Sclerotherapy of telangiectases and reticular veins: a double-blind, randomized, comparative clinical trial of polidocanol, sodium tetradecyl sulphate and isotonic saline (EASI study).
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy and safety of polidocanol (POL) in comparison to sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) and isotonic saline (placebo) for sclerotherapy of telangiectases or reticular veins by means of standardized digital imaging system, independent medical observers and detailed monitoring.


METHODS
Of 316 randomized patients, 160 with telangiectases were randomly assigned to 0.5% POL, 1% STS or placebo, and 156 with reticular veins received 1% POL, 1% STS or placebo. Veins selected for injection were clearly visible telangiectases or reticular veins in a predefined treatment area (10x10 cm). Exact retrieval of the location was guaranteed by a newly established digital imaging system. Images were taken before first injection and 12 and 26 weeks after the last of three possible injection visits, and evaluated by the investigator and two blinded independent observers. The detailed safety monitoring included ultrasound screening for 'silent' deep vein thrombosis, electrocardiograms and clinical laboratory tests.


RESULTS
POL demonstrated a statistically significant superiority versus placebo (P < 0.0001) for the primary criterion 'improvement of veins'. Significantly more patients were satisfied with POL at 12 or 26 weeks (84%, 88%) compared to STS (64%, 63%; P < 0.0001) and placebo (14%, 11%; P < 0.0001). POL was safe and well tolerated apart from expected local symptoms at the injection site.


CONCLUSIONS
Sclerotherapy of telangiectases and reticular veins with detergent-like sclerosants such as polidocanol (POL) or sodium tetradecyl sulphate (STS) is a well-established technique. However, evidence from clinical trials comparing these substances with a non-active solution is sparse and does not live up to expectations of modern clinical trial concepts necessary for authorisation purposes. The presented multicentre EASI study fulfils these requirements and clearly demonstrates that Sclerotherapy of C1 veins with POL is highly effective and deserves the adjunct 'gold standard'.
Rabe
E
E
Department of Dermatology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53105 Bonn, Germany. Eberhard.Rabe@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Schliephake
D
D
Otto
J
J
Breu
F X
FX
Pannier
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010781:Photography; D010919:Placebos; D000077423:Polidocanol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012981:Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014680:Veins / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D010919:Placebos; D012597:Sclerosing Solutions; D000077423:Polidocanol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D012981:Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate