Search

Background: Lymphedema is a significant and disabling disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. Compression therapy is an important component of lifelong treatment but the specifics of appropriate compression garment selection and prescribing is not always well understood by practitioners and payers. Method: An expert panel of the American Vein and Lymphatic Society was convened to write a Position Statement with explanations and recommendations for the appropriate compression therapy to be used in the treatment of lymphedema patients. Result: A Position Statement was produced by the expert panel with recommendations for documentation and compression therapy treatment. Their recommendations were reviewed, edited, and approved by the Guidelines Committee of the society. Conclusion: This societal Position Statement provides a useful document for reference for medical care providers for the appropriate compression therapy selection and treatment of patients with lymphedema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zadow, EK, Edwards, KH, Kitic, CM, Fell, JW, Adams, MJ, Singh, I, Kundur, A, Johnstone, ANB, Crilly, J, Bulmer, AC, Halson, SL, and, and Wu, SSX. Compression socks reduce running-induced intestinal damage. J Strength Cond Res 36(9): 2461–2464, 2022—Exercise is associated with a reduction in splanchnic blood flow that leads to the disruption of intestinal epithelium integrity, contributing to exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. Strategies that promote intestinal blood flow during exercise may reduce intestinal damage, which may be advantageous for subsequent recovery and performance. This study aimed to explore if exercise-associated intestinal damage was influenced by wearing compression garments, which may improve central blood flow. Subjects were randomly allocated to wear compression socks (n = 23) or no compression socks (control, n = 23) during a marathon race. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before and immediately after marathon and analyzed for intestinal fatty acid–binding protein (I-FABP) concentration as a marker of intestinal damage. The magnitude of increase in postmarathon plasma I-FABP concentration was significantly greater in control group (107%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 72–428%) when compared with runners wearing compression socks (38%; 95% CI, 20–120%; p = 0.046; d = 0.59). Wearing compression socks during a marathon run reduced exercise-associated intestinal damage. Compression socks may prove an effective strategy to minimize the intestinal damage component of exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Leg cramps are painful sensations of tightening in the muscles of the legs that commonly appear during the night and are often associated with secondary insomnia. They are common especially in older age. There is no evidence that any method of prevention of nocturnal leg cramps is both safe and effective. There are no previous trials concerning cramp prevention by using compression stockings. The objective of this study is to assess in a prospective randomised controlled trial whether leg cramps can be prevented by the daily use of knee-length compression stockings or magnesium supplements. Methods The study will be set in Finland, and 50–84-year-old volunteers will be recruited through Google Ads, the Finnish health library website and Finnish primary health care centres. The participants must have a minimum of two episodes of leg cramps per week for the past 4 weeks to be included in the study. The participants (n = 225) will be allocated to three equal groups: the compression stocking arm, the magnesium supplement arm and the placebo arm. The participants will go through 4 weeks of follow-up without intervention and then another 4 weeks of follow-up with the assigned intervention. The material for the study will be collected through electronic questionnaires. Discussion This protocol describes a study that compares compression stockings, magnesium supplements and placebo for the prevention of leg cramps. The results of this study can significantly improve knowledge on the methods of preventing leg cramps. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04694417. Registered on Jan 4, 2021.

Compression garments are frequently used to facilitate recovery from strenuous exercise. Purpose: To identify the effects of 2 different grades of compression garment on recovery indices after strenuous exercise. Methods: Forty-five recreationally active participants (n = 26 male and n = 19 female) completed an eccentric-exercise protocol consisting of 100 drop jumps, after which they were matched for body mass and randomly but equally assigned to a high-compression pressure (HI) group, a low-compression pressure (LOW) group, or a sham ultrasound group (SHAM). Participants in the HI and LOW groups wore the garments for 72 h postexercise; participants in the SHAM group received a single treatment of 10-min sham ultrasound. Measures of perceived muscle soreness, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), countermovement-jump height (CMJ), creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), and myoglobin (Mb) were assessed before the exercise protocol and again at 1, 24, 48, and 72 h postexercise. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Recovery of MVC and CMJ was significantly improved with the HI compression garment (P < .05). A significant time-by-treatment interaction was also observed for jump height at 24 h postexercise (P < .05). No significant differences were observed for parameters of soreness and plasma CK, CRP, and Mb. Conclusions: The pressures exerted by a compression garment affect recovery after exercise-induced muscle damage, with higher pressure improving recovery of muscle function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim.Venous leg ulcers (VLU) are a significant health problem worldwide. It is well known that VLU are difficult to treat and that they have high tendency for recurrence. Compression therapy is the preferred treatment modality but there is growing evidence that correction of underlying venous disorder in early stages of the disease in addition to compression treatment may improve ulcer healing and reduce recurrence rate. Methods. An open, prospective, randomized, single-center study, with a 6-months follow-up was performed to determine the efficacy of two different treatment modalities (surgery alone versus surgery plus compression) in the treatment of VLU in patients with primary venous insufficiency. Patients with secondary venous insufficiency and/or thrombosis were excluded from the study. Overall, 71 patients were randomized (37 men, 34 women; mean age 60 years) into two groups: the group A – 34 patients who underwent surgical intervention (stripping) and postoperatively were treated with simple wound dressing only, and the group B – 37 patients who underwent surgical intervention (stripping) and wore a heelless open-toed elastic class III compression device knitted in tubular form –Tubulcus® (Laboratoires Innothera, Arcueil, France). All patients in group B were instructed to wear compression device continuously during the day and night. The study was performed at the Clinic for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, Clinical Centre Niš (Serbia) with primary endpoint of the study being complete ulcer healing at 180 days. Results. The healing rate was 29.41% (10/34) in the group A, and 56.76% (21/37) in the group B (p < 0.01). Mean healing time in the group A was 141 ±15 days, and in the group B it was 98 ±12 days (Log-rank life table analysis: p < 0.001). Conclusion. This study suggests that for VLU in patients with primary venous insufficiency, surgery plus compression therapy provides higher healing rate and faster healing time compared to surgery only.

Background: Leg cramps are painful sensations of tightening in the muscles of the legs that commonly appear during the night and are often associated with secondary insomnia. They are common especially in older age. There is no evidence that any method of prevention of nocturnal leg cramps is both safe and effective. There are no previous trials concerning cramp prevention by using compression stockings. The objective of this study is to assess in a prospective randomised controlled trial whether leg cramps can be prevented by the daily use of knee-length compression stockings or magnesium supplements.Methods: The study will be set in Finland, and 50-84-year-old volunteers will be recruited through Google Ads, the Finnish health library website and Finnish primary health care centres. The participants must have a minimum of two episodes of leg cramps per week for the past 4 weeks to be included in the study. The participants (n = 225) will be allocated to three equal groups: the compression stocking arm, the magnesium supplement arm and the placebo arm. The participants will go through 4 weeks of follow-up without intervention and then another 4 weeks of follow-up with the assigned intervention. The material for the study will be collected through electronic questionnaires.Discussion: This protocol describes a study that compares compression stockings, magnesium supplements and placebo for the prevention of leg cramps. The results of this study can significantly improve knowledge on the methods of preventing leg cramps.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04694417. Registered on Jan 4, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is one of the critical complications which can occur in patients subsequent to surgeries. The patients in Surgical Intensive Care Units (SICU) have increased propensity to have DVT due to prolonged immobilisation, invasive interventions and other risk factors. It is important to prevent DVT as this can lead to catastrophic Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and balance the risk of haemorrhages due to pharmacotherapy. Aim: To observe the DVT prophylaxis methods and to compare the incidence of DVT in the different methods used in SICU. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective cross-sectional study in which 62 patients, aged between 18-70 years admitted in SICU for more than or equal to two days, were included in the study. Patients on drugs affecting cardiovascular system and having significant co-morbidities and coagulation abnormalities, that can impact the occurrence of DVT, were excluded. All patients were followed-up till 28 days or ICU discharge, whichever was later. Patients were evaluated for type of prophylaxis for DVT that included any of mechanical interventions {such as stockings or Sequential Compression Devices (SCD)} or pharmacotherapy (Low molecular weight heparin or Unfractionated heparin) or a combination of both. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s t-test and Chi-square test. Results: Thirty (48.39%) patients were given both mechanical and pharmacotherapy, 12 (19.35%) had used only mechanical interventions and 20 (32.26%) had used pharmacotherapy alone for DVT prophylaxis. The overall incidence of DVT was 3.33% (one patient) for patients receiving both mechanical and pharmacotherapy whereas it was 10% (two) for those receiving pharmacotherapy alone and 16.67% (two) for those using mechanical intervention alone. Incidence of haemorrhage was highest in pharmacotherapy alone {three patients (15%)}. The overall dose of drugs used as pharmacotherapy was the least in those receiving dual interventions compared to that of patients receiving pharmacotherapy alone. Conclusion: Pharmacotherapy and pressure stockings together are an ideal therapy for DVT prophylaxis.

