RESUMO
The degree of intermittent claudication is difficult to evaluate objectively; therefore, the therapeutic efficiency of a drug is difficult to test in patients suffering from intermittent claudication. The purpose of this paper is to know whether treadmill test is useful to evaluate objectively the degree of intermittent claudication. 20 patients suffering from a peripheral arterial occlusive disease with intermittent claudication (Stage II) were investigated. PGE<sub>1</sub> incorporated in lipid microspheres (Lipo PGE<sub>1</sub>) was infused (10μg/day) with one shot on 7 consecutive days into the forearm vein of patients. Painfree walking distance and maximum walking distance were measured on treadmill (3.0km/h, 5% incline). Brachial systolic pressure and ankle pressures were measured before and after exercise, and ankle/arm pressure ratio and ankle pressure difference between the pre-exercise and post-exercise values were calculated. All measurements were performed before and 7 days after beginning of treatment. Painfree walking distance was prolonged from 72.5±41.4m before treatment to 92.0±53.7m after treatment, with significant difference (<i>p</i><0.01). However, no significant changes of ankle/arm pressure ratio, ankle pressure difference and maximum walking distance were observed. It is concluded that measurement of painfree walking distance on treadmill was useful to evaluate objectively the degree of intermittent claudication.