The effect of graduated elastic compression stockings on clinical findings, complications and inflammatory and thrombotic markers in patients with superficial vein thrombophlebitis

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. The objective of the paper is an assessment of the effect of graduated elastic compression stockings on clinical findings, complications, and inflammatory and thrombotic markers in patients with superficial vein thrombophlebitis. Methods. This prospective study was conducted between January and July of 2017, at the Clinic for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of the Clinical Centre of Serbia. All the patients were clinically examined, and color duplex ultrasonography of the superficial and deep venous systems was performed. In all cases, we follow clinical finding, inflammatory and thrombotic markers, and superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) complication. Results. SVT was detected in 60 patients (36 women, aged 23–75 years and 24 men, aged 18–76 years. Most patients were with unilateral, subacute, above-knee located SVT. Regarding the typical clinical symptoms of SVT, patients were divided into four groups. The majority of our patients (group D) had all the symptoms associated. Regarding the severity of SVT and risk factors, the patients were divided into a greater risk group (Group I) and a lesser risk group (Group II), and treated with low-molecular-weight heparin, aspirin and two classes of graduated elastic compression stockings regarding the level of SVT. Laboratory testing of inflammatory and thrombotic markers in patients with SVT was performed at the beginning and at the end of therapy. Conclusions. In treatment of SVT, higher class of graduated compression therapy has stronger influence in decrement of inflammatory and thrombotic factors and prompt and adequately chosen therapy of SVT allows stoppage and regression of the thrombotic process.

Keywords

• graduated elastic compression stockings
• inflammatory and thrombotic markers
• superficial vein thrombophlebitis