Increased aortic repair in Germany correlates with reduction of death caused by aortic aneurysms but not aortic dissections.

INTRODUCTION: We asked if there is a significant correlation between the increasing trend in aortic repair (AR) and decreasing aortic aneurysm (AA) and aortic dissection (AD) mortality? Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed all aortic repairs in patients with AA and AD and its correlation with disease-specific death rates and hospitalizations for ruptured AA and AD in Germany. METHODS: We retrieved the number of cases hospitalized for AA and AD as well as the procedures in these cases from the Federal Bureau of Statistics (DRG statistics) and death rates from the national mortality statistic published by the Federal Statistical Office in Germany for the years 2006-2017. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2017, the total number of hospitalized cases admitted with principal diagnosis of AA increased by 25.8% and that of AD by 56.7%. That of cases with the principal diagnosis of ruptured AA (rAA) remained unchanged (-2.5%) and that with rAD increased by 54.6%. The number of (open and endovascular) procedures in cases hospitalized for AA increased by 39.4% and for AD by 126.4%. The age-adjusted death rates in Germany for AA decreased from 4.0 to 2.9 per 100,000 inhabitants and that for AD increased from 1.0 to 1.4. The decrease in death attributed to AA cases can be described by linear regression as y = -0.0003*y + 6.7076 (p < 0.0001). Accepting this association between increased elective procedures and reduced AA mortality, each/all 1000 procedures save 0.3 lives per 100,000 inhabitants. CONCLUSION: Despite increasing numbers of AR for AA and AD, only the mortality rate for all AAs decreased, while we did not observe a decrease in overall mortality of AD in Germany.

An International Delphi Consensus on Diagnostic Criteria for Buerger's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Buerger's disease (BD) remains a debilitating condition. Despite multiple published diagnostic criteria for BD, none is universally accepted as a gold standard. METHODS: We conducted a 2-round modified Delphi consensus study to establish a consensus on the diagnostic. The questionnaire included statements from several commonly used diagnostic criteria for BD. Qualitative and quantitative analysis methods were performed. An agreement level of 70% was applied. RESULTS: Twenty nine experts from 18 countries participated in this study. Overall, 75 statements were circulated in Round 1. Of these, 28% of statements were accepted. Following comments, 21 statements were recirculated in Round 2 and 90% were accepted. Although more than 90% of the experts did not agree that the diagnosis of BD can be based only on clinical manifestation, none of the nonclinical manifestations of BD were agreed as a part of the diagnostic criteria. There was an agreement that a history of tobacco consumption in any form, not necessarily confined to the current use, should be a part of the diagnostic criteria of BD. The history of thrombophlebitis migrans, even if not present at presentation, was accepted as a clue for BD diagnosis. It was also agreed that discoloration of the toes or fingers could be included in the diagnostic criteria of BD. Experts agreed that histology results could differentiate BD from atherosclerosis obliterans and other types of vasculitis. The presence of corkscrew collaterals on imaging and burning pain reached the agreement at the first round but not at the second. There was no consensus regarding age cut-off, the requirement of normal lipid profile, and normal blood glucose for BD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated discrepancies in the various published diagnostic criteria for BD and their selective utilization in routine clinical practice worldwide. We propose that all published diagnostic criteria for BD be re-evaluated for harmonization and universal use.

[Venous ulcus cruris-Surgical treatment]. / Ulcus cruris venosum ­ chirurgische Therapie.

Venous ulcus cruris is usually a chronic disease and an extreme burden for patients and their families. An analysis based on a random statutory health insurance sample of the AOK Hessen/KV Hessen estimated the number of affected people to be 400,000 in Germany. A venous ulcus cruris is always caused by an underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A spontaneous healing of this chronic disease without treatment is not to be expected. The conservative treatment includes an adequate compression treatment and exudate management. Surgical treatment is based on three pillars: an open surgical or endovenous approach to resolve the pathological venous reflux, uIcer surgery and in rare cases the various procedures of fascia surgery as well as defect coverage by a combination of negative pressure wound therapy and skin transplantation.

