Impact of copper compression stockings on venous insufficiency and lipodermatosclerosis: A randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective Compression stockings are the primary treatment for lipodermatosclerosis secondary to chronic venous disease, but do not improve the skin condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of copper on lipodermatosclerosis. Methods A double-blind randomised controlled pilot study was performed including patients with bilateral lipodermatosclerosis. One compression stocking of a pair was impregnated with copper. Symptom score and surface area of lipodermatosclerosis were assessed at baseline, after 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Results Sixteen patients were included. There was no significant difference in mean symptom scores; however, there was a significant reduction of the surface area in the study group 42,637 to 35,739 mm2 versus 41,487 to 43,210 mm2 in the control group (p = 0.04). Conclusion This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of copper on lipodermatosclerosis secondary to chronic venous disease with reduction in surface area but no benefit on symptoms. Trials identification number: NCT03283800