The increase in duration and frequency of flights has led to an increase in the prevalence of venous thromboembolism among airline passengers. This study assesses the efficacy of graduated compression stockings for prevention of venous thromboembolism triggered by flights lasting more than 3 hours. The design is a systematic review of clinical trials. The methodological quality of studies and the level of scientific evidence were evaluated using the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation standards. A total of 34 articles were identified, but only eight met the eligibility criteria. The outcomes incidence of venous thromboembolism and edema were assessed in 2,022 and 1,311 passengers, respectively. The studies presented high quality evidence demonstrating prevention of edema and moderate quality evidence of reduced incidence of venous thromboembolism associated with wearing graduated compression stockings during flights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compression stockings reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications, leg edema, and edema-related pain and discomfort during long-haul flights. The aim of this study was to assess if compression stockings reduce leg edema, pain, and discomfort during a three-hour flight. This randomized controlled trial had a paired design as participants were randomized to wear a compression stocking on one leg during a three-hour flight with the other leg acting as control. Eligibility criteria were adults aged 18–60 years living in Denmark without medical indication for wearing compression stockings during flights. The primary outcome was the change in difference of ankle circumference between legs with and without compression stocking pre- and post-flight. Secondary outcomes were changes in difference of calf circumference, pain, and discomfort pre- and post-flight. All outcomes were self-reported with measurements and questionnaires. A total of 34 participants, median age 31 years (range 25–54), were randomized with complete follow-up. Difference in ankle circumference was median 5 mm larger post-flight compared with pre-flight (interquartile range (IQR) = 0–9, p =.001) and the corresponding change in calf circumference difference was median 5 mm (IQR = 1–12, p <.001). Ankle- and calf circumferences decreased in the leg wearing compression stocking and increased in the other leg. There was no change in difference of pain and discomfort and no adverse events. Compression stockings reduced edema formation in young healthy passengers during a three-hour flight. Passengers experiencing edema-related discomfort during short-haul flights may benefit from wearing compression stockings during air travel. Trial registration : clinicaltrials.gov : NCT03546725. • Compression stockings reduced ankle- and calf edema during a short-haul flight. • Compression stockings did not improve comfort or pain in young healthy passengers. • Use of compression stockings did not cause any adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To compare two different medical compression stockings after varicose vein treatment. Patients and methods A randomized single-blind controlled study on two compression regimes after saphenous catheter foam sclerotherapy + phlebectomy was performed. After pads and 5 mmHg contention sock, 23 mmHg (group A, Struva 23®) or 35 mmHg (group B, Struva 35®) medical compression stocking was applied 24 h/day for seven days; subsequently 21–23 mmHg medical compression stocking in daytime. Symptoms, compliance, skin findings, and bioimpedance spectroscopy parameters were assessed. Results A total of 94 patients (48 and 49 limbs in groups A and B, respectively) were enrolled. Three (T3) and seven (T7) days post-operatively, most symptoms were significantly milder in group B, especially pain and heaviness at T7 and at day 40 (T40). Ambulation, medical compression stocking stability/tolerability and skin healing were significantly better in group B, with p = 0.046, 0.021/0.060, and 0.010, respectively, at T7. Bioimpedance parameters increased at T7 and decreased at T40 in both groups; leg reactance and limb L-Dex improved in group B at T7 and T40, respectively (p = 0.039 and 0.012). Conclusions Compression with 23 and 35 mmHg medical compression stocking after catheter foam sclerotherapy + phlebectomy was effective and well tolerated at immediate/short term. Compression with 35 mmHg medical compression stocking provided less adverse post-operative symptoms and better tissue healing. Bioimpedance results confirmed a slightly better edema improvement with 35 mmHg medical compression stocking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Latinoamericana de Hipertension is the property of Revista Latinoamericana de Hipertension and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is one of the critical complications which can occur in patients subsequent to surgeries. The patients in Surgical Intensive Care Units (SICU) have increased propensity to have DVT due to prolonged immobilisation, invasive interventions and other risk factors. It is important to prevent DVT as this can lead to catastrophic Pulmonary Embolism (PE) and balance the risk of haemorrhages due to pharmacotherapy. Aim: To observe the DVT prophylaxis methods and to compare the incidence of DVT in the different methods used in SICU. