Pentoxifylline--efficient in the treatment of venous ulcers in the absence of compression?
The aim of the study was to test the efficacy and tolerability of pentoxifylline on the healing of venous ulcers in the absence of standard limb compression. The study used a prospective randomized, open, controlled, comparative, parallel group design. The study included 80 eligible patients with confirmed venous ulcers (with clinical and photoplethysmography findings). The patients received either pentoxifylline 1200 mg per day (3 x 400 mg) orally in addition of local therapy, or the same local therapy alone. The main outcome measures were complete healing of ulcers, change in the ulcer area over the six-month observation period, and tolerability of the drug. The results showed that complete healing occurred in 23 (57.5%) patients receiving pentoxifylline and 11 (27.5%) patients without pentoxifylline (log rank test =2.49, p=0.013). Unwanted effects of pentoxifylline occurred in 11/40 (27.5%) patients but were mild. Pentoxifylline is concluded to be efficacious in healing of venous ulcers in patients unable to tolerate compression therapy.
Department of Dermatovenerology, University Clinical Center, Vodnjanska 17, 2000 Skopje, Macedonia. nikolsk@yahoo.com
Suzana
S
Nikolovska
Ljubica
L
Pavlova
Nada
N
Petrova
Gorgi
G
Gocev
Martin
M
Ivanovski
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001458:Bandages; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D014945:Wound Healing
D010431:Pentoxifylline