The first clinical experiences with the
pentosan polysulfate sodium in treatment of cerebral ischemia were published by Szirmai in 1986 (1). Patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease, suffering from cerebrovascular insufficiency and increased viscosity, were treated successfully with pentosan polysulfate sodium infusion solution.
Similar encouraging results of a successful study were published by Szirmai some years later (2). The acute effect of pentosan polysulfate sodium in patients with ischemic stroke and the results of a long-term investigation on patients suffering from cerebral ischemia were compared with a control group.
Pentosan polysulfate sodiumproves a strong fibrinolytic and heparin-like effect on blood coagulation when administered intravenously, and oral medication seems to reduce recurrent strokes and to improve the life expectancy of patients in the post stroke period.
References
1) Szirmai I, Fendler K, Kollar L, Romhanyi M: Clinical experience with heparinoid sodium pentosan polysulfate (SP54) in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. Folia Haematol Int Mag Klin Morphol Blutforsch. 1986; 113: 278-288.
2) Szirmai I, Kamondi A, Magyar H, Juhasz C: Investigations In Patients With Cerebral-Ischemia Treated With Pentosan Polysulfate (Sp54). Perfusion. 1993; 6: 314-320.