Symptoms in patients with skin changes due to chronic venous insufficiency often lead to emergency care service: an Italian observational study

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the most advanced form of chronic venous disease (CVD), and is often associated with skin changes such as hyperpigmentation, eczema, lipodermatosclerosis and venous skin ulceration that cause discomfort, pain, sleep disturbances, absenteeism in the workplace, disability and deteriorated quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of CVI and skin changes in patients who turn to Continuous Assistance Services due to the presence of disturbing symptoms of their condition. Data were evaluated by consulting the medical records, during a 16-month period, available with three Continuous Assistance Services of the Italian territory. The overall population of the referring centres consisted of 1186 patients [739 females (62·31%) and 447 males (37·69%)]. Seventy-nine patients (6·66%) consulted the emergency unit for venous symptoms related to CVD. Patients with more severe disease (CVI, categories C4-C6) represented the majority accounting for 60·75%, while patients with moderate disease (C3) accounted for 35·44% and patients with mild disease (C1-C2 stages) accounted for 3·79%. The main finding of this study is that despite CVI not being a disease that commonly requires medical emergency/urgency intervention, patients with CVI, especially in advanced stage with skin changes, may turn to Continuous Assistance Service for treating bothersome symptoms related to their condition.

Cutaneous findings in patients with chronic venous insufficiency

“…CVI is a common problem; however, it can be overlooked due to its symptoms are not fully recognized, causing the disease to progress further. While the disease may cause many severe signs and symptoms and cosmetic problems, it may also be asymptomatic 1,4 . Venous dysfunction leads to pain, muscle cramps, feeling of heaviness and tension in the legs, skin irritation, and itching 1 .…”

“…Every year approximately 150 000 new CVI cases are diagnosed, and the treatment of the disease poses a heavy economic burden on countries 2 . The prevalence of CVI is usually high in older ages, and it affects women more than men 1 . CVI is a result of venous hypertension and may have primary or secondary causes 2 .…”

“…Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an important problem having high morbidity, affecting adults 1 . Every year approximately 150 000 new CVI cases are diagnosed, and the treatment of the disease poses a heavy economic burden on countries 2 .…”

Seguridad y grado de aceptación de un calcetín protector cutáneo en pacientes con dermatoporosis y/o cambios cutáneos por insuficiencia venosa crónica

“…La prevalencia de la dermatoporosis no está muy definida hoy en día. Un estudio francés estima su prevalencia en un 37,5% de las personas mayores de 65 años (3). Otro estudio estima que la prevalencia de dermatoporosis en los Estados Unidos aumente en la población de más 65 años pasando de un 13,1% en 2010 a un de 20,9% en 2050 (4).…”

Effectiveness of cooling therapy (cryotherapy) on leg pain and self-efficacy in patients with chronic venous disease: A randomized controlled trial

“…Chronic venous disease (CVeD) of the lower limbs is a result of persistent venous hypertension and if left untreated can lead to vessel wall damage, varicosities, skin inflammation, skin changes including hardening, discoloration and ulceration, and delayed tissue healing (Raffetto and Mannello, 2014). CVeD is estimated to affect 1 – 2% of adults worldwide and is characterized by leg symptoms such as heaviness, swelling, cramping, burning, throbbing, itching, aching, and pain upon exertion (Eberhardt and Raffetto, 2014, Ruggiero et al, 2016, Wrona et al, 2015). Leg pain in particular is a common presenting complaint defined as a localized “hurting” and incessant sensation at the skin site most severely affected by CVeD (Kelechi et al, 2017a).…”