Increasing use of anticoagulants in Germany and its impact on hospitalization rates for genitourinary bleeding.

The aim of the study was to compare nationwide time trends of prescribed oral anticoagulants (OAC) with the time trend of genitourinary bleedings (GUB) in Germany from 2005 through 2016. The annual numbers of hospitalized patients with GUB coded as "hematuria", "excessive, frequent and irregular menstruation", "postmenopausal bleeding" or "abnormal uterine and vaginal bleeding" were extracted from the nationwide hospitalization file by the Federal Bureau of Statistics. Hospitalization rates were age-standardized using the German standard population 2011. Defined daily doses (DDD) of prescribed anticoagulants among outpatients for the same calendar period were extracted from reports of the statutory health insurance drug information system. Based on DDD, drug treatment rates per 100,000 person years (py) were calculated. From 2005 to 2016, annual OAC treatment rates per 100,000 py increased by 135.8% (from 901.4 to 2125.9). Until 2011 direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) represented less than 0.1% of all OAC, but 49.9% in 2016. In the same period age-standardized rates of hospitalizations for hematuria increased continuously (annual change of 1.03 (95% CI 0.94-1.11) per 100,000 py), that of "postmenopausal" (- 1.93; 95% CI - 2.38 to - 1.49) or "excessive, frequent and irregular menstruation" decreased (- 1.25; 95% CI -1.62 to - 0.87) and that of "abnormal uterine and vaginal haemorrhage" remained almost unchanged. From all cases with hematuria 5.3% received at least 1 red blood cell concentrate (RBC) in 2005 and 8.2% in 2016 whereas all cases with the other three types of bleeding counted for 1.9% in 2005 and 3.8% in 2016. The time trends for GUB in all subgroups changed steadily and showed no effect of the disproportional increase of DAOCs until 2011. Our ecologic nationwide comparison of OAC treatment rates in outpatients and hospitalization rates for GUBs revealed that despite increasing OAC treatment rates from 2011 to 2016 the hospitalization rates for GUB showed steady annual changes unaffected by the increasing prescription rates of DOACs since 2011.

Correlation between obesity and manual lymphatic drainage in Germany - a retrospective analysis from 2008 to 2016.

Backgrounds: Costs for manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) paid by the Statutory Health Insurances (SHI) have increased disproportionately in Germany in the last decade. There is no obvious reason that this increase is due to an increasing number of patients with lymph edema. We therefore assume that there are large numbers of patients with obesity and obesity-associated dependency syndrome who drive the cost of MLD and did a retrospective analysis of the correlation between hospitalization rates for lymph edema and obesity and MLD prescription rates in outpatients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Roughly 90 % of the German population is insured by the Statutory Health Insurance. From its reports we extracted data regarding costs and numbers of MLD session prescribed annually. Hospitalization rates for lymph edema (codes I89.*, I97.2 and Q82.0) and for obesity (ICD E66.*) were provided by the Federal Statistical Office after a specific remote analyses. RESULTS: In the years 2008 to 2016, the MLD prescriptions in the individual federal states increased by + 43.5 % in Berlin to + 109.3 % in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Number of hospitalizations with the principal diagnosis (condition, which caused the admission) hereditary and postmastectomy lymph edema are low and decreased in most federal states. Number of hospitalizations with the additional diagnosis (conditions that coexist at the time of admission or develop subsequently) obesity increased with a range from + 4.8 % in Baden-Württemberg to + 86.4 % in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The correlation between the increase in prescribed MLD in the individual federal state and the increase in hospitalization rates per 1000 inhabitants of cases with obesity is greater (R2 0.4696) than with lymph edema (R2 0.0987). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis is in line with the hypothesis that there is a correlation between the increasing prescription rate of MLD and the increasing burden of obesity in Germany.

[Evidence of compression therapy with special consideration of medical adaptive compression systems]. / Evidenz der Kompressionstherapie unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der medizinischen adaptiven Kompressionssysteme.

