Microcirculatory changes in travelers to a tropical country.

Authors :: Zeegelaar JE
de Feijter A
de Vries HJ
Lai A Fat RF
Neumann MA
Faber WR
Source :: International journal of dermatology [Int J Dermatol] 2002 Feb; Vol. 41 (2), pp. 93-5.
Publication Year :: 2002
Abstract: Background: Travelers to tropical areas seem to be affected by nonhealing leg ulcers more frequently. One of the factors that can affect wound healing in a negative manner is leg edema. This study was performed to determine whether there is increased leg edema in travelers to tropical areas.<br />Method: In this study, we measured the capillary filtration rate (CFR) of the lower leg by strain gauge plethysmography, as a measure of leg edema, on location in Surinam. Three groups were included: A, travelers in the first few weeks after arrival; B, travelers who had stayed in the tropics for a minimum of 2 months; C, native inhabitants.<br />Results: The mean CFR (mL/100 mL tissue/min) was significantly higher in group A than in groups B and C; the difference between groups B and C was not significant (group A 0.05 mL/100 mL tissue/min (standard deviation (SD), 0.03) vs. group B 0.02 mL/100 mL tissue/min (SD, 0.02), P = 0.01, and vs. group C 0.02 mL/100 mL tissue/min (SD, 0.02), P = 0.01).<br />Conclusions: Travelers to tropical areas are affected by increased CFR in the first few weeks after arrival. A prolonged stay leads to the normalization of the CFR. Compression therapy is recommended for travelers to the tropics.