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PubMed1994

Effects of wearing compression stockings on cardiovascular responses.

To investigate the effects of wearing compression stockings on cardiovascular responses, the heart rate (HR), cardiac output (Q) measured by CO2 rebreathing method, and oxygen intake were measured at rest in a supine position for 40 min and standing position for 120 min. Six female subjects wore the compression stockings after 20 min of rest at supine position. The oxygen intake and ventilation showed no significant difference between with and without the stockings. Q at standing position was lower than that at supine position by an act of hydrostatic pressure. However this decrease was lower with stockings than that without stockings. The compression stockings used in this study might improve the venous return to the heart. However, the subjects complained of discomfort due to the high clothing pressure. In the second experiment, the authors estimated the minimum pressure required in improving the venous return. The subjects wore the trousers having two bladders inflated by air pressure. The trousers could compress the leg (contain the foot) and thigh individually. From the relationship between air pressure and Q, the estimated minimum pressures were 17 mmHg for the leg and 15 mmHg for the thigh.

Bandages↗
PubMed1997

Elastic compression stockings: durability of pressure in daily practice.

BACKGROUND: Elastic compression stockings are valuable tools in the treatment of many phlebological diseases. As to day no data are available about how long these elastic compression stockings continue to exert enough compression for a proper clinical function. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study we measured the pressure at the B level of compression class II and III elastic stockings directly after the patients started to use them, after 1 month, and after 3 months. In total 99 below knee stocking were measured with a TNO-tester, which has officially been accepted by the CEN for measurement of elastic compression stockings. RESULTS: Class II flat knitted stockings showed a mean pressure of 29.3 (SD 4.9) mmHg at the start of the study, declining to 27.6 (SD 5.2) mmHg, and 26.5 (SD 4.4) mmHg, at 1 and 3 months respectively. The round knitted class II had comparable results. In class III flat knitted stockings we measured 47.5 mmHg (SD 8.1) at the start, and 44.2 (SD 7.1) mmHg, and 41.3 (SD 6.7) mmHg, at 1 and 3 months respectively. Extrapolation of the results after 1 and 3 months demonstrate that the mean pressure of class II stocking is less than 25 mmHg after 4 to 5 months. Class III stockings were less than 35 mmHg close to 6 months, if evaluated in the same way. Individual regression analysis show that after 6 months 66% of the pressure class II stockings have a pressure of less than 25 mmHg and 45% of the pressure class III less than 35 mmHg. When considering a 10% safety margin the figures are respectively 84% and 63%. CONCLUSIONS: From the results of this study it can be concluded that, especially for the most frequently used compression class II stockings, three new stockings each year are necessary to ensure an effective function of the stocking during the time they are being used by the patient. For compression class III flat knitted stockings two pairs can be considered as sufficient.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Calculating the pressure and the stiffness in three different categories of class II medical elastic compression stockings.

BACKGROUND: Medical elastic compression stockings (MECSs) are currently classified according to the pressure they exert at the ankle at the point of its minimum girth (B level). Despite this classification, there are considerable differences between MECSs belonging to the same compression class from the same manufacturers and between different manufacturers. This makes it difficult for the clinician to choose the most suitable MECS for the patient. The stiffness may be used to distinguish between MECSs of different brands. OBJECTIVE: To calculate the pressure and the stiffness at the B level in three categories of class II MECSs from nine different brands. METHODS: Nine different brands of class II MECSs that were divided into three categories (flat-knitted custom-made, classic round-knitted ready-made, and modern (ultrathin) round-knitted ready-made) were tested. The tension of the textile of the MECSs was measured with the Instron tester (Instron International Ltd., Edegem, Belgium). The pressures and stiffness at the B level were calculated. RESULTS: The pressures exerted by flat-knitted custom-made MECSs were higher than those exerted by the ready-made round-knitted MECSs. Surprisingly, the former showed higher pressures than those published by the European Committee for Standardization. A wide range of stiffness was observed within the different brands and within the three different categories of MECS. CONCLUSION: Despite their assignment to compression class II, all nine brands of MECSs that were tested had widely ranging stiffness. This would indicate that the stiffness is an additional important characteristic for distinguishing between MECSs from different brands, which should be taken into account by the clinician in selecting the most suitable MECSs for the patient.

