Prostaglandins and -Analogs in The Treatment of Platelet Vessel Wall Interaction

Endogenous prostaglandins have been shown to beneficially affect the haemostatic balance. Experimental as well as clinical pharmacological data confirmed this benefit for PGE1, PGI2 and the analogs iloprost and taprostene. Controlled trials are available in the sequence of number and quality for PGE1, iloprost and PGI2. The intermittent, intravenous long-term treatment seems to be the preferable one, especially in the studies conducted more recently. In general, the above mentioned studies show a clear benefit for the patients concerning various endpoints such as painfree walking distance, pain relief, ulcer healing or amputation rate. These results underline the clinical value of this group of substances and the promise in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease.