title: Compression in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency: Efficacy depending on the length of the stocking.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Below knee two-component compression stockings (AD) have revealed as effective for compression treatment of venous leg ulcers. Upto groin, thigh length stocking (AG) may enhance clinical effects, however wear comfort of these stocking may be affected.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  venous haemodynamic in relation to the length of compression stockings.
  
  
  METHODS
  A two-component AD stocking (37 mmHg) and two thigh length stockings (AG 37, with an interface pressure of 37 mmHg; AG 45, with an interface pressure of 45 mmHg) were tested by 16 patients with CVI. Leg volume changes and venous ejection fraction and venous filling index were measured, whilst quality of life and wear comfort were surveyed by questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Volume of both the lower limb and the thigh was reduced by AG stockings, whereas AD stockings reduced only the volume of the lower limb and increased thigh volume. Venous hemodynamic, ejection fraction and filling index were improved by AG and AD stockings, AG, however, was superior to AD. Quality of life and comfort of the stockings was assessed as good for AG 37 mmHg, AG 45 mmHg and AD 37 mmHg.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thigh length two component stockings (AG) were shown to be superior to below knee stocking (AD) with regard to volume reduction and venous hemodynamic, yet wear comfort was not impaired. These results imply that healing of trophic skin changes e.g. ulcers will be faster when thigh length two component stocking will be worn.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Konschake
authors.forename: Helene
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Riebe
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pediaditi
authors.forename: Hermann
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Haase
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jünger
authors.forename: Stine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lutze
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D053828:Stockings, Compression / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Chronic venous insufficiency; below knee compression stocking; compression stocking; leg volume; thigh lengthcompression stocking; two-component compression stocking; venous ejection fraction; venous filling index