Variability of venous hemodynamics detected by air plethysmography in CEAP clinical classes

BACKGROUND: The hemodynamic variability of air plethysmography is known in the literature, but the clinical significance of this event has not been investigated yet, and there may be some unexplored clinical meaning. There is known superpositioning of CEAP clinical classes (C0-C6) and even in lower limbs of the same clinical classes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hemodynamic variability of air plethysmography parameters in CEAP clinical classes. METHODS: This retrospective study compares lower limb varicose disease between C0 and C6 CEAP clinical classes with venous hemodynamic parameters obtained by air plethysmography. Data were tabled and analyzed according to their clinical classes by Kruskal-Wallys and Barllet variance tests. RESULTS: A total of 310 examinations were performed in 230 patients, aged between 19-81 years (mean = 46.2 years). Venous filling index and functional venous volume increased hemodynamic variability when compared with CEAP C0. This was demonstrated by the variability coefficient, which was 28.12% for venous filling index in C0 and higher than 57% between clinical classes C2 and C6. Ejection fraction and residual venous fraction had no increase in variability when compared with CEAP C0. CONCLUSION: Venous filling index is the best parameter for assessment and screening patients with chronic venous insufficiency, but has great variability in C2 to C6 CEAP clinical classes.CONTEXTO: A variabilidade hemodinâmica da pletismografia a ar é conhecida, mas o exato papel dessa variabilidade no cotidiano clínico não foi investigado, podendo ter algum significado clínico ainda não explorado. Sabe-se que há sobreposição entre as classes clínicas (C0 a C6) da classificação CEAP e mesmo entre membros inferiores de uma mesma classe clínica. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a variabilidade hemodinâmica dos parâmetros da pletismografia a ar nas classes clínicas da classificação CEAP. MÉTODO: Este estudo retrospectivo confronta a doença varicosa de membros inferiores classificada de C0 a C6 pela classificação CEAP com os parâmetros hemodinâmicos venosos obtidos pela pletismografia a ar. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados e analisados em suas classes clínicas pelos testes de variância de Kruskal-Wallys e Barllett. RESULTADOS: Foram realizados 310 exames em 230 pacientes cujas idades variaram entre 19 a 81 anos, com uma média de 46,2 anos. Os parâmetros índice de enchimento venoso e volume venoso funcional mostraram aumento da variabilidade hemodinâmica quando analisados na classe clínica C0 do CEAP, demonstrada por meio do coeficiente de variabilidade que, para o índice de enchimento venoso foi de 28,12% na classe clínica C0 e se manteve acima de 57% nas classes de C2 a C6. A fração de ejeção e a fração de volume residual não aumentaram a variabilidade quando comparados com a classe clínica C0 do CEAP. CONCLUSÃO: O índice de enchimento venoso foi o melhor parâmetro para avaliação e triagem de pacientes com insuficiência venosa crônica, mas tem grande variabilidade nas classes clínicas C2 a C6 do CEAP.UNIFESP-EPM Departamento de CirurgiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de CirurgiaSciEL

Results of Surgical Treatment Compared with Ultrasound-Guided Foam Sclerotherapy in Patients with Varicose Veins: A Prospective Randomised Study

Objective: This study aims to compare venous clinical severity scores in patients with heated venous ulcers due to varicose veins of the tower limbs (the clinical, etiologic, anatomic, and pathophysiologic data (CEAP) classification: C(5) EpAsPr) treated by saphenous stripping and phlebectomy or by ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.Method: Sixty patients were included: 29 underwent saphenous stripping and phlebectomy for varices in saphenous tributaries and 27 were treated by ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy; four cases were lost to follow-up. the main outcome measure was venous clinical severity scores (pain, oedema, inflammation, hyperpigmentation and lipodermatosclerosis). An ultrasound examination was carried out prior to treatment and 30, 60 and 180 days after the procedure to assess the relative efficacy of the methods in obliterating the saphenous trunk.Results: the mean venous clinical severity scores measured before and after 180 days were as follows: Surgery group - pain: before 1.97 standard deviation (SD) 0.19, 180 days 0.72 SD 0,53; oedema: before 1.66 SD 0.48, 180 days 0.55 SD 0.63; inflammation: before 1.55 SD 0.63, 180 days 0.72 SD 0.45. Foam sclerotherapy group - pain: before 1.81 SD 0.40, 180 days 0.56 SD 0.51; oedema: before 1.70 SD 0.47, 180 days 0.48 SD 0.64; inflammation: before 1.67 SD 0.68, after 0.89 SD 0.32. All scores showed statistically significant reductions in both patient groups. the saphenous vein had been obliterated, 180 days after treatment, in 78% of the surgery group, compared with 90% in the foam sclerotherapy group.Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is a safe and effective option for patients with chronic venous disorders. Crown Copyright (C) 2009 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of European Society for Vascular Surgery. All rights reserved.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Surg, Vasc Sect, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Surg, Vasc Sect, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Study of Risk Factors Associated with Peripheral Arteriopathy in Japanese-Brazilians from Bauru (SP)