For several decades, compression therapy, which is associated with few side effects, has been a basis for the conservative treatment of patients with phlebological and lymphological diseases. For the practical implementation of compression therapy, many different materials are available, some with system-specific advantages and disadvantages. Medical adaptive compression systems (MAK) are still a relatively new treatment option in Germany. Apart from the very good practical experience in clinical everyday life, the compilation of the scientific evidence of compression therapy also shows that the scientific data situation is significantly better than for many other medical areas, especially for the treatment of patients with venous diseases. It is important to note that compression therapy must reliably guarantee adequate compression pressure. If these conditions are met, it can be assumed on the basis of the currently available data that the clinical effectiveness of the different compression systems is comparably good. These aspects have now also been well tested for MAK, so that these analogies can be drawn. Therapists today can therefore choose between different, very effective therapy options and take individual factors, patient wishes and economic aspects into account when making their selection.

Use of maggot debridement therapy in hospitalised patients in Germany.

Exact data regarding the clinical role of maggot debridement therapy (MDT) for wound care in a specific country are not available. Thus, we analysed the use of MDT in hospitalised patients in Germany. Detailed lists of all hospitalised cases treated with MDT in Germany for the years 2011 to 2016 were provided by the Federal Statistical Office as well as the lists of the 15 most frequent principal and additional diagnoses, respectively, and the 10 most frequent procedures documented with MDT in 2016. Within the 6-year time period of the study, the number of cases treated with MDT increased by 11% from 4513 in 2011 to 5.017 in 2016. Lower leg and foot were the most frequent anatomic sides of treatment counting up to 83.9% of all cases. In addition, MDT procedures for temporary soft tissue coverage including negative pressure wound therapy were often performed: for treatment of large areas in 36.7% and small areas in 6.2%. 41.3% of all cases treated with MDT had infection with Escherichia coli and 35.9% of all cases with Bacillus fragilis. Our analysis shows a limited use of MDT with a small increase only in the last 6 years in German hospitals. MDT is predominately used to treat foot or leg ulcers.

Comparison of coronary artery calcification, carotid intima-media thickness and ankle-brachial index for predicting 10-year incident cardiovascular events in the general population.

AIMS: To compare the predictive value of coronary artery calcification (CAC), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and ankle-brachial index (ABI) in a primary prevention cohort depending on risk factor profile to determine which of the three markers improves cardiovascular (CV) risk discrimination best in which risk group. METHODS AND RESULTS: We quantified CAC, CIMT, and ABI in 3108 subjects (mean age 59.2 ± 7.7, 47.1% male) without prevalent CV diseases from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study. Associations with incident major CV events (coronary event, stroke, CV death; n = 223) were assessed during a follow-up period of 10.3 ± 2.8 years with Cox proportional regressions in the total cohort and stratified by Framingham risk score (FRS) groups. Discrimination ability was evaluated with Harrell's C. All three markers were associated with CV events (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)]: CAC: 1.31 (1.23-1.39) per 1-unit increase in log(CAC + 1) vs. CIMT: 1.27 (1.13-1.43) per 1 SD vs. ABI: 1.30 (1.14-1.49) per 1 SD, in FRS adjusted models). Considering reclassification, CAC lead to highest reclassification in the total cohort, while also for CIMT and ABI significant improvement in net-reclassification was observed [NRI (95% CI): CAC: 0.55 (0.42-0.69); CIMT: 0.32 (0.19-0.45); ABI: 0.19 (0.10-0.28)]. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery calcification provides the best discrimination of risk compared with CIMT and ABI, particularly in the intermediate risk group, whereas CIMT may be an alternative measure for reassurance in the low risk group.

Thromboembolic disease in females and males aged 10 to 39 years in Germany.

