Therapeutic effect of compression stockings versus no compression on isolated superficial vein thrombosis of the legs: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND:

Leg compression is considered basic treatment for superficial vein thrombosis (SVT), although scientific proof for its efficacy is lacking. The aim of the study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of compression stockings on isolated SVT of the legs.

METHODS:

This was a single-center randomized controlled trial. Eighty patients with isolated SVT of the legs were instructed to wear compression stockings (23-32 mmHg) (CG) or no compression (NCG) for 3 weeks. All patients received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) at prophylactic dosage. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were allowed. The primary outcome variable was the reduction of pain as assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Lowenberg test. Secondary outcomes were the consumption of analgesics, thrombus length, skin erythema, D-dimer, and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS:

Seventy-three patients completed the study. Clinical symptoms and QoL significantly improved from baseline to day 21 in both groups (p < .001 for VAS, Lowenberg test, thrombus length, and erythema; p < .006 for QoL), and consumption of analgesics and D-dimer significantly decreased (p < .001). There was no significant difference between the groups for all tested variables. At day 7, patients in the CG revealed a significantly faster thrombus regression (p = .02).

CONCLUSION:

Adding compression stockings for 3 weeks to LMWH and NSAIDs does not bring significant additional benefit in the treatment of isolated SVT. When worn for 1 week, compression stockings stimulate significantly faster thrombus regression.

• Authors: K Boehler, H Kittler, S Stolkovich, S Tzaneva
• Journal: European journal of vascular and endovascular surgery : the official journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery (Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg) Vol. 48 Issue 4 Pg. 465-71 (Oct 2014) ISSN: 1532-2165 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 25116277 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Humans
• Leg (blood supply)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain (etiology, prevention & control)
• Pain Measurement
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life
• Stockings, Compression
• Therapeutic Occlusion (methods)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultrasonography
• Venous Thrombosis (complications, diagnostic imaging, therapy)