Background:Cardiovascular diseases are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in developed and emerging countries. Their main etiology, atherosclerosis, is a disseminated disease that affects the coronary, cerebral and peripheral territories. The peripheral arterial disease (PAD), as well as its consequences, indicates the involvement of the coronary territory. Therefore, its better understanding enables proper treatment, delaying local and long-term complications, reducing the cost to the health system.Objective:This study estimates the percentage of PAD in Japanese-Brazilians from Bauru (SP), recognized by the high prevalence of metabolic disorders such as hypertension (43%), diabetes mellitus (33%) and hypercholesterolemia (60%), and examines the association with risk biomarkers.Methods:This cross-sectional population study evaluated 1,330 Japanese-Brazilians of both genders aged ≥ 30 who underwent a complete physical examination, anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests and ankle-brachial index (ABI). Participants with ABI ≤ 0.90 were diagnosed as having PAD. After applying the exclusion criteria, 1,038 individuals were part of the analysis. We used Poisson regression to analyze associations with PAD.Results:The mean age was 56.8 years and the percentage of PAD was 21.1%, equal among the genders. PAD was associated with smoking (PR 2.16 [1.33 to 3.48]) and hypertension (PR 1.56 [1.12-2.22]).Conclusion:The percentage of PAD in Japanese-Brazilians was similar to other populations of adverse cardiometabolic profile (US PARTNERS and POPADAD). The independent association of PAD with smoking and hypertension, but not with other classical risk factors, may depend on the very high frequencies of metabolic disorders in this population.Fundamento:As patologias cardiovasculares são a maior causa de morbimortalidade nos países desenvolvidos e emergentes. Sua principal etiologia, a aterosclerose, é doença disseminada acometendo os territórios coronariano, cerebral e periférico. A doença arterial obstrutiva periférica (DAOP), além de suas consequências per se, sinaliza o acometimento do território coronariano. Portanto, seu melhor conhecimento permite tratamento adequado, retardando complicações locais e à distância, diminuindo o custo para o sistema de saúde.Objetivo:Este estudo estima a porcentagem de DAOP em nipo-brasileiros de Bauru (SP), reconhecidos pela alta prevalência de distúrbios metabólicos, como hipertensão arterial (43%), diabetes melito (33%) e hipercolesterolemia (60 %), e analisa a associação com biomarcadores de risco.Métodos:Este estudo transversal populacional avaliou 1.330 nipo-brasileiros de ambos os sexos com idade ≥ 30 anos que foram submetidos a exame físico completo, medidas antropométricas, exames laboratoriais e índice tornozelo-braço (ITB). Participantes com ITB ≤ 0,90 foram diagnosticados como portadores de DAOP. Após aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, 1.038 indivíduos integraram a análise. Empregou-se regressão de Poisson para análise das associações com DAOP.Resultados:A idade média foi 56,8 anos e a porcentagem de DAOP foi 21,1%, igual entre os sexos. DAOP associou-se com tabagismo (RP 2,16 [1,33-3,48]) e hipertensão arterial (RP 1,56 [1,12-2,22]).Conclusão:A porcentagem de DAOP nos nipo-brasileiros foi semelhante à de outras populações de perfil cardiometabólico desfavorável (US PARTNERS e POPADAD). A associação independente de DAOP com tabagismo e hipertensão, mas não com outros clássicos fatores de risco, pode depender das frequências muito elevadas dos distúrbios metabólicos nessa população.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Saude PublicaUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Departamento de CirurgiaUNIFESP, Depto. de CirurgiaSciEL