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective cross-sectional study in which 62 patients, aged between 18-70 years admitted in SICU for more than or equal to two days, were included in the study. Patients on drugs affecting cardiovascular system and having significant co-morbidities and coagulation abnormalities, that can impact the occurrence of DVT, were excluded. All patients were followed-up till 28 days or ICU discharge, whichever was later. Patients were evaluated for type of prophylaxis for DVT that included any of mechanical interventions {such as stockings or Sequential Compression Devices (SCD)} or pharmacotherapy (Low molecular weight heparin or Unfractionated heparin) or a combination of both. Statistical analysis was carried out using Student’s t-test and Chi-square test. Results: Thirty (48.39%) patients were given both mechanical and pharmacotherapy, 12 (19.35%) had used only mechanical interventions and 20 (32.26%) had used pharmacotherapy alone for DVT prophylaxis. The overall incidence of DVT was 3.33% (one patient) for patients receiving both mechanical and pharmacotherapy whereas it was 10% (two) for those receiving pharmacotherapy alone and 16.67% (two) for those using mechanical intervention alone. Incidence of haemorrhage was highest in pharmacotherapy alone {three patients (15%)}. The overall dose of drugs used as pharmacotherapy was the least in those receiving dual interventions compared to that of patients receiving pharmacotherapy alone. Conclusion: Pharmacotherapy and pressure stockings together are an ideal therapy for DVT prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knitted stockings from six burials dating from 1576 to 1626 and three without clear dating were examined. All the stockings have fully shaped legs and triangular gussets bordered on all three sides with patterns of reverse loops, along which the foot was shaped by both decreases and increases. Right-leaning decreases were used mostly; left-leaning decreases were used only in some stockings, exclusively in the upper part of the gusset on the proper left side of the stocking. For increasing, only raised (row below lifted) increases were used. Their asymmetric position in several stockings shows that some of the early knitters understood an increase to be two loops knitted from one parent loop, and for some it was only an added loop. Instead of the usual method of picking up new loops for gussets, the heel flap selvedges were probably whipstitched in several stockings, and these sewn stitches were then used as the base for knitting the gussets. A comparison of the stockings from the Czech Republic to the stockings from the same period found in other European countries suggests the possibility of using a range of construction types for determining their provenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peroneal nerve palsy can be caused by various etiology. We report unilateral peroneal nerve palsy after compression stockings application. A 64-year-old man underwent off-pump coronary bypass graft. Surgeon did not use saphenous vein for the bypass graft. Sedation was stopped after 3 h postoperative. After 16 h, for prophylaxis of deep vein thrombosis, knee-high elastic stocking was applied. After 1 h, he took off right stocking because of numbness but left stocking was kept. After 24 h postoperative, (8 h after stocking application) patient complained suddenly left foot drop. Manual muscle test revealed 0/5 of ankle dorsiflexion, ankle eversion, and toe extension. Sensory was decreased to 70% in lower half of anterolateral aspect of tibia, foot dorsum, and toes. Foot drop and sensory abnormality decreased in 3 weeks. Cardiac surgery patients already have many risk factors for peripheral neuropathy. Clinicians should be careful when applying stockings on those patients.

Durante los años 2001-2009, el gobierno federal produjo 780 millones de crías pertenecientes a 22 taxa que se sembraron en cuerpos de agua interiores. El principal propósito de esta siembra fue la repoblación con fines pesqueros. Mediante información del mismo gobierno, se analiza la relación producción-siembra de crías de los Centros Piscícolas federales y su efecto en la producción pesquera estatal en aguas interiores mexicanas. Se plantea que esta producción está relacionada con la siembra de crías que llevó a cabo la Comisión Nacional de Acuacultura y Pesca (CONAPESCA), organismo desconcentrado del gobierno federal. Lo anterior fue revisado al analizar la correspondencia entre la densidad de crías sembradas y los rendimientos pesqueros estatales. De los 22 taxa, 19 son especies de peces (7 nativas) y 2 son subespecies, 2 son anfibios nativos y 1 es un crustáceo malayo. En promedio, en el lapso, se sembraron anualmente 86.7 ± 37.9 millones de crías, de las que el 90% son tilapias y carpas, y sólo el 3% son especies nativas. La relación siembra/ha vs producción/ha muestra que a mayor densidad de siembra, se obtiene mayor rendimiento pesquero hasta alcanzar un valor asintótico. Si bien, el gobierno federal tiene actualmente por política no sembrar en cuerpos de agua naturales especies exóticas, éstas permanecen de siembras anteriores, o las siembran los gobiernos estatales o son de cultivos privados.Federal government produced around 780 millions of fry belonging to 22 taxa during 2001-2009 which were stocked in Mexican reservoirs basically to enhance fisheries. With official information from the federal fisheries agency CONAPESCA stocking-production analysis for the fish farms from the federal government was studied at state level. We review stocking-yield relationship at state level. From the 22 taxa: 19 are fish (7 native species) and 2 subspecies; 2 native amphibious and 1 Malay crustacean. Production mean for nine-year period was 86.7 ± 37.9 millions of fry, 90% of which were tilapias and carps while only 3% were native species. Stocking/ha vs Yield/ha were clearly related, thus at more stocking rate more production was obtained arriving to an asintotic value. At present, federal government policy don’t allow to stock exotic species in natural water bodies, nevertheless they stay there because of previous or local stocking events.

