Effects of sarpogrelate hydrochloride on skin ulcers and quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis.

5-Hydroxytryptamine 2A serotonin receptor (5-HT(2A) ) is associated with the contraction of vascular smooth muscle, platelet aggregation and thrombus formation and coronary artery spasms. Sarpogrelate hydrochloride (sarpogrelate) is a selective 5-HT(2A) antagonist and was supposed to be effective for Raynaud's phenomenon with collagen disease. Sarpogrelate has not been investigated regarding the effects, safety and quality of life (QOL) in patient with skin ulcers of collagen disease. Eleven patients with skin ulcers and systemic sclerosis (SSc) were administrated sarpogrelate p.o. three times a day for 3-6 months. The area (mean ± standard error) of skin ulcer at the pretreatment, and after 3 and 6 months of sarpogrelate intake was 2.1 ± 0.8, 0.2 ± 0.1 and 0.1 ± 0.1 mm(2), respectively. The reduction of skin ulcer area was significant after 3 months of sarpogrelate intake. In assessment of QOL, scores of symptoms and emotions but not of functioning were significantly improved after sarpogrelate intake. The global score (mean ± SE) of Skindex-16 at pretreatment, and after 3 and 6 months of sarpogrelate intake was 31.8 ± 8.7, 23.7 ± 8.3 and 10.9 ± 4.6, respectively. The score was significantly improved after 6 months of sarpogrelate intake. There were no obvious side-effects during this study. Sarpogrelate was considered to be a useful drug to improve skin ulcers and QOL in patients with SSc.