Wearing Compression Stockings Research Articles

Prevalence of Varicose Veins Among Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Extended periods of standing, obesity, female sex, and older age are risk factors associated with a higher probability of developing varicose veins (VV). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of VV among surgeons in public hospitals inMakkah, Saudi Arabia, and to identify the risk factors associated with this condition. Methodology This is a descriptive cross-sectional study based on a validated online questionnaire distributed via hospital WhatsApp(Meta Platforms Inc., Menlo Park, CA) groups conducted between January and June 2024. The inclusion criteria of this study were surgeons of both sexes and any age group working in the selected hospitals in Makkah City, who agreed to participate in the study. The exclusion criteria were any other healthcare workers from outside the surgical field. We included 192 participants, and Epi Info software (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA) was used to calculate the sample size. The data were collected, reviewed, and then fed into IBM SPSS Statistics software for Windows version 21 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Every participant filled out a consent form. The university ethics committee of Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, granted ethical permission. Result This study comprised 192 surgeons in Makkah hospitals. Twenty-eight surgeons were either diagnosed with VV or had signs of VV. Varicose veins were detected among 50% of thoracic surgeons, 42.9% of pediatric surgeons, and 26.3% of orthopedic surgeons. The most reported risk factors were a family history of VV (17%), hypertension (16%), and diabetes mellitus (14%). Surgeons aged 40 years or older had a higher prevalence of VV than younger ones. Also, 55.6% of obese surgeons had VV compared to 7.8% of others with average weight. Conclusion We found that VV is a common problem, particularly among individuals with predisposing factors, such as long standing hours, smoking, pregnancy, and obesity. We found that surgeons specializing in thoracic and pediatric specialties and female surgeons were more likely to be affected by VV. Preventive measures, such as avoiding prolonged standing, wearing compression stockings, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, are recommended.

Risk factors of moderate to severe post-thrombotic syndrome within 2 years in patients with subacute thrombosis: A case-control study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to study the risk factors influencing the occurrence of moderate to severe post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) within 2 years in patients with subacute lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT). MethodsSeventy patients who developed moderate to severe PTS within 2 years after subacute lower extremity DVT from June 2018 to June 2022 were retrospectively selected as the case group. They were matched 1:1 by sex and age (±5 years) with 70 patients who did not develop moderate to severe PTS during the same follow-up period as the control group. Multiple logistic regression, stratified analysis, and interaction analyses were used to explore the risk factors for moderate to severe PTS. ResultsThe multiple logistic regression model showed that patients with iliofemoral vein thrombosis had a significantly increased risk of developing moderate to severe PTS within 2 years. Patients who underwent intraluminal intervention treatment during hospitalization had a significantly reduced risk. The odds ratios were 4.000 (95% confidence interval, 1.597-10.016) for the femoral-popliteal vein thrombosis and 0.262 (95% confidence interval, 0.106-0.647) for the anticoagulation treatment group. The stratified analysis showed that intraluminal intervention treatment was a protective factor against moderate to severe PTS within 2 years across different strata of hypertension, thrombus type, body mass index, duration of anticoagulation, and wearing compression stockings. Additionally, there was an interaction between thrombus type and treatment method, with intraluminal intervention treatment having a more pronounced effect on preventing moderate to severe PTS in patients with iliofemoral vein thrombosis. ConclusionsIliofemoral vein thrombosis is a risk factor for the development of moderate to severe PTS within 2 years in patients with subacute lower extremity DVT. Intraluminal intervention treatment can reduce the risk of moderate to severe PTS, especially in patients with iliofemoral vein thrombosis.

A pilot study to assess the effects of preventing fluid retention in the legs by wearing compression stockings on overnight airway narrowing in mild asthma.