Lake Metztitlán was dried up completely in the spring of 1998 and refilled in August of that year. In the period September-November, two cohorts of 1.6 million juveniles of a tilapia hybrid were stocked (Oreochromis aureus/O. niloticus), and monitored every month for one year. Since the date of birth of these juveniles was known, the analyses focused on whether the ring marks of the scales, sagittae and opercula or the circuli of the scales could be used to age them. The ring marks of the scales and opercula showed great variability, and the sagittae had a significant relationship with length, but it is unclear if at least the first ring mark could be formed at the hatchery and reflect changes in diet and/or tank movements in the fish farm. The circuli had a continuous regular behavior, with a formation rate of 10.38±0.93 and 11.38±0.95 circuli/month for the first and second cohorts, respectively. This proportion was maintained during the study period, and could be of help to calculate an approximate age of juveniles, especially in stocked fish that show multiple ring marks because of manipulation in fish farms and stocking events. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (3-4): 1005-1013. Epub 2007 December, 28.El lago de Metztitlán se secó completamente en la primavera de 1998, inundándose nuevamente en agosto del mismo año para ser repoblado entre septiembre y noviembre con 1.6 millones de jóvenes de un híbrido de tilapia (Oreochromis aureus/O. niloticus) en dos periodos. Ambas cohortes fueron monitoreadas mensualmente durante un año. Debido a que la fecha de nacimiento era conocida, el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar si las marcas anulares de las escamas, las sagittae y los opérculos, o los circuli de las escamas pueden usarse para estimar la edad. Los anillos de las escamas y opérculos mostraron gran variabilidad, mientras que las de las sagittae se relacionaron significativamente con la longitud, sin embargo no quedó claro si al menos el primer anillo podría haber sido formado por cambios en dieta o movimientos en los tanques de la granja de cultivo. Por el contrario los circuli mostraron una formación regular con una tasa de formación de 10.38±0.93 y 11.38±0.95 circuli/mes para la primera y segunda cohortes, respectivamente, proporción que fue mantenida durante el periodo de estudio y que puede ser usada para calcular la edad de los jóvenes, especialmente en organismos que muestran numerosos anillos debido a la manipulación sufrida en las granjas o debido a las "siembras".

John Marston (c. 1576-1634), William Shakespeare’s younger contemporary, wrote plays such as The Malcontent (c. 1604) that are performed today: his satirical comedy What You Will (published 1607) is not one of these. Fragmentary in style and dense with satire that is largely opaque for modern audiences, the play mainly garners scholarly attention due to its association with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, or What You Will, with evidence suggesting that both plays were written in 1601-1602. Similarities in titles and plots have been noted, but, to date, the use of coloured stockings in both plays (pink for Marston, yellow for Shakespeare) has been overlooked. Marston’s use of pink colour in extant drama of the period presents a curious incident in chromatic history: other dramatists do not use it until the mid 17th century. How, then, can we account for Marston’s “pink”? This article argues that focus on the plays’ composition date, while using the arguably trivial lens of pink/yellow stockings, can illuminate the contemporary meaning of a word and its emergence as a colour in early modern England, and provide insights into the dramatists’ relationship during the Theatre Wars that flared briefly on the cusp of the Elizabethan-Jacobean period.

