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Anuforo A, Evbayekha E, Agwuegbo C, Okafor TL, Antia A, Adabale O, Ugoala OS, Okorare O, Phagoora J, Alagbo HO, Shamaki GR, Disreal Bob-Manuel T. Superficial Venous Disease-An Updated Review. Ann Vasc Surg 2024; 105:106-124. [PMID: 38583765 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review article provides an updated review of a relatively common pathology with various manifestations. Superficial venous diseases (SVDs) are a broad spectrum of venous vascular disease that predominantly affects the body's lower extremities. The most serious manifestation of this disease includes varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, stasis dermatitis, venous ulcers, superficial venous thrombosis, reticular veins, and spider telangiectasias. METHODS The anatomy, pathophysiology, and risk factors of SVD were discussed during this review. The risk factors for developing SVD were related to race, age, sex, lifestyle, and certain genetic conditions as well as comorbid deep vein thrombosis. Various classification systems were listed, focusing on the most common one-the revised Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology classification. The clinical features including history and physical examination findings elicited in SVD were outlined. RESULTS Imaging modalities utilized in SVD were highlighted. Duplex ultrasound is the first line in evaluating SVD but magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography venography, plethysmography, and conventional venography are feasible options in the event of an ambiguous venous duplex ultrasound study. Treatment options highlighted in this review ranged from conservative treatment with compression stockings, which could be primary or adjunctive to pharmacologic topical and systemic agents such as azelaic acid, diuretics, plant extracts, medical foods, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anticoagulants and skin substitutes for different stages of SVD. Interventional treatment modalities include thermal ablative techniques like radiofrequency ablationss, endovenous laser ablation, endovenous steam ablation, and endovenous microwave ablation as well as nonthermal strategies such as the Varithena (polidocanol microfoam) sclerotherapy, VenaSeal (cyanoacrylate) ablation, and Endovenous mechanochemical ablation. Surgical treatments are also available and include debridement, vein ligation, stripping, and skin grafting. CONCLUSIONS SVDs are prevalent and have varied manifestations predominantly in the lower extremities. Several studies highlight the growing clinical and financial burden of these diseases. This review provides an update on the pathophysiology, classification, clinical features, and imaging findings as well as the conservative, pharmacological, and interventional treatment options indicated for different SVD pathologies. It aims to expedite the timely deployment of therapies geared toward reducing the significant morbidity associated with SVD especially varicose veins, venous ulcers, and venous insufficiency, to improve the quality of life of these patients and prevent complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Anuforo
- Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY.
| | | | - Charles Agwuegbo
- Internal Medicine Resident, Temecula Valley Hospital, Temecula, CA
| | - Toochukwu Lilian Okafor
- Internal Medicine Resident, Quinnipiac University, Frank H Netter MD School of Medicine/St Vincent's Medical Center, North Haven, CT
| | - Akanimo Antia
- Internal Medicine Resident, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY
| | | | - Onyinye Sylvia Ugoala
- Internal Medicine Resident, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX
| | - Ovie Okorare
- Internal Medicine Resident, Nuvance Health Vassar brothers Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, NY
| | - Jaskomal Phagoora
- Internal Medicine Resident, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem, NY
| | - Habib Olatunji Alagbo
- Internal Medicine Resident, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, School of Medicine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) of the legs remains poorly defined. While improving or relieving the local painful symptoms, treatment should aim at preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), which might complicate the natural history of ST. This is the third update of a review first published in 2007. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of topical, medical, and surgical treatments for ST of the leg in improving local symptoms and decreasing thromboembolic complications. SEARCH METHODS For this update, the Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register (March 2017), CENTRAL (2017, Issue 2), and trials registries (March 2017). We handsearched the reference lists of relevant papers and conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating topical, medical, and surgical treatments for ST of the legs that included people with a clinical diagnosis of ST of the legs or objective diagnosis of a thrombus in a superficial vein. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors assessed the trials for inclusion in the review, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of the studies. Data were independently extracted from the included studies and any disagreements resolved by consensus. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We identified three additional trials (613 participants), therefore this update considered 33 studies involving 7296 people with ST of the legs. Treatment included fondaparinux; rivaroxaban; low molecular weight heparin (LMWH); unfractionated heparin (UFH); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); compression stockings; and topical, intramuscular, or intravenous treatment to surgical interventions such as thrombectomy or ligation. Only a minority of trials compared treatment with placebo rather than an alternative treatment and many studies were small and of poor quality. Pooling of the data was possible for few outcomes, and none were part of a placebo-controlled trial. In one large, placebo-controlled RCT of 3002 participants, subcutaneous fondaparinux was associated with a significant reduction in symptomatic VTE (risk ratio (RR) 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.50; moderate-quality evidence), ST extension (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.22; moderate-quality evidence), and ST recurrence (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.54; moderate-quality evidence) relative to placebo. Major bleeding was infrequent in both groups with very wide CIs around risk estimate (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.86; moderate-quality evidence). In one RCT on 472 high-risk participants with ST, fondaparinux was associated with a non-significant reduction of symptomatic VTE compared to rivaroxaban 10 mg (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.03 to 3.18; low-quality evidence). There were no major bleeding events in either group (low-quality evidence). In another placebo-controlled trial, both prophylactic and therapeutic doses of LMWH (prophylactic: RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.74; therapeutic: RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.77) and NSAIDs (RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.78) reduced the extension (low-quality evidence) and recurrence of ST (low-quality evidence) in comparison to placebo, with no significant effects on symptomatic VTE (low-quality evidence) or major bleeding (low-quality evidence). Overall, topical treatments improved local symptoms compared with placebo, but no data were provided on the effects on VTE and ST extension. Surgical treatment combined with elastic stockings was associated with a lower VTE rate and ST progression compared with elastic stockings alone. However, the majority of studies that compared different oral treatments, topical treatments, or surgery did not report VTE, ST progression, adverse events, or treatment adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic dose fondaparinux given for 45 days appears to be a valid therapeutic option for ST of the legs for most people. The evidence on topical treatment or surgery is too limited and does not inform clinical practice about the effects of these treatments in terms of VTE. Further research is needed to assess the role of rivaroxaban and other direct oral factor-X or thrombin inhibitors, LMWH, and NSAIDs; the optimal doses and duration of treatment in people at various risk of recurrence; and whether a combination therapy may be more effective than single treatment. Adequately designed and conducted studies are required to clarify the role of topical and surgical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Di Nisio
- University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti‐PescaraDepartment of Medicine and Ageing SciencesVia dei Vestini 31Chieti ScaloItaly66013
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Vascular MedicineAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Iris M Wichers
- The Dutch College of General PractitionersUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Saskia Middeldorp
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Vascular MedicineAmsterdamNetherlands
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis (ST) of the legs remains poorly defined. While improving or relieving the local painful symptoms, treatment should aim at preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE), which might complicate the natural history of ST. This is the second update of a review first published in 2007. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of topical, medical, and surgical treatments in patients presenting with ST of the legs. SEARCH METHODS For this update, the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Specialised Register (last searched November 2012) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2012, Issue 11). We handsearched the reference lists of relevant papers and conference proceedings. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating topical, medical, and surgical treatments for ST of the legs that included participants with a clinical diagnosis of ST of the legs or an objective diagnosis of a thrombus in a superficial vein. