[Erythrocyte concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and magnesium, before and after conservative therapy of lower extremities atherosclerosis].

37 patients with atherosclerosis of lower extremities and the mean claudication distance of 300-500 m (Fontaine 11 degrees) were subjected to pharmacotherapy with pentoxyfilline 600 mg twice daily, and walking exercise tests on a treadmill. The concentrations of ATP and magnesium ions in erythrocytes were assessed in the patients in resting condition, and after standardized walking exercise tests, 6 and 12 weeks since the beginning of therapy. Applied treatment proved beneficial in protecting the patients against depletion of ATP in their erythrocytes. Hypomagnesemia and accompanying lowered concentrations of ATP were observed in 1/3 of the cases. As the deficiency of ATP can cause functional changes and structural alterations in the erythrocytes and deterioration of the clinical condition of these patients supplementing magnesium ions in these cases seems justified.