Iloprost infusion through elastomeric pump for the outpatient treatment of severe Raynaud's phenomenon and digital ulcers - a single centre experience

Acta Reumatol Port. 2018 Jul-Sep;43(3):237-238.

Abstract

Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) and digital ulcers (DU) are the main clinical features of vasculopathy that occurs in several systemic rheumatic diseases. Intravenous iloprost is recommended for the treatment of severe RP and DU in patients with systemic sclerosis and portable devices for iloprost infusion have been recently designed, allowing outpatient treatment. This new alternative for drug administration not only avoids absenteeism, with the patient having the opportunity to continue his own family and work life, but also reduces the costs associated with hospitalization. We describe our protocol and report our experience with 12 patients, for a total of 25 infusions, who have received domiciliary iloprost through elastomeric pump. Patients could easily manage the device and the treatment outcomes were promising, with all patients having DU healing, without any special safety concerns.

Publication types

  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Elastomers
  • Equipment Design
  • Female
  • Fingers
  • Humans
  • Iloprost / administration & dosage*
  • Infusion Pumps
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Raynaud Disease / drug therapy*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Skin Ulcer / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vasodilator Agents / administration & dosage*

Substances

  • Elastomers
  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Iloprost