Compression therapy for treating post-thrombotic syndrome

Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) results from chronic venous insufficiency following deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is painful and potentially disabling, limits quality of life and is costly and complex to manage. PTS develops in 20–50% of individuals within 2 years following a DVT diagnosis. Further, one-third of all cases of DVT and venous thromboembolism occur in persons older than 60 years of age (Kahn et al, 2016).

Symptoms of PTS include leg pain, a sensation of leg heaviness or fatigue, leg swelling, itching, cramps and paraesthesia, with signs including oedema, redness, cyanosis when leg dependent, telangiectasia, new varicose veins, stasis hyperpigmentation, and, in severe cases, venous ulceration. These signs and symptoms are the result of venous outflow restriction.

The objectives of Azirar et al's (2019) review were to assess the effectiveness of treatments for PTS, including elastic compression stockings and mechanical compression devices, compared with no intervention and placebo, and comparing between the interventions.