Reduction of oxidative stress by compression stockings in standing workers.
BACKGROUND
Healthy workers who stand for prolonged periods show enhanced production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in their systemic circulation. Oxidative stress is thought to be a risk factor for chronic venous insufficiency and other systemic diseases.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of compression stockings in the prevention of oxidative stress at work.


METHODS
ROS and venous pressure of the lower limbs were measured in 55 theatre nurses who stood in the operating theatre for >6 h, 23 industrial ironers who stood for up to 5 h during their shift and 65 outpatient department nurses and 35 laundry workers who acted as controls. Subjects and controls were examined on two consecutive days before and after work and with and without compression stockings.


RESULTS
Without compression stockings, lower limb venous pressure increased significantly after work in all subjects and controls (P < 0.001), while only operating theatre nurses showed significantly higher mean levels of ROS (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in venous pressures and ROS levels after work in subjects or controls when wearing compression stockings.


CONCLUSIONS
Our data suggest a preventive role of compression stockings against oxidative stress in healthy workers with a standing occupation.
Flore
Roberto
R
Department of Medicine, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. flore.roberto@libero.it
Gerardino
Laura
L
Santoliquido
Angelo
A
Catananti
Cesare
C
Pola
Paolo
P
Tondi
Paolo
P
D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007846:Laundering; D009740:Nursing Staff; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011187:Posture; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000097:blood*; D012307:Risk Factors; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014690:Venous Pressure / Q000502:physiology
D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species