BACKGROUND: We analysed differences in hospitalization rates for venous diseases such as pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), sinus vein thrombosis (SVT), portal vein thrombosis (PVT), and Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) as well as for arterial diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI) and embolic stroke (ES) in females and males aged 10 to 39 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Detailed lists of hospitalizations with the principal and additional diagnoses for PE (ICD-code I26.0 + I26.9), DVT (I80.0-I80.9), SVT (I67.6), PVT (I81), BCS (I82.0), MI (I21.0-I21.9), and ES (I63.1 + I63.4) in males and females aged 10 to 39 years in the years 2006 to 2015 were provided by the Federal Statistical Office in Germany. RESULTS: Considering the 10-year period there were more female than male cases hospitalized with the principal diagnoses for PE, DVT, SVT, and BCS. Looking at the principal diagnosis of the year 2015, one can see a steep increase in numbers of hospitalization for PE, DVT, and SVT in females ranging from the ages 12 to 13 and 14 to 15 years compared to males. The curves of PE and DVT meet again in the age group between 32 and 33 years, but not for SVT. The greatest differences are seen at the end of the second and at the beginning of the third decade of life. In contrast, MI was more frequent in young males beginning at the age of 18 to 19 years. The number of female and male cases with ES and PVT were almost similar in the different age groups. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data show higher hospitalization rates for females in the age group 10 to 39 years for different venous thrombosis but not for MI and ES.

Mortality in endovascular and open abdominal aneurysm repair - trends in Germany.

BACKGROUND: We analysed trends in mortality of endovascular (EVAR) and open aortic repair (OAR) in patients hospitalized for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) in Germany from 2005 to 2015. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used national statistics published by the Federal Statistical Office in Germany to calculate mortality rate of patients hospitalized with ruptured (rAAA, n = 2,448 in 2005, n = 2,180 in 2015) and non-ruptured (iAAA, n = 11,626 in 2005, n = 14,205 in 2015) AAA. RESULTS: Considering only those who were treated with EVAR or OAR, treatment rates of iAAA with EVAR increased to 78.2 % in males and 72.6 % in females in 2015 and treatment rates of rAAA to 36.9 % and 40.7 %, respectively. In cases with iAAA, death rates associated with EVAR decreased in males from 2.1 to 1.1 % (p = 0.0005) in the period from 2005 to 2015 but not in females (1.8 % in 2005 and 2.3 % in 2015, p = 0.8511). Similar trends are seen in cases with rAAA (males 30.1 % and 24 %, p = 0.1034, females 36.4 to 37.3 %, p = 0.8511). Death rates associated with OAR increased in males from 4.7 % in 2005 to 5.7 % in 2015 (p = 0.0103) and tended to increase in females from 6.8 to 8.2 % (p = 0.1476). In cases of rAAA, there were no changes. EVAR treatment rates increased in cases with iAAA in both genders with age, as well as in males with rAAA, but not in females. OAR associated death rates increased with age in rAAA (from around 30 % in the sixth/seventh decade of life to almost 80 % in cases with patients over the age of 90) and in iAAA (from 1.1 to 20 %). CONCLUSIONS: The general increase in EVAR procedures in males and females hospitalized for rAAA and iAAA went along with a decrease in in-hospital mortality in males treated with EVAR for iAAA only and an increasing mortality in males treated with OAR for iAAA.

Systemic therapies for leg ulcers.

Successful management of patients with leg ulcers requires identification of the underlying etiology, with subsequent initiation of causal treatment, if feasible. Supplementary measures of first choice include stage-adjusted wound treatment, usually combined with compression therapy. The significance of systemic drugs has been the subject of controversial debate, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. The present review article is therefore meant to highlight current aspects of systemic drug therapies for the treatment of leg ulcers associated with chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral arterial disease, livedoid vasculopathy, vasculitis, necrobiosis lipoidica, calciphylaxis and pyoderma gangrenosum. In summary, the majority of therapeutic options presented herein are used off-label. While systemic drugs are promising options for the more common types of wounds such as venous, mixed or arterial leg ulcers, they do not represent the current standard of treatment. By contrast, systemic agents play a key role in the management of many of the other disorders presented herein. These agents primarily include immunomodulatory and rheological drugs used to expedite wound healing.