Nocturnal asthma is a sign of asthma worsening and could be partially due to more fluid drawn into the thorax during sleep by gravitational force and/or pharyngeal collapse in those with obstructive sleep apnea. Wearing compression stockings during the day reduces fluid shift from the legs to the neck overnight. However, the potential effect of wearing compression stockings to reduce fluid accumulation in the leg and to improve nocturnal small airway narrowing in patients with asthma has not been investigated. This study investigates whether reducing leg fluid volume by wearing compression stockings during the day would attenuate small airway narrowing in patients with asthma before and after sleep. We enrolled 11 participants with asthma. All participants underwent overnight polysomnography with or without wearing compression stockings for 2weeks. Before and after sleep, leg fluid volume (LFV) was measured by bioelectrical impedance, and airway narrowing was primarily assessed by respiratory system resistance and reactance at 5Hz (R5 and X5 respectively) using oscillometry. After 2weeks of wearing compression stockings, the LFV measured in the evening was reduced (∆ = - 192.6 ± 248.3ml, p = 0.02), and R5 and X5 improved (∆ = - 0.7 ± 0.9 cmH2O/L/s, p = 0.03 and 0.2 ± 1.4 cmH2O/L/s, p = 0.05 respectively). No changes were observed in the morning. Preventing fluid retention in the legs by wearing compression stockings for 2weeks during the day, reduced LFV and airway narrowing in the evening in all participants with asthma, but not in the morning after sleep.

The Effect of Superficial Venous Incompetence Treatment on Combined Segmental Deep Venous Reflux

The aim of this study was to assess the role of treatment of superficial venous reflux (SVR) in patients with combined deep segmental venous reflux as regards clinical symptoms as well as reflux improvement of the deep veins. We reviewed 80 patients, retrospectively selected on the inclusion criteria and having combined SVR and segmental deep venous reflux who underwent SVR ablation. The contralateral limb of 44 patients was used as a control group, asked to wear compression stockings for 3months during day time with no surgical intervention. Duplex ultrasounds follow-up was performed at 3, 6, and 12months postoperatively. Clinical severity of venous disease was graded from C1 to C6 according to the CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) classification. Duplex ultrasound was done in both supine and standing positions with non-weight-bearing of the examined limb. The venous reflux time, the venous flow volume and the peak venous flow velocity were registered. Removal of SVR was performed using either conventional surgery or radiofrequency ablation. The patient was required to wear compression stockings during the day time for the following weeks. During the follow-up period, all patients were improved clinically as regards pain, edema, and ulcer healing. All patients included in this study had no signs of residual SVR. Corrected deep venous segment reflux was in 36 (45%). Similar data at 3, 6, and 12months postoperatively after SVR removal. The popliteal vein reflux responded less than the femoral vein reflux did. Treatment of the SVR eliminates segmental deep venous reflux in a good percentage of patients regardless of the treatment modality. Also, symptoms improvement and ulcer healing were documented, and hence, more studies are recommended to evaluate this role.

Effect of short-term compression therapy after thermal ablation for varicose veins: study protocol for a prospective, multicenter, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundFor patients with varicose veins, the goal is to relieve pain and swelling, reduce the severity of edema, improve skin changes, and heal ulcers associated with venous disease. Compression therapy is the cornerstone of their management. Several studies have shown that wearing an elastic bandage for the first 24 h and then a compression stocking for a week can effectively reduce the pain after thermal ablation. However, in clinical practice, patient compliance with this treatment could be better, considering difficulties in pulling up and removing the compression stocking, tightness, and skin irritation because these must be worn for a prolonged period. A potential solution to battling these barriers is short-term compression therapy. Besides, the effect and necessity of wearing compression stockings after thermal ablation have been questioned. Based on current clinical experience and limited evidence, although some scholars have suggested that compression therapy may be an unnecessary adjunctive therapy after thermal ablation, there is still a great deal of uncertainty in the absence of compression therapy after thermal ablation compared to compression therapy. Therefore, we advocate further research to evaluate the clinical effect of short-term postoperative compression therapy. Furthermore, well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed.MethodsA prospective, multicenter, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial is designed to evaluate the non-inferiority of target vein occlusion rate at 3 months. Three hundred and sixty patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of the following treatments: (A) 3 M™ Coban™ elastic bandage for 48 h or (B) 3 M™ Coban™ elastic bandage for the first 24 h and then a class II compression full-length stocking (23–32 mm Hg) for 1 week. The two groups will be compared on several variables, including target vein occlusion rate at 3 months (primary outcome indicator), pain, quality of life, clinical severity of varicose veins, postoperative complications, time to return to regular work, and compliance.DiscussionSuppose the effect of the 3 M™ Coban™ elastic bandage for 48 h proves to be non-inferior to long-term compression therapy. In that case, this short-term treatment may contribute to a future update of clinical guidelines for compression therapy after thermal ablation of varicose veins, resulting in higher patient compliance and better postoperative quality of life.Trial registrationClinical Trials NCT05840991. Registered on May 2023.

