Correlation of Venous Clinical Severity Score With Dermatology Life Quality Index Among Patients With Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

IntroductionChronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is characterized by inadequate functioning of venous valves in the lower limb. CVI is associated with a significant reduction in patient's quality of life (QOL). The severity of CVI was determined by CEAP (clinical, etiological, anatomical, pathophysiological) classification and venous clinical severity score (VCSS). The study is aimed to evaluate and correlate Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) with VCSS, CEAP in patients with CVI. MethodsA cross-sectional study of 57 patients with CVI was conducted over a period of 12 months. A sociographic survey, clinical and severity grading using CEAP classification, and VCSS were done for all venous doppler confirmed patients. QOL was evaluated by validated DLQI questionnaires using English and native languages Hindi and Marathi. ResultsA total of 57 patients with a male to female ratio of 6.1:1 and a mean age of 51.68 years were included in the study. CEAP grading in patients showed 49.12% (C4a), 21.05% (C6), 15.7% (C4b), 7.01% (C3), 3.50% (C2 and C5). Mean VCSS and DLQI were 11.47 and 10.12, respectively; 49.12%, 40.35%, 10.53% of patients had a moderate, very large, and small impact on DLQI respectively, positively correlating to VCSS (P < 0.001). ConclusionFrom this study, it was observed that VCSS and CEAP positively correlated with DLQI, and the impact increases in proportion with the seriousness of the disease.

The relationship between inspiratory muscle strength, venous refilling time, disease severity, and functional capacity in patients with chronic venous insufficiency

“…Patients in C1 and C6 classes were not included in our study in order to provide a similar patient population. While Gürdal Karakelle et al 30 reported that the mean VCSS score of patients whom 66.7% were in C6, was 16.08 ± 6.98; Poulose et al 31 found that the mean values of patients whom 49.2% were in C4, was 11.67. In outcome measures of our study, although 52.5% of the participants were in C3 class, the clinical severity score was found to be higher than Poulose et al This difference may be due to the inhomogeneity of the CEAP classification of the patients participating in the studies.…”

Chronic Venous Insufficiency With Emphasis on the Geriatric Population

“…The quality of life for patients with CVI is impacted by their symptoms, treatment options, and frequent medical appointments. Beyond the fact that CVI can cause lower extremity pain, swelling, skin changes, and lead to infection and ulcer development, there is superimposed anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and social deprivation [ 91 , 92 ]. The progression to venous leg ulcers, as discussed subsequently, amplifies psychosocial effects in relation to ulcer odors and excessive exudate that triggers further feelings of low self-esteem with social isolation and depression [ 93 ], and in older patients, further worsens quality of life [ 24 ].…”