Medline ® Abstract for Reference 80

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: To determine the efficacy of compression stockings in preventing emergent varicose veins in pregnancy.

METHODS: A prospective randomised controlled study in the outpatient department of the University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland, including women with uncomplicated pregnancies<12 weeks at outset of study. A no-stockings control group (n = 15) was compared with two treatment groups: group 1 (n = 12) wore compression class I stockings (18-21 mm Hg) on the left leg and class II stockings (25-32 mm Hg) on the right; in group 2 (n = 15), the compression classes were reversed. Stockings were worn from study entry to term. Endpoints were emergence and worsening of superficial varicose veins, long saphenous vein reflux at the sapheno-femoral junction, and leg symptoms (pain, discomfort, cramps) during pregnancy.

RESULTS: Both classes of compression stockings failed to prevent the emergence of superficial varicose veins. However, long saphenous vein reflux at the sapheno-femoral junction was observed in the third trimester in only 1/27 treated women vs. 4/15controls (p = 0.047); in addition, more treated women reported improved leg symptoms (7/27 vs. 0/15 controls; p = 0.045). Emergent varicose changes, however, did not differ significantly (7/14 controls vs. 5/12 in group 1 and 8/14 in group 2; 3x3 table, Fisher's exact = 0.94).

CONCLUSIONS: Although compression stockings do not prevent the emergence of gestational varicose veins, they significantly decrease the incidence of long saphenous vein reflux at the sapheno-femoral junction and improve leg symptoms. Our results also suggest that superficial varices and deep venous insufficiency may have a different aetiology.