Randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial of pentoxifylline in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Issue 7214 (2nd October 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dale, J J; Ruckley, C V; Harper, D R; Gibson, B; Nelson, E A; Prescott, R J
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 319:Issue 7214(1999)
• Page Start: 875
• Page End: 878
• Publication Date: 1999-10-02
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.319.7214.875
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To determine whether pentoxifylline 400 mg (Trental 400) taken orally three times daily, in addition to ambulatory compression bandages and dressings, improves the healing rate of pure venous ulcers. Design: Randomised, double blind placebo controlled trial, parallel group study of factorial design, permitting the simultaneous evaluation of alternative pharmaceutical, bandaging, and dressings materials. Setting: Leg ulcer clinics of a teaching and a district general hospital in southern Scotland. Participants: 200 patients with confirmed venous ulcers and in whom other major causal factors were excluded. Interventions: Pentoxifylline 400 mg three times daily or placebo. Main outcome measure: Complete healing (full epithelialisation) of all ulcers on the trial leg. Results: Complete healing occurred in 65 of the 101 (64%) patients receiving pentoxifylline and 52 of the 99 (53%) patients receiving placebo. Conclusions: The difference in the healing rates between patients taking pentoxifylline and those taking placebo did not reach statistical significance.