Effect of Flat-Knitted Medical Compression Stockings on Venous Malformations

Venous malformations are one of the most common vascular anomalies. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of medical compression stockings of class I and II on the volume of venous malformations. Patients with venous malformations on upper or lower extremities were enrolled. They wore flat-knitted medical compression stockings of class I and II in a randomized order for four weeks each. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and perometry were performed with and without wearing compression stockings. The 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) questionnaire was performed before and after wearing compression stockings for four weeks each. A total of 18 patients completed the evaluations. Both compression classes showed a significant reduction of the volume of the venous malformations in the lesion itself based on MRI in comparison with baseline (both p < 0.001). Measurements taken with perometry did not reveal a significant difference in comparison to baseline (p = 0.09 and p = 0.22). The results of the SF-12 questionnaire demonstrated no significant differences before and after wearing the compression stockings of class I or class II for four weeks or between the two classes of compression therapy. Our results indicate that wearing medical compression stockings of both class I and class II significantly reduces the volume of venous malformation, without compromising the quality of life, while the effect of class II compression stockings on volume reduction was significantly better than that of class I.

Is it necessary to wear compression stockings and how long should they be worn for preventing post thrombotic syndrome? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BackgroundPost thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a serious complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). There were always debates on the efficacy of elastic compression stockings (ECS) in prevention for post thrombotic syndrome. ObjectiveTo assess effects of elastic compression stockings and ECS's wearing time on post thrombotic syndrome after diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science were last searched on 23 November 2022 for studies assessing effects of elastic compression stockings or theirs wearing time on post thrombotic syndrome after diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. Results9 randomized controlled trials were included. Wearing elastic compression stockings was associated with a statistically reduction in the overall post thrombotic syndrome rate (RR 0.73, 95 % CI 0.53 to 1.00; P = 0.05; I2 = 82 %). No significant difference in severe post thrombotic syndrome rate, recurrent deep venous thrombosis rate, and death rate was seen whether wearing elastic compression stockings or not. The pooled effect of studies comparing different wearing time of elastic compression stockings showed no significant difference in post thrombotic syndrome rate, severe and moderate post thrombotic syndrome rate, recurrent deep venous thrombosis syndrome rate and death rate. ConclusionsWearing ECS can reduce the risk of developing PTS after DVT and a wearing time of less than or equal to 1 year is comparable to 2 years wearing. The results support ECS's role as a foundation therapy for preventing PTS.

Use of physical rehabilitation to improve venous blood flow in varicose veins

Statistics, symptoms, complications of varicose veins of the lower extremities were studied. According to the data of the scientific and methodical literature, the influence of the means of physical rehabilitation of patients on the improvement of venous blood flow was determined, and the most effective methods and means were selected. It has been shown that varicose veins (varicose veins) of the lower extremities are the most common among all vascular diseases. The World Health Organization included it in the list of "diseases of civilization", because according to statistics, in developed countries, varicose veins are observed in 25-34% of women and 10-20% of men. In Europe, an average of 22.23 million people suffer from varicose veins, in the USA - 98.4 million, and in Ukraine - 12.57 million people. In recent years, the disease has become younger and occurs in patients aged 12-16 years. In addition to aesthetic problems, the disease often leads to disability and death (its fatal complication is thromboembolism of the branches of the pulmonary artery). The main part of the work is devoted to the study of the influence of methods and means of physical rehabilitation, based on their physical and compressive action, with the aim of rehabilitation, preventing the progression of varicose veins and improving the morphofunctional state of patients at various stages of the disease. It is shown that the rehabilitation program should include recommendations for modifying the patient's lifestyle, wearing compression stockings to prevent dilatation of the veins of the lower extremities, to restore the "vascular pump" of the calf muscle, an individually developed walking program is offered, and kinesio taping is used to strengthen regional blood circulation.

