SUBCUTANEOUS ANCROD THERAPY IN PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL-DISEASE - IMPROVEMENT IN BLOOD-VISCOSITY AND NUTRITIONAL BLOOD-FLOW

Nine patients with extensive peripheral arterial disease were treated with subcutaneous injections of ancrod (Arvin) for 10 to 21 days. Reduction in plasma fibrinogen was associated with a sustained reduction in plasma and blood viscosity, and a sustained increase in nutritional skin blood flow, measured by a Xenon-133 clearance technique (P < 0.001). These findings may be relevant to the therapeutic effect of ancrod in ischemic rest pain. © 1979, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.