PREDISPOSANT FACTORS FOR INTIMAL HYPERPLASIA AND THEIR MECHANISMS OF ACTION IN OPEN VASCULAR SURGERY. A REVIEW.

BACKGROUND: Intimal hyperplasia is a multifactorial process that determines local stenosis and subsequent ischemia after revascularisation procedures. It is controlled by a plethora of cytokines, growth factors and proteases that interact through multiple mechanisms, empowering or inhibiting their hyperplasic action. Although the elements involved are the same, the resulted degree of vascular stenosis varies. METHODS: To highlight the predisposing conditions which enhance the vascular response to injury we consulted articles from Pubmed database, searching for the keywords "intimal hyperplasia", "neointimal hyperplasia" and "risk factor". RESULTS: 101 articles were included in the study. Risk factors analyzed are classified into local and systemic and the mechanisms by which they augment the process are explained. CONCLUSION: Knowledge of risk factors and their control when possible is a key element in increasing revascularization patency.