Mechanochemical Endovenous Ablation of Varicose Veins in Pediatric Patients with Klippel-Trénaunay Syndrome: Feasibility, Safety, and Initial Results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate feasibility, safety, and results of endovenous mechanochemical ablation (MOCA) for treatment of persistent embryonic and dysplastic veins in pediatric patients with Klippel-Trénaunay syndrome (KTS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen MOCA procedures were performed in 11 patients (age range, 4-16 years) with KTS and symptomatic persistent embryonic or dysplastic veins during a 24-month period. All patients were evaluated with color Doppler (CD) ultrasound (US), contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and venography to assess the anatomy of the target vessels and patency of the deep venous system. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with a ClariVein catheter and liquid sodium tetradecyl sulfate as the sclerosing agent. US and fluoroscopic guidance were used in all cases. Technical success rate, primary occlusion rate, adverse effects, and recanalization rates were evaluated. Clinical and radiological (CD US) controls were performed 1 day, 7 days, 1 month, and 6 months after the procedure and once a year thereafter, with a mean follow-up of 16 months (range, 6-25 months). RESULTS: Technical success and primary occlusion were achieved in all patients with no adverse events. During the follow-up period, CD US demonstrated partial recanalization and symptom recurrence in 2 patients (18%), 14 and 18 months after the initial procedure. These 2 patients had a second ablation procedure with no recanalization or symptom recurrence during the subsequent follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: MOCA is feasible and appears to be a safe and effective technique for treatment of varicose veins in pediatric patients with KTS.

Impact of Cooling on Lowering the Pain Threshold in Patients Undergoing Sclerotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Liquid sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for telangiectasias. However, pain caused by the procedure is a barrier to treatment adherence by patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of skin cooling for the management of pain in patients undergoing liquid sclerotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 230 lower limbs from 115 patients with telangiectasias classified as C1 according to the Clinical-Etiological-Anatomical-Pathophysiological classification were included. Patients underwent liquid sclerotherapy with and without skin cooling during the procedure. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale, applied immediately after the procedure, according to each lower limb area treated. RESULTS: Visual analog scale pain scores were significantly lower for sclerotherapy with the use of cooling for pain management during the procedure than for sclerotherapy without cooling both in the thigh and leg (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: The use of a cooling system is effective in reducing pain in patients undergoing liquid sclerotherapy of telangiectasias, providing more comfort to patients.

Impact of Great Saphenous Vein Foam Sclerotherapy on Quality of Life and Photoplethysmography Findings in Chronic Venous Insufficiency: One-Year Follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) has been attracting significant interest over the past 20 years. It is a minimally invasive technique that comprises a safe treatment option and has yielded good results, especially in cases of advanced disease, with high rates of wound healing. OBJECTIVE: To examine clinical, ultrasound, and photoplethysmography outcomes after a 1-year follow-up of UGFS for CVI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine legs classified as C4, C5, or C6 of the CEAP classification were included. Patients answered the VEINES questionnaire on quality of life and symptoms. and their venous filling time (VFT) was measured using photoplethysmography before and 45, 180, and 360 days after treatment of CVI with UGFS. RESULTS: The results showed statistically significant improvements in VEINES quality-of-life and symptom scores and in VFT measured by photoplethysmography and a reduction in great saphenous vein diameter (p < .0001) at 45, 180, and 360 days after treatment with UGFS. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy demonstrated efficacy and resulted in high satisfaction levels, confirmed by improvement in questionnaire scores, venous refilling time, and ultrasound findings.