[Indications and contraindications for modern compression therapy]. / Indikationen und Kontraindikationen der modernen Kompressionstherapie.

Compression therapy is a physical therapy with few side effects, which is used especially in patients with edema of the lower extremities. The indication for compression therapy is given here for edema of very different origins such as, for example, venous or lymphatic disease symptoms as well as renal insufficiency, obesity or inflammation. However, different contraindications must be considered in these patients. Of particular importance are the advanced peripheral arterial occlusive disease and the polyneuropathy, which need special attention.Due to the large number of different compression materials and systems available today, in spite of these contraindications, compression therapy can be carried out with a large proportion of patients with edema of the lower extremities. The therapy should be adapted to the comorbidities and individual needs as well as personal abilities in the context of a patient-oriented care.

Ten-year analyses of the German DRG data about negative pressure wound therapy.

Exact data regarding the clinical role of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for wound care in a specific country are not available. Thus, we analysed the use of NPWT in hospitalised patients in Germany. Detailed lists of all hospitalised cases treated with NPWT in Germany for each of the years from 2005 to 2014 were obtained from the Federal Statistical Office, as well as lists of the 15 most frequent principal and additional diagnoses documented with NPWT in 2014. Within the 10-year time period of the study, the number of cases treated with NPWT increased by 349%, from 37 053 in 2005 to 129 269 in 2014. The rate of all hospitalised cases treated with NPWT increased form 0·22% to 0·66% in Germany. In 2014, wounds affecting skin and subcutaneous tissue (5-916.a0) are the most frequent documented indication for NPWT followed by deep wounds involving bones and joints at the limbs (5-916.a1). Open abdomens (5-916.a3) count for higher numbers than deep wounds of the thorax, mediastinum and sternum (5-916.a2). Fifty percent of all cases hospitalised for stage IV pressure ulcers at sacrum or ischium and around one third (32.2%) of cases with pyothorax received NPWT. Every fourth to fifth case hospitalised for disruption of surgical wounds or infections following a procedure (24·1%), as well as for infections and inflammations because of internal joint prosthesis or because of an internal fixation device was treated with NPWT (22·9%). In cases with diabetic foot syndrome, it is still every tenth case (10·1%). This analysis shows a substantial increase in the use of NPWT in the last decade for hospitalised patients. NPWT has a fixed role in the treatment of stage IV pressure ulcers at sacrum or ischium, pyothorax, infection and inflammation because of internal joint prosthesis or an internal fixation device and diabetic foot syndrome.

Determinants of decreasing major amputation rates in Germany.

BACKGROUND: We analysed a potential association between the decrease in major amputations in Germany and the number of doctors, prescribed podologic foot care (PFC) and antidiabetic drugs, and performed percutaneous endoluminal angioplasties (PTA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data of all lower limb major amputations between 2007 and 2011, the cases hospitalised with an additional diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, and the numbers of PTAs, and the number of doctors in private practices and in hospitals were obtained from the Federal Statistical Office. Furthermore, the number of PFC treatments and prescribed antidiabetics for each of the five years were derived from the federal report of the statutory health insurance. RESULTS: Within the 5 year time period, major amputations decreased by 19.0%, from 17,846 in 2007 to 14,463 in 2011. There is an inverse relation between the number of major amputations and the increasing number of prescribed PFC, of doctors working in hospital and of below-the-knee PTA in the multiple Poisson regression analysis. The number of prescribed antidiabetics and that of all PTA showed a positive relation. In the multiple linear regression analysis with the dependent variable ratio of amputations and the cases hospitalised with an additional diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, only numbers of prescribed PFC and below-the-knee PTA still showed an inverse relation that reached a level of significance. CONCLUSIONS: While substantial improvements in patients care by doctors, endovascular interventions, prescriptions of PFC and antidiabetic drugs are under discussion to reduce major amputation rates, in this approach including comprehensive data from Germany, only prescriptions of PFC and the number of below-the-knee PTA had an independent and significant impact on the reduction of major amputations. It has to be pointed out that such a statistical association does not prove any causality.

