Results of hemorheologically active treatment with pentoxifylline in patients with cerebrovascular disease.

Ten patients with acute stroke and impaired erythrocyte deformability received pentoxifylline parenterally in daily doses of 1.2-1.5 g for ten days (Study A). Hemorheologic parameters: erythrocyte aggregation, erythrocyte deformability, plasma viscosity, and yield shear stress were monitored. While plasma viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation did not change significantly, there was marked improvement in erythrocyte deformability and yield shear stress. Nine patients improved clinically, 1 died. In 40 patients with lacunar infarcts (Study B) clinical and hemorheologic data were recorded during a three-month treatment with 800 to 1,600 mg oral pentoxifylline per day. The above-quoted variables, being pathologically altered in comparison with healthy controls, were again monitored. Thirty-six patients completed the study (4 dropouts). Clinically, 34 patients improved during treatment, 2 worsened. Hemorheologic variables, which were pathologically altered at baseline, improved significantly. Improvement of accompanying disturbances in the retinal microcirculation (confirmed by video fluorescence angiography) during therapy indicated a close correlation between hemorheologic factors and microcirculation.