Pregnancy and lower limb varicose veins: prevalence and risk factors

Background: During and after pregnancy, lower limb varicose disease presents specific features that have influenced the conduction of studies designed to provide a better understanding of the condition. Such features include the appearance of lower limb varicose veins, their early development and intensity, and their rapid regression after delivery. Objective: To assess the prevalence of lower limb varicose disease during pregnancy and to identify the main associated risk factors. Prevalence of varicose disease during pregnancy is high, affecting almost 70% of pregnant women considering all types of varicose disease. This high prevalence is mainly caused by the increase in the estrogen and progesterone levels during pregnancy. Material and method: We analyzed 352 pregnant women during prenatal follow-up. The subjects were randomly selected during a 14-month period. Varicose disease was clinically identified and classified according to Widmer's criteria: trunk varicose veins, reticular varicose veins, and telangiectasias; being reclassified according to the criteria of the CEAP clinical classification. The results of prevalence and risk factors were statistically analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Considering all types of varicose veins, prevalence of varicose disease was 72.7% (256 pregnant women). Only 27.3% (96) of pregnant women did not have varicose disease (C0), and this group was considered the control group. After multivariate analysis, the main risk factors were: family history and pregnant women's age. Conclusion: The high prevalence of varicose disease and the associated risk factors suggest the need of providing the health professionals involved in women's health care, especially during the fertile period, with information on this disease.Contexto: Durante e após a gestação, as varizes dos membros inferiores têm aspectos peculiares, tais como o seu aparecimento, a precocidade de seu desenvolvimento, a intensidade e, no puerpério, a rapidez com que regridem. Esses aspectos têm influenciado os estudos para a compreensão dessa patologia. Objetivo: Verificar a prevalência das varizes dos membros inferiores em gestantes e os fatores de risco mais relevantes envolvidos. A prevalência na gestação é alta, atingindo cerca de 70%, quando se consideram todos os tipos de varizes. Essa alta prevalência decorre principalmente do aumento nas taxas dos estrógenos e progestágenos que ocorre durante a gravidez. Material e método: Foram avaliadas 352 gestantes no período pré-natal, durante 14 meses, escolhidas ao acaso. A doença varicosa foi diagnosticada clinicamente e classificada segundo os critérios de Widmer em varizes tronculares, reticulares e telangiectasias e reclassificadas pela classificação CEAP, segundo o critério clínico. Os resultados de prevalência e fatores de risco foram submetidos às análises univariada e multivariada. Resultados: A prevalência da doença varicosa, quando considerados todos os tipos de varizes, foi de 72,7% (256 gestantes). As 96 gestantes (27,3%) que não apresentaram doença varicosa foram consideradas, para análise estatística, como controle. Os fatores de risco de significância, após análise multivariada, foram: antecedente familiar positivo e idade. Conclusão: A prevalência da doença varicosa durante a gestação e os fatores de risco envolvidos indicam a necessidade de divulgação dessa patologia entre os profissionais envolvidos na prevenção e manutenção da saúde da mulher, especialmente aquelas em período fértil.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de Medicina Departamento de CirurgiaUNIFESP, EPM, Depto. de CirurgiaSciEL

Neovascularization after surgical exposure of rat external jugular vein endothelium

PURPOSE: To investigate the neovascularization after exposure of the external jugular venous endothelium in an experimental model. METHODS: The sample was composed of 60 male rats of Wistar OUT B breed provided by animal colony of the Medicine College of Juazeiro do Norte, weighing 250 to 350g, aged 90-120 days. Randomized study in OUT B Wistar rats, open, with 60 days duration. The animals were distributed into three groups of 20 specimens and were subjected to the following: Group 1: neck incision with dissection, ligation and section of the external jugular vein. Group 2: neck incision with dissection and ligation of the external jugular vein. Group 3: cervicotomy without dissection of the external jugular vein without ligation or section. The animals were sacrificed, half of them in 30 days and the other half within 60 days. The material in block harvested from the operated site were sectioned and stained for immunohistochemistry with CD34 marker. RESULTS: Neovascularization occurred with level of significance when compared group 1 to group 3 at 30 days (p=0.0076) and the same occurred at 60 days (p=0.0001) (Newman-Keuls test). CONCLUSION: The group with exposure of the venous endothelium showed a significant increase of neovascularization when compared with other groups.São Paulo Federal University Postgraduate Program in Interdisciplinary Surgical ScienceUniversity of Health Sciences of Alagoas Department of SurgeryUNIFESP Paulista School of Medicine Department of SurgerySão Paulo Federal University Postgraduate Program in Interdisciplinary Surgical ScienceUNIFESP, Paulista School of Medicine Department of SurgerySciEL

