The 1999 French Venous Disease Survey: Epidemiology, Management, and Patient Profiles

Abstract

A recent (1999) Sofres survey of representative samples of the adult French population aged 15 and over showed that almost half this population suffered from lower limb venous complaints and that 43% of them were untreated. Of those treated, 24.2% received venotropics, including 21.5% by prescription, while 6.0% practiced self-medication. Venous disease sufferers form a relatively underprivileged sector of the population in terms not only of age, income, work and living conditions, but also of general health and medical history. Despite its clinical efficacy and potential social utility, venotropic treatment is possible only if backed by adequate state health insurance coverage supplemented by mutual and private insurance schemes. Any restriction to such coverage will only decrease access to prescription venotropics.

Die Chronisch Venöse Insuffizienz und ihr häufiges Vorkommen beim Krankenhauspersonal

“…This elevated risk may result from their hot and humid workplace conditions. In addition, socio-economic factors may be implicated: some studies have reported a higher prevalence of venous disease in the relatively underprivileged sector of the population [31][32][33], although no relation between the epidemiology of CVD and social class was found in the Edinburgh vein study [34].…”

Efficacy of subcutaneous lidocaine injection in venous insufficiency: a prospective, randomized, controlled study, and new treatment protocol

“…Even though it is a very common disease, due to the lack of epidemiological data, the prevalence of CVI cannot be inferred. Previous studies have recorded specific characteristics in advanced cases, including patients who presented to the hospital and were diagnosed with varicose veins and leg ulcers 15 , 16 ) . In our study, we only evaluated patients in the early stage of the disease (CEAP classification stage 1 and 2) to ensure a homogenous patient distribution.…”

First epidemiological data for venotonics in pregnancy from the EFEMERIS database

“…Nevertheless, venotonic drugs are still widely used for the treatment of venolymphatic insufficiency and haemorrhoids in France. 1 Venous problems frequently occur during pregnancy, often leading to the prescription of these drugs. One previous study 2 showed that 20% of French women were prescribed hesperidin, and a similar percentage received diosmin, during pregnancy.…”