Comparison of skin and muscle biopsies before and after pentoxifylline treatment in patients with leg ulcers due to deep venous incompetence.

The aim of this study was to understand the possible mechanisms by which deep venous insufficiency and venous hypertension are associated with trophic skin changes and ulceration and to explain the therapeutic effect of Pentoxifylline in patients with leg ulcers due to deep venous incompetence. Twenty patients were included in this pilot study. They were graded into two groups: group 1, included 10 patients (5 F and 5 M) with deep venous incompetence and normal arteries; group 2, included 10 patients (1 F and 9 M) with deep venous incompetence and moderate arterial disease. Skin and muscle biopsies were carried out before and after the oral administration of 1,200 mg of Pentoxifylline daily (400 mg t.d.s). The following parameters were investigated by means of light microscopy and immunofluorescence tests: engorgement of venous stroma; decrease of intimal elastica; hyaline degeneration; floccular degeneration; pericapillary fibrin deposits and fibrin degradation products; inflammation and fat necrosis; myofibril degeneration; fibrous scar; regeneration and reconstitution of muscle fibres. The results indicated that local inflammation at the ulcer's area cause accumulation of white blood cells in the capillaries and the interstitial fluid, where there is also accumulation of fibrinogen. These changes may lead to chronic tissue ischaemia and ulceration. The known favourable effect of Pentoxifylline on red cells and leucocyte function as well as its lowering effect on plasma fibrinogen level, may be responsible for the observed therapeutic effect of Pentoxifylline on venous leg ulcers.