Efficacy of external leg compression in the prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis in stroke patients

Abstract

The efficacy of pressure therapy in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients was evaluated in a prospective randomised clinical trial involving thirty five patients who either received pressure stockings or not. The interface pressure applied by the stocking was measured using a purpose designed electro-pneumatic pressure sensor while diagnosis of DVT was made using radio-active iodine labelled fibrinogen test. Twenty five percent (5/20) of control group as against 15.4% (2/13) of treatment group developed DVT which was not statistically significant. The reduction in the incidence of DVT in the treatment group is a reflection of tue protective effect of correctly fitted stocking applying effective interface pressure. This necessitates clinical interface pressure measurement in order to optimize prophylatic efficacy of these simple physical devices in stroke patients.

Keywords

• deep vein thrombosis
• pressure therapy
• interface pressure