Evaluation of quality of life and photoplethysmography in patients with chronic venous insufficiency treated with foam sclerotherapy

Abstract

Background: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy plays a major role in treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, providing clinical and hemodynamic improvement to patients undergoing treatment. Objectives: To examine the relationships between venous refilling time and impact of venous disease on quality of life and between changes in venous refilling time and improvement of symptoms after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for chronic venous insufficiency. Methods: Thirty-two patients classified as C4, C5 or C6 answered a questionnaire on quality of life and symptoms and their venous filling time was measured using photoplethysmography before and 45 days after treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Results: Statistically significant improvements were observed in quality of life scores and in venous filling time and in the following symptoms: aching, heavy legs, restless legs, swelling, burning sensations, and throbbing (p<0.0001). A similar improvement was also seen in the work and social domains of quality of life (p<0.0001). Conclusions: As confirmed by questionnaire scores and venous refilling times, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy demonstrated efficacy and resulted in high satisfaction levels and low rates of major complications.

Association of great saphenous vein diameter and clinical severity score after treatment of severe chronic venous insufficiency with foam sclerotherapy

“…The study by Coelho Neto et al 29 reinforce the power of sclerotherapy regarding pain improvement. Before treatment, 25% of patients reported being free of pain or having only very mild pain; on the other hand, after 45 days, it increased to 56% of the patients 29 .…”

“…The study by Coelho Neto et al 29 reinforce the power of sclerotherapy regarding pain improvement. Before treatment, 25% of patients reported being free of pain or having only very mild pain; on the other hand, after 45 days, it increased to 56% of the patients 29 . This study maintained that reported pattern, with significant differences in the VCSS pain parameter in the follow-up, compared to the pretreatment, with a progressive reduction in the score throughout the study follow-up period.…”

Foam sclerotherapy for lower-limb varicose veins: impact on saphenous vein diameter

“…Analysis of the rates of saphenous vein occlusion shows that the results of foam sclerotherapy are systematically inferior to those of thermal ablation techniques and conventional surgery ( 14 - 16 ) . Nevertheless, the lower rates of occlusion and higher rates of recanalization/reflux relapse in veins treated with foam do not result in worse patient quality-of-life scores ( 14 - 17 ) . One possible explanation for the maintenance of quality-of-life scores, even after recanalization with reflux in treated saphenous veins, is the considerable reduction in vein diameter and the closure of tributaries that drain reflux.…”