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This paper deals with the prevention of thrombophlebitis by means of massage and elastic stocking compression. In a group of 26 patients no evidence of thrombophlebitis or pulmonary embolism was observed.
1. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the degree of thrombus regression, development of valvular insufficiency, impaired calf muscle pump function and clinical symptoms after a period of acute deep venous thrombosis. 2. Seventy patients with acute deep venous thrombosis, diagnosed by duplex scanning or venography, received treatment with heparin and oral coumarin derivatives according to a standard protocol. All patients wore graduated compression stockings during the whole study period. Duplex scanning was performed at diagnosis and 1 and 3 months later to measure thrombus mass and reflux. The supine venous pump function test was used to assess calf muscle pump function. 3. Three months follow-up was completed in 60 patients. In total 218 (28%) out of 780 vein segments were initially thrombosed and 134 (17%) could not be traced. A statistically significant reduction of thrombus mass was recorded throughout the study period. Total resolution of thrombosis in all vein segments occurred in 25% of the patients within 1 month and in 40% in 3 months. There was no difference in regression between the various proximal vein segments. Distal segments showed more regression than proximal segments. Reflux occurred in 27% of the initially thrombosed veins and in 15% of the patent veins. Patients who showed total resolution after 1 month had a significantly higher calf muscle pump function than patients without total resolution (70%pf vs 61%pf, P < 0.05). Patients with reflux in two or more segments had a significantly lower calf muscle pump function than patients with reflux in less than two segments (58%pf vs 69%pf, P < 0.05). 4. Using duplex scanning and the supine venous pump function test 3 months after an acute deep venous thrombosis, overall haemodynamic abnormalities and local site of valve incompetence could readily be identified. Patients with haemodynamic abnormalities might be at risk to develop the post-thrombotic syndrome. There was no difference in thrombus regression between the various proximal vein segments. Reflux was significantly more often seen in initially thrombosed veins. Thirty-five percent of the patients developed an abnormal calf muscle pump function after 3 months. Patients with early resolution of thrombus had a higher calf muscle pump function after 3 months.
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the current use of thromboprophylaxis for laparoscopic surgery in Denmark. METHODS: Postal questionnaires were sent to all Danish surgical departments that performed laparoscopic surgery according to the National Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Database. RESULTS: There was a written protocol for thromboprophylaxis in 93 per cent of the responding departments. In 37 per cent thromboprophylaxis was used for all patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery; only 7 per cent used thromboprophylaxis sporadically. All departments used low molecular weight heparin, 74 per cent in combination with graduated compression stockings. The criteria for using thromboprophylaxis varied greatly; in many departments conversion of the procedure to an open operation was not considered a criterion. Some 20 per cent of the departments reported previous thromboembolic complications following laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: Despite the widespread use of thromboprophylaxis, symptomatic thromboembolic complications were reported from several departments. Further studies are needed to determine whether laparoscopic surgery should be considered a high-risk procedure.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is not a feature of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), but there has been a recent report of VTE in association with plasma exchange (PEX) treatment for TTP using the solvent detergent (SD) plasma, PLAS+SD. We reviewed the occurrence of VTE in 68 consecutive patients with TTP (25 men, 43 women). Eight documented VTE events [six deep venous thromboses (DVTs), three pulmonary emboli] were identified in seven patients (all female) during PEX therapy. All six DVTs were associated with central lines at the site of thrombosis. Other known precipitating factors included pregnancy, immobility, obesity and factor V Leiden heterozygosity. VTE occurred at a mean of 53 d following the first PEX. The European SD plasma, Octaplas was the last plasma to be used in PEX prior to the VTE in 7/8 events. This is the first report of VTE following Octaplas infusion. VTE is a multifactorial disease and, although several known precipitating factors were present in all patients in this study, the use of large volumes of SD plasma in PEX may be an additional risk factor. We recommend prevention of VTE with graduated elastic compression stockings (class I) at diagnosis and prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin once the platelet count rises above 50 x 10(9)/l.
