Therapeutic efficacy of flavonoids in oedema following reperfusion on acutely ischaemic legs.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a purified, micronised, flavonoid fraction (Daflon) in lower limb oedema developed after delayed embolectomy and successful reperfusion of acutely ischaemic legs.


METHODS
Our series consisted of 19 patients with prolonged, acute ischaemia of the lower extremity caused by arterial embolism, who had undergone successful embolectomy. Patients were randomised into two groups; ten patients (group I) treated with flavonoids, were compared to nine given a placebo. Ankle and calf circumferences, venous capacitance and venous emptying time were measured preoperatively [T1], on the 2nd [T2], 5th [T3], 8th [T4] and 30th [T5] postoperative days.


RESULTS
An increase of ankle and calf circumference up to 9% and 13.5% respectively, as compared with preoperative values was demonstrated. There was a reduction in oedema formation in patients with the Daflon group, which reached statistical significance only in the ankles (p=0.0276). Calf differences were statistically significant on the second and fifth postoperative days (p<0.05). Venous haemodynamics were considerably improved by Daflon (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Daflon 500 mg had an inhibitory effect on moderate oedema developed after revascularisation of an ischaemic limb.
Filis
K A
KA
First Department of Surgery, University of Athens Medical School, Greece.
Georgopoulos
S E
SE
Papas
S C
SC
Votteas
V
V
Bastounis
E A
EA
D000368:Aged; D004145:Diosmin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004487:Edema / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017128:Embolectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000601:surgery; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000517:prevention & control*
D004145:Diosmin