[Iloprost for the treatment of systemic sclerosis]

Presse Med. 2008 May;37(5 Pt 2):831-9. doi: 10.1016/j.lpm.2007.06.016. Epub 2007 Nov 26.
[Article in French]

Abstract

An imbalance between prostacyclin (PGI2) and thromboxane A2 is observed in patients with scleroderma. Iloprost is a stable analogue of PGI2 with a plasma half-life of 20-30 min. Intravenous iloprost is effective in the treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon related to scleroderma, decreasing the frequency and severity of attacks. It also appears useful for the treatment of digital ulcers. Inhaled iloprost is an effective treatment for NYHA class III pulmonary arterial hypertension, either idiopathic primary or associated with a particular condition, such as scleroderma. Intravenous iloprost improves kidney vasospasm in patients with scleroderma. The possible benefits of sequential intravenous iloprost on the natural course of scleroderma require further investigation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hypertension / drug therapy
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Iloprost / therapeutic use*
  • Raynaud Disease / drug therapy
  • Raynaud Disease / etiology
  • Renal Circulation / drug effects
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / complications
  • Scleroderma, Systemic / drug therapy*
  • Vasodilator Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Vasodilator Agents
  • Iloprost