In this article we review economy class syndrome or travellers' thrombosis as it should be more appropriately described. We review the evidence for and against the existence of this condition. Much of the evidence included in this article has been justifiably criticised but it is the best evidence available to date. We conclude that there is a probable link between thrombosis and long distance travel. However this association is confined to individuals with additional risk factors and fatal pulmonary embolus is very rare. The probable aetiology of this association is prolonged immobilisation in cramped conditions. Other factors are likely to play a minor role. When considering preventative measures, for the majority of individuals the risk is very small. Simple advise can be given with no requirement for additional intervention. Compression stockings should be considered for high-risk patients. In individuals planning prolonged travel with multiple risk factors for thrombosis low dose low molecular weight heparin should be considered. The criteria for defining risk groups remains unclear and we outline our recommendations. There is conflicting evidence with regard to the use of aspirin but considering the latest evidence we do not recommend it.
INTRODUCTION: The purposes of the present study were to determine whether patients in The Canberra Hospital are receiving appropriate Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis, and to ascertain the awareness of appropriate treatment by clinicians. METHODS: Part 1 of the present study comprised of a point prevalence study of The Canberra Hospital inpatients. Patients were assessed for the risk of their developing DVT. The prophylaxis they were receiving was documented. In Part 2 of the present study, clinicians at The Canberra Hospital filled out a questionnaire that outlined three case scenarios. They were required to identify the risk group and appropriate prophylaxis for each group. Consultants, registrars and junior medical officers were assessed separately. RESULTS: The results of Part 1 of the present study showed that the majority of inpatients in The Canberra Hospital are not receiving appropriate prophylaxes according to international guidelines. Graduated compression stockings are rarely used, and often ineffectively applied. All groups performed poorly in Part 2 of the present study. Participants were frequently unable to identify the risk group for a particular scenario. There was also confusion regarding the appropriate prophylaxis for a particular risk group. DISCUSSION: Deep Venous Thrombosis is a major problem among hospitalized patients. However, despite its importance, there is a lack of appropriate prophylaxes being instituted. This, together with the poor performance of the participating clinicians in Part 2 of the present study,indicate that there are significant problems in The Canberra Hospital regarding DVT prophylaxes and that steps need to be taken to overcome these problems.
Travel-related disorders are a well known problem. In the last years many cases of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary thromboembolism (VTE) were published after several hours lasting journeys by airplane, but also by car, bus and railway. This condition was termed "travel-thrombosis" or "economy class syndrome" for long haul flights. At present the precise incidence for travel-thrombosis is not known. Accepted contributing factors for the development of travel-thrombosis are sitting in a cramped position for several hours, low humidity due to climatisation with the risk for dehydration and increased blood viscosity, reduced fluid intake as well as travellers related risk factors. Whether the special situation in the cabin of an airplane, e.g. mild hypoxia, is an essential contributing factor for DVT and VTE, is controversially discussed. This review will present very recent guidelines of an expert meeting concerning the risk groups for travel-thrombosis (low, moderate and high risk). In addition recommendations for prophylaxis of travel-thrombosis adapted to the different risk groups (leg exercise, adequate fluid intake, compression stockings, low molecular weight heparins) are given.
OBJECTIVES: surgical correction of isolated superficial venous reflux in ulcerated legs may reduce short term recurrence rates but the longer term benefits are unknown. DESIGN: prospective non-randomised cohort study. METHODS: consecutive patients with chronic leg ulcers were prospectively assessed at a one-stop clinic over a 4-year period from July 1995 to July 1999. All patients with ankle brachial pressure indices (ABPI)50.85 were initially treated with weekly four-layer bandaging. Venous duplex studies in all ulcerated legs assessed venous reflux pattern with surgery being offered to all those with isolated superficial reflux, of whom 56% accepted. Patients were advised to wear class two elastic compression stockings after healing. RESULTS: 766 legs in 669 patients were assessed. Six hundred and thirty-three legs had an ABPI50.85, 236 (39%) demonstrating isolated superficial venous reflux. Surgery was performed on 131 of these legs. Twelve and 24 week healing rates were 50% and 72% for operated legs and 62% and 74% for non-operated legs (p=0.67; Kaplan-Meier life table analysis). Recurrence rates at 1, 2 and 3 years were 14%, 20% and 26% for operated legs and 28%, 30% and 44% for non-operated legs (p=0.03; Kaplan-Meier life table analysis). CONCLUSION: surgical correction of superficial venous reflux in legs with chronic leg ulceration may reduce ulcer recurrence rate at 1, 2 and 3 years.
