Results of Hemorheologically Active Treatment with Pentoxifylline in Patients with Cerebrovascular Disease

Abstract

Ten patients with acute stroke and impaired erythrocyte deformability received pentoxifylline parenterally in daily doses of 1.2-1.5 g for ten days (Study A). Hemorheologic parameters: erythrocyte aggregation, erythrocyte deformability, plasma viscosity, and yield shear stress were monitored. While plasma viscosity and erythro cyte aggregation did not change sig nificantly, there was marked improve ment in erythrocyte deformability and yield shear stress. Nine patients improved clinically, 1 died.

In 40 patients with lacunar in farcts (Study B) clinical and hemo rheologic data were recorded during a three-month treatment with 800 to 1,600 mg oral pentoxifylline per day. The above-quoted variables, being pathologically altered in comparison with healthy controls, were again monitored. Thirty-six patients com pleted the study (4 dropouts). Clini cally, 34 patients improved during treatment, 2 worsened. Hemorheologic variables, which were pathologically altered at baseline, improved signifi cantly. Improvement of accompanying disturbances in the retinal microcir culation (confirmed by video fluores cence angiography) during therapy indicated a close correlation between hemorheologic factors and microcir culation.