Benefits of an Adjustable Compression Garment System for the Reduction of Chronic Leg Oedema (ACROE Study).

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether a specific adjustable compression garment (ACG) system (Coolflex Standard Calf and Coolflex Standard Foot; Sigvaris Inc.) promotes self-care in patients with chronic leg oedema. Secondary aims were to assess the effectiveness of this ACG in reducing oedema, improving patient reported outcomes, and determining the patients' degree of satisfaction with the handling of the wrap. METHODS: This was a multicentre prospective observational study. The study included 99 adult patients aged 18 - 90 years presenting with chronic oedema of the lower extremity, which encompasses conditions such as lymphoedema, venous oedema, and phlebolymphoedema. At baseline, all patients received an ACG. After two to three days and after six weeks, their overall satisfaction with the therapy was assessed. Leg volume was determined in a contactless manner during the baseline and follow up visits. All patients completed the cross cultural adaptation of the Lymphoedema Functioning, Disability and Health Questionnaire for Patients with Lymphoedema of the Lower Extremity in Germany (Lymph-ICF-UG). RESULTS: A total of 86 patients completed the study and were followed up for six weeks. At the final six week follow up, 82 (95.3%) of the 86 subjects indicated that they were able to put on the wrap independently or with a little help from relatives. The overall satisfaction rate was 88.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.64 - 93.9%). The mean leg volume reduction from baseline to six weeks was -4.7% (95% CI -6.3 - -3.0%; p < .001). Lymph-ICF-UG scores and scores in all domains improved significantly from baseline to the final follow up. CONCLUSION: The ACG used in this study was found to promote self-care in a high proportion of patients with chronic leg oedema. A significant reduction in oedema was observed.

Diagnosis and treatment of venous leg ulcers: S2k Guideline of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL) e.V.

This S2k guideline on venous leg ulcers was created on the initiative and under the leadership of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL). The guideline group also consisted of representatives from the German Society for Phlebology and Lymphology, German Dermatological Society, German Society for General Medicine, German Society for Angiology, German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine, German Society for Surgery, German Society for Dermatosurgery, German Society for Wound Healing and Wound Treatment, Professional Association of Phlebologists and Lymphologists and Initiative Chronische Wunden. The aim of this guideline is to combine the different approaches and levels of knowledge of the respective professional groups on the basis of consensus, so that a basic concept for the best possible treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers can be provided. A total of 70 specific recommendations were formulated and agreed upon, divided into the subject areas of diagnostics, therapy, prevention of recurrences, and everyday challenges. The guideline thus reflects the current state of scientific knowledge and is intended to be widely used as the best available document for the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers in everyday clinical practice.

Effect of obesity on venous blood flow in the lower limbs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although obesity is a recognized risk factor for the development of lower limb venous disease, less attention has been paid to objectively measuring the effect of centripetal obesity on blood flow in the lower limbs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The diameter of lower limb veins and venous blood flow were measured in 44 patients (65.6 ± 12.5 years, 25 females, 19 males) with centripetal obesity and chronic venous disease. RESULTS: The mean diameter of both common femoral veins (CFV) increased significantly in the semi-supine position following elevation of the panniculus (right: ∆0.73 ± 1.21 mm; p ≤ 0.001, left: ∆1.16 ± 1.42 mm; p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, there was a significant increase in venous flow volume in the left CFV (∆62.96 ± 117.85 ml/min; p  =  0.001). Similarly, there was an increase in the diameter of left great saphenous vein (∆0.24 ± 0.41 mm; p  =  0.002), measured at the mid-thigh, when the patient lifted their abdominal panniculus. Finally, the grade of obesity correlated with the extent of the venous disease. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide preliminary evidence that centripetal obesity results in both structural and hemodynamic changes in the lower limb veins, even in the absence of classical reflux.

S1 guideline: Differential diagnosis of acute and chronic redness of the lower legs.

Acute or chronic redness of the lower leg is a frequent reason for visits to clinics and practices. The differential diagnosis is often challenging. The aim of this guideline is to define criteria and procedures for the differential diagnosis of acute or chronic, unilateral or bilateral redness of the lower leg. Finding the correct diagnosis is essential for selecting an appropriate treatment and can help to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics. The guideline committee identified the most relevant differential diagnoses: 1. erysipelas, 2. stasis dermatitis, 3. hyperergic ictus reaction, 4. superficial and deep vein thrombosis, 5. gout, 6. chronic allergic contact dermatitis, and 7. acute toxic or allergic contact dermatitis. Algorithms/diagnostic pathways, each of which can be broken down into anamnesis, clinical examination, and diagnostics, have been developed for these seven diagnoses. In addition, the guideline group identified over 40 other relevant diagnoses and summarized their characteristics in a table to facilitate further differential diagnoses.

