Introduction
Pentoxifylline inhibits, release of TNF-α, platelet aggregation and adherence of leukocytes to endothelium. Previous studies report increased mortality following its use.
Methods
AHF is induced by two intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections (500 mg/kg 8 hours apart) of TAA. Four groups were studied (n = 5). Group 1 received TAA only. Groups 2, 3, & 4 followed the protocol for Group 1, however, Groups 2 and 3 were pre-treated for 5 days with once daily high dose PTX (300 mg/kg i.p.) and low dose PTX (25 mg/kg i.p.), respectively. Whereas, Group 4, commenced PTX (25 mg/kg i.p.) post-TAA for 5 days. Mortality was determined at 96 hours in separate groups (n = 5).
Results
See Table.
Table 1.
| Mortality | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AST (iu/l) | PT (s) | Ammonia (μg/ml) | Lactate (mmol/l) | (%) | ||||||
| Hours | 24 | 72 | 24 | 72 | 24 | 72 | 24 | 72 | 96 | |
| G1-TAA | 1553 ± 343 | 4512 ± 501 | 26 ± 3 | 121 ± 12 | 58 ± 8 | 134 ± 12 | 2.6 ± 1.2 | 6.3 ± 0.4 | 75 | |
| G2-PTX 300 mg/kg | 2065 ± 330 | 5221 ± 528 | >121* | >121 | 117 ± 34* | 153 ± 13 | 3.9 ± 0.5 | 7.8 ± 0.6 | 100* | |
| G3-PTX 25 mg/kg | 1177 ± 177 | 2021 ± 43* | 23 ± 4 | 101 ± 13 | 71.4 ± 9 | 70.2 ± 10* | 3.5 ± 0.1 | 4.6 ± 0.2* | 40* | |
| G4-Post PTX 25 mg/kg | 2161 ± 166 | 5014 ± 299 | >121 | >121 | 121 ± 8* | 156 ± 12 | 4.7 ± 0.6* | 7.4 ± 0.8 | 100* | |
*P < 0.05, mean ± SD.
Conclusion
Pre-treatment with low dose PTX reduces hepatic injury, multi-organ failure and mortality.