ORIGINAL ARTICLE   

Acta Phlebologica 2020 August;21(1-2):9-15

DOI: 10.23736/S1593-232X.20.00466-X

Copyright © 2020 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Chronic venous disease of the lower limbs and its complications in general medicine: the role of the expert doctor

Giovanni ADAMO ¹ ✉, Pier Luigi ANTIGNANI ²

¹ Centro Medicina Vascolare, Modica, Ragusa, Italy; ² Nuova Villa Claudia Clinic, Rome, Italy

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the active role of the general practitioner (GP) “with particular vascular interest” in the management of the phlebopathic patient at various stages of the CEAP classification, including patients with ulcers.
METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) of the lower limbs were enrolled, a part with already known diagnoses and with ongoing skin lesions, others with suggestive symptoms. The patients were clinically evaluated at the general practitioner’s office, with instrumental examinations and finally the prescription of therapies, as well as the execution of bandages in patients with ulcers.
RESULTS: Suggestive data have been collected on the main risk factors of the disease and on the therapeutic adherence of the patients highlighted by the fiduciary relationship with the doctor.
CONCLUSIONS: Furthermore, positive data were recorded on the therapies performed in terms of improving the quality of life and healing of ulcers.

KEY WORDS: Venous thrombosis; General practitioners; Ulcer; Compression bandages