Platelet inhibition with ASA/dipyridamole after percutaneous balloon angioplasty in patients with symptomatic lower limb arterial disease. A prospective double-blind trial. Study group on pharmacological treatment after PTA

Abstract

A randomised double-blind multicentre trial has been performed comparing the influence of 3 months prophylaxis with acetylsalicylic acid/dipyridamole (50 mg/400 mg daily) or placebo on the outcome following percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for lower limb ischaemia. Two hundred and twenty-three patients were included and followed. There were no differences between the groups regarding results 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following the dilatation treatment. It can be concluded that acetylsalicylic acid at the dose of 50 mg daily combined with dipyridamole does not seem to have a prophylactic effect after transluminal angioplasty during a follow-up period of 1 year.