The Role of the Cutaneous Microbiome in Hidradenitis Suppurativa-Light at the End of the Microbiological Tunnel.

The development of next generation sequencing, coupled with advances in bio-informatics, has provided new insights into the role of the cutaneous microbiome in the pathophysiology of a range of inflammatory skin diseases. In fact, it has even been suggested that the identification of specific skin microbial signatures may not only be useful in terms of diagnosis of skin diseases but they may also ultimately help inform personalised treatment strategies. To date, research investigating the role of microbiota in the development of inflammatory skin diseases has largely focused on atopic eczema and psoriasis vulgaris. The role of the microbiome in Hidradenits suppurativa (HS)-also known as acne inversa-a chronic auto-inflammatory skin disease associated with significant morbidity, has received comparatively little attention. This is despite the fact that antimicrobial therapy plays a central role in the treatment of HS. After briefly outlining the clinical features of HS and current treatment strategies, we move on to review the evidence of microbial dysbiosis in HS pathophysiology. We conclude by outlining the potential for metagenomic studies to deepen our understanding of HS biology but more importantly to identify novel and much needed treatment strategies.

Comparison of Four Haemodynamic Tests that Quantify Superficial Venous Insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES: Reflux assessment with ultrasound (U/S) is usually qualitative. Quantitative measurements of superficial venous insufficiency (SVI) include the venous arterial flow index (VAFI), recirculation index (RCI), venous filling index (VFI), and the postural diameter change (PDC) of the saphenous trunk. The aim was to investigate their relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational study performed on patients with varicose veins and hospital employees. Four haemodynamic parameters were measured in 21 legs from 16 subjects. Legs were divided into no reflux (n = 7) and reflux (n = 14). The VAFI is the U/S ratio of common femoral vein volume flow divided by the common femoral artery volume flow, performed supine. The RCI is the U/S ratio of reflux volume over antegrade volume within the saphenous trunk after calf compression, standing. The VFI is the rate of calf volume increase on dependency measured in mL/s, using air plethysmography. The PDC is the percentage reduction of the saphenous trunk diameter from standing to lying, using U/S. RESULTS: The clinical part of the CEAP classification was: C0 = 3, C1 = 4, C2 = 5, C3 = 1, C4a = 1, C4b = 6, C5 = 1. All four tests demonstrated significant differences between the two groups with minimal overlap (Mann Whitney U test): VAFI (p = .028), RCI (p < .0005), VFI (p = .001), and PDC (p = .014). Furthermore, significant correlations were observed with the tests: VAFI vs. RCI (r = .532, p = .015), VFI (r = .489, p = .025) and PDC (r = -.474, p = .030); RCI vs. VFI (r = .446, p = .043) and PDC (r = -.527, p = .014). CONCLUSIONS: Superficial venous drainage insufficiency should not be confined to an U/S assessment of the presence of reflux, which is qualitative. Quantitative data may be provided using the VAFI, RCI, VFI, and PDC. Understanding why there are significant correlations among these parameters and the preferred objective reference test requires further work.

[Postthrombotic syndome-a complex clinical picture]. / Postthrombotisches Syndrom ­ ein komplexes Krankheitsbild.

Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS), which comprises a range of symptoms and signs following the development of deep vein thrombosis, is associated with varied clinical presentation. The functional limitations associated with PTS may be persistent, and following deep vein thrombosis, the patient may require lifelong anticoagulation. Venous ulceration is often regarded as a complication of PTS. However, the development of venous ulceration strictly depends on underlying venous hypertension, which is not always present. Due to the heterogenous clinical presentation of PTS, diagnosis may be difficult. Nevertheless, accurate diagnosis is vital and modern imaging techniques can help establish the diagnosis and play a role in monitoring treatment response. Thus, in addition to new strategies in compression therapy, (endo)vascular interventions are established treatment modalities in the management of PTS.

Surgery followed by 585 nm pulsed-dye laser therapy in the treatment of granuloma faciale.

