Compression stockings prevent DVT, but not SVT
Graduated compression stockings are effective at preventing flight-related deep-vein thrombosis but not superficial venous thrombosis in low, medium and high-risk travellers, according to a meta-analysis published this week (Journal of Advanced Nursing 2005;51:83).
Researchers from Taiwan analysed nine randomised controlled trials involving
a total of 2,482 participants. They found that two of 1,237 participants
who wore medium compression pressure, below knee graduated compression
stockings developed deep vein thrombosis compared with 46 of 1,245 participants
in the control group.
Participants in the treatment group had a 92 per cent reduction in risk
of developing a DVT (P<0.00001) compared with those in the control
group, the researchers calculated. They found no significant difference
between the treatment and control groups in the number of participants
who developed superficial venous thrombosis.
The researchers note that the studies analysed were limited by both investigators
and participants not being blind to the treatment. In addition, most
of the studies were conducted by the same group of researchers. They
suggest that further studies are needed for graduated compression stockings
to be a standard prophylaxis for flight-related thrombosis. “Before
more studies are available, high-risk participants for DVT should be
advised to use graduated compression stockings along with other preventive
measures,” the researchers conclude. |
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