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The use of pentoxifylline in a pig random skin flap model
Author(s) -
Knox Robert D.,
Pratt Michael F.,
Adkins Warren Y.,
Flick James T.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198906000-00003
Subject(s) - pentoxifylline , skin flap , medicine , computer science , surgery
Pentoxifylline, the first drug in a new class of rheologic agents, has enhanced skin flap survival in previous rat models. In an attempt to find an animal model more similar to the human, a trial using a pig skin flap model was undertaken. Experimental animals received oral pentoxifylline for 21 days. Random skin flaps were elevated on the 14th day, and flap viability was determined on the 21st day. Similar flaps were raised on control animals. Serum fibrinogen levels, platelet aggregation studies, and erythrocyte flexibilities were measured in both groups. No improvement in flap viability or rheologic properties of the blood were shown in the pentoxifylline‐treated animals. Although no enhancement of skin flap survival was demonstrated, future studies are warranted. Implications for future investigation and clinical application are discussed.