title: Microvascular changes in venous hypertension due to varicose veins after standardized application of Essaven gel--a placebo-controlled, randomized study.
abstract: The involvement of the microvascular structure in chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) causes venous hypertensive microangiopathy (VHM), which leads to venous ulceration. VHM is characterized by enlarged and ramified capillaries, increased flux and capillary permeability, edema, and altered function of microlymphatics. TcPO2 is decreased and CO2 increased. This perfusional paradox is caused by hyperperfusion in the deep skin layers with hypoperfusion of superficial nutritional capillaries. Exchanges in the capillary bed are altered. Nutritional skin alterations eventually lead to venous ulceration. Edema is the consequence of increased capillary pressure, reduced clearance, and by an increased exchange surface of capillaries. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of local treatment with Essaven gel (EG) in 22 subjects with VHM due to severe varicose veins, treated with a single application. Measurements of flux, PO2 and PCO2 in standardized conditions of application indicated a significant decrease of the abnormally increased flux and CO2; PO2 increased in the treatment group. Essaven gel, in comparison with placebo and controls acutely improves the microcirculation in VHM even with a single application.
authors.affiliation: Irvine2 Vascular Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chieti University and San Valentino Vascular Screening Project, Italy.
authors.forename: M R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Cesarone
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: De Sanctis
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Incandela
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Belcaro
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Griffin
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004928:Escin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006493:Heparin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply; D014648:Varicose Veins / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D004338:Drug Combinations; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents; D010743:Phospholipids; D004928:Escin; C013980:Essaven Gel; D006493:Heparin