Beneficial results of pentoxifylline ('Trental') therapy in arteriosclerosis obliterans: possible mechanism of action.

A study was carried out in 17 patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans to assess the effectiveness of treatment with pentoxifylline ('Trental') and to investigate its possible mechanism of action. Patients received pentoxifylline on a combined intravenous/oral dosage regimen for 3 weeks and then were maintained on 800 mg orally for a further 2 weeks. The results showed that there was clinical improvement in 16 patients which was evident as a significant increase in the pain-free walking distance and blood flow in ischaemic legs, and the disappearance of rest pain.