Bandages↗
PubMed1994

Graduated compression stockings in the prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolism. A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of graduated compression stockings in prophylaxis of postoperative venous thromboembolism is unclear to many physicians. Surveys show there is considerable variability in their use and their perceived effectiveness. We undertook to establish, by a systematic overview of the literature, the effectiveness of graduated compression stockings in the prophylactic setting of postoperative venous thromboembolism. METHODS: Studies published between 1966 and June 1992 were identified through the MEDLINE database, with a search in all languages, through reviews of Current Contents, and including references cited in identified articles. Articles were selected for initial analysis if they assessed the use of graduated compression stockings for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism, and if the stocking group was compared with an untreated or unconfounded control group. Criteria were established a priori, to select only studies with sound methods. On the basis of these criteria, 12 studies were identified for the combined analysis. Each eligible study was independently analyzed for the risk of development of deep venous thrombosis in the control and stocking groups, and this was expressed as an odds ratio. Odds ratios were combined across studies by means of the Mantel-Haenszel chi 2 procedure. The data were analyzed separately for orthopedic surgery because of its high risk for venous thromboembolism. RESULTS: Eleven of the 12 studies were in moderate-risk surgery (abdominal, gynecologic, and neurosurgery); the summary odds ratio was 0.28, which translates into a risk reduction of 68% (95% confidence interval, 53% to 73%), which is statistically significant (P < .0001). In the one study in orthopedic surgery that was eligible for inclusion, the odds ratio was 0.50 (95% confidence interval, 0.19 to 1.29; P = .17). CONCLUSIONS: The use of graduated compression stockings for prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism after moderate-risk surgery results in a significant risk reduction. It is unknown whether the use of graduated compression stockings in combination with other forms of prophylaxis results in further risk reduction. The efficacy of graduated compression stockings in orthopedic surgery has been assessed by only one study that used sound methods, hence no definitive conclusions can be made in these high-risk patients.

Bandages↗
PubMed1996

Ardeparin (low-molecular-weight heparin) vs graduated compression stockings for the prevention of venous thromboembolism. A randomized trial in patients undergoing knee surgery.

BACKGROUND: Deep vein thrombosis is common in patients undergoing major knee surgery. Static graduated compression stockings effectively prevent venous thrombosis in general surgery. Because of the demonstrated prophylactic efficacy of pneumatic compression in knee surgery, the similar efficacy of static graduated compression and pneumatic compression in neurosurgery, and the easier use of static graduated compression in knee surgery, graduated static compression stockings were used as the control arm in our clinical trial. Although low-molecular-weight heparin had been shown to be effective in general surgery and hip replacement, its efficacy was unproved in knee surgery. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized trial compared the combination of low-molecular-weight heparin and graduated compression stockings with graduated compression stockings alone in patients undergoing major knee surgery. Patients received either ardeparin (Normiflo) (low-molecular-weight heparin), 0.005 mL/kg (50 anti-Xa U/Kg), or placebo. Both were administered subcutaneously twice daily commencing 12 to 24 hours after surgery and continued for 14 days or until discharge, if sooner. Both study groups wore graduated compression stockings. Bilateral venography was performed on day 14, or sooner if the patient was ready for discharge. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two patients were allocated to receive ardeparin and 124 received placebo. Ninety-six patients in the ardeparin group and 103 in the placebo group had evaluable venograms. Deep vein thrombosis was detected in 28 patients in the ardeparin group and in 60 in the placebo group. Proximal deep vein thrombosis was detected in two patients who received ardeparin and 16 who received placebo. One patient in each group, both of whom did not have venography, experienced pulmonary embolism. Thus, deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism was detected in 29 (29.9%) of the 97 patients in the ardeparin group and in 61 (58.7%) of the 104 patients in the placebo group, a relative risk reduction of 49% (P < 00.1). The rate of major bleeding in the ardeparin group was 2.5%, compared with 2.4% in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Ardeparin administered postoperatively twice daily is effective and safe for the prevention of venous thrombosis in patients undergoing major knee surgery. Whereas graduated compression stockings have been shown to be effective prophylactic agents in general surgery and neurosurgery, they have little effect in knee surgery.

Aged↗
PubMed1993

Ischaemic complications of graduated compression stockings in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis.

