Effect of different compression therapies on the reflux in deep veins with a post-thrombotic syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Reflux in deep veins is an important pathophysiological factor of post-thrombotic syndrome which can be demonstrated by colour-coded duplexsonography. This study investigates the effect of different compression therapies on the reflux velocity in deep veins in patients with a post-thrombotic syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with a post-thrombotic syndrome-confirmed by phlebography, in the deep veins of the calf and the thigh were investigated in two groups: In group A, 30 patients (mean age 58 +/- 10 years) received compression stockings (calf compression class II and III, thigh compression class II) and in group B 30 patients (mean age 58 +/- 14 years) received a Sigg short traction bandage of the calf. The velocity at the time of the greatest reflux in the popliteal vein was determined as reflux parameter with the colour-coded duplex sonography using a cuff applied at the calf. All patients stood upright and were measured with and without different kinds of compression therapies. The reflux velocities were graded as low, moderate and high.

RESULTS

A significant decrease of the reflux velocity by about more than 45% with compression therapy was found in both groups. The decrease of the refluxes in group A (mean 47.9%) did not differ significantly from the decrease of refluxes in group B (mean 55.8%). The greatest decrease of the reflux velocity under compression therapy was found in high-grade refluxes in both groups.

CONCLUSION

A significant decrease of the reflux velocity in post-thrombotic syndrome can be readily demonstrated with different kinds of compression stockings as well as with bandages by means of colour-coded duplex sonography.