Compression Stocking and Deep Venous Thrombosis?
Is there any benefit of using compression stockings on a leg with a proven deep venous thrombosis?

Bhamidimarri Kumar, MBBS

Compression stockings reduce venous stasis in the legs by applying graduated levels of compression to the ankle and calf. One randomized clinical trial evaluated the preventive effect of graded compression stockings for postthrombotic syndrome after a first episode of proximal deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The incidence of postthrombotic syndrome was reduced by 57% during a 5-year follow-up period in the group wearing graded compression stockings compared with no compression stockings. There was no effect on the recurrence rate of DVT between the study groups.

Ginsberg and colleagues recently published a 3-part study of 202 patients investigating the incidence of postphlebitic syndrome following proximal DVT and the efficacy of graduated compression stockings in preventing and treating postphlebitic syndrome. The results indicated that 83% of patients do not have postphlebitic syndrome 1 year after a proximal DVT. However, the patients with postphlebitic syndrome had a higher incidence of symptomatic DVT. This study was not able to demonstrate a benefit of graduated compression stockings for patients with postphlebitic syndrome, which the authors indicated may have been because of a lack of power. Recommendations from this study advise against routine use of stockings, but suggest that a trial of graduated compression stockings may improve clinical symptoms of pain and swelling in patients with symptomatic postphlebitic syndrome.