title: [Long-term effects of cyclic therapy with iloprost in systemic sclerosis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the long-term effects of cyclic infusion of iloprost, a derivative of prostacyclin, on Raynaud's phenomenon-related symptoms and ischemic ulcers in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc).
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected parameters in 59 consecutive SSc patients, followed at one institution, who were treated for a median time of 52 months with iloprost for severe Raynaud's phenomenon and ischemic ulcers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 50 patients with ischemic ulcers at the start of therapy, 35 (70%) did not show lesions at the last observation. Despite therapy, four patients underwent amputations (two of forefoot, two of finger distal phalanges). Compared to the pre-treatment point, we observed: decrease of the Raynaud's phenomenon VAS (p<0.001), and, in patients with diffuse cutaneous involvement, of the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (p=0.002). The Health Assessment Questionnaire was not significantly improved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Treatment with cyclic iloprost can control Raynaud's phenomenon-related symptoms and ischemic ulcers in the large majority of patients with SSc. However, a disease-modifying effect of this therapy could not be demonstrated.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Reumatologia ed Immunologia Clinica, Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italia. scarsi@bresciareumatologia.it
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scarsi
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Danieli
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Frigè
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Grottolo
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zambruni
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Airò
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016285:Iloprost / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D016285:Iloprost