Clinical outcomes and predictors of bleomycin polidocanol foam sclerotherapy treatment response in venous malformations

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of bleomycin polidocanol foam (BPF) sclerotherapy for venous malformations (VMs) and analyze the associated clinical outcomes and predictors. Methods We retrospectively assessed BPF sclerotherapy outcomes in 138 patients with VMs. We analyzed pain levels, lesion volume reduction, and subjective perception of response. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential predictors of treatment outcome. Additionally, we carefully monitored and recorded complications. Results There was a notable average reduction in lesion volume by 78.50% ± 15.71%. The pain numerical rating scale (NRS) score decreased from 4.17 ± 2.63 prior to treatment to 1.05 ± 1.54 afterward, and 70.3% of the patients experienced effective relief after a single BPF treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that a high baseline NRS (odds ratio [OR]:  4.026) and elevated activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT, OR: 1.200) were positive predictors of pain reduction. Additionally, a high baseline NRS score (OR: 1.992) and elevated thrombocytocrit (PCT, OR: 2.543) were positive predictors of incomplete postoperative pain relief. Minor complications occurred in 31 (22.46%) patients. Conclusion BPF sclerotherapy is safe and effective for VMs, resulting in significant reduction in lesion volume, improved symptoms, and minimal complications. APTT and PCT levels are important predictors of pain outcomes following BPF treatment.