A systematic review of current trends in pharmacologic management after stent placement in nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions

Objective Stenting of the iliac vein is increasingly recognized as a treatment for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). However, the pharmacologic management after stent placement is unclear. This review was conducted to illustrate recent trends in anticoagulation and antiplatelet regimens following stent placement for nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions (NIVL). Methods The MEDLINE database was searched using the term “iliac vein stent.” Retrieval of articles was limited to studies conducted on humans and published in English between 2010 and 2020. Studies were included that described iliac vein stent placement. Studies were excluded that contained fewer than 25 patients, performed procedures other than stent placement, did not specify the postoperative anticoagulant used, or treated lesions of thrombotic origin. Results 12 articles were included in this review, yielding a total of 2782 patients with a male-to-female ratio of 0.77. The predominant CEAP classification encountered was C3. The most common stent used in the included studies was the Wallstent (9/12), and the most common pharmacologic regimen was 3 months of clopidogrel (6/12). Warfarin, aspirin, cilostazol, and rivaroxaban were among other agents used. Primary stent patency ranged from 63.1 to 98.3%. There was no apparent correlation between pharmacologic agent used and stent patency or subjective patient outcomes. Conclusion Multiple different approaches are being taken to pharmacologically manage patients following stent placement for NIVL. There is no consensus on which agent is best, nor is there a formal algorithmic approach for making this decision. Additionally, the findings in this study call into question whether anticoagulation following stenting for NIVL is necessary at all, given the similar outcomes among the different agents utilized. This review underscores the potential value of undertaking a multi-institutional prospective study to determine what is the best pharmacologic therapy following venous stent placement for NIVL.

Association of great saphenous vein diameter and clinical severity score after treatment of severe chronic venous insufficiency with foam sclerotherapy

Objectives: to evaluate the association of the greater saphenous vein (GSV) diameter in the treatment of patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (C6 CEAP classification) with ultrasound-guided polidocanol foam sclerotherapy (UGFS). Methods: A prospective, descriptive and analytical study of 28 patients (30 limbs) that underwent UGFS. Patients were divided into 2 subgroups by GSV diameter (< 8 mm and ≥ 8 mm). Variables analyzed were ulcer healing, clinical intercurrences, clinical CEAP classification, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), diameter of the treated vein and presence of occlusion or recanalization by Doppler ultrasound. Patients were analyzed at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months post-treatment. Results: The average age was 68.7 ± 10.5 years, 23 (82,1%) were women, and the average body mass index was 29.2 kg/m2. Although an improvement in VCSS score was observed during follow-up, no significant intergroup difference was noted. Seventeen (56%) limbs presented occlusion of the treated vein at the 1st month, 11 (36%) at the 3rd month, and 9 (30%) at the 6th month of follow-up. The ulcer healing rate was 56,6%. The average ulcer healing time was 90 days. Three (10%) patients presented with ulcer recurrence at the 6th month. Survival analysis showed no significant difference in ulcer healing rate between subgroups after one year of follow-up (log-rank, p = 0,178). Conclusion: There was no difference between the subgroups of large and small VSM diameter in terms of symptom severity. However, significant reduction of VCSS and pain relief was observed after foam sclerotherapy.

Varicose veins: a clinical profile

Background: The CEAP classification includes classifying varicose veins on the basis of their clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathophysiological classification.Methods: It was a prospective study of 50 patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital, MGM Medical College and Hospital, Kamothe, Maharashtra with varicose veins over a period of 2 years (November 2019 to November 2021). Institute Ethics Committee approval was obtained before start of study. All patients clinically diagnosed of symptomatic or complicated primary lower limb varicose veins with saphenofemoral and/or sapheno-popliteal incompetence with or without perforator incompetence were included. All cases with recurrent varicose veins were excluded. Result was tabulated and analysed at the end of the study using IBM SPSS software.Results: The age group with maximum varicose vein was between 21-30 years and incidence being more common in male population. The majority of the patients had massive varicose veins (C2). Pain was the most frequent presenting symptom. The majority of the study group had both saphenofemoral junction and perforator incompetence. Primary varicose veins are far more common (76%) than secondary and congenital varicose veins.Conclusions: Varicose veins are highly common in the Indian population. The CEAP classification has been a major contributor to advances in the field of varicose veins since its inception, and it has now become universally accepted due to its simplicity and reliability.