Compression therapy provides a means to treat venous stasis, venous hypertension, and venous edema. Different methods of compression therapy have been described periodically over the last 2,000 years. In addition to static compression, specialized compression pumps have been developed and a technique of massage called manual lymphatic drainage has emerged to treat primary and secondary lymphedema. Objectives of compression therapy are to reduce the swollen limb to minimum size, maintain that size, and allow the patient to participate in the care of his limb whenever possible. Reduction therapy is achieved by limb elevation, compression pumps as necessary, and compression wraps. Maintenance therapy largely consists of compression wraps or compression stockings. Nonelastic devices have found a place in treating severe lymphedema but it should be emphasized that periodic follow-up must be done during maintenance therapy so that adjunctive maintenance measures can be added as needed.
Catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) has been proposed as an alternative mode of therapy to anticoagulation in patients with massive, symptomatic deep vein thrombosis of the extremity. The major goal of therapy is to rapidly restore venous blood flow, reduce the pain and edema of the extremity, preserve venous valve function, and reduce chronic symptoms related to chronic venous hypertension (postthrombotic syndrome). In patients with iliofemoral deep venous thrombosis (DVT) standard angiographic techniques are used to instrument a lower extremity vein (popliteal) and venography is performed followed by catheter-directed infusion of a plasminogen activator directly into the thrombus. Following lytic infusion, the interventionalist must evaluate the venous drainage to determine if there is an anatomic lesion that requires further endovascular treatment (eg, iliac vein compression syndrome). Posttreatment therapy usually consists of warfarin therapy and venous compression stockings for at least 3 to 6 months. The purpose of this article is to review the technical approach used in treating iliofemoral DVT and highlight the hurdles that face interventionalists in attempting to broaden this procedure to most types of lower extremity DVT.
Patients undergoing surgery for carcinoma of the breast are thought to be at lower risk of developing thromboembolic complications than those with abdominal malignancies and the role of the thromboprophylaxis is unproven. To determine current thromboprophylaxis practice a questionnaire was sent to 184 consultant surgeons thought to be involved in breast cancer surgery, of whom 137 responded (74%). Eleven surgeons no longer dealt with breast cancer patients. Of the remaining 126, thromboprophylaxis was given routinely by 88 (69.8%), with the commonest regimens being subcutaneous heparin only (n=43) and heparin combined with compression stockings (n=20). Patients with breast cancer were regarded as being at high risk of thromboembolic complications by 65 clinicians in this group (73.7%). Thirty-eight consultants did not use thromboprophylaxis routinely, the most commonly stated reasons were low/no risk of DVT (n=24), because of early postoperative mobilization (n=20) and increased risk of bleeding complications (n=15). Twenty clinicians reported a total of 22 deep venous thromboses and two pulmonary emboli affecting patients under their care who had surgery for breast cancer during the preceding year. Almost 70% of surgeons routinely employ thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery but practice varies widely.
