[Role of pentoxifylline in prevention and treatment of adult respiratory distress syndrome].

Pentoxifylline (3,7-dimethyl-1-/5-oxohexyl)-xanthine (PTXF) is a drug that has been demonstrated to improve peripheral vascular circulation. The mechanism of this effect is believed to involve the prevention of platelet aggregation, reduction of blood viscosity and increase red blood cell flexibility. PTXF has been successfully used as a therapeutic agent for intermittent claudication secondary to chronic occlusive arterial disease. In the present paper, the special attention was paid to the possibility of using PTXF in the treatment of ARDS and PTXF mechanisms of action preventing the development of that syndrome were reviewed.