Plasma levels of leucocyte elastase-generated cross linked fibrin degradation products (E-XDP) are elevated in chronic venous disease

Patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) have elevated levels of leucocyte elastase (LE) released from the activation of leucocytes. In acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT), LE can degrade fibrin from the thrombus resulting in cross-linked fibrin degradation products (E-XDP) being released into the bloodstream. In patients with CVD the levels and significance of circulating E-XDP are unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between plasma E-XDP concentration and severity of CVD. Levels of E-XDP were quantified with a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in plasma from 142 consecutively recruited CVD patients (mean age 64 years, (range 23–89), 81 were females and 61 males). Patients were also divided into three groups based on CVD severity using the C-class of the Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological (CEAP) classification, with C 0–1 class as the reference group, C 2–3 as the second group and C 4–6 as the third group with the most severely affected patients. We found significantly elevated levels of E-XDP in patients with C 4–6 compared with patients with C 0–1 (p = 0.007) and increased with increasing disease severity across the groups (p = 0.02). Significant independent association was observed between levels of E-XDP and the classes C 4–6 after adjustment for age and sex (p < 0.05), but the association was no longer significant after further adjustment for use of statins, use of anticoagulants and history of DVT (p = 0.247). This exploratory study shows that E-XDP levels are elevated in patients with CVD, encouraging further studies on the role of E-XDP in CVD.

Assessment of venous leg symptoms in patients with hemorrhoidal disease (VEIN-HEMORRHOID study)

Background Coexistence of dilating venous diseases in different vascular territories has raised the idea that they have similar vascular wall abnormality in their evolutionary process. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate venous leg symptoms in patients with hemorrhoidal disease (HD) by means of VEINES-Sym questionnaire. Materials and methods The study involved 249 consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy and met the inclusion criteria. Presence and grading of HD were made according to Goligher’s classification. All patients were examined for the existing of varicose vein and classified in respect of CEAP classification. All participants were requested to answer the VEINES-Sym questionnaire. Results There was not statistically significant differences between the patients without HD (grade 0 or I) and with HD (Grade II or III) in respect to clinical characteristics except female predominance in hemorrhoid group (p = 0.07). Scores of heavy legs, swelling, burning sensation, restless leg, throbbing, tingling, and total VEINES score were significantly lower (ie: worse) in hemorrhoid group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender and total VEINES score were independently associated with HD (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17-3.52, p = 0.01; OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99, p = 0.02, respectively). Among all venous leg symptoms, severity of heavy legs, night cramps, swelling and aching were significantly correlated with the grades of HD. Conclusion We have shown significant association between the HD and venous leg symptoms reflected by total VEINES score and significant correlation between the HD grade and venous leg symptoms severity including heavy legs, swelling, night cramps and aching legs.

ULTRASOUND GUIDED FOAM SCLEROTHERAPY AS A PREFERRED TREATMENT OPTION FOR VARICOSE VEINS IN TERMS OF SAFETY, EFFICACY AND COST EFFECTIVENESS

Objective: To assess the safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in superficial venous reflux in Clinical, Etiological, Anatomical and Pathological (CEAP) classification grade 2-6 disease. Study Design: Retrospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from Sep 2018 to Feb 2020. Methodology: One thousand and sixty-seven patients (1312 legs) with varicose veins were treated by ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy using 3% sodium tetradecyl sulphate for truncal veins and 1% for smaller veins in 1:4 ratio with air. After 7 days, leg was assessed clinically and radiologically with Duplex ultrasound for occlusion of veins and complications. Second, third and fourth sclerotherapy sessions were performed for residual/recurrence/new varicosities. Compression bandage was used for at least 3 months after treatment. Results: The overall eradication of superficial venous reflux and healing of ulcers, was seen in 92.1% (1208 legs). It was 83.5% (1095 legs) after 1st session of UGFS. Second, 3rd and 4th session of UGFS further increases this percentage of benefitted patients Deep vein thrombosis developed post procedure in 2 (0.18%) patients and pulmonary embolus in one patient. Three (0.28%) patients had transient visual disturbances within half an hour of treatment. Retreatment was required due to formation of new superficial venous reflux in 39 (2.9%) legs and recurrence in 93 (7.1%) legs. Conclusion: Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy is a better option of treatment in varicose veins in terms of safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness.

Ultrasound-guided cyanoacrylate injection for the treatment of incompetent perforator veins

Objective The use of cyanoacrylate products (CA) in incompetent perforator vein (IPV) treatment has not been thoroughly examined. The primary objective of this study is to describe the technique of ultra sound guided direct injection of IPV with CA, and secondarily to determine early closure rates and safety of this technique. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing IPV injection at two centres between 2015-2018 was conducted. Demographics, CEAP classification and IPV location were collected. Outcomes were assessed at two follow-up appointments. Results A total of 83 perforator vein injections were completed. CEAP classifications include C2 – C6 classes. Location of perforators were posteromedial (6%), femoral canal (9%), paratibial (14%), and posterior-tibial (71%). IPV closure rates were 96.3% at initial follow-up (16 ± 2 days). Closure rates decreased to 86.5% at second follow-up (72 ± 9 days). There were no deep vein thromboses during follow-up. One patient developed septic thrombophlebitis that was successfully managed with antibiotics. Conclusion Ultrasound-guided CA glue injection is a simple and low risk procedure that effectively closes incompetent perforator veins.