Review on the value of graduated elastic compression stockings after deep vein thrombosis

2006 ◽  
Vol 96 (10) ◽  
pp. 441-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stavros Kakkos ◽  
Stella Daskalopoulou ◽  
Marios Daskalopoulos ◽  
Andrew Nicolaides ◽  
George Geroulakos

SummaryGraduated elastic compression stockings (GECS) are commonly used in the primary prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT); however, their role in preventing recurrent DVT and also post-thrombotic syndrome is less well established. The aim of this review was to investigate the effect of GECS after DVT. A literature search was performed by two independent searchers in order to identify randomised controlled trials on the effect of GECS in preventing recurrent DVT and post-thrombotic syndrome. Four randomised trials, including 537 patients, were identified. Two of the studies demonstrated that below-knee GECS significantly reduced post-thrombotic syndrome during follow-up, while a smaller study showed equivocal results. GECS reduced the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome from 54% to 25.2% [relative risk (RR) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36-0.61] with the number needed to treat (NNT) being 4 (95% CI 2.7-5.0).The rate of recurrent asymptomatic DVT was also significantly reduced by GECS (RR 0.20, 95% CI 0.06-0.64; NNT 5); the reduction in symptomatic DVT was not significant (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.50-1.26; NNT 34). In conclusion, there is level Ia evidence to suggest that GECS can significantly reduce the incidence of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after DVT, and therefore these should be routinely prescribed. The evidence for recurrent DVT is less conclusive. Further research is needed towards standardising PTS diagnostic criteria and evaluating more effective preventive measures after DVT.

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 160-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michel Perrin ◽  
Bo Eklöf

Aim The aim of this review is to try to explain the controversy by critical analysis of previously published randomized controlled trials on the value of elastic compression stockings in the treatment of acute proximal deep vein thrombosis in prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome, which forms the scientific basis for our present management. Methods A research was made through Medline and Embase databases to identify relevant original articles, not abstracts, with the following keywords: post-thrombotic syndrome, deep venous thrombosis, venous thromboembolism, compression stockings, prevention and compliance. Results We identified five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) before the SOX trial including 798 patients with acute proximal deep vein thrombosis. Brandjes (1997): at two years’ follow-up, elastic compression stockings reduced post-thrombotic syndrome by 50%; Ginsberg (2001): no difference in post-thrombotic syndrome with or without elastic compression stockings after more than two years’ follow-up; Partsch (2004): elastic compression stockings with routine above knee and early ambulation reduced the incidence and severity of post-thrombotic syndrome after two years’ follow-up; Prandoni (2004) showed significantly less post-thrombotic syndrome after elastic compression stockings for two years with a five-year follow-up; Aschwanden (2008) showed no difference with elastic compression stockings after three years’ follow-up. Conclusion Prescription of elastic compression stockings for the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome is now in doubt. Immediate compression after diagnosis of acute deep vein thrombosis to prevent swelling and reduce pain, permitting early ambulation in combination with adequate anticoagulation has proven benefit, although a secondary analysis of the SOX trial refutes this belief. Continued long-term compression treatment is questioned. Two major questions remain: Is the lack of positive outcome on the development of post-thrombotic syndrome after proximal deep vein thrombosis due to the fact that there were a few patients with iliofemoral extension in the quoted randomized controlled trials who may benefit from prolonged medical compression treatment? Compliance is the major issue, and the two randomized controlled trials with excellent control of compliance showed significant reduction in the rate of post-thrombotic syndrome, but we know that in daily practice the adherence is closer to Kahn’s data.


2021 ◽  
Vol 156 (5) ◽  
pp. 251-252
Author(s):  
Francisco Galeano-Valle ◽  
Jorge del-Toro-Cervera ◽  
Pablo Demelo-Rodríguez

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marit Engeseth ◽  
Tone Enden ◽  
Per Morten Sandset ◽  
Hilde Skuterud Wik

Abstract Background Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a frequent chronic complication of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower limb, but predictors of PTS are not well established. We aimed to examine predictors of PTS in patients with long-term PTS following proximal DVT. Methods During 2006–09, 209 patients with a first time acute upper femoral or iliofemoral DVT were randomized to receive either additional catheter-directed thrombolysis or conventional therapy alone. In 2017, the 170 still-living participants were invited to participate in a cross-sectional follow-up study. In the absence of a gold standard diagnostic test, PTS was defined in line with clinical practice by four mandatory, predefined clinical criteria: 1. An objectively verified DVT; 2. Chronic complaints (> 1 month) in the DVT leg; 3. Complaints appeared after the DVT; and 4. An alternative diagnosis was unlikely. Possible predictors of PTS were identified with multivariate logistic regression. Results Eighty-eight patients (52%) were included 8–10 years following the index DVT, and 44 patients (50%) were diagnosed with PTS by the predefined clinical criteria. Younger age and higher baseline Villalta score were found to be independent predictors of PTS, i.e., OR 0.96 (95% CI, 0.93–0.99), and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.02–1.49), respectively. Lack of iliofemoral patency at six months follow-up was significant in the bivariate analysis, but did not prove to be significant after the multivariate adjustments. Conclusions In long-term follow up after high proximal DVT, younger age and higher Villalta score at DVT diagnosis were independent predictors of PTS.


2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-103
Author(s):  
Nicholas Denny ◽  
◽  
Shreshta Musale ◽  
Helena Edlin ◽  
Jecko Thachil ◽  
...  

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an important cause of short-term mortality and long-term morbidity. Among the different presentations of DVT, thrombus in the iliofemoral veins may be considered the severest form. Although anticoagulation is the mainstay of the management of iliofemoral thrombosis, despite adequate anticoagulant treatment, complications including post-thrombotic syndrome is not uncommon. The latter is often overlooked but can cause considerable morbidity to the affected individuals. Preventing this condition remains a challenge but recent clinical trials of catheter directed thrombolysis and elasticated compression stockings provide some advance in this context. In this article, with the aid of a clinical case, we review the particular considerations to take into account when managing patients with an iliofemoral DVT.


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