Improvement in quality of life and adverse effects in patients with chronic arterial occlusive disease treated with alprostadil alpha-cyclodextrin through the peripheral venous route

Objectives. To evaluate local and systemic complications in patients treated with alprostadil alpha-cyclodextrin (AAC) through the peripheral venous route, as well as changes in the quality of life of these patients Method. A descriptive, observational, prospective study was performed. All patients admitted to the Angiology and Vascular Surgery Unit of the University Hospital of Albacete who fulfilled the criteria for therapeutic indication of AAC administration between September 2001 and April 2002 were included. Each patient received the treatment according to a protocol previously established through consensus in the unit. Sociodemographic variables, associated disease, type and degree of arterial disease, local and systemic complications with administration of each of the cycles, and quality of life at the beginning and end of the treatment were studied. Results. Forty-four patients were studied. A total of 65.5% had arterial disease in the most advanced stage. The most frequent systemic complications were allergic reactions and nausea; treatment had to be discontinued in 11.4% of patients. Local complications consisted of pain and erythema in the area of the venous line (mean 1.29 every 10 treatment doses); there was a mean of 0.97 line changes every 10 doses and 38.6% of the changes was due to phlebitis. The results of the EUROQOL questionnaire showed improvement in: mobility, ability to perform personal care, ability to perform daily activities, pain, and anxiety/depression. Conclusions. Treatment with AAC according to the established protocol is safe and improves perceived quality of life.