Compression Stockings Improve Lower Legs Symptom in Patients with Pulmonary Artery Hypertension Treated by Pulmonary Vasodilators—A Pilot Study

Pulmonary vasodilators have improved pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) symptoms and prognosis; however, the drugs cause some side effects, including lower legs pain, which impair quality of life (QOL). The present study examined if compression stockings improved lower extremity symptoms and QOL caused by pulmonary vasodilators in PAH patients. We retrospectively enrolled consecutively ten patients with PAH treated by pulmonary vasodilators, who were regularly followed in Kurume University Hospital from January 2022 to June 2022. Oral questionnaire surveys, the Numeric Rating Scale for Pain (NRS) and the Pain Disability Assessment Scale (PDAS), were conducted regarding lower extremity symptoms before wearing elastic stockings and one month later, to evaluate how the lower extremity symptoms affected daily life. All ten patients were female, with a mean age of 50.2 ± 11.5 years, out of whom intravenous prostacyclin analogue (PGI2) was administered in five patients. In no intravenous PGI2 group, NRS score was significantly improved from 4.6 ± 2.3 to 2.8 ± 1.2 (p = 0.037), while from 9.4 ± 1.2 to 5.4 ± 1.6 (p = 0.002) in intravenous PGI2 group. PDAS score was also significantly improved [no intravenous PGI2 group; 18.0 (15.0-24.0) to 15.0 (10.0-19.0), intravenous PGI2 group; 25.0 (17.0-37.0) to 17.0 (5.0-27.0)]. Lower extremity symptoms in patients using pulmonary vasodilators were improved by wearing compression stockings.

Effects of Compression Stockings on Body Balance in Hemiplegic Patients with Subacute Stroke

(1) Background: Stroke patients with hemiplegia have an increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT increases the risk of life-threatening pulmonary embolism and is associated with poor prognosis. The early wearing of compression stockings can help prevent DVT. This study aimed to assess the impact of compression stockings on body balance in stroke patients with unilateral lower extremity muscle weakness; (2) Methods: Hemiplegic stroke patients in the subacute phase who were able to walk with assistance were recruited. The patients were divided into two groups: one group received rehabilitation treatment with compression stockings, and the other received treatment without compression stockings. The rehabilitation treatment involved hospitalization for 4 weeks, the Trunk Control Test (TCT), the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). The patients were evaluated before and 4 weeks after the start of treatment. The differences in BBS, TCT, and TIS before and after treatment between the two groups were compared; (3) Results: Altogether, 236 hemiplegic stroke patients were recruited. There was an improvement in body balance after treatment in both groups, and BBS, TCT, and TIS scores significantly increased in the group that received rehabilitation treatment with compression stockings; (4) Conclusions: In patients with hemiplegic stroke in the subacute period, rehabilitation while wearing compression stockings appears to improve body balance.

Getting Ready for Wound Certification: Factors Impeding Wound Healing.

Getting Ready for Wound Certification: Factors Impeding Wound Healing.

The Effectiveness of Compression Therapy in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolic Complications in Patients With COVID-19