Assessment of calf muscle pump in patients with primary varicose veins of the lower limbs by air plethysmography

OBJECTIVE: This article aims at assessing the influence of calf muscle vein reflux (suraland genicular veins) on calf muscle pump function in patients with primary varicose veins of the lower limbs. METHODS: Cross-sectional and prospective study assessing 120 patients divided into two groups (60 subjects each) by physical examination, duplex scan and air plethysmography. The first group showed calf muscle venous reflux, whereas the second group presented absence of reflux. Both groups were examined by air plethysmography to verify calf pump function through measurement of ejection fraction, residual volume fraction, ejected volume and venous filling index in both limbs. RESULTS: In the group of patients with reflux, ejection fraction indexes lower than 60% (p < 0.001) were found in 82.3% (left leg) and 74.6% (right leg) of cases. Levels of residual volume fraction greater than 60% were identified in 62.5% (left leg, p= 0.015) and in 86.7% (right leg, p = 0.014) of assessed cases. There was no statistically significant variation concerning the venous filling index between groups with or without reflux, with p= 0.140 in both legs. Of all patients, 63.6% had calf vein reflux (left leg) and 61.8% (right leg) had ejection volume greater than 150 mL (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The calf pump function decreased in both lower limbs, due to presence of calf muscle vein reflux (genicular and sural veins).OBJETIVO:Avaliar a influência do refluxo das veias musculares da panturrilha (surais e geniculares) na função da bomba muscular da panturrilha em pacientes com varizes primárias nos membros inferiores. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal prospectivo, no qual os pacientes foram avaliados por meio de exame físico, mapeamento dúplexe pletismografia a ar. Foram selecionados 120 pacientes divididos em dois grupos (60 indivíduos em cada). O primeiro grupo apresentava refluxo das veias musculares da panturrilha e o segundo grupo apresentava ausência de refluxo. Cada grupo foi analisado com pletismografia a ar para estudo da função da bomba da panturrilha. As variáveis estudadas foram fração de ejeção, fração do volume residual, volume ejetado e índice de enchimento venoso para membro inferior direito e esquerdo. RESULTADOS: No grupo com refluxo, índices de fração de ejeção abaixo de 60% (com p < 0,001) foram encontrados em 82,3% (em perna esquerda) e em 74,6% (em perna direita) dos casos. Índices de fração do volume residual acima de 60% foram identificados em 62,5% (em perna esquerda, p = 0,015) e em 86,7% (em perna direita, p = 0,014) dos casos avaliados. Não houve variação estatisticamente significativa para o índice de enchimento venoso entre os grupos com e sem refluxo, com p = 0,140 e p = 0,140 para pernas esquerda e direita, respectivamente. Foram encontrados 63,6% dos pacientes com refluxo das veias da panturrilha (em perna esquerda), e 61,8% (em perna direita) com volume ejetado acima de 150 mL (p = 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Houve alteração da bomba muscular da panturrilha, levando a uma diminuição de sua função, em ambos os membros inferiores por conseqüência da presença do refluxo das veias musculares da panturrilha (geniculares e surais).Universidade Federal de Campina Grande Universidade Federal de Campina GrandeUniversidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas Escola de Ciências Médicas de Alagoas Departamento de Medicina SocialUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP)UNIFESPSciEL

Association of increased levels of homocysteine and peripheral arterial disease in a Japanese-Brazilian population

Objectives. Our aim was to evaluate the possible association between homocysteine levels and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in a population-based study of Japanese-Brazilians.Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was derived from a population-based survey on the prevalence of diabetes and associated diseases conducted in Japanese-Brazilians. A total of 1330 male and female subjects aged >= 30 years were submitted to clinical examination and laboratory procedures including homocysteine measurement. the ankle-brachial index (ABI) was calculated, subjects with ABI values <0.9 were diagnosed with PAD. the evaluable population included 1008 subjects. Logistic regression was used taking PAD as the dependent variable.Results. Mean age of the population was 56.5 years and overall prevalence of PAD was 20%. A worse cardiovascular profile was found in male patients, including significantly higher homocysteine levels (11.9 +/- 1.8 vs. 9.1 +/- 1.1 mu mol/L, p < 0.001). Men with PAD had higher prevalence rates of hyperhomocysteinemia compared to women (22.7% vs 7.6%). Univariate analysis showed an odds ratio of hyperhomocysteinemia for PAD of 1.51 [1.02-2.25] in men and 1. 69 [1.06-2.68] in women. After adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, higher levels of homocysteine were only significantly related to PAD in men.Conclusion. in a Japanese-Brazilian population, elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with PAD in men. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm this finding.Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Surg, Postgrad Course Cardiac Vasc & Thorac Surg, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Surg, Div Vasc Surg, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pediat, São Paulo, BrazilUniv São Paulo, Sch Publ Hlth, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Surg, Postgrad Course Cardiac Vasc & Thorac Surg, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Surg, Div Vasc Surg, São Paulo, BrazilUniversidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pediat, São Paulo, BrazilWeb of Scienc

