CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY IN 895 PATIENTS FOLLOWED IN GENERAL-PRACTICE

Background This study was designed to describe the main semiological a nd etiological characteristics of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) a nd to determine if there was a relationship between the extent of obje ctive signs, severity of symptoms and aetiology. Materials and methods . 895 outpatients presenting CVI of the lower limbs over a period of a t least one year, irrespective of grade of severity or aetiology, were included in this retrospective study. They were treated with 2 differ ent pharmaceutical forms of the same venoactive medication (1000 mg of micronised flavonoid fraction) for 2 months. Organic CVI (OCVI) was c lassified, in stages of increasing severity, according to the Widmer a nd Porter classification. In the absence of anatomical lesions of the main veins or their valvular system, CVI was termed functional (FCVI). Results. Analysis indicated that CVI was more frequent in women than in men (sex ratio 10:1). 26% were FCVI and 91% of OCVI were of varicos e origin. The mean progression time of the disease was 13+/-11 years. Disease began earlier in women than in men (34+/-14 vs 41+/-14 years). Oedema was the first objective sign in 68% of patients and the only o ne in 20% of FCVI. Heaviness was more frequent in FCVI and its intensi ty was not related to the severity of CVI. Trophic complications were more frequent in the advanced stages. Conclusions. In order to avoid p rogression to more severe forms which are disabling or expensive to tr eat, a rational approach to the management of early CVI is essential.