Effect of different compression therapies on the reflux in deep veins with a post-thrombotic syndrome.

Abstract

Reflux in deep veins is an important pathophysiological factor of post-thrombotic syndrome which can be demonstrated by colour-coded duplexsonography. This study investigates the effect of different compression therapies on the reflux velocity in deep veins in patients with a post-thrombotic syndrome. Sixty patients with a post-thrombotic syndrome-confirmed by phlebography, in the deep veins of the calf and the thigh were investigated in two groups: In group A, 30 patients (mean age 58 +/- 10 years) received compression stockings (calf compression class II and III, thigh compression class II) and in group B 30 patients (mean age 58 +/- 14 years) received a Sigg short traction bandage of the calf. The velocity at the time of the greatest reflux in the popliteal vein was determined as reflux parameter with the colour-coded duplex sonography using a cuff applied at the calf. All patients stood upright and were measured with and without different kinds of compression therapies. The reflux velocities were graded as low, moderate and high. A significant decrease of the reflux velocity by about more than 45% with compression therapy was found in both groups. The decrease of the refluxes in group A (mean 47.9%) did not differ significantly from the decrease of refluxes in group B (mean 55.8%). The greatest decrease of the reflux velocity under compression therapy was found in high-grade refluxes in both groups. A significant decrease of the reflux velocity in post-thrombotic syndrome can be readily demonstrated with different kinds of compression stockings as well as with bandages by means of colour-coded duplex sonography.