Effect of different compression therapies on the reflux in deep veins witha post-thrombotic syndrome

Background: Reflux in deep veins is an important pathophysiological factor of post-thrombotic syndrome which can be demonstrated by colour-coded duple xsonography. This study investigates the effect of different compression th erapies on the reflux velocity in deep veins in patients with a post-thromb otic syndrome. Patients and methods: Sixty patients with a post thrombotic syndrome - conf irmed by phlebography, in the deep veins of the calf and the thigh were inv estigated in two groups: In group A, 30 patients (mean age 58 +/- 10 years) received compression stockings (calf compression class II and III, thigh c ompression class II) and in group B 30 patients (mean age 58 +/- 14 years) received a Sigg short traction bandage of the calf: The velocity at the tim e of the greatest reflux in the popliteal vein was determined as reflux par ameter with the colour-coded duplex sonography using a cuff applied at the calf. All patients stood upright and were measured with and without differe nt kinds of compression therapies. The reflux velocities were graded as low ; moderate and high. Results: A significant decrease of the reflux velocity by about more than 4 5% with compression therapy was found in both groups. The decrease of the r efluxes in group A (mean 47.9%) did not differ significantly from the decre ase of reflux-es in group B (mean 55.8%). The greatest decrease of the refl ux velocity under compression therapy was found in high-grade refluxes in b oth groups. Conclusion: A significant decrease of the reflux velocity ill post-thrombot ic syndrome can be readily demonstrated with different kinds of compression stockings as well as with bandages by means of colour-coded duplex sonogra phy.