THE EFFECT OF TAPROSTENE ON PLATELET UPTA KE RATIO AND CLINICAL OUTCOME AFTER PERCUTANEOUS TRANSLUMINAL ANGIOPLASTY

In a double blind pilot study, we examined the effects of the stable p rostacyclin derivate taprostene compared to a combination of aspirin a nd dipyridamole on platelet uptake and clinical outcome after peripher al percutaneous angioplasty. Taprostene was administered to 19 patient s as a continuous intravenous infusion from 2 hours before until 8 (n = 6) or 24 (n = 6) hours after angioplasty; 7 control patients were gi ven a combination of 330 mg aspirin and 75 mg dipyridamole. Uptake of 111-indium labelled platelets at the site of the PTA was measured 3 ho urs before and 4 and 24 hours after angioplasty. Clinical parameters w ere obtained one day before PTA, on the following day and 3 months aft er the procedure. There was a tendency for slightly higher platelet up take ratios in the taprostene groups as compared to the control group especially in patients requiring technically difficult procedures. The re were no differences between the groups with regard to primary succe ss or periinterventional complications. In the taprostene patients, 3 early reocclusions were found up ro 72 hours after the procedure and 1 late reocclusion within 3 months. Tn the control group, no reocclusio n was apparent in the observation time. No advantages were found when taprostene was administered during angioplasty as compared to conventi onal treatment with aspirine and dipyridamole.