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Graduated Compression Stockings (graduated + compression_stocking)
Selected AbstractsPrevention of venous thromboembolism after acute ischemic strokeJOURNAL OF THROMBOSIS AND HAEMOSTASIS, Issue 6 2005P. W. KAMPHUISEN Summary., Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication after acute ischemic stroke. When screened by 125I fibrinogen scanning or venography, the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) in stroke patients is comparable with that seen in patients undergoing hip or knee replacement. Most stroke patients have multiple risk factors for VTE, like advanced age, low Barthel Index severity score or hemiplegia. As pulmonary embolism is a major cause of death after acute stroke, the prevention of this complication is of crucial importance. Prospective trials have shown that both unfractionated heparin (UFH) and low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) are effective in reducing DVT and pulmonary embolism in stroke patients. Current guidelines recommend the use of these agents in stroke patients with risk factors for VTE. Some clinicians are concerned that the rate of intracranial bleeding associated with thromboprophylaxis may outweigh the benefit of prevention of VTE. Low-dose LMWH and UFH seem, however, safe in stroke patients. Higher doses clearly increase the risk of cerebral bleeding and should be avoided for prophylactic use. Both aspirin and mechanical prophylaxis are suboptimal to prevent VTE. Graduated compression stockings should be reserved to patients with a clear contraindication to antithrombotic agents. [source] Should we give thromboprophylaxis to patients with liver cirrhosis and coagulopathy?HPB, Issue 6 2009Marco Senzolo Abstract Patients with liver cirrhosis are characterized by decreased synthesis of both pro- and anticoagulant factors, and recently there has been evidence of normal generation of thrombin resulting in a near normal haemostatic balance. Although it is generally recognized that bleeding is the most common clinical manifestation as a result of decreased platelet function and number, diminished clotting factors and excessive fibrinolysis, hypercoagulability may play an under recognized but important role in many aspects of chronic liver disease. In fact, they can encounter thrombotic complications such as portal vein thrombosis, occlusion of small intrahepatic vein branches and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In particular, patients with cirrhosis appear to have a higher incidence of unprovoked DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) compared with the general population. In dedicated studies, the incidence of DVT/PE ranges from 0.5% to 1.9%, similar to patients without comorbidities, but lower than patients with other chronic diseases (i.e, renal or heart disease). Surprisingly, standard coagulation laboratory parameters are not associated with a risk of developing DVT/PE; however, with multivariate analysis, serum albumin level was independently associated with the occurrence of thrombosis. Moreover, patients with chronic liver disease share the same risk factors as the general population for DVT/PE, and specifically, liver resection can unbalance the haemostatic equilibrium towards a hypercoagulable state. Current guidelines on antithrombotic prophylaxis do not specifically comment on the cirrhotic population as a result of the perceived risk of bleeding complications but the cirrhotic patient should not be considered as an auto-anticoagulated patient. Therefore, thromboprophylaxis should be recommended in patients with liver cirrhosis at least when exposed to high-risk conditions for thrombotic complications. Low molecular weight heparins (LWMHs) seem to be relatively safe in this group of patients; however, when important risk factors for bleeding are present, graduated compression stockings or intermittent pneumatic compression should be considered. [source] Calcium Channel Blocker-Related Peripheral Edema: Can It Be Resolved?JOURNAL OF CLINICAL HYPERTENSION, Issue 4 2003Domenic A. Sica MD Calcium channel blocker (CCB)-related edema is quite common in clinical practice and can effectively deter a clinician from continued prescription of these drugs. Its etiology relates to a decrease in arteriolar resistance that goes unmatched in the venous circulation. This disproportionate change in resistance increases hydrostatic pressures in the precapillary circulation and permits fluid shifts into the interstitial compartment. CCB-related edema is more common in women and relates to upright posture, age, and the choice and dose of the CCB. Once present it can be slow to resolve without intervention. A number of strategies exist to treat CCB-related edema, including switching CCB classes, reducing the dosage, and/or adding a known venodilator such as a nitrate, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, or an angiotensin-receptor blocker to the treatment regimen. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have been best studied in this regard. Diuretics may alter the edema state somewhat, but at the expense of further reducing plasma volume. Traditional measures such as limiting the amount of time that a patient is upright and/or considering use of graduated compression stockings are useful adjunctive therapies. Discontinuing the CCB and switching to an alternative antihypertensive therapy will resolve the edema. [source] The effect of graduated compression stockings on blood velocity in the deep venous system of the lower limb in the postnatal periodBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 10 2007R Jamieson Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the leading cause of maternal mortality in the UK and is also a major cause of long-term morbidity. Recent UK national guidelines recommend thromboprophylaxis, which includes the use of graduated compression stockings (GCS), for high-risk women to reduce the risk of VTE in both the antenatal and postpartum period. This study of 17 women examined the effects of GCS on the deep venous system in the immediate postpartum period and found a statistically significant reduction in the diameter of the common femoral vein (CFV) (pre- versus post stocking diameter: mean 10.39 mm [SD 2.09] versus mean 9.69 mm [SD 1.99]) and an increase in the rate of blood velocity in the CFV (pre- versus post stocking velocity: mean 10.0 cm/s [SD 2.7] versus 13.9 cm/s [SD 4.2]) 30 minutes after application of thigh length GCS in women 1 or 2 days following a singleton vaginal delivery at term. This confirms reduction in venous stasis in the deep venous system in the immediate postpartum woman by the use of GCS, supporting their use in improving venous function in this context. [source] |