---

Aim. This study aimed to examine the effect of local thermotherapy on pain severity in patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders. Background. Chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders are among the most commonly and disturbing diseases which mainly affect the lower extremities. Chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders are the most common causes of disability. Many of patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorder suffer from pain. Methods. In this randomized clinical trial, 60 patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders, referred to specialized unit of Mashhad Imam Reza Hospital, were recruited through convenience sampling and randomly allocated to control (n=30) and intervention group (n=30). A questionnaire including information about demographic characteristics and disease status were completed for all patients. Then, the pain severity of patients was measured before the intervention.  In the experimental group, the damaged limb of patients (from below of knee to fingers) put in the hot water (41 ° C) for 20 minutes. After thermotherapy, the pain severity of patients in the experimental group was measured again. Intervention was implemented for 5 consecutive days. The patients in control group received only routine medical treatment in the ward during 5 days and each day, their pain severity were measured. Data were analyzed by using SPSS 14 and descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings. The mean pain severity of patients after the intervention showed a statistically significant decrease (P<0.0001). The mean pain severity of patients in control group during 5 days showed no statistically significant difference. Conclusion Thermotherapy with hot water significantly decreases pain severity of patients with chronic peripheral arterial occlusive disorders.

---

Aim. This study reviews the various studies conducted about using stem cells in the treatment of peripheral arterial disorders.

Background. Arterial disorders have affected approximately 8 to 12 million individuals in the united states and is associated with significant mortality morbidity and mortality. Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is the end stage of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease. The mainstay of therapy for severe ischemia is endovascular revascularization with the aim of improving blood flow to the affected limb. However, for 20 to 30 percent of patients with CLI that are not considered for endovascular revascularization stem cell therapy may be useful.

Method. In this review, after the searching out databases and electronic resources the latest and most relevant studies about the use of stem cell therapy were considered.

Findings. The studies have shown that stem cell therapy is useful for peripheral arterial disorders, especially for those patients who are not candidate for surgical treatment. It has been found that this method is more effective for patients with Buerger's disease than those with peripheral arterial disorders, and that intramuscular injection method is preferred to intra-arterial injection method. It has been shown that using stem cells derived from bone marrow is more effective and less costly than stem cells derived from peripheral blood. This method is not associated with significant side effects and well tolerated by patient.

Conclusion. Stem cell therapy is an effective and promising treatment strategy, especially in patients who are not candidate for endovascular surgery.