EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF INTRAVENOUS ILOPROST IN THE TREATMENT OF RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON AND DIGITAL ULCERS IN PATIENT WITH SYSTEMIC SCLERODERMA

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravenous iloprost in the treatment of Raynaud’s
phenomenon and digital ulcers in patients with SSc (systemic scleroderma).
Methods: 31 patients with SSc were treated with intravenous iloprost in NHDV from April, 2017 to
March, 2020. Evaluation was done after 2 weeks and included: width of ulcer, depth of ulcer, Raynaud
phenomenon, laboratory tests, drug side effects.
Results: VAS of Raynaud’s syndrome decreased markedly after iloprost infusion, from 71.5 points
to 36.9 points. (p < 0.001). The depth of ulcer improved markedly after 2 weeks of treatment, the rate
of deep ulcers decreased from 20.6% to 1% (p < 0.001). The ulcer width improved significantly after 2
weeks of treatment, the rate of grade 3 ulcers decreased from 35.1% to 13.4% (p < 0.001). Side effects
were found in 38.7% of patients, mainly headache (25.7%), flushing (9.7%); nausea/vomiting (6.5%);
reaction at the site of infusion (6.5%). All side effects disappear when the infusion rate reduced. The
majority of patients tolerated the drug at the maximum infusion rate (level 4), accounted for 61.3%.
Conclusion: Intravenous iloprost is an effective and safe drug in the treatment of Raynaud’s
phenomenon and digital ulcers in patients with SSc. The infusion process should be monitored
according to the instructions.

Received: 12/03/2022
Revised: 21/04/2022
Accepted:  10/05/2022