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Aim: Post-thrombotic syndrome is a common complication following deep vein thrombosis. The aim of this twelve month registry study was to compare the efficacy of compression stockings and per oral administration of Pycnogenol® standardized pine bark extract on the severity and incidence of post thrombotic syndrome signs and symptoms., Methods: One hundred fifty-six patients with a single, major episode of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were assigned to one of three groups receiving treatment with either compression stockings (group 1), Pycnogenol® (group 2) or the combination of both (group 3) over an investigational period of one year. The study evaluated treatment on edema using a scoring system, the ankle circumference, and the limb volume as ratio to the healthy contralateral limb., Results: Two new incidents of DVT occurred in the group of 55 patients wearing compression stockings between the third and sixth months, whereas no DVT cases occurred in the two other groups which took Pycnogenol®. The edema symptom score was gradually decreased in all three groups during the one year treatment period. Pycnogenol® was significantly more effective from six months onwards than compression stockings for relieving edema symptoms (P<0.05). Symptoms were more effectively reduced with the combination of Pycnogenol® and compression stockings than with the individual regimen alone (P<0.05). Limb volume and ankle circumference were likewise more effectively reduced with Pycnogenol® plus stockings than with compression stockings alone after six months. Ambulatory venous pressure progressively decreased in all three groups after twelve months treatment as compared to baseline. Compression stockings and Pycnogenol® were of comparable efficacy, there were no significant differences of ambulatory venous pressure between groups following twelve months treatment. Laser Doppler flowmetry at the dorsum of feet showed improved micro-circulation which was further demonstrated by increased pO2 and decreased pCO2. Importantly, none of the patients developed ulcerations during the observational period., Conclusion: This study suggests that Pycnogenol® may have significant long-term protective efficacy for individuals following a thrombotic event. Moreover, Pycnogenol® appears to be at least as effective for post-thrombosis management as compression stockings, while the combination of both is superior. An important aspect is the patient compliance which was found to be much better in the Pycnogenol® group with two drop-outs due to non-medical reasons, whereas in the compression stockings group eighteen patients were lost to follow-up because wearing stockings at higher temperatures is bothersome.

Aim: This study compared the effects of supplementation with Pycnogenol® on cognitive function, attention and mental performance in students with an 8 week, evaluation study. Pycnogenol® was used in healthy students; the supplement was used with the aim of enhancing "normal" mental performances., Methods: Attention, memory, evaluation of executive functions were included and students were also evaluated - in the 8-week study - according to results of the university tests. Fifty-three students (range 18-27 years) were included and Pycnogenol® was administered for 8 weeks. A group of equivalent students were followed up as a control group., Results: In the 8-week study Pycnogenol® supplementation improved sustained attention, memory, executive functions and mood ratings in the students. The improvement was statistically significant. The actual performance on real tests was measured in students undergoing university examinations. The controls failed 9 tests out a total of 84 (10.71%). In the Pycnogenol® group the students failed 7 tests out of 112 (6.25%) with a difference of 4.46% of failures in the Pycnogenol® group that performed, statistically, generally better. The average test score measured by the marks obtained was 23.81 (1.1) in controls vs. 26.1(1.3) (P<0.024) in the Pycnogenol® group (+2.29 equivalent to 7.6%)., Conclusion: This study indicates a role for Pycnogenol® to improve cognitive function in normal students.

NPT tests in the pharmacy. Blood testing can be made with NPT (near patient testing) directly in the pharmacy. Most tests can be made with a single drop of blood (i.e. from a finger) and results are comparable with results from blood test obtained with standard vein blood samples. NPT is basically used for: 1 - evaluating the risk of a disease. 2 evaluating or confirming the presence of a disease. 3 to manage and monitor treatments. The social role of the pharmacy in NPT (particularly in cardiovascular screening) is very important as the pharmacy is an institution with capillary diffusion in the territory. The pharmacy often constitutes an important, first-level consultancy point for the population, particularly where health institutions are far away (small villages) or not easily accessible. Rules for NPT. Guidelines for NPT testing in the pharmacy have been proposed and discussed in a consensus meeting (Spoleto, 2007). NPT guidelines suggest operating management and technical procedures and indicate prospective lines of action defining new roles for the pharmacy. Coagulation tests can be now made in the pharmacy at a very low cost and with an efficacy comparable to blood tests obtained with a vein sample. Results can be read in seconds. This test is also available for personal use and home testing. NPT: The Clinical Study. The evaluation of the results of a clinical study (patients with venous thrombosis/pulmonary embolisation, patients with fibrillation and patients with artificial cardiac valves) indicates that costing is very favourable for NPT which may reduce costs and improve management of many clinical conditions and their monitoring. Training and control systems help NPT testing to be reliable and useful to screen and manage most clinical and risk conditions. The clinical study also shows the positive correlation between NPT tests and standard' tests. In conclusion NPT tests are now very reliable and cost-effective and can be used for screening, diagnosis and to monitor treatments.