Granuloma faciale is a rare, benign skin disease characterised by solitary or multiple papules, plaques or nodules, most often occurring on the face. The skin disorder is often associated with exacerbations and remissions; spontaneous resolution seldom occurs. The treatment of granuloma faciale is challenging. Various topical and systemic treatments, but also surgical and laser therapies have been administered. A spatially confined thermal destruction of the tissue is achieved by strong absorption of haemoglobin at 585 nm wavelength. Of note, none of the presently available therapeutic interventions are particularly successful. Moreover, Granuloma faciale has the tendency to recur after treatment. Here, we present a male patient with a treatment refractory Granuloma faciale on the right cheek who was successfully treated with the combination of surgery and pulsed-dye laser therapy. Besides the good aesthetic outcome, remission was maintained after almost 1 year of follow-up.

Clinical outcome of short-term compression after sclerotherapy for telangiectatic varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: Sclerotherapy is considered to be the method of choice for the treatment of telangiectatic varicose veins (C1 veins). Whereas the use of compression stockings after sclerotherapy is recommended, little is known about the impact of compression on the outcome of sclerotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of compression on the outcome of injection sclerotherapy of C1 varicose veins. METHODS: There were 100 legs of 50 consecutive patients with chronic venous insufficiency (C1) included. After randomization per patient, both legs were treated with sclerotherapy in a predefined area of the thigh (measuring 100 cm2), followed by eccentric compression for 24 hours. Group A received no further compression, whereas group B was additionally equipped with compression stockings of 18 to 20 mm Hg above the ankle and continued wearing these for 1 week. Photodocumentation was performed before, 1 week after, and 4 weeks after sclerotherapy, and the clinical outcome was assessed at these postprocedure follow-up dates. The photographs were reviewed by an internal unblinded rater and an independent blinded external rater. RESULTS: There was no discernible difference between the groups in terms of clinical outcome or side effects after 4 weeks. Whereas inter-rater reliability was high, there was no correlation between the raters and patients in terms of outcome. In 55% of the treated legs, the patients deemed the result of the treatment to be good; in 27% of the treated legs, fair; and in 18%, poor. Postprocedure hyperpigmentation occurred in 13% of patients and was comparable in both groups. Compression therapy was found to be comfortable by the majority (58%) of patients. CONCLUSIONS: One week of postinterventional compression therapy had no clinical benefit compared with no compression.

Enhanced fibrillin-2 expression is a general feature of wound healing and sclerosis: potential alteration of cell attachment and storage of TGF-beta.

Wound healing and sclerosis are characterized by an increase of extracellular matrix proteins, which are characteristically expressed in the embryo-fetal period. We analyzed the expression of fibrillin-2, which is typically found in embryonic tissues, but only scarcely in adult skin. In wound healing and sclerotic skin diseases such as lipodermatosclerosis and scleroderma, a marked increase of fibrillin-2 expression was found by immunohistology. Double labelling of fibrillin-2 and tenascin-C, which is also expressed in wound healing and sclerosis, showed co-localization of both proteins. Solid-phase and slot blot-overlay assays showed a dose-dependent binding of the recombinant N-terminal half of fibrillin-2 (rFBN2-N) to tenascin-C. Real-time PCR showed an increase of the fibrillin-2 gene expression in cell culture triggered by typical mediators for fibroblast activation such as serum, IL-4, and TGF-beta. By contrast, prolonged hypoxia is not associated with changes in fibrillin-2 expression. Tenascin-C is an anti-adhesive substrate for fibroblasts, whereas fibrillin-2 stimulates cell attachment. Attachment assays using mixed substrates showed decreased cell attachment when tenascin-C and rFBN2-N were coated together, compared with the attachment to rFBN2-N alone. Fibrillins are involved in storage and activation of TGF-beta. Immunohistology with an antibody against the latency-associated peptide (LAP (TGF-beta1)) showed a marked increase of inactive LAP-bound TGF-beta1 in wound healing and sclerotic skin whereas normal skin showed only a weak expression. Double immunofluorescence confirmed a partial colocalization of both proteins. In conclusion, we show that a stimulation of the fibrillin-2 expression is a characteristic feature of fibroblasts present in wound healing and sclerosis, which may be involved in the alteration of cell attachment and storage of inactive TGF-beta in the matrix.

[Modern treatment of varicose veins]. / Moderne Behandlungsverfahren der Varikose der unteren Extremität.

Varicosis of the lower limb is a common disease that can lead to edema, trophic disturbances and skin ulcerations. In addition to the classic surgical procedure of crossectomy with stripping of the saphenous vein, a growing number of minimally invasive endoluminal treatment methods has been established over the past 15 years, offering a colorful array of procedures to the modern phlebologist. It is important to choose the optimal treatment option for each individual patient.