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors assessed the trials for inclusion in the review, extracted the data, and assessed the quality of the studies. Data were independently extracted from the included studies and any disagreements resolved by consensus. MAIN RESULTS We identified four additional trials (986 patients), so this update considered 30 studies involving 6507 participants with ST of the legs.Treatment ranged from fondaparinux, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), topical treatment, oral treatment, intramuscular treatment, and intravenous treatment to surgery. Only a minority of trials compared treatment with placebo rather than an alternative treatment, none evaluated the same treatment comparisons on the same study outcomes (which precluded meta-analysis), and many of the studies were small and of poor quality. In one large, placebo-controlled RCT of about 3000 patients, subcutaneous fondaparinux was associated with a significant reduction in symptomatic VTE (RR 0.15; 95% CI 0.04 to 0.50), ST extension (RR 0.08; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.22), and ST recurrence (RR 0.21; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.54) with comparable rates of major bleeding (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.06 to 15.86) relative to placebo. In a further placebo-controlled trial, both prophylactic and therapeutic doses of LMWH (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.72 and RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.75, respectively) and NSAIDs (RR 0.41; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.75) reduced the extension and recurrence of ST in comparison to placebo, with no significant effects on symptomatic VTE nor major bleeding. Overall, topical treatments improved local symptoms compared with placebo but no data were provided on the effects on VTE and ST extension. Surgical treatment combined with elastic stockings was associated with a lower VTE rate and ST progression compared with elastic stockings alone. However, the majority of studies that compared different oral treatment, topical treatment, or surgery did not report VTE, ST progression, adverse events, or treatment side effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Prophylactic dose fondaparinux given for six weeks appears to be a valid therapeutic option for ST of the legs. The evidence on oral treatments, topical treatment, or surgery is too limited and does not inform clinical practice about the effects of these treatments in terms of VTE and ST progression. Further research is needed to assess the role of the new oral direct thrombin and activated factor-X inhibitors, LMWH, and NSAIDs; the optimal doses and duration of treatment; and whether a combination therapy may be more effective than single treatment. Adequately designed and conducted studies are required to clarify the role of topical and surgical treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Di Nisio
- Department of Medical,Oral and Biotechnological Sciences,University “G.D’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara,Chieti, Italy.
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Díaz Sánchez S, Piquer Farrés N, Fuentes Camps E, Bellmunt Montoya S, Sánchez Nevárez I, Fernández Quesada F. [Criteria for referral between levels of care of patients with peripheral vascular disease. SEMFYC-SEACV consensus document]. Aten Primaria 2012; 44:556-61. [PMID: 22824152 PMCID: PMC7249231 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coordination between care levels is essential to increase the efficiency of the Health System; vascular disease has an important role in this respects, as it includes frequent, serious and vulnerable conditions. Consensus documents are an essential tool to obtain these aims. This document is not expected to replace the Clinical Guidelines, but tries to establish the basis of the shared management of the patient with vascular disease (peripheral arterial disease, diabetic foot, and chronic venous insufficiency) in three ways: to determine the profile of the patient who should receive priority follow-up at every level; to establish the skills that every professional must have, and to set and to prioritise the referral criteria in both directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santiago Díaz Sánchez
- Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria, Centro de Salud Pintores, Parla, Madrid, España. Miembro del Grupo de Trabajo de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares de la Sociedad Española de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria (SEMFYC).
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Bellmunt Montoya S, Díaz Sánchez S, Sánchez Nevárez I, Fuentes Camps E, Fernández Quesada F, Piquer Farrés N. [Criteria for between-care-level referrals of patients with vascular disease. semFYC-SEACV consensus document]. Aten Primaria 2012; 44:555.e1-555.e11. [PMID: 22578398 PMCID: PMC7025927 DOI: 10.1016/j.aprim.2012.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC) and the Spanish Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SEACV), through a Joint Working Group, have prepared a document on between care-level referrals of patients with the main vascular diseases; peripheral arterial disease, venous insufficiency, and diabetic foot. The responsibilities and skills required at each care level have been defined, as well as the criteria for mutual referral and how to prioritise them. The preparation of this consensus document attempt to provide an efficient tool that may ensure the continuity of health care, always respecting the specific characteristics and needs of each health care area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Bellmunt Montoya
- Servicio de Angiología, y Cirugía Vascular y Endovascular, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, España.
