Vascular dementia Italian sulodexide study (VA.D.I.S.S.). Clinical and biological results.
In order to evaluate the biological effects on some haemostasis factors of antithrombotic-hemorheological treatments on patients with vascular dementia, a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, study comparing sulodexide (Sdx, 50 mg bid orally for 6 months) and pentoxifylline (Ptx, 400 mg tid orally for six months) was carried out. Eighty-six patients, 46 in Sdx group, 40 in Ptx group, fulfilling the NINDS-AIREN criteria for probable vascular dementia were evaluated. Plasma fibrinogen levels showed a significant reduction in both groups, in patients with high basal levels (> or = 350 mg/dl), the reduction being earlier in Sdx group (2nd month of therapy) than in Ptx group (4th month of therapy). In Sdx group a significant reduction in factor VII-Ag (baseline 102.8 U/dl; 6th month 90.1 U/dl) was also observed. Both drugs induced a slight reduction in activated factor VII levels as well. A parallel improvement of G.B.S. Rating Scale for dementia scores was observed in Sdx group. These results seem to indicate that sulodexide treatment can have positive effects in vascular dementia.
Parnetti
L
L
Section of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Perugia University, Italy. parnetti@unipg.it
Mari
D
D
Abate
G
G
Balestreri
R
R
Cucinotta
D
D
Coppola
R
R
Cherubini
A
A
Ferrari
P
P
Senin
U
U
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D014665:Vasodilator Agents; C007858:glucuronyl glucosamine glycan sulfate; D010431:Pentoxifylline