The indication for venous valves surgery has to consider morphological and functional aspects. 36 reconstructive valve repair procedures and the long-term results are reported. The procedures need surgical skill and a meticulous operation technique. Primary idiopathic valvular incompetence can be treated with a direct valvuloplasty (Kistner). The leaflets of the floppy valve become shortened either by an open repair or with a closed procedure. Patients suffering from post-thrombotic syndrome showing intact valves in the deep femoral vein may undergo a transposition operation. In this case the superficial femoral vein is implanted end to side into the deep femoral vein distally to a proximal valve. The best results in post-thrombotic syndrome are achieved with a free transplantation of a venous valve from the axillary vein into the superficial femoral or into the popliteal vein (Taheri). Postoperatively the patients are anticoagulated and have to wear a compressing stocking (Grade III). The results of direct valvuloplasty (Kistner) and valve transplant (Taheri) are satisfactory, whereas the results of transposition seem to be disappointing. Good results are depending mostly on a correct indication for the operation and on avoiding the contraindications.
A 68-year-old man presented with general fatigue, increasing adynamia, weakness, vertigo and recurrent syncope. Six weeks earlier the diagnosis of a macroprolactinoma had been established based on a greatly elevated prolactin concentration (161 170 micro U/l) and MR-evidence of a 3.5 cm measuring pituitary mass. The patient had been started on cabergoline (1.5 mg weekly). Orthostatic hypotension due to the dopamine agonist was considered very likely and carbergoline therapy was stopped. However, there was no relief of the symptoms and further syncopes followed. Testing of blood pressure and heart rate regulation, selective testing of postganglionic cardiac neurons with [ 123 J] metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy provided evidence of grossly impaired neurogenic cardiovascular regulation due to failure of postganglionic efferent sympathetic activity. This is characteristic for pure autonomic failure. The patient was treated symptomatically with high fluid intake, compression stockings, fludrohydrocortisone (0.1 mg o.d.s.), piroxicam (20 mg o.d.s.) and etilephrin (10 mg q.d.s.), which enabled him to cope with daily activities without syncope. This case shows that vertigo in a patient with macroprolactinoma is not always related to drug therapy but may be related to other causes.
Venous thromboembolism is a common complication in critically ill patients, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Most patients treated in intensive care units (ICU) face a high risk of thromboembolic complications. There is a need for well-defined strategies for prevention of thrombosis in ICU patients. Mechanical methods such as compression stockings are frequently used, even though evidence for these measures in ICU patients is limited. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is still the leading drug for thromboprophylaxis in ICU patients, but pharmacokinetic disadvantages such as low predictability of effect on anticoagulation are relevant, especially in ICU patients. Additionally, there is no sufficient evidence from clinical trials to support subcutaneous or intravenous prophylaxis with UFH. At least equivalent efficacy and safety of subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) compared with subcutaneous UFH have been shown in numerous studies investigating non-ICU high-risk groups. First studies on the use of LMWH in critically ill patients are promising. Some conclusions for safe use of subcutaneous LMWH in ICU patients can be drawn. Intravenous LMWH may be the optimal prophylaxis in most ICU patients, but there is a lack of sufficient data on dosing. Precautions such as monitoring of anticoagulation in patients with renal insufficiency are fundamental if LMWH is given. Further investigations into prevention of venous thromboembolism in ICU patients are urgently needed.
Despite considerable progress in the diagnosis and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the lower extremities, one of every three patients will develop postthrombotic sequelae within 2 years; these sequelae are severe in approximately 20% of cases and produce considerable socioeconomic consequences. Among factors potentially related to the development of the postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) are older age, obesity, insufficient oral anticoagulant therapy, and recurrent ipsilateral thrombosis. Whether the extent and location of the initial thrombosis are associated with the development of PTS is controversial. Based on recent findings, the lack of vein recanalization within the first 6 months appears to be an important predictor of PTS, whereas the development of transpopliteal venous reflux is not. The diagnosis of PTS can be made on clinical grounds for patients with a history of DVT. The combination of a standardized clinical evaluation with the results of compression ultrasonography and Doppler ultrasound helps diagnose or exclude a previous proximal vein thrombosis. According to the results of recent clinical studies, the prompt administration of adequate compression elastic stockings in patients with symptomatic DVT has the potential to reduce the frequency of late PTS development by half. The management of this condition is demanding and often frustrating. However, when carefully supervised and instructed to wear proper elastic stockings, more than 50% of patients will either remain stable or improve during long-term follow-up. Clinical presentation helps predict the prognosis; the outcome of patients who refer with initially severe manifestations is more favorable than that of patients whose symptoms deteriorate progressively over time.
