Treatment of superficial vein thrombophlebitis of the arm with Essaven gel--a placebo-controlled, randomized study.

The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of local treatment with Essaven gel (EG), in comparison with placebo and with a group of controls in 23 patients with superficial vein thrombophlebitis (SVTPH) of the arms. SVTPH was consequent to infusional treatment with an intravenous catheter. The 4-week study evaluated the average skin temperature and an analogue symptomatic score. In patients treated with active EG, the decrease in score and in composite skin temperature was significantly larger than in the placebo and control groups. No intolerance was observed. The decrease in score and temperature in the placebo group was mainly due to skin manipulation and massage and to spontaneous resolution. In conclusion treatment with EG in arm SVTPH improves signs /symptoms and decreases skin temperature faster. This study confirms earlier observations on the effective, local use of EG in SVTPH.