Graduated compression stockings are frequently used in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis and the treatment of venous insufficiency. Two patients are discussed who sustained ischaemic complications after application of graduated compression stockings. Review of the literature demonstrates that low cutaneous pressures significantly decrease local blood flow and that the amount of pressure exerted by graduated compression stockings increases significantly with increases in leg girth. Ischaemic complications associated with the use of these stockings also appears to be more common than previously thought and any policy of routine prescription to patients should be questioned.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Efficacy of Class 1 elastic compression stockings in the early stages of chronic venous disease. A comparative study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of Class 1 (10-15 mmHg at the ankle) compression stockings with that of reference stockings of identical appearance during the early stages of chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: A prospective multi-center randomized double blind crossover study was conducted on 2 groups of female patients presenting with CVD with a CEAP classification of C1-3SEp As1-5. The efficacy of Class 1 compression stockings was evaluated with respect to global painful discomfort (visual analog scale), each symptom of CVD, the daily behavior of the patient, changes in the volume of the legs, and the functioning of the venous pump (D-PPG). The compliance level of each patient was measured by the number of days that she wore the stockings for at least 6 hours, and tolerance was measured by the reporting of ensuing undesirable events. RESULTS: A total of 125 patients were included in the study and were analyzed for intent to treat. Highly significant differences favoring Class 1 compression stockings were noted with respect to both global painful discomfort and each symptom of CVD with the exception of paresthesia. The relief of symptoms that resulted from the use of the Class 1 compression stockings was twice that which resulted from the use of the reference stockings. Differences that favored the Class 1 compression stockings were also observed with respect to 2 quality-of-life factors (mood and daily work activity). Good compliance in the use of the stockings was reported for 95% of the patients, and tolerance was higher for the Class 1 compression stockings group than for the reference group. CONCLUSION: The regular wearing of Class 1 graduated elastic compression stockings during a 15-day period results in a significant improvement in the symptomatology of early-stage chronic venous disease, i.e., in the relief of global painful discomfort as well as in quality-of-life criteria. A high level of patient compliance in the wearing of the stockings was achieved in this study.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Interface pressure and stiffness of ready made compression stockings: comparison of in vivo and in vitro measurements.

OBJECTIVE: It is unknown if the pressure values of compression stockings indicated by the producers correspond to the actual compression pressure exerted in vivo. This study compared pressure and stiffness of ready-made compression stockings (Venosan) of different classes, measured on the leg and by laboratory testing. METHODS: This was an experimental study conducted in a textile laboratory of a company that manufactures compression stockings. Twelve legs from healthy volunteers were fitted with ready-made calf-length compression stockings of the European classes I, II and III. In addition, two class I stockings were applied over each other. The in vivo interface pressure was measured using the medical stocking tester (MST) in position B1, eight cm proximal to the inner ankle. Stiffness was defined by an increase of pressure due to an increase of stretch that reflects the elastic property of the textile and was assessed by measuring the difference of interface pressure between standing and supine position at B1. In the laboratory, the MST was used to check the pressure of these stockings on wooden leg models. Then circular slices were cut out from the stockings at the B1 level and stretched by a Zwick dynamometer in the transverse direction. Force/extension-curves were plotted, from which the pressure and stiffness of each individual stocking was calculated. RESULTS: The pressure profile measured on four positions along the leg by MST showed a degressive gradient on the wooden model but not on the human leg due to the measuring geometry in the ankle region. Pressure values on the leg correspond to the in vitro measurements calculated from the force/extension-curve with a bias (difference of the means) of -2.1 and 4.1 mm Hg. In 95% of the subjects, the difference was between -10.1 and 5.8 mm Hg (Bland Altman plot). The correlation between in vivo and in vitro measurement was highly significant (P < .0001, Spearman correlation coefficient; r = .8161). In vivo and in vitro measurement shows an increase of stiffness with increasing compression classes. The highest values are found for two class I stockings applied over each other. CONCLUSION: Pressure and stiffness can be measured in vivo, correlate well with laboratory findings, and should be used in future studies, especially when different compression devices are to be compared.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Factors influencing concordance with compression stockings after venous leg ulcer healing.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the factors influencing patient concordance with compression stockings after venous leg ulcer healing. METHOD: In 2001 patients discharged from a specialist leg ulcer service in New Zealand were approached to participate in a structured interview about their use of compression stockings in the first six months following venous leg ulcer healing. Univariate analyses were performed to identify significant associations between factors and stocking use. Multiple logistic regression was employed to model the factors associated with frequency of stocking use. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients were identified, of whom 129 (79%) agreed to participate. Sixty-seven (52%) reported wearing stockings every day for the first six months after their ulcers had healed, 21 (16%) stated that they had worn the most days, seven (5%) had worn them occasionally and 29 (22%) had not worn them at all after their ulcer had healed. Five (4%) did not provide data. Two factors distinguished those who wore stockings from those who did not 75% of the time: the belief that wearing stockings was worthwhile and the belief that stockings were uncomfortable to wear. Commonly cited factors, such as age, sex, difficulty in applying stockings and cosmetic appearance were not significantly related to stocking use. Cost did not seem to influence the decision to purchase compression stockings. CONCLUSION: Many factors previously thought to influence concordance appear to have little impact on compression-stocking use in people whose venous leg ulcers had healed.

