Original articles   

International Angiology 2008 December;27(6):507-11

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Clinical validation of a specially sized class II compression knee-sock for the prevention of recurrent ulcers in patients with chronic venous stasis (CEAP 5)

Arpaia G. ¹, Milani M. ¹, Addeo R. ², Crespi A. ³, Feltri R. ⁴, Ricci E. ⁵, Bonadeo P. ⁶

¹ Departement of Vascular Medicine Outpatients, Vimercate Civil Hospital, Vimercate, Milan, Italy 2 Department of Diabetic Foot and Venous Ulcer Outpatient, S. Spirito Hospital ASL 18, Bra, Italy 3 General Surgery, Galliate Hospital, Italy 4 SS Antony and Marguerite Hospital, Tortona, Italy 5 Wound Healing Centre, S. Luca Clinic, Turin, Italy 6 Vascular Surgery Unit, Policlinico Foundation, Milan, Italy

Aim. Patients cured of venous ulcers (VU) often suffer recurrences if they do not wear elastic compression hosiery. Unfortunately, only half of them can benefit of this treatment, because their leg proportions have changed, obliging them to order to measure products which are harder to find, and expensive. This study was designed to validate a class II elastic knee-sock (GGG-Ral standards) manufactured on the basis of the ankle and calf circumferences of recently cured patients.
Methods. In all, 177 consecutive patients were given a sock that fitted properly, to be worn for 30 days. Numerical and analogue symptom scales and a questionnaire on clinical improvement have been used to evaluate treatment benefits.
Results. Symptom improvements reached respectively 68% and 65% and clinical improvements 96% of the patients. Compliance was 91.6%.
Conclusion. Specially-sized elastic hose for patients cured of VU would serve to treat the large numbers who cannot use routine-production sizes, with improvements in compliance and clinical symptoms.