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Rathbun SW, Aston CE, Whitsett TL. A randomized trial of dalteparin compared with ibuprofen for the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis. J Thromb Haemost 2012; 10:833-9. [PMID: 22360152 PMCID: PMC3343207 DOI: 10.1111/j.1538-7836.2012.04669.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Superficial thrombophlebitis can produce pain and result in a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) if not treated. Conservative therapies including prescription of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and heat have been standard care. Recently, studies have been published reporting efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight heparin for the treatment of superficial thrombophlebitis. However, there are few comparative trials to conservative therapy. We studied the effectiveness and safety of treatment with dalteparin compared with ibuprofen in patients with confirmed superficial thrombophlebitis. METHODS Consecutive patients were randomized to receive daily dalteparin vs. ibuprofen three times daily for up to 14 days. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of extension of thrombus or new symptomatic venous thromboembolism during the 14-day and 3-month follow-up period. The secondary outcome was a reduction in pain. The outcome measure of safety was the incidence of major and minor bleeding. RESULTS Of 302 consecutive patients screened, 72 were enrolled. Four patients receiving ibuprofen compared with no patients receiving dalteparin had thrombus extension at 14 days (P = 0.05), however, there was no difference in thrombus extension at 3 months. Both treatments significantly reduced pain. There were no episodes of major or minor bleeding during the treatment period. CONCLUSIONS Dalteparin is superior to the NSAID ibuprofen in preventing extension of superficial thrombophlebitis during the 14-day treatment period with similar relief of pain and no increase in bleeding. However, questions concerning the optimal treatment duration should be explored in future trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Rathbun
- Vascular Medicine, Cardiovascular section, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
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Kearon C, Akl EA, Comerota AJ, Prandoni P, Bounameaux H, Goldhaber SZ, Nelson ME, Wells PS, Gould MK, Dentali F, Crowther M, Kahn SR. Antithrombotic therapy for VTE disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest 2012; 141:e419S-e496S. [PMID: 22315268 PMCID: PMC3278049 DOI: 10.1378/chest.11-2301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2482] [Impact Index Per Article: 206.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article addresses the treatment of VTE disease. METHODS We generated strong (Grade 1) and weak (Grade 2) recommendations based on high-quality (Grade A), moderate-quality (Grade B), and low-quality (Grade C) evidence. RESULTS For acute DVT or pulmonary embolism (PE), we recommend initial parenteral anticoagulant therapy (Grade 1B) or anticoagulation with rivaroxaban. We suggest low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or fondaparinux over IV unfractionated heparin (Grade 2C) or subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (Grade 2B). We suggest thrombolytic therapy for PE with hypotension (Grade 2C). For proximal DVT or PE, we recommend treatment of 3 months over shorter periods (Grade 1B). For a first proximal DVT or PE that is provoked by surgery or by a nonsurgical transient risk factor, we recommend 3 months of therapy (Grade 1B; Grade 2B if provoked by a nonsurgical risk factor and low or moderate bleeding risk); that is unprovoked, we suggest extended therapy if bleeding risk is low or moderate (Grade 2B) and recommend 3 months of therapy if bleeding risk is high (Grade 1B); and that is associated with active cancer, we recommend extended therapy (Grade 1B; Grade 2B if high bleeding risk) and suggest LMWH over vitamin K antagonists (Grade 2B). We suggest vitamin K antagonists or LMWH over dabigatran or rivaroxaban (Grade 2B). We suggest compression stockings to prevent the postthrombotic syndrome (Grade 2B). For extensive superficial vein thrombosis, we suggest prophylactic-dose fondaparinux or LMWH over no anticoagulation (Grade 2B), and suggest fondaparinux over LMWH (Grade 2C). CONCLUSION Strong recommendations apply to most patients, whereas weak recommendations are sensitive to differences among patients, including their preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clive Kearon
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michael De Groote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Elie A Akl
- Department of Medicine, Family Medicine, and Social and Preventive Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY.
| | | | - Paolo Prandoni
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Henri Bounameaux
- Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Z Goldhaber
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Michael E Nelson
- Department of Medicine, Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Shawnee Mission, KS
| | - Philip S Wells
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michael K Gould
- Department of Medicine and Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | | | - Mark Crowther
- Department of Medicine, Michael De Groote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Susan R Kahn
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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