Evaluation of venous reflux by color duplex scanning in patients with varicose veins of the lower limbs: correlation with clinical severity by CEAP classification

Background: Skin changes observed in chronic venous insufficiency have venous reflux as the most common etiology. Some authors have reported that reflux in the superficial venous system accounts for 40-60% of leg ulcers in patients with primary varicose veins. Objective: To evaluate the correlation between superficial venous reflux and clinical status (CEAP classification - clinical, etiology, anatomy and pathophysiology) in patients with primary varicose veins of the lower limbs using duplex scanning. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was performed in patients with primary varicose veins. Primary variables were venous reflux and clinical status. Clinical status was characterized by groups A, B, and C, represented by CEAP clinical categories. Types of venous reflux in the great and small saphenous veins were used as complementary data, according to Engelhorn’s classification (2004). Hypotheses of interrelationship between incidence and types of reflux were statistically analyzed using Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests. Significance was set at 0.05%. Results: Of 242 lower limbs, 15 were excluded, so that the final sample was comprised of 227 lower limbs. Ninety-nine (83.9%) patients were female. Mean age was 50 years and median was 49 years. Reflux was absent in 93 limbs (41%), and 134 (59%) showed isolated and/or associated reflux. Isolated reflux in perforating veins (p = 0.0008) or in association with great saphenous vein reflux (p < 0.0001) was significantly related to clinical status severity. Conclusion: Duplex scan showed correlation between presence of superficial venous reflux and clinical status severity in patients with primary varicose veins of the lower limbs.Contexto: As alterações de pele manifestadas na insuficiência venosa crônica têm como etiologia mais comum o refluxo venoso. Alguns autores relatam que o refluxo venoso superficial é responsável por 40-60% das úlceras de perna nos portadores de varizes primárias. Objetivo: Correlação do refluxo venoso superficial ao mapeamento dúplex com o quadro clínico (classificação CEAP - clínica, epidemiológica, anatômica e fisiopatológica) nos portadores de varizes primárias de membros inferiores. Método: Estudo transversal e descritivo, desenvolvido em portadores de varizes primárias. As variáveis primárias foram: refluxo venoso e quadro clínico. O quadro clínico foi caracterizado por grupos: A, B e C, representados pelas categorias clínicas da CEAP. Dados complementares foram: tipos de refluxo em veias safenas magnas e parvas, conforme classificação de Engelhorn (2004). Testaram-se as hipóteses de inter-relações entre presença de refluxo e quadro clínico, utilizando-se os testes exato de Fisher e qui-quadrado no nível de 5% de probabilidade. Resultados: Das 242 extremidades inferiores examinadas, 15 foram excluídas, totalizando 227 na amostra final. Noventa e nove (83,9%) pacientes eram do sexo feminino. A média de idade foi de 50 anos, com mediana igual a 49 anos. Noventa e três extremidades (41%) não apresentavam refluxo, e 134 (59%) o apresentavam isolado e/ou associado. O refluxo isolado em veias perfurantes (p = 0,0008) e destas em associação com o refluxo em veias safenas magnas (p < 0,0001) estão significativamente relacionados à gravidade do quadro clínico. Conclusão: Há correlação entre a presença do refluxo venoso superficial ao mapeamento dúplex e a gravidade do quadro clínico nos portadores de varizes primárias de membros inferiores.Hospital das Clínicas Dr. José Augusto Leite , SBACV e Associação Médica BrasileiraUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUniversidade Estadual de Ciências da Saúde de Alagoas Governador Lamenha Filho Escola de Ciências Médicas de Alagoas Departamento de CirurgiaUNCISAL Departamento de Medicina SociaUNIFESP, EPMSciEL