Management of Chronic venous insufficiency with a new dual compression system: Results of a real life study in 702 patients

Objective: Compression therapy is the cornerstone of the management of patients presenting chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) from C3 to C6 stages of the CEAP Classification, as first line option in the acute decongestion phase of oedema and for the treatment of active venous leg ulcer (VLU). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dual compression system in in outpatients with CVI problems under real-life conditions.Method: A prospective, multicentre, observational study with a dual compression system (UrgoK2, Laboratoires Urgo, France) was performed in 103 centres in Germany. Main outcomes included wound healing rate, wound healing progression, assessment of oedema and acceptance of this compression therapy. Results: A total of 702 patients with venous leg ulcers (VLU) and/or with lower limb oedema due to CVI (at baseline, mean value of the ankle–brachial pressure index (ABPI) was 1.1±0,2) were treated with the dual compression system for a mean duration of 27±17 days. The bandages were changed only 1–2 times a week in 51.7%, 3–4 times a week in 448 (28.7%), and >4 times a week in 306 (19.6%) of the visits. By the last visit, 30.9% of VLUs healed and the percentage of patients with oedema (with or without leg ulcer) decreased from 74.1% at baseline to 24.6% at the final visit and improvement of ankle mobility was reported in 44.2% of the patients. The evaluated system was ‘very well’ or ‘well’ tolerated and ‘very well’ or ‘well’ accepted by more than 95% of the patients, in line with the general opinion of physicians, regardless of the treated condition, VLU and/or limb oedema. Bandage slipping was reported by less than 4% of the patients. Conclusion: Real-life data documented in this large observational study of non-selected patients receiving compression therapy in daily practice confirm the benefits and safety profile of the evaluated compression system previously reported in various clinical trials. This compression system can be considered as a first line intervention untill healing in VLUs and leads to reduce the oedema caused by CVI.