Elastic compression after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in overweight patients does not improve primary venous hemodynamics outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Lower extremity varicose veins have a high prevalence and can be associated with significant morbidity in their more advanced presentations; overweight patients tend to present with more severe clinical symptoms and conventional surgical treatment remains challenging. Although the advent of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) increased the treatment options for these patients, the need for elastic compression after UGFS remains controversial. METHODS: Overweight patients with lower extremity varicose veins secondary to great saphenous vein reflux were treated with UGFS and then randomized to use or no use of a 3-week treatment of elastic compression stockings. Follow-up was performed by clinical evaluation and duplex ultrasound examination. The primary outcome measure was the absence of venous reflux in the great saphenous vein. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-five lower limbs were treated; 72 limbs were randomized to elastic compression and 63 limbs to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in the number of procedures (P = .64) or the mean foam volume per procedure (P = .27) between groups. There was no difference in the reflux rate at either 3 weeks (26% vs 35%; P = .16) or 3 months (25% vs 21%; P = .85). Major complications were venous deep thrombosis (n = 2), neurologic event (n = 1), and ischemic ulceration (n = 1); the overall rate was 3% in both groups-2 of 62 in control patients and 2 of 69 in compression patients (P = .45). Venous diameter reduction was noted in both groups during treatment (P < .05) but with greater decrease in greater saphenous vein diameter in patients treated with compression. CONCLUSIONS: Elastic compression stockings for 3 consecutive weeks after UGFS in overweight patients did not decrease great saphenous vein reflux, need for repeat procedures, or the volume of foam injected. However, UGFS was associated with a greater and uniform reduction in saphenous vein diameter at all times after the procedure.

Sclerotherapy of benign oral vascular lesions with non-diluted ethanolamine oleate / Escleroterapia de lesiones vasculares orales benignas con oleato de etanolamina no diluido

Benign oral vascular lesions are anomalies characterized by the blood vessels proliferation or malformation and the treatment with the sclerosing agent ethanolamine oleate acts irrigating the vessel producing a sterile inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to report and discuss the results from treatment of benign oral vascular lesions with non-diluted ethanolamine oleate through the analysis of clinical records. The sample was composed by the selection of twenty-six patients (12 male and 14 female), with oral vascular malformations. All lesions were treated with intralesional injections of undiluted ethanolamine oleate. These patients attended in Oral Medicine outpatient clinic of the Federal University of Paraná between the years of 2011 to 2015. The average age was 60.65 years, with a higher prevalence for women. The majority of the individuals had one lesion and its location was mostly in the lower lip. The main complaint was about a physical discomfort. The lesions had the average size of 6.52 mm and received a median number of 2.32 applications. Only one patient reported feeling pain in the postoperative week. In most cases the resolution of the lesion was considered partial. Follow-up was obtained up to one month after the end of treatment. The sclerotherapy with undiluted ethanolamine oleate shows acceptable results in the treatment of small benign oral vascular lesions with a few minor side effects.

Las lesiones vasculares orales benignas son anomalías caracterizadas por la proliferación o malformación de los vasos sanguíneos y el tratamiento con el agente esclerosante etanolamina oleato actúa irrigando el vaso produciendo una respuesta inflamatoria estéril. El objetivo de este estudio fue informar y discutir los resultados del tratamiento de lesiones vasculares orales benignas con oleato de etanolamina no diluido a través del análisis de historias clínicas. La muestra estuvo compuesta por la selección de veintiséis pacientes (12 hombres y 14 mujeres), con malformaciones vasculares orales. Todas las lesiones fueron tratadas con inyecciones intralesionales de oleato de etanolamina sin diluir. Estos pacientes acudieron a la clínica ambulatoria de Medicina Oral de la Universidad Federal de Paraná entre los años 2011 a 2015. La edad promedio fue de 60,65 años, con una mayor prevalencia para las mujeres. La mayoría de los individuos tenían una lesión y su ubicación era principalmente en el labio inferior. La queja principal era sobre una molestia física. Las lesiones tenían un tamaño promedio de 6,52 mm y recibieron una mediana de 2,32 aplicaciones. Solo un paciente informó haber sentido dolor en la semana postoperatoria. En la mayoría de los casos, la resolución de la lesión se consideró parcial. El seguimiento se obtuvo hasta un mes después del final del tratamiento. La escleroterapia con oleato de etanolamina sin diluir muestra resultados aceptables en el tratamiento de pequeñas lesiones vasculares orales benignas con algunos efectos secundarios menores.

Sclerotherapy as an esthetic indication in oral vascular malformations: a case series.

