The Application of Compression Therapy in Patients With Varicose Veins of the Lower Extremities

Abstract

Objective. To study the implementation of medical recommendations regarding the use of compression therapy in patients with varicose veins of the lower extremities. Methods. A prospective comparative study, Patients Commitment to Compression Therapy (POMP), was conducted with the participation of phlebologist-surgeons who treat patients with chronic venous diseases in Minsk, Vitebsk, and Gomel. During 5 weeks each of the phlebologists included in the study patients with varicose veins who sought advice and needed compression therapy. 30-35 days after the consultation of the surgeon-phlebologist, an outsourcing call center conducted a telephone survey of patients in order to obtain information about the specifics of fulfilling medical recommendations. Results. The registration data base of the study contained individual data on 394 patients with varicose veins (C1-C6) who received recommendations to use compression therapy. After 30-35 days, 302 patients (aged 43, 18-84 (Me, IQR)) were available for telephone survey. There were 58 men (19.2%), 244 women (80.8%). Among them, class C1 was registered in 39 (12.9%), C2 - in 113 (37.4%), C3 - in 122 (40.4%), C4 - in 25 (8.3%), C5 - in 1 (0.3%), C6 - in 2 (0.7%) patients. It was found that 245 (81.5%) of the respondents either already had compression hosiery at the time of the consultation, or purchased it within 30 days. 228 (75.2%) respondents reported compliance with the recommendations. Patients who had already experience with compression therapy and patients with the history of venous thromboembolism showed higher commitment to compression therapy (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the compliance of patients with different levels of education and professional characteristics. Conclusion. A high commitment of patients to compression therapy was established 1 month after receiving recommendations. To obtain more information about patient compliance, it is necessary to enlarge the follow-up period. What this paper adds In a prospective multicenter study a high commitment (75.2%) to compression therapy for patients with varicose veins was firstly defined 1 month after the recommendations made by a phlebologist to use it.