[Efficacy of an extract of Ginkgo biloba in the treatment of chronic obliterating arteriopathies of the lower limbs in stage III of Fontaine's classification].

Abstract A controlled trial of Ginkgo biloba extract in injectable form (Tanakan 50 mg, a lyophilizate for parenteral use) was carried out versus a placebo as a preoperative medical treatment of stage III (Fontaine classification) chronic occlusive arterial disease of the lower limbs (with pain in decubitus). The 64 men and women patients in this multicenter study (32 in each group) were over 18 years of age and had a cultural and intellectual level as well as a physical condition allowing them to play an active role in the experiment (self-evaluation of pain). During 8 days they received two daily infusions of 500 cc of normal saline solution containing either 100 mg of Ginkgo biloba extract or a placebo of identical appearance. During this period, anticoagulants were authorized; hemodilution, vasoactive drugs and platelet anti-aggregates were forbidden; pentazocine (Fortal, 50-mg tablets) was allowed at the patient's request. Pain was rated according to a visual scale, with each patient marking a point between two extremes ("maximum imaginable pain" and "total absence of pain") 100 mm apart. A questionnaire based on that of Melzack (McGill Pain Questionnaire) completed this qualitative as well as quantitative self-evaluation of pain. The results of these questionnaires were assessed on the basis of 4 scores, each determined by the patient's choice among 3 evaluation figures. The chi square, Student and Wilcoxon tests were used for statistical analysis. The two randomly-composed groups with Ginkgo biloba extract and a placebo were comparable (Table I). Analysis was based on 55 observations (26 in the extract group and 29 in the placebo group).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)