BACKGROUND: The use of monoethanolamine oleate 5% is effective for the treatment of vascular malformations with low blood flow. OBJECTIVES: To report a case series of vascular malformations in the mouth and oral cavity treated with monoethanolamine oleate 5%. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study was performed in electronic patient charts covering seven years. Patient demographics, diagnostic resources, lesion site, size, and number of applications of monoethanolamine oleate 5% were collected. RESULTS: A total of 21 vascular malformations were recorded, located mostly on the lower lip (52.3%) and resolved in a single application in 14 patients. The authors found 19 patients treated with sclerotherapy. Thirteen were women and six were men, with a mean age of 61 years. STUDY LIMITATION: Small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for vascular malformations of the lips and oral cavity, with resolution after only one or two applications (n=16).

Sclerotherapy as an esthetic indication in oral vascular malformations: a case series

Abstract Background The use of monoethanolamine oleate 5% is effective for the treatment of vascular malformations with low blood flow. Objectives To report a case series of vascular malformations in the mouth and oral cavity treated with monoethanolamine oleate 5%. Methods A retrospective descriptive study was performed in electronic patient charts covering seven years. Patient demographics, diagnostic resources, lesion site, size, and number of applications of monoethanolamine oleate 5% were collected. Results A total of 21 vascular malformations were recorded, located mostly on the lower lip (52.3%) and resolved in a single application in 14 patients. The authors found 19 patients treated with sclerotherapy. Thirteen were women and six were men, with a mean age of 61 years. Study limitation Small sample size. Conclusions Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for vascular malformations of the lips and oral cavity, with resolution after only one or two applications (n = 16).

Tratamiento de hemangioma lingual con polidocanol al 0.5 %. Relato de caso clínico. / Treatment of lingual hemangioma with 0.5% polidocanol. Clinical case report

El hemangioma, según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS), es una neoplasia vascular benigna, caracterizada por la proliferación anormal de vasos sanguíneos, se presenta como una lesión única, pudiéndose observar en cualquier parte del organismo, sin embargo es más incidente en el área de cabeza y cuello, con predominio en los labios, en la lengua y en la mucosa yugal. Técnicamente, su exrpación quirúrgica es dicil y desafiante, al estar cargada con complicaciones como hemorragia, escisión incompleta, desfiguración facial y recurrencia. Objevo: relatar el caso clínico de un paciente con hemangioma lingual tratado con Polidocanol al 0,5%. Se necesitaron de 4 sesiones de aplicación del agente esclerosaste para que retrocediera completamente la lesión donde en cada infiltración se ulizó 1ml y en la úlma sesión 0.7 ml, logrando en esta úlma obtener la desaparición de la lesión por lo que el pronósco fue bueno. Conclusión: De acuerdo a los resultados de este trabajo el uso del Polidocanol al 0.5% en tratamientos de hemangioma linguales resulta ser una técnica bastante efecva, ya que con su prácca nos da una disminución del volumen de dicha lesión

The hemangioma, according to theWorldHealthOrganizaon (WHO), is a benign vascular neoplasm, characterized by the abnormal proliferaon of blood vessels, it presents as a single lesion, it can be found anywhere in the body, however it is more incident in thearea of the head and neck, predominantlyonthelips, onthetongue and onthejugal mucosa. Technically, its surgical removal is difficult and challenging, incomplete disease, facial disfigurement and recurrence. Objecve: to report the clinical case of a paentwith lingual hemangioma treatedwith 0.5% Polidocanol. iook 4 sessions of applicaon of thesclerosingagent to completelyretrachelesionwhere 1 ml wasused in eachinfiltraon and 0.7 ml in thelastsession, obtainingthedisappear of thelesion in thelaer, so the prognosis wasgood. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the use of Polidocanol at 0.5% in lingual hemangioma treatmentsis a very effecve technique, and with its pracce we have a decrease in the volume of this lesion

A systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of lumbar sympathectomy for plantar hyperhidrosis.