Background: The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after kidney transplantation (KT) and the risk factors are still unknown in Korean patients. Determining the need for appropriate DVT prophylaxis is difficult when considering the low incidence of DVT in the Asian population. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of DVT occurring 3 months after KT, the DVT occurrence pattern, and risk factors in Korean patients. Methods: Data from a total of 393 patients who underwent KT from November 2009 to December 2012 were analyzed. Color duplex ultrasonography was used for the diagnosis or screening of DVT in all patients pre-operatively and on post-operative days 7, 14, 28, and 90. Results: The cumulative 3-month incidence of DVT after KT was 4.6%, and there was one symptomatic DVT. Patients with DVT were older than those without DVT at the time of transplantation (52.8 vs. 44.6, p < 0.001). According to univariate and multivariate analysis, older age was identified as a risk factor for DVT at the time of transplantation, whereas history of DVT did not reach statistical significance. There were no deaths related to DVT or pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: Pharmacological prophylaxis after KT is not necessary because of the low incidence of DVT in Korean patients, and instead, we suggest that long-term mechanical prophylaxis of at least 3 months can be a suitable option. Patients older than 50 years of age have a higher risk of developing DVT, and careful observation is needed in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous leg ulceration affects a large proportion of the elderly population and can have a profound impact on quality of life. Most patients with leg ulcers receive care from community nurses who are principally responsible for prescribing decisions in the management of venous leg ulceration. There is evidence to support the use of potable tap water for cleansing. Evidence supports the use of compression bandaging or compression hosiery for all patients with adequate arterial supply to the lower leg. There is also good evidence to support the prescription of oral pentoxifylline, preferably as an adjunct to compression or, for patients unable to tolerate compression, as a stand-alone therapy. The evidence base for dressings is less robust, but simple low-cost, low-adherent dressings are a reasonable first-line choice for under-compression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercially available compression garments (CGs) demonstrate the enhanced recovery from exercise in some, but not all studies. It is possible that in some cases the degree of compression pressure (ComP) exerted is not sufficient to produce any physiological benefit. The aim of this investigation was to identify the levels of ComP exerted by commercially available CGs. This study was composed of two parts. In part A 50 healthy, physically active individuals ( n = 26 male, n = 24 female) were fitted with CGs according to manufacturer's guidelines. ComP was measured in participants standing in the anatomical position with a pressure measurement device inserted between the skin and the garment. Data were compared to 'ideal' pressure values proposed in the literature. In part B, ComP in three different brands of CG was compared in a population of 29 men who all wore a medium-sized garment. A one-way ANOVA indicated that there was a significant difference ( P < 0.05) between observed pressure and ideal pressure at the quadriceps for males and females and in the calf for the female population. There was no significant difference ( P > 0.05) between observed and ideal pressures in the calf of the male population. No significant differences in pressure ( P > 0.05) were observed between CG brands at the quadriceps or calf. In conclusion, a large number of individuals may not be experiencing an adequate ComP from CG, and this is true for all the three major brands of CGs tested in this investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Long-distance travel is assumed to be a risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, the available data have not clearly demonstrated the strength of this relationship, nor have they shown evidence for the role of thromboprophylaxis., Methods: We performed a systematic review of the literature. We also summarized available guidelines from 5 groups., Results: We found 18 studies that addressed this question. Based on the data presented in the review, we conclude that there is an association between VTE and length of travel, but this association is mild to moderate in effect size with odds ratios between 1.1 and 4. A dose-response relationship between VTE and travel time was identified, with a 26% higher risk for every 2 h of air travel (P=0.005) starting after 4 h. The quality of evidence for both travel length and thromboprophylaxis was low. However, low-risk prophylactic measures such as graduated compression stockings were shown to be effective in VTE prevention. There is heterogeneity among the different practice guidelines. The guidelines generally concur that no prophylaxis is necessary in travelers without known thrombosis risk factors and advocate for conservative treatment such as compression stockings over pharmacologic prophylaxis., Conclusions: We conclude air travel is a risk factor for VTE and that there is a dose relationship starting at 4 h. For patients with risk factors, graduated compression stockings are effective prophylaxis., (Copyright © 2022 Wilderness Medical Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Following deep vein thrombosis (DVT), one of every two patients will develop postthrombotic syndrome (PTS), which causes remarkable consequences on the socioeconomic level. Residual thrombosis is an important predictor of PTS, and severe early symptoms, old age, obesity, improper anticoagulation, recurrent thrombosis and varicose veins are major risk factors. Diagnosis of PTS is mainly based on the clinical findings for patients with a history of DVT, while in those without it, instrumental diagnosis might help in detecting a previous DVT. Prompt administration of adequate compression elastic stockings (ECS) in patients with symptomatic DVT reduces the frequency of PTS by half. Usually, the management of an established PTS is demanding, and often discouraging. However, when carefully supervised and instructed to wear proper ECS, more than 50% of patients either remain quiescent or improve during long-term follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Venous thromboembolism is the most preventable illness among patients in hospital. We prepared guidelines for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism, based on previous experience of perioperative risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these guidelines. All 1,467 patients who underwent surgery for thoracic or cardiovascular disease between April 2002 and July 2004, before the prophylactic guidelines were implemented, were assigned to group A. Another 1,389 patients who had surgery between August 2004 and December 2006, after the guidelines had been implemented, formed group B. The incidences of venous thromboembolism perioperatively in the 2 groups were compared. Six (0.4%) patients in group A developed deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, whereas no patient in group B experienced thromboembolism. The difference between groups was significant, so we consider our guidelines for venous thromboembolism prevention in the perioperative period to be clinically useful. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aim: To determine, through literature review, the current best practice for selecting and using graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS). In particular, literature was sought to clarify which patients should be given GECS, and whether there were any underlying research recommendations as to which length of stocking should be worn. Background: A procurement exercise identified that the clinical areas within the Surgical Services Directorate at each of the three hospital sites were spending significantly different amounts of money on the purchase of GECS and purchasing significantly different numbers per ward. Further analysis revealed that different hospital sites had different preferences for either knee-length or thigh-length stockings. Nurses and medical staff gave conflicting ideas for the correct use and type of stockings, which prompted the authors to access the literature to establish best guidelines. Methods: A literature review was used to develop best practice guidelines for the use of GECS. Results: There is good evidence from the literature demonstrating that the use of GECS in patients undergoing surgery can be effective in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis, used in conjunction with drug therapy, other prophylactic methods, or alone. Conclusions: There is strong evidence for the use of knee-length stockings instead of thigh-length stockings. It is critically important that patients are thoroughly assessed prior to the application of GECS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Metztitlán was dried up completely in the spring of 1998 and refilled in August of that year. In the period September-November, two cohorts of 1.6 million juveniles of a tilapia hybrid were stocked (Oreochromis aureus/O. niloticus), and monitored every month for one year. Since the date of birth of these juveniles was known, the analyses focused on whether the ring marks of the scales, sagittae and opercula or the circuli of the scales could be used to age them. The ring marks of the scales and opercula showed great variability, and the sagittae had a significant relationship with length, but it is unclear if at least the first ring mark could be formed at the hatchery and reflect changes in diet and/or tank movements in the fish farm. The circuli had a continuous regular behavior, with a formation rate of 10.38 ± 0.93 and 11.38 ± 0.95 circuli/month for the first and second cohorts, respectively. This proportion was maintained during the study period, and could be of help to calculate an approximate age of juveniles, especially in stocked fish that show multiple ring marks because of manipulation in fish farms and stocking events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Leg oedema from venous insufficiency is not dangerous but it can cause women symptoms such as pain, feelings of heaviness, night cramps and paraesthesiae. Leg oedema can be a sign of pre-eclampsia when associated with raised blood pressure or proteinuria. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of treatment to relieve the symptoms associated with varicosity in pregnancy and to reduce leg oedema. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register in October 2004 for randomised trials of any form of treatment for varicosity and or leg oedema in pregnancy. Trial quality was assessed and data were extracted. Four trials of three different treatments were included. In one trial, women given rutoside capsules in the last 3 months of pregnancy noted an improvement in symptoms compared with placebo (relative risk 0.54 95% CI 0.32, 0.89). They had a decrease in ankle circumference at 36 weeks’ gestation after 8 weeks of treatment, while women given placebo had a small increase. In one trial, women with ankle oedema had a small non-significant reduction in lower leg volume when treated with external pneumatic intermittent compression for 30min. In another trial compression stockings prophylactically reduced the emergence of leg symptoms but not venous varicosities (relative risk 0.74 95% CI 0.59, 0.93). Lymphatic reflexology was studied in too few women to draw conclusions. In conclusions, rutosides appear to relieve symptoms of venous insufficiency in late pregnancy. However, it is not known if the drug is safe in pregnancy. External pneumatic compression appears to reduce ankle swelling and compression stockings reduce leg symptoms but not varicose veins. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of five different elastic compression stockings on the venous pressure in the deep venous system in the supine and standing positions. Methods: Setting: Departments of Dermatology and Radiology, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands. Patients: A total of eight limbs of seven subjects (five patients and two healthy volunteers) with a mean age of 53 years (range 33-79) were measured. The patients were known to have severe venous insufficiency and recurrent leg ulceration. A catheter connected to an external pressure transducer was placed in one of the deep veins of the lower leg after puncturing the popliteal vein. The position of the catheter was established with contrast medium. Venous pressure recordings were made in the supine and standing positions while wearing an anti-embolism stocking and while wearing four different compression stockings (class II and III). Results: All stockings worn in the supine position caused a significant increase in pressure when compared with no compression at all (P <0.05; Wilcoxon rank test). Only the strong compression class III stockings caused a significant and clinically relevant pressure increase, compared with the other four elastic compression stockings (P <0.05; Wilcoxon rank test). In the standing position no differences in pressure were found between the elastic stockings, or when any stocking was compared with the use of no stocking at all. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that only strong compression class III stockings (>40 mmHg at the ankle) increase the pressure in the deep venous system in the supine position. Because of this, these elastic stockings may be the only stockings that have a positive influence on the pathologic deep venous system in patients with deep venous insufficiency, such as after deep venous thrombosis. The study confirms earlier clinical observations that in the treatment of patients with post-thrombotic symptoms and deep venous insufficiency only strong elastic compression stockings are effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lower limb edema may occur after removal of the saphenous veins in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Compression therapy is often used to prevent postoperative edema. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of medical compression stockings (TED) on the prevention of donor limbs edema and wound complications after CABG surgery. Patients and Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled 100 patients who underwent elective CABG surgery at Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center. The patients were divided into two groups; group A who applied TED stockings regularly (exposure group) and group B who did not apply TED stockings at all or apply it irregularly (no exposure group). The degree of donor limb edema and the differences of the peripheries of calf and thigh before and after the surgery (in 1, 2 and 4 weeks) were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: The patients' weight (P = 0.02) and the degree of their daily activity (P = 0.002) were the significant factors for the incidence of the donor limbs edema. The incidence and degree of lower limb edema were significantly lower in exposure group 4 weeks after the surgery (P < 0.001). The differences of the periphery of the calf before (at admission time) and after the surgery (in 1, 2 and 4 weeks) between two groups were also statistically significant (P = 0.41, P = 0.39, P = 0.40, respectively). Lower limb wound complications was higher in patients who have peripheral edema in the 4th week of post-CABG (P = 0.09). Conclusions: Regular use of TED stockings may have positive effects on the prevention of donor limb edema (especially higher degrees of edema) and wound complications after CABG surgery.