Cofactors and comorbidities of necrobiosis lipoidica: analysis of the German DRG data from 2012.

BACKGROUND: Necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) is a rare granulomatous inflammatory skin disease of unknown pathophysiology. Its potential association with diabetes mellitus is well known. Other relevant cofactors and comorbidities are subject to controversial debate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: DRG (diagnosis-related groups) data of all inpatients with a coded primary or secondary diagnosis of NL treated at German hospitals in 2012 were evaluated. RESULTS: Data of 262 inpatient cases with the primary or secondary diagnosis of NL were analyzed. Women (63.4%; n = 166) were nearly twice as frequently affected as men (36.2%; n = 96). Most NL patients (14.8%) were in the age group between 50 and 55 years. Among comorbidities included in the metabolic syndrome complex, diabetes mellitus was the most common (34.4%; IDDM 20.6%, NIDDM 13.8%), while essential hypertension was observed in 9.2%, obesity in 4.6%, chronic heart failure in 4.1%, and dyslipidemias in 2.3% of cases. Leg ulcers were diagnosed in 7.3% of individuals; other venous disorders, in 5.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Our data analysis describes one of the largest compilations of patient cases with the diagnosis of NL worldwide. Besides the well-known association with diabetes mellitus, there are numerous other potentially relevant cofactors and comorbidities that should be considered in the diagnosis and management of NL patients.

Konsensuspapier zur symptomorientierten Therapie der chronischen Venenerkrankungen.

HINTERGRUND: Chronische Venenerkrankungen sind eine Volkskrankheit. Venöse Symptome wie Schwellungs- und Schweregefühl können bereits früh ohne sichtbaren Befund auftreten und werden als belastend erlebt. Ein Fortschreiten im Sinne einer objektivierbaren Varikose bzw. chronischen venösen Insuffizienz schränkt die Lebensqualität erheblich ein. METHODIK: Pubmed-gelistete Publikationen sowie relevante Leitlinien zur Therapie chronischer Venenkrankheiten bilden die Basis der vorliegenden Konsensusempfehlungen. Inkludiert in die Bewertung wurden ausschließlich aussagekräftige randomisierte Studien (RCT) und Übersichtsarbeiten (Reviews/Metaanalysen). ERGEBNISSE: Die symptomorientierte Behandlung chronischer Venenerkrankungen stützt sich auf drei Säulen mit nachgewiesener Wirksamkeit: invasive Therapie, Kompressionstherapie und orale medikamentöse Therapie. Gemäß Empfehlungen aktueller Leitlinien sollte zunächst eine Sanierung des venösen Gefäßbetts erwogen werden, um einen störungsfreien venösen Blutfluss wiederherzustellen und Symptome und pathologische Veränderungen zu beseitigen oder zu bessern. Ist ein invasiver Eingriff nicht möglich bzw. nicht erwünscht oder bestehen nach einem Eingriff noch Restsymptome, gilt es, die symptomatischen Therapieoptionen optimal auszuschöpfen. Kompressionstherapie und medikamentöse Therapie können allein oder in Kombination angewendet werden. Welche Strategie den größten Erfolg verspricht, ist individuell zu entscheiden. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Chronische Venenerkrankungen sollten auf der Basis der individuellen pathophysiologischen Störung behandelt werden. Sie symptomorientierte Behandlung chronischer Venenerkrankungen fußt auf der invasiven Therapie, der Kompressionstherapie und der medikamentösen Therapie. Bei der Indikationsstellung sind objektive Symptome ebenso wie subjektive Beschwerden zu berücksichtigen.