Background The main method for preventing thrombotic complications in patients with coronavirus infection is anticoagulant therapy (ACT). However, its use is not always possible, in particular in patients with bleeding. The only method of prevention in this case is elastic compression (EC) of the lower extremities. Aim of study To evaluate the effectiveness of lower extremity EC for the prevention of venous thromboembolic complications (VTEC) in patients with a new coronavirus infection. Material and methods The study was approved by the local Ethics Committee of the Ryazan State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation and registered on the ClinicalTrials.gov platform (identifier NCT05143567). The study included 69 patients without prophylactic compression (Group 1) and 65 patients who used prophylactic compression stockings (Group 2). The patients were treated in the covid hospital from July to November 2021. All patients had verified coronavirus infection, they took ACT and underwent ultrasound duplex scanning of the veins of the lower extremities upon admission, in the intensive care unit and upon discharge. We assessed the frequency of venous thromboembolic complications (VTEC), hemorrhagic complications, and mortality. To assess the severity of bleeding, the classification of the Committee of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) was used. Results In patients without prophylactic compression (Group 1) there were 7 VTEC cases (10.14%); deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — 4 (5.8%), pulmonary embolism (PE) — 3 (4.3%). All 6 cases (8.7%) with PE were fatal. It was noted that 2 cases of PE (2.8%) were verified upon autopsy, and not clinically. In patients of the 2nd group with the use of elastic compression, the overall incidence of VTEC was only one case (1.6%). When analyzing the frequency of bleeding in the 1st group, there was one pulmonary bleeding (1.4%), in the 2nd group there was also one case of intense intermuscular hematoma (1.6%). Significant bleeding was observed in one patient (1.4%) of the 1st group, and in 3 (4.8%) cases of the 2nd group. The minor bleeding was observed in 11 patients (15.9%) of the 1st group, and in 8 (12.7%) patients of the 2nd group. The mortality during hospitalization was 11 (15.9%) cases in patients of the 1st group (without EC) and 7 (11.1%) in patients of the 2nd group (with EC) (p=0.419). Conclusions The mortality in patients with coronavirus infection without compression therapy is higher than in patients with compression stockings (p=0.419). Patients wearing compression stockings in the hospital had a low incidence of VTEC (1.6% of cases in group 2 versus 10.14% of cases in group 1, p=0.039). The study groups had the same frequency of bleeding (group 1 — one case (1.4%), group 2 — one case (1.6%). The use of preventive compression at the inpatient stage of treatment of a new coronavirus infection makes it possible to prevent VTEC in patients with bleeding when anticoagulant therapy is not possible.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency in A Selected Nurse Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) causes severe symptoms and complications in the general population, but the prevalence, related risk factors, and treatment of CVI are unknown among nurses. The demographics and occupational factors of nurses from a university hospital were collected by questionnaires, and the presentation of CVI was confirmed by the specialist vascular surgeons. A total of 1606 participants were enrolled, and the prevalence of CVI was 7.5%. After multivariate adjustment, CVI was positively related to deep venous thrombosis history (OR 6.44, 95% CI 2.73-15.22), increased standing time (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.20-4.10), and increased time in night shift rotation (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.29-3.14). CVI was negatively related to oral contraceptives (OR .43, 95% CI .21-.87). Of the participants, 72.5% with CVI received compression therapy. For them, wearing compression stockings with a pressure of >20mmHg or for >4h/day significantly increased the rate of symptom relief, while the length of compression stockings made no difference. Thus, it was beneficial for nurses to spend less time standing and shorten their time in night shift rotation. Wearing compression stockings with sufficient pressure and for enough time was recommended for CVI symptom relief.

The Use of Compression Stockings to Reduce Water Retention in the Legs During Gaming and Esports: Randomized Controlled Field Study.

BackgroundWith the increasing digitalization of daily life, internet-based entertainment such as gaming and streaming has advanced to one of the megatrends of the 21st century. Besides offering a multitude of controversially discussed opportunities for entertainment and social interaction, there is reasonable concern about health issues caused by the absence of physical activity among activities linked to gaming and streaming.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to compare the water balance of recreational gamers with and those without compression stockings during a gaming event.MethodsWe measured body composition and water balance with 8-electrode bioelectrical impedance analysis among 46 recreational gamers with an average age of 27.1 (SD 6.5) years (5/46, 11% women and 41/46, 89% men) before and after 24 hours at a gaming event. Of the 46 gamers, 23 (50%) gamers wore compression stockings for the duration of the study.ResultsOur study shows that prolonged gaming and associated behaviors during a 24-hour time frame lead to an increase in total body water (+0.76 L; P<.001) and a decrease of phase angle in the lower extremities (−0.47°; P<.001) but not in the upper extremities (+0.09°; P=.80), when no compression is used. Gamers using compression socks did not show any significant negative effects on their body composition.ConclusionsProlonged gaming and streaming are serious risk factors for diseases associated with water retention in the legs, and these risks can be measured by bioelectrical impedance and reduced by wearing compression stockings. We conclude that these findings should be discussed and replicated in larger studies and that there is a considerably large market for compression stockings among gamers and live streamers.

