Int J Angiol 2008; 17(3): 143-148
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1278299
Original Articles

© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Five-year treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides: Safety aspects

S. Stuard1 , Maria Rosaria Cesarone2 , Gianni Belcaro2 , Mark Dugall2 , Andrea Ledda2 , Marisa Cacchio3 , Andrea Ricci2 , Edmondo Ippolito4 , Andrea Di Renzo2 , Maria Giovanna Grossi2
  • 1Unita Operative Dialisi/Diaferesi, LAquila;
  • 2Irvine3 Vascular Labs, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chieti University, San Valentino Vascular Screening Project;
  • 3Department of Physiology, Chieti University, Chieti;
  • 4Department of Vascular Surgery, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
28 April 2011 (online)

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), and related signs and symptoms of venous and diabetic microangiopathy, can be effectively treated with O-(β-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides (HR). The aim of the present independent registry study was to evaluate HR in a long-term (five- year) period of administration that examined the tolerability and safety of HR. Patients with severe CVI and venous microangiopathy were included in the registry. Subjects who completed five years of treatment were considered in the analysis. Blood parameters, liver and renal function tests, microalbuminuria (in diabetic patients) and cholesterol levels were evaluated to assess the effects of HR treatment. Four groups were studied — group A (98 patients) received oral HR (1500 mg per day), group B (87 diabetic patients with CVI) was treated with 2 g of HR per day, group C (90 controls, including 42 diabetic patients) had no pharmacological treatment and group D (113 patients, including 48 diabetic patients) used elastic stockings. No significant negative changes in blood parameters were recorded at two and five years. Decreases in microalbuminuria and total cholesterol, and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were observed in HR-treated patients, particularly in diabetic patients. Minimal (nonsignificant) variations were observed in the groups that did not use HR. In conclusion, HR treatment is safe, and some positive effects from HR on cholesterol levels and microalbuminuria (in diabetic patients) that were previously observed may suggest potential new clinical applications.

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