Changes of Endothelin and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Patients UnderwentEmbolectomy and Thrombolysis

Objective: Our aim was to investigate changes of endothelin (ET) and calcitonin gene-related peptide ( CGRP) in patients with acute arterial embolism in lower extremities and its relationship with the degree , site , time of embolism,and the prognosis. Methods: We measured and compared the plasma levels of ET and CGRP in 13 patients with acute arterial embolism and 10 controls. Results:In the group of arterial embolism, the plasma level of ET decreased significantly after embolectomy compared with the level before the operation ( P 0.01). The plasma level of CGRP increased significantly and reached the peak after thrombolysis compared with the level before the operation ( P 0. 01). The ET levels before operation in patients had positive correlation with the degree of ischemia, and CGRP levels had negative correlation. The plasma levels of ET and CGRP in 1 to 4 days after operation had significant correlation with prognosis. Conclusion:Before operation, the levels of ET and CGRP had correlation with degree of limb ischemia. Monitoring the changes of ET and CGRP might be helpful in evaluating the prognosis.