The intrainfusion platelet rebound during and following PGE1-infusion is faster and more intensive than that with PGI2.

During continuous long-term prostacyclin infusion an intra- and post-infusion rebound of platelets has been reported. During the present study 8 patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease in stage IIb according to Fontaine have been infused intravenously at a constant rate of 5 ng/kg/minute for seven days. Throughout this time the platelet function parameters were followed daily in the morning. An intrainfusion platelet rebound occurs using PGE1 as well. In comparison to the data for PGI2 published earlier it is noteworthy that the rebound for PGE1 occurs faster and more intensive. We conclude that for both the antiaggregatory prostaglandins PGE1 and PGI2, an intermittent treatment scheme seems to be optimal at the moment.