In recent years, new opportunities have emerged that have the potential to change rapidly the therapeutic scenario of patients with acute venous thromboembolism (VTE). Selected patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be treated effectively and safely at home with fixed doses of low molecular weight heparins. The prompt administration of compression elastic stockings in addition to anticoagulant drugs in patients with acute DVT has the potential to halve the rate of late postthrombotic sequelae. The long-term use of low molecular weight heparins is likely to be more effective than oral anticoagulants for the secondary prevention of VTE in patients with advanced malignancy. Patients with pulmonary embolism and right ventricular dysfunction might benefit from the early administration of thrombolytic drugs in combination with heparin to a greater extent than from heparin alone. Despite an impressive amount of clinical information on the proper duration of oral anticoagulants in patients with unprovoked VTE, the optimal long-term treatment of these patients remains undefined. Finally, new categories of drugs are emerging that have the potential to replace conventional anticoagulants in the near future. They include compounds that inhibit factor Xa or thrombin.
PURPOSE: The necessity of effective prevention of DVT is generally accepted. However, attitudes and beliefs concerning prophylaxis vary greatly in terms of the risk groups receiving prophylaxis and the prophylactic methodology. This paper reviews current research on the subject and seeks to provide recommendations. RESULTS: Known clinical risk factors allow the classification of patients according to high, medium and low risk of developing thromboembolism. Basic forms of prophylaxis are physiotherapy and early mobilisation. However, there are no data on the safety and efficacy of these methods. Mechanical devices used include external intermittent pneumatic compression and graduated compression stockings. Used in isolation, these methods reduce the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in low and moderate risk patients by one half or one third. There is no distinction between mechanical and pharmacological methods in terms of safety and efficacy. Furthermore, secondary effects are extremely rare. Moderate and high risk category patients should receive combined modes of mechanical and pharmacological treatment. A direct comparison of safety in moderate risk patients fixed doses of standard heparin vs. low molecular weight heparin revealed no significant differences. In the case of high risk patients, adjusted dose heparin administered subcutaneously or fixed dose low molecular heparin is recommended. A severe secondary effect of heparin-prophylaxis is heparin-induced thrombocytopenie. The optimum duration of pharmacological prophylaxis is not yet clear. CONCLUSION: The methods and duration of prophylaxis remain subject to an individual medical assessment of the clinically significant benefits in relation to the risk secondary effects of the treatment. On major questions there are significant variations in the specialist literature. This means that standards cannot be formulated, although recommendations can be given.
A 15-year experience with 27 patients, 20 to 75 years of age, with refractory venous stasis ulcers is presented. All patients had been managed with support hose, elevation, elastic wraps, Unna's paste boots, and graduated compression stockings. Because of multiple recurrences of their ulcers, the patients were offered surgical treatment to reduce the venous hypertension in the areas of ulceration. The 27 patients had 32 modified Linton procedures. Five had bilateral procedures. At the time of operation, 18 limbs had medial malleolar ulcers, five had bimalleolar ulcers, four had lateral ulcers, three had posterior ulcers, and two patients were free of ulcer. Medial incisions were used in 20 limbs, lateral incisions in six, medial and lateral incisions in three, and midposterior incisions in three. Split-thickness skin grafts were placed on six limbs the day of surgery and on 22 limbs 4 to 7 days later. Postoperative complications included deep venous thrombosis in two, partial flap necrosis in three, and cellulitis of the lower leg in three patients. Follow-up has ranged from 6 months to 10 years. During the most recent clinic visits, 21 limbs were completely healed, whereas six limbs had a recurrence of the ulcer. Five patients have been lost to follow-up. The good long-term results in 78% of the cases indicate that patients with recurrent venous stasis ulcers may receive lasting benefit from modified Linton procedures.