Use of pentoxifylline as an inhibitor of free radical generation in peripheral vascular disease. Results of a double-blind placebo-controlled study.

The effects of an infusion of pentoxifylline 1 g as an inhibitor of free radical generation have been determined in a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Leucocyte-derived free radical generation (by the superoxide dismutase-inhibitable reduction of ferricytochrome), the release of reactive oxygen metabolites (as plasma oxidant activity), unfractionated leucocyte and erythrocyte filterability rates (using a constant-flow positive-pressure system), plasma viscosity, and plasma fibrinogen concentration have been measured in two matched groups of 10 patients with Stage II peripheral vascular disease, before and after treatment. Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (PtcO2) during treadmill exercise to stress leg circulation was also measured.

Effect of physical training on leukocyte rheology throughout induced ischaemia.

Before and after a physical training programme a treadmill exercise was used to stress leg circulation and induce ischaemia in 20 patients affected by peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) was monitored constantly and blood samples drawn at baseline, the onset of calf pain, the maximum walking time, the minimum TcPO2 value, and when the TcPO2 recovered half its basal value. The mononuclear and polymorphonuclear leucocyte subfractions were separated by density and their filterability rates (through 5 microns pore diameter Nuclepore filters) measured using a positive pressure filtration system.

Temporal arteritis presenting as an extrapyramidal disorder.

A case of temporal arteritis presenting with extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor, rigidity and extrapyramidal hypertonus) unresponsive to conventional treatment is here described. The onset of headache and laboratory abnormalities suggestive of temporal arteritis prompted a temporal artery biopsy which confirmed the diagnosis; the administration of corticosteroids led to the resolution of all symptoms.

Leucocyte behaviour in controlled ischaemia of the calves.

Whole blood filterability and leucocyte behaviour (number, activation, and subfraction filterability rates) were monitored at the earliest stage of peripheral ischaemia in 18 patients with stage II peripheral occlusive arterial disease (PAOD) and 20 matched controls. A model of controlled ischaemia, using exercise to stress leg circulation, was set up and blood samples were taken before exercise, at the onset of calf pain, and at recovery from peak exercise. Leucocytes were counted, separated into their subfractions on a Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient and by adhesion to Petri dishes, and filtered in buffer (like the whole blood suspensions) through 5 microns pore diameter Nucleopore filters.

Non-invasive cardiovascular monitoring in Shy-Drager syndrome.

The pattern of arterial blood pressure and heart rate were investigated in a patient with progressive autonomic dysfunction and nineteen healthy age-matched controls. A marked postprandial reduction of blood pressure was observed in the patient; this phenomenon was not noted in the control group; besides, the rhythmicity of blood pressure and heart rate were altered with peak values shifted approximately eight hours later with respect to the controls.

[384 papillosphincterostomy operations. Indications, technic, results and long-term control].

The immediate and long-term results of 384 papillosphincterostomy operations carried out between 1969 and 1979 are presented and discussed. After defining the operation exactly, indications for it are illustrated, i.e.