Aged↗
PubMed1982

Graded compression stockings: custom vs noncustom.

Graded compression stockings of the leg (high pressure at the ankle and low pressure at the thigh) seem to help the return of venous blood to the heart and reduce the incidence deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli in supine patients. Recent advances allow noncustom stockings to be chosen for mesomorphic patients by leg length and calf circumference yet deliver the desired level of graded compression. To test the hypothesis that custom-tailored and noncustom, low-modulus. circular-knit stockings are equally efficient, a Doppler instrument and recorder were used to continually monitor femoral-vein velocity both when the patient had the stocking on and after it was removed. The changes in venous velocity after removal of custom and noncustom stockings were similar (-19% and -27%, respectively). In the five patients with whom both types of stocking were evaluated, the changes were -24% for custom and -22% for noncustom stockings. Using Laplace's law and measuring the tension created by a given stretch (circumference), low-modulus stockings were shown to deliver a more uniform pressure over a greater range of leg circumference than did high-modulus stockings. These results justify the use of noncustom, low-modulus, circular-knit elastic stockings to increase femoral-vein velocity in supine, mesomorphic patients.

Bandages↗
PubMed2000

Randomized trial of graded compression stockings for prevention of deep-vein thrombosis after acute stroke.

Graded compression stockings are commonly used to prevent deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) after stroke, but their efficacy in this setting has not been evaluated. Extrapolation of effectiveness from trials in patients undergoing elective surgery may be inappropriate. We undertook a randomized, controlled trial, with blinded data review, in a University hospital Acute Stroke Unit. Patients were allocated to graded compression stockings or to standard care alone. DVT incidence was determined at baseline and at day 7+/-2 by colour-flow Doppler ultrasound. Ninety-eight patients with acute, immobilizing stroke were randomized; 97 had full outcome data. One patient had clinically manifest DVT, and no patient had pulmonary thromboembolism. DVT was detected in 7/65 patients allocated stockings, and 7/32 controls (odds ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.14-1.36); DVT involving femoral veins was detected in 3/65 and 2/32. In the first week after stroke, radiologically-detected DVT remains common, but is usually clinically silent. Proximal DVT is less common. Graded compression stockings produced a reduction in DVT incidence comparable to that in other patient groups, but the reduction was not statistically significant, and the magnitude of effect size requires confirmation. There is greater doubt over efficacy in early prevention of proximal DVT.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Objective evaluation of skin pressure distribution of graduated elastic compression stockings.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effects of graduated elastic compression stockings (GCSs) have been demonstrated. However, their pressure performances are variable and unstable in practical applications owing to many influencing factors. Comprehensive assessment of skin pressure profiles may help elucidate the mechanisms of action of compression stockings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to quantify and objectively evaluate the magnitude and distribution of skin pressure applied by different GCSs and to analyze the possible reasons influencing the stocking pressure performances. METHODS: Six healthy females were required to wear eight kinds of GCSs with different pressure levels while standing upright. The skin pressures of 16 different positions located in four heights and four directions of the lower limb were measured and recorded by FlexiForce interface pressure sensors (Tekscan, Inc., Boston, MA, USA) and a multichannel measuring system. RESULTS: The pressure gradients, pressure levels, and testing locations significantly influenced skin pressure (p < .001). All tested GCSs exerted the highest pressure at the ankle region, and the pressure gradually decreased toward the thigh, which follows the gradient design of GCSs. However, many of them failed to produce the perfect pressure gradients from the ankle region to the calf region. Obviously, reversed pressure gradients occurred in the medial side of the leg, where the pressure at the ankle region was lower than that on the prominent part of the calf by 36% on average. GCSs with higher pressure levels applied higher skin pressure on the lower limb. The pressure at the anterior side was far higher than that in the medial and lateral directions. The distribution patterns of skin pressure at transverse sections were similar to the anatomic outlines of cross sections of the leg. The measured average ankle pressure of all tested GCSs did not reach the pressures specified by the manufacturers. CONCLUSION: Skin pressure distributions and magnitudes applied by GCSs were significantly influenced by the locations of testing points in terms of height and direction, which are determined by the specific anatomic structure and body shape of individual human legs and potentially influenced by the pressure sensor and testing methods.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Compression stockings for preventing deep vein thrombosis in airline passengers.

