions (0.0005% and 0.002%). The trial design was a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study in 11 centres in Germany with 49 patients allocated to treatment 1 (placebo solution); 49 patients to treatment 2 (0.0005% iloprost solution) and 50 patients to treatment 3 (0.002% iloprost solution). The study solutions were applied twice weekly for a period of eight weeks on the ulcer edge and ulcer surrounding. This study failed to show any statistically significant reduction in the ulcer size as a result of the iloprost treatment compared to the placebo treatment. Possible reasons for the findings are discussed.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Iloprost; Male; Middle Aged; Prospective Studies; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Healing

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Iloprost in the treatment of venous ulcers.. We recruited 52 patients with uncomplicated venous ulcers of the lower limbs. They were divided into two groups: the first (29 patients) was given Iloprost in saline solution for three weeks, while the second (23 patients) received saline solution only. The size and number of ulcers were determined at the start of the treatment and then every 15 days for six months.. Ulcer size diminished faster in the patients treated with Iloprost, with 100% healed within 120 days. In the placebo group, 82.60% had healed by the end of the 180-day observation period. This difference was statistically significant. Ulcer cicatrization was also faster in the treatment group (65.51% after 60 days, 86.20% after 90 days and 100% after 120 days), whereas in the placebo group, the ulcers had still not healed in 17.40% of patients by the study end.. Iloprost can significantly reduce healing time for venous leg ulcers without any specific complications.

Topics: Combined Modality Therapy; Compression Bandages; Female; Humans; Iloprost; Male; Middle Aged; Retrospective Studies; Varicose Ulcer