Evaluation of clinical effects with capillaroscopy in aged patients with low extremity atherosclerosis disease treated by Prostaglandin E₁

Objective: To investigate the value of nail fold microcirculation in evaluating clinical effects after Lipo-PGE₁ treatment in aged patients with low extremity atherosclerosis disease （LEASD）. Methods: 48 male aged LEASD patients were selected from inpatient of the PLA General Hospital and treated by Lipo-PGE₁. Before and after treatment,the alterations of clinical symptoms, ankle/ brachial index （ABI）, nail fold microcirculation of left ring finger were observed and compared. Results: After treatment,the nail fold microcirculation total scores were significantly decreased（P＜0.01）and each item^’s score was decreased,too（P＜0.05）.Furthermore, total score was negatively correlative with ABI. Conclusion: The nail fold microcirculation examination has a good practical value in assessing clinical effect in the aged patients with LEASD.