BACKGROUND: Air travel might increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It has been suggested that wearing compression stockings might reduce this risk. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of wearing compression stockings versus not wearing them among people travelling on flights lasting at least four hours. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group's Specialized Register (January 2006), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (in The Cochrane Library, Issue 4, 2005), MEDLINE (January 1966 to November 2005), EMBASE (January 1980 to December 2005) and several other electronic or grey literature sources, detailed in full in the review. The most recent searches were done in January 2006. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized trials of compression stockings versus no stockings in passengers on flights lasting at least four hours. Trials in which passengers wore a stocking on one leg but not the other, or those comparing stockings and another intervention were also eligible. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two authors independently assessed the quality of each study and extracted data. We sought additional information from trialists. MAIN RESULTS: Ten randomized trials (n = 2856) were included; nine (n = 2821) compared wearing stockings on both legs versus not wearing them, and one (n = 35) compared wearing a stocking on one leg for the outbound flight and on the other leg on the return flight. Of the nine trials, seven included people judged to be at low or medium risk (n = 1548) and two included high risk participants (n = 1273). All flights lasted at least seven hours. Fifty of 2637 participants with follow-up data available in the trials of wearing stockings on both legs had a symptomless DVT; three wore stockings, 47 did not (odds ratio 0.10, 95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.25, P < 0.00001). There were no symptomless DVTs in three trials. No deaths, pulmonary emboli or symptomatic DVTs were reported. Wearing stockings had a significant impact in reducing oedema (based on six trials). No significant adverse effects were reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Airline passengers similar to those in this review can expect a substantial reduction in the incidence of symptomless DVT and leg oedema if they wear compression stockings. We cannot assess the effect of wearing stockings on death, pulmonary embolus or symptomatic DVT because no such events occurred in these trials. Randomized trials to assess these outcomes would need to include a very large number of people.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1996

Investigation of the efficacy of oxerutins compared to placebo in patients with chronic venous insufficiency treated with compression stockings.