The Efficacy of Compression Stockings on Patients With Nocturia: A Single-Arm Pilot Study

Objectives: Behavioral treatment for nocturia includes wearing compression stockings. However, a reading of the cited literature for evidence shows that there is not enough research data to support this recommendation, and it is controversial. The present study aimed to investigate and supplement evidence on the effects of wearing compression stockings during the daytime in patients with nocturia.Methods: This was a single-arm prospective study to investigate the effects of compression stockings on nocturia for four weeks. Patients were asked to record a frequency-volume chart and complete various questionnaires at baseline and after four weeks, and also provide feedback on treatment satisfaction. The primary endpoint was a change in night-time frequency in the frequency-volume chart from the baseline to the end of treatment.Results: Thirty-four patients (19 men and 15 women; age: 72.3 ± 12.6 years) were included. Two patients dropped out because of pain associated with wearing compression stockings and one due to a refusal to wear compression stockings every day. Therefore 31 patients were analyzed. In the frequency-volume chart, night-time and 24-hour frequencies significantly decreased by 0.5 and 1.1 episodes, respectively (P = 0.004 and P = 0.035, respectively). The hours of undisturbed sleep significantly increased by 0.8 h (P = 0.013). No significant differences were observed in nocturnal or 24-h urine volumes, the number of urgency or urinary incontinence episodes, the mean or maximum voided volume, the nocturnal polyuria index, or the first night-time voided volume. The total overactive bladder symptom score significantly decreased (P = 0.006). Significant reductions were also observed in all overactive bladder symptom score subscores, except for the daytime frequency score.Conclusion: The present results suggest the effectiveness of wearing compression stockings during the day was satisfactory in most patients with nocturia, and the treatment was safely continued in patients who experienced no pain when wearing the stockings. Based on the results of this study, we believe that it is worth considering as a treatment for nocturia.

Personal factors and postoperative changes in the revised Venous Clinical Severity Score of varicose veins

ObjectiveThe primary aim of this observational study was to measure the Revised Venous Clinical Severity Score (rVCSS) in patients treated for varicose veins (VVs) owing to saphenous vein reflux. Treatment was by endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) alone or by ETA and ambulatory phlebectomy (AP). A secondary aim was to determine whether participant characteristics and treatment methods affect rVCSS and how the score changes over time. MethodsWe enrolled 44 men with 55 treated legs and 79 women with 105 treated legs (bilateral cases, 23.1%). Patients were treated and evaluated from April 2016 to September 2020. All legs were treated by ETA, and participants were divided into three groups depending on AP treatment: E0 group (40 legs), no AP; EP1 group (101 legs), AP performed only at one site above or below the knee; and EP2 group (19 legs), AP performed both above and below the knee. The rVCSS was measured in the treated legs up to five times: preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 1, 7, 90, and 180. ResultsThe mean age was 67.5 ± 11.24 years (range, 32-87 years). No significant differences in medical history or demographics or lifestyle were found between the groups. The mean preoperative rVCSS also was not different between groups (E0, 4.4 ± 0.3 points; EP1, 4.6 ± 0.2 points; and EP2, 5.4 ± 0.4 points; P = .14). Factors associated with less improvement in the rVCSS were a high body mass index (P = .046) and the occurrence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (P = .001), and factors associated with more improvement in the rVCSS were hypertension (P = .026), hyperuricemia (P = .022), and wearing compression stockings (P = .013). The rVCSS decreased strongly at POD1 and then gradually decreased until POD180. It was not significantly different between EP1 and EP2, but it improved significantly earlier in these two groups than in the E0 group. The rVCSS at POD180 was as follows: E0, 1.633 ± 0.233 points; EP1, 1.003 ± 0.148 points; and EP2, 0.982 ± 0.322 points. ConclusionsFactors associated with less improvement in the rVCSS are a high body mass index and the occurrence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis. Hypertension, hyperuricemia, and wearing compression stockings are associated with greater improvements in the rVCSS. Patients treated with ETA and AP tend to improve earlier than patients treated by ETA alone, but all patients improve to nearly the same level within 6 months.

