Graduated Compression Treatment in Patients with Chronic Venous Insufficiency: A Study Comparing Low and Medium Grade Compression Stockings

Abstract

Objective: Patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) benefit subjectively from treatment with graduated compression stockings. Usually, class II compression is used in patients with CVI grade II. The present study investigates possible differences between graduated compression of classes I and II. Design: Randomized study. Setting: Department of Vascular Surgery and Vascular Laboratory, University Hospital, Lund. Patients and Methods: Thirty-one patients, nine male and 22 female (59 legs), all with grade II CVI. Foot volumetry and a visual analogue scale (VAS) were used to assess symptoms. Patients were randomized to either class I or class II graduated compression, and the examinations were repeated after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: The VAS assessment showed that all patients benefited to the same extent and there were no differences between the two compression classes. An increase of the expelled volume with compression was recorded, to a significant degree with class I compression. Reflux values were not significantly influenced by either grade of compression. Conclusion: Class I graduated compression did not show any difference in subjective effect or objective parameters compared with Class II. Class I compression can be recommended instead of class II compression, especially in patients who find that the higher pressure on the leg causes discomfort.