Clinical benefits of lightweight compression: reduction of venous-related symptoms by ready-to-wear lightweight gradient compression hosiery.
BACKGROUND
Medical-grade compression of class I (20-30 mmHg) and class II (30-40 mmHg) have been shown to be beneficial against venous hypertension or congestion. Relatively few studies address the effects of ready-to-wear (RTW) lightweight gradient compression pantyhose on venous symptoms.


OBJECTIVE
To perform a study comparing the effects of two different compression RTW lightweight gradient compression stockings (8-15 mmHg and 15-20 mmHg) on the venous symptoms of flight attendants.


METHODS
A prospective crossover trial of symptom evaluation in 19 flight attendants was performed in which participants rated their symptoms on a visual analog scale. During the initial phase, participants wore no compression for 2 weeks. They then wore 8-15 mmHg and 15-20 mmHg gradient compression support hose while flying over a 4-week period. Symptoms before and after wearing the gradient compression stockings were compared and statistically analyzed.


RESULTS
Wearing of 8-15 mmHg gradient hose resulted in statistically significant improvement of discomfort (P < 0.01). Swelling, fatigue, aching, and tightness of the leg were all improved to a statistically significant degree (P < 0.01). For 15-20 mmHg gradient hosiery, symptoms were improved to a statistically significant or almost significant level. The difference between the 8-15 mmHg and 15-20 mmHg compression was not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of lightweight (low compression) RTW gradient compression hosiery is very effective in improving symptoms of discomfort (P < 0.01), swelling (almost P < 0. 05), fatigue (P < 0.05), aching (P < 0.01), as well as leg tightness. Improvement of symptoms is statistically significant compared to no compression when hosiery was worn regularly during waking hours for 4 weeks.
Weiss
R A
RA
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. rwderm@home.com
Duffy
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D000328:Adult; D001458:Bandages; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004487:Edema / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011312:Pressure; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000628:therapy; D014648:Varicose Veins; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*