Determinants of Quality of Life in Patients with Post-Thrombotic Syndrome

Chronic post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) may develop in up to 50% of patients after deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and may reduce patients' quality of life (QoL). We aimed to evaluate the association of PTS severity with QoL in patients with proximal DVT submitted for medical treatment and also to identify modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors related to PTS. Patients with iliac or femoropopliteal DVT observed in Vascular Surgery consultation in our institution from 1year period with unilateral DVT were selected. Patients with total vein recanalization were excluded. Villalta scale was applied to assess PTS degree and VEINES-QoL/Sym questionnaire was used as a disease-specific QoL measure. Correlation between PTS degree and VEINES-QoL/Sym score and predictors of PTS were determined. Fifty-six patients were accepted to enter the study. From those, 66.1% were female, 64.3% (n=36) had iliac and 35.7% (n=20) femoropopliteal DVT. PTS was present in 52.8% of iliac and 65.0% of femoropopliteal DVT patients observed for consultation (P=0.41). There was a significant correlation with PTS degree and both VEINES-QoL and VEINES-Sym scores (P<0.01). Major depression (odds ratio OR=5.63, P=0.04) and regular wear of compressing stockings (OR=4.69, P=0.04) were the only independent factors associated with PTS. Patients with depression had lower QoL scores, while patients with PTS who wear compression stockings had similar QoL scores compared to patients without PTS. Ultrasound alterations (OR=3.28, P=0.17), age, gender, iliac DVT, multiple DVT and time after DVT (P>0.20) were not associated with PTS syndrome. VEINES-QoL/Sym had moderate inverse correlation with PTS degree. Depression was associated with both PTS and lower QoL scores. Patients with PTS criteria compliant to wearing compressing stockings had similar QoL scores to patients without PTS.

No Benefit of Wearing Compression Stockings after Endovenous Thermal Ablation of Varicose Veins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

No Benefit of Wearing Compression Stockings after Endovenous Thermal Ablation of Varicose Veins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Positive perception and efficacy of compression stockings for prevention of lower limb edema in pregnant women.

BackgroundPregnancy is characterized by physiological changes that can contribute to development of varicose veins, venous insufficiency, and leg edema.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of compression stocking on lower limb edema in pregnant women and their perceptions of wearing them.MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled, prospective, parallel, blinded clinical trial conducted with 60 pregnant women randomly distributed into two groups: an intervention group (n = 30) wearing compression stockings and a control group (n = 30). Standardized ankle and calf measurements were taken of all 120 lower limbs using a tape measure. At the end of the study, a questionnaire was administered to identify perceived difficulties and advantages related to wearing compression stockings.ResultsPregnant women in the intervention group had a significantly smaller increase (p < 0.05) in calf and ankle diameters compared to those in the control group. The mean differences from the beginning to the end of gestation in the diameters of the right calf, left calf, right ankle, and left ankle respectively were 0.30 cm, 0.30 cm, 0.15, cm and 0.15 cm in the intervention group and 1.95 cm, 1.95 cm, 1.73 cm, and 1.87 cm in the control group. Most of the pregnant women had no difficulty wearing the compression stockings and all reported that they felt a difference in leg symptoms and would wear stockings again.ConclusionsCompression stockings were effective for preventing lower limb edema in pregnant women, who had a positive perception of wearing them.

INFLUENCE OF THE USE OF COMPRESSION STOCKINGS ON PHYSIOLOGICAL, PERCEPTUAL AND AFFECTIVE RESPONSES DURING THE RUNNING

This study aimed to compare the influence of wearing compression stockings on physiological, perceptual, and affective responses during the running. Ten recreational runners (31.5 ± 9.7 years) participated in this study. All subjects completed three visits to the lab: (a) familiarization and incremental test until exhaustion (b) two exercise sessions conducted on different days. Each session involved the same exercise protocol (20 min continuously at an intensity of 80% of the maximum treadmill speed achieved in the incremental test until exhaustion), with or without the use of compression stockings. The Felt Arousal Scale (FAS), Feeling Scale (FS), Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), oxygen consumption (VO2), and heart rate (HR) were recorded during each experimental session. Results showed no differences between the conditions of physiological (% VO2máx: 88.1 ± 8.3 vs 87.1 ± 11.32; % HR: 91.8 ± 2.8 vs 90.8 ± 3.2), perceptual (RPE: 6.4 ± 1.2 vs 6.2 ± 1.4) and affective (FS: 0.35 ± 2.4 vs 0.37 ± 2.3; FAS: 4.3 ± 0.7 vs 4.3 ± 1.1) responses during each exercise session. These results indicated that the use of the compression stockings did not promote benefits for physiological or psychological responses while running.