Flight microangiopathy in medium-to long-distance flights: Prevention of edema and microcirculation alterations with total triterpenic fraction af Centella asiatica

The aim of this study was the evaluation of microcirculatory alterations as sociated with edema in passengers travelling for more than 3 hours and the study of the effects of TTFCA (total triterpenic fraction of Centella asiat ica) on the development of microcirculation alterations and edema, in a pro spective, randomized study. Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF), transcutaneous P O2 and PCO2, rate of ankle swelling (RAS) were used. Subjects were randomiz ed after informed consent into two groups: one control group (no drug or ot her treatment), and a treatment group (TTFCA 60 mg thrice daily for 2 days before the flight, the day of the flight, and for another day after the fli ght). Inclusion criteria were age range between 30 and 50, mild-moderate su perficial venous disease with varicose veins. Subjects traveled in economy class. In controls there was a progressive increase in CO2, PAS, and edema score and a progressive decrease in flux (RF) and venoarteriolar response w ith flying time. The variations in all parameters were milder (p > 0.05) in the TTFCA group. RAS and edema were significantly lower in the TTFCA-treat ed group (p < 0.025). The progressive increase in RAS, PCO2, and the decrea se in VAR and O-2 were linearly associated with flight time (up to 10 hours ). These results are very interesting and indicate an option for patients p rone to edema and microcirculation disturbances during long flights.