Iloprost Use in Patients with Persistent Intestinal Ischemia Unsuitable for Revascularization

Abstract

Background: Persistent or chronic intestinal ischemic injury (i3) can lead to severe malnutrition and acute mesenteric ischemia. Although recommended, revascularization of splanchnic arteries is sometimes unrealizable.

Methods: We report a case series of iloprost use in consecutive stable patients with persistent i3 unsuitable for revascularization followed in a tertiary care center. The feasibility of revascularization was discussed and ruled out by a multidisciplinary team, and informed consent was obtained prior to consideration of a vasoactive therapy. Therapeutic response was defined at 6 months by a decrease in the use of analgesic and parenteral nutrition, and no need for intestinal resection.

Results: Between 2006 and 2015, 6 patients (mean age: 51) were included. Splanchnic vascular insufficiency was due to superior mesenteric artery (SMA) thrombosis (n = 4), dissection of the celiac trunk and SMA (n = 1), or repeated vasospasm resulting in chronic nonocclusive mesenteric ischemia (n = 1). Iloprost was delivered via continuous intravenous perfusion at a maximum dosage of 2 ng/kg/min for 6 hours/day on 4 consecutive days, without severe adverse events. Therapeutic response was observed in 4 patients, 3 of which completely stopped parenteral nutrition and analgesic with no need for intestinal resection.

Conclusions: Our results are consistent with findings of a favorable effect of iloprost in patients with persistent splanchnic ischemia that should be confirmed in prospective trials.