Experimental sensitization of guinea pigs with 6 azo and anthraquinone dyes used frequently as disperse dyes for fabrics (stockings, panty hose) revealed that the blue dyes were moderate sensitizers while the red, yellow and orange dyes were only weak ones. This was found to be in contrast with the order based on the frequency of observed allergic sensitization, which showed the yellow and orange dyes at the top of the list and the blue dyes at the bottom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Compression stockings and bandages are widely used after invasive treatment of varicose veins. The goals of compression after venous interventions are to reduce pain, bruising, and ecchymosis. Nevertheless, patients often report discomfort with the compression. To make postprocedural compression more tolerable, foot-sparing bandages were tested in a randomized clinical trial of noninferiority., Methods: A total of 187 patients were randomized to use class II foot-sparing compression sleeves for the full leg or class II stockings after radiofrequency ablation with concomitant phlebectomy. The primary endpoint was the quality of life, measured using the Chronic Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire 20-item scale 30 days after intervention. The secondary endpoints were pain in the leg and discomfort related to the compression garment, which were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) at 2, 7, 14, and 30 days., Results: The global index score of the questionnaire was 66.1 and 70.6 and 83.8 and 87.7 for the sleeve and stocking groups before and 30 days after intervention, respectively (P = .542 and P = .150, respectively). The VAS for pain score in the operated leg was slightly higher in the sleeve group the day after the intervention (score, 2.1 vs 1.6; P = .03). At 7, 14, and 30 days, the VAS for pain scores did not differ significantly (score, 0.7 vs 0.5; 0.5 vs 0.3; and 0.1 vs 0.1, respectively; P = NS for all). The VAS for discomfort score was not significantly different statistically in the study group at 2 days (sleeve, 1.9; vs stocking, 1.4; P = .08) but was higher after 7 days (sleeve, 0.9; vs stocking, 0.6; P = .008). No difference in discomfort was found between the study and control groups at 14 or 30 days (sleeve, 0.6; vs stocking, 0.4; and sleeve, 0.4; vs stocking, 0.4, respectively; P = NS for both)., Conclusions: Quality of life after thermal ablation with phlebectomy improved equivalently in patients who had used class II compression sleeves for full legs and those who had used class II compression stockings. Pain and discomfort were slightly higher in the sleeve group., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We hypothesized that the use of a graduated medical elastic thigh compression stocking for 14 days after total knee arthroplasty would reduce swelling by 2 cm and reduce pain among patients with a BMI ≥30 kg/m2. The aim of this pilot study was to provide preliminary data and information about feasibility. The specified objectives were to investigate: 1) the level of post-surgical swelling and, 2) the level of post-surgical pain, 14 days after surgery. In a randomized controlled pilot study, 44 patients were allocated to a graduated medical elastic thigh compression stocking or standard treatment for 14 days after total knee arthroplasty. Outcome measures were knee, calf, and ankle swelling and pain. Study feasibility included acceptable rates of written consent and compliance with the use of the compression stocking. Data was analyzed using two-sample t -test for equality of mean. Overall, 68.8% of eligible patients gave written consent to participate in the study and 41.2% complied with use of the graduated medical elastic thigh compression stocking for 14 days post-surgery. No significant difference was found between the groups regarding knee, calf and ankle swelling or pain. Knee swelling was reduced in both groups after 14 days, but was slightly more in the intervention group. The result is not statistically significant but indicates that a graduated medical elastic thigh compression stocking may have a positive effect on reduction of swelling after total knee arthroplasty. Initiating a larger scale randomized controlled study to determine effectiveness requires a higher level of compliance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]