A multivariate analysis of the factors associated with the severity of chronic venous insufficiency

Abstract

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) affects a large proportion of individuals and, with the ageing of the population of Western Europe, its prevalence is expected to increase. Epidemiological data, particularly regarding risk factors, is scarce and controversial. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical factors that are associated with an increase in severity of CVI. Eighteen physicians observed 474 unselected patients with symptoms suggesting CVI. A multivariate model is forwarded in which age is a major risk factor. Other factors that are independently correlated with the severity of CVI are body weight, environmental heat, sedentariness, double heredity, high-dose oestrogen formulations, osteo-articular disease of the lower limbs, presence of troncular varices, involvement of the internal saphena, lymphedema or history of thrombophlebitis. Since most studies do not adjust for age when testing for risk factors, this may be an important reason for the multiplicity of reported factors and the lack of consistency of their results.