Consensus statement on the symptom-based treatment of chronic venous diseases.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous diseases are very common. Early symptoms such as a sensation of swelling and heaviness may occur without objectifiable findings, but are nevertheless perceived as bothersome. Progressive disease - marked by varicose veins and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency - is associated with considerable impairment in quality of life. METHODS: The present consensus recommendations are based on publications in Pubmed-listed journals as well as relevant international therapeutic guidelines on chronic venous diseases. Only conclusive randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and review articles/meta-analyses were included. RESULTS: Symptom-based treatment of chronic venous diseases is based on three therapeutic pillars with proven efficacy: invasive therapy, compression therapy, and oral pharmacological treatment. According to current therapeutic guidelines, invasive procedures aimed at restoring unimpaired venous blood flow as well as improving or eliminating pathological changes should be the first-line approach. If an invasive approach is infeasible or undesirable, or if symptoms persist following a therapeutic intervention, optimal use of symptom-based treatment options is recommended. Compression and pharmacological therapy may each be used as sole treatment or in combination. To guarantee maximum therapeutic success, individual treatment decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic venous diseases should be treated on the basis of individual pathophysiological disturbances. Symptom-based treatment of chronic venous disorders encompasses invasive therapy, compression therapy, and oral pharmacological therapy. Considerations in choosing the appropriate treatment option should include both objective signs as well as subjective symptoms.

Compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulcers.

Wund-D.A.CH. is the umbrella organization of the various wound care societies in German-speaking countries. The present consensus paper on practical aspects pertinent to compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulcers was developed by experts from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. In Europe, venous leg ulcers rank among the most common causes of chronic wounds. Apart from conservative and interventional wound and vein treatment, compression therapy represents the basis of all other therapeutic strategies. To that end, there are currently a wide variety of materials and systems available. While especially short-stretch bandages or multicomponent systems should be used in the initial decongestion phase, ulcer stocking systems are recommended for the subsequent maintenance phase. Another - to date, far less common - alternative are adaptive Velcro bandage systems. Medical compression stockings have proven particularly beneficial in the prevention of ulcer recurrence. The large number of treatment options currently available enables therapists to develop therapeutic concepts geared towards their patients' individual needs and abilities, thus resulting in good acceptance and adherence. Compression therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers. In recent years, a number of different treatment options have become available, their use and application differing among German-speaking countries. The present expert consensus is therefore meant to outline concrete recommendations for routine implementation of compression therapy in patients with venous leg ulcers.

Kompressionstherapie bei Patienten mit Ulcus cruris venosum.

Wund-D.A.CH. ist der Dachverband deutschsprachiger Fachgesellschaften, die sich mit den Thematiken der Wundbehandlung beschäftigen. Experten verschiedener Fachgesellschaften aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz haben nun einen aktuellen Konsens der Kompressionstherapie für Patienten mit Ulcus cruris venosum erstellt. In Europa ist das Ulcus cruris venosum eine der häufigsten Ursachen für chronische Wunden. Neben der konservativen und interventionellen Wund- und Venentherapie, ist die Kompressionstherapie die Basis der Behandlungsstrategien. Die Kompressionstherapie kann heute mit sehr unterschiedlichen Materialien und Systemen durchgeführt werden. Während in der Entstauungsphase insbesondere Verbände mit Kurzzugbinden oder Mehrkomponentensysteme zur Anwendung kommen, sind es anschließend überwiegend Ulkus-Strumpfsysteme. Eine weitere, bislang wenig verbreitete Alternative sind adaptive Kompressionsbandagen. Insbesondere für die Rezidivprophylaxe werden medizinische Kompressionsstrümpfe empfohlen. Durch die Vielzahl der heute zur Verfügung stehenden Behandlungsoptionen, kann für nahezu alle Patienten ein Konzept entwickelt werden, dass sich an den individuellen Bedürfnissen und Fähigkeiten orientiert und daher auch akzeptiert und durchgeführt wird. Die Kompressionstherapie ist für die Behandlung von Patienten mit Ulcus cruris venosum essentiell. In den letzten Jahren sind viele verschiedene Therapieoptionen verfügbar, die in den deutschsprachigen Ländern unterschiedlich angewendet oder durchgeführt werden. Daher soll dieser Expertenkonsens dazu beitragen, konkrete Empfehlungen für die praktische Durchführung der Kompressionstherapie von Patienten mit Ulcus cruris venosum darzustellen.