The aim of this study was to investigate, if the the combined treatment of compression stockings and drug treatment with oxerutins (O-(beta-hydroxyethyl)-rutosides, Venoruton) provides additional benefit for patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) compared to compression treatment alone. Oxerutins belong to the group of oedema protective agents and possess anti-exudative and membrane protective activity. A total of 133 female patients with CVI grade II participated in this double-blind, randomised, multi-centre, parallel-group study with two treatment groups. The whole study lasted for 19 weeks, and consisted of a one week placebo run-in phase, 12 weeks treatment phase, followed by a 6 weeks treatment-free follow-up period. All patients received a basis compression therapy that consisted of standard compression stockings. In order to standardise initial fitting of stockings in this multi-centre setting, stockings were fitted after one week of standard diuretics starting at baseline and then stockings were worn for the following 11 weeks. Patients were randomised to receive oxerutins (2 x 500 mg daily) or matching placebo. Leg volumes (water displacement) and associated subjective symptoms (visula analogue scale) were measured during a placebo run-in period at enrolment (week - 1) and half a week later (week - 1/2), at baseline week 0), at 4, 8, 12 weeks on treatment, and again after a 3- and 6-weeks treatment-free follow-up. The primary efficacy criterion, the area under the baseline from week 0 to week 18 (AUB0-18) of leg volume changes, as measurement of the global change of leg oedema during the study, resulted in a superior reduction of -5589 ml.d for the combined treatment with oxerutins compared to -2101 ml.d for placebo (p = 0.012). The mean change of leg volume compared to baseline after 12 weeks of treatment was -63.9 ml for stockings and oxerutins, and -32.9 ml for the patients who received stockings and placebo (p < 0.05). Oxerutins showed a prolonged effect in the follow-up phase compared to placebo, with mean AUB values for week 12 to week 18 of -1769 ml.d versus -133 ml.d (p < 0.01). The study demonstrated that the combined therapy of compression stockings and drug treatment with oxerutins is significantly superior in reducing leg oedema resulting from chronic venous insufficiency compared to compression treatment alone.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Evaluation of therapeutic compression stockings in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects a significant portion of the world's population, causing substantial morbidity and medical expenditure. Its pathophysiology is based on venous hypertension in the lower extremities, with vascular compression therapy remaining the foundation of its medical management. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic compression stockings in the treatment of lower extremity CVI. METHODS: A group of 112 patients with CVI received graduated-compression stockings and rated the severity of their symptoms on a five-point scale before wearing the stockings, and then again after 1 and 16 months of treatment. Patient complaints associated with stocking use and patient compliance rates were also recorded at 1 and 16 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) was reported in patient severity scores for lower extremity swelling, pain, skin discoloration, activity tolerance, depression and sleeping problems after 1 and 16 months of treatment with compression stockings. CONCLUSION: Therapeutic graduated-compression stockings are an effective treatment for CVI of the lower extremities.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Compression stocking in treatment of ulcus cruris. An efficient alternative to bandages].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to measure the pressure exerted on the skin with application of the specially designed UlcerCare compression stocking for treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers and simultaneously to objectify the improvement in venous function. PATIENTS/METHODS: Twenty patients with chronic venous insufficiency according to the CEAP Classification C1-4 EP AS, A14, AP, PR were examined. Static exerted pressure was measured while standing and the dynamic equivalent was measured during 10 repetitions of tip-toe exercise. The patients were wearing the standard stocking JOBST Medical LegWear UlcerCare (Beiersdorf AG, Hamburg, Germany). As a control for the effectiveness of the therapy on venous hemodynamics, the lower leg volume, calculated using optoelectronically-measured lower leg circumference and venous reflux, determined by strain gauge plethysmographically-measured venous refill time, were used. RESULTS: Use of the compression stocking system UlcerCare resulted in a decreased lower leg volume. This decrease was on average 5.3%, corresponding to 106 +/- 78 ml (p < 0.001). The calf and forefoot venous function parameters also improved. The venous refill time improved from 27.2 +/- 15.2 s to 45.0 +/- 27.4 s at the forefoot (p < 0.003) and from 10.5 +/- 4.5 s to 19.4 +/- 10.9 s at the calf (p < 0.002). The exerted pressure at the ankle while standing was 46.2 +/- 24.2 mmHg (resting pressure) and 48.5 +/- 27.2 mmHg during repetitive tip-toe exercises (mean exercise pressure). At the calf, the exerted pressure while standing was 40.7 +/- 26.9 mmHg (resting pressure) and during the repetitive tip-toe exercises it was 42.1 +/- 29.5 mmHg (mean exercise pressure). CONCLUSIONS: The exerted pressure of the UlcerCare compression stocking is equivalent to that of a class 3 medical compression stocking. This newly developed stocking diminishes venous reflux and reduces leg edema. These objectified effects suggest that the UlcerCare stocking is effective as compression therapy for venous ulcers.

Bandages↗
PubMed2000

An impressive therapeutic result of class III compression stockings in a patient with longstanding, extensive, combined leg ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Only a few publications are available in the literature concerning the treatment of venous leg ulcers by means of medical compression stockings. SUBJECT: A 59-year-old female patient with longstanding, extensive bilateral leg ulcers due to venous insufficiency, arteriolosclerosis and secondary lymphoedema, was treated successfully by flat-knitted medical compression stockings of compression-class III. CONCLUSION: The great advantage of this treatment is the fact that it is comfortable and easy to carry out at home. Furthermore, the costs of compression therapy with medical compression stockings are only a fraction of those of conventional therapy by means of compressive non-elastic bandages. Once or twice weekly visits of the patient to the hospital are not necessary and less specialized dermatological nurses are needed.

Bandages↗
PubMed1980

A physiological study of elastic compression stockings in venous disorders of the leg.

The physiological effects of elastic compression stockings on venous disorders of the leg have been studied in three groups of 10 patients. These patients were divided by examination and ascending venography into those with: (a) a normal venous system in the leg, (b) superficial varicose veins and (c) a post-phlebitic limb. In a randomized cross-over trial each groups wore Eesiness NHS two-way stretch or Sigvaris medium compression below-knee stockings for three weeks. In the post-phlebitic limb group a further comparison was made with Sigvaris strong compression below-knee stockings after a 6-week rest period. The effects were objectively compared using foot volumetry and sodium (24Na) subcutaneous tissue clearance. The physiological benefits of Sigvaris medium and strong compression stockings were comprehensively demonstrated by both methods of assessment in patients with the post-phlebitic limb. Benefit from Sigvaris medium compression stockings was also demonstrated in the patients with varicose veins. In the group with normal veins there were negligible physiological benefits from compression stockings. Eesiness stockings failed to produce a significant physiological effect in each group.

Clothing↗