On July 25, 2017, we conducted an extensive database tracking to identify all studies published from January 1990 to July 2017. Screening updates were performed until December 2017. RESULTS: There were no deaths, and the resolution of symptoms of primary plantar hyperhidrosis (PPH) occurred in 92% of patients after mechanical sympathectomy. A total of 177 patients (44%) were reported to have mild to severe compensatory sweating after a mean 6 months follow-up. The preservation of L2 did not interfere with the primary outcome, and it is possible to perform lumbar sympathectomy in men with L2 preservation, achieving satisfactory cure results of PPH, minimizing the risk of sexual dysfunction. There were no deaths, and the resolution of symptoms of PPH occurred in 10% of patients after chemical sympathicolysis after a mean 6 months follow-up. A total of 13 patients (12.5%) were reported to have mild to severe compensatory sweating using the same technique. CONCLUSION: The mechanical lumbar sympathectomy is effective and safe and improves quality of life, evaluated by the high symptom resolution of PPH and low rate of complications. The chemical sympathicolysis in the immediate postoperative period presented satisfactory results; however, it was shown to be significantly less effective than the mechanical approach in a follow-up of at least 6 months.

Intravascular and intraparenchymatous hepatic segmentary sclerosis

Purpose: To evaluate the morphological effects of injected sclerosing agents into the liver. Methods: This study was performed on twenty dogs, distributed into five groups: Group 1 (n = 5) - control, Group 2 (n = 5) - injection of 50% glucose solution inside hepatic parenchyma and animals followed during seven days, Group 3 (n = 10) - injection of ethanol inside hepatic parenchyma and animals distribution into two subgroups Subgroup 3A (n = 5) - followed during 24 hours and subgroup 3B (n = 5) - followed during seven days (group 3B), Group 4 (n = 5) - ethanol injection inside left portal vein branch and followed during 24 hours. Livers were macroscopically evaluated, submitted to hepatic arteriography and portography, then histology. Results: All animals in Group 4 died within 23 hours due to diffuse hepatic necrosis. The animals of groups 2 and 3 had a satisfactory evolution. Fibrosis formed in the segment reached by the sclerosant solution and interruption of the contrast flow injected into the portal system. Conclusion: Intrahepatic parenchymal ethanol injection is well tolerated and causes sclerosis restricted to a specific segment; however, intraportal ethanol injection causes massive hepatic necrosis and can lead to death.(AU)

Effect of polidocanol foam administration into rat peripheral veins on pulmonary parenchyma.

Background Sclerotherapy has been gaining increased acceptance and popularity as an effective therapy for the treatment of varicose veins. This attention has fed growing interest into the safety and potential complications of this procedure. There is no evidence of pulmonary complications from foam sclerotherapy in humans; however, animal studies have shown possible damage. The aim of this study is to show the changes in rat pulmonary parenchyma after the injection of 1% polidocanol Tessari foam into the peripheral vein using histological analysis of the inflammatory and fibrosis processes. Methods Twenty-four Wistar rats were divided into the following four groups: 24 h polidocanol, seven-day polidocanol, 28-day polidocanol, and control group. After the foam was injected into the lateral saphenous vein, the lungs of the rats were removed for histological analysis. Results Alveolar edema was observed in only the 24 h group (P < 0.005). Vessel thickening was observed in the seven-and 28-day groups (P < 0.001). Interstitial fibrosis was found in only the 28-day group (P = 0.006). There was no evidence of venous or arterial thrombosis in either group. Conclusion Polidocanol Tessari foam injection into rat peripheral veins causes alveolar edema, vessel thickening, and interstitial fibrosis.

Sodium hydroxide as a sclerosing agent in patients with neoplastic pleural effusion non-candidates for VATS: results of a minimally invasive protocol.

Symptomatic neoplastic pleural effusion (SNPE) is a significant cause of morbidity in patients with advanced neoplastic disease. These patients often present a deteriorated general condition which prevents them from undergoing pleurodesis with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). We developed a minimally invasive therapeutic protocol specially designed for this population, achieved by combining chemical pleurodesis with placement of small-bore pleural catheters (PC), which resulted in early hospital discharge, low morbimortality and good therapeutic results. This study reports the safety and efficacy of administration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) through PC in 60 patients diagnosed with SNPE who were admitted to Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between January 2012 and December 2015. Successful pleurodesis was achieved in 96% of procedures. Recurrence occurred in 25% of patients during follow-up, with recurrence occurring earlier than 30 days after pleurodesis in 8% of patients. There were no reports of major morbidity or associated mortality. In total, 44% of patients were discharged within 48 h of pleurodesis. Administration of NaOH through a small-bore PC represents an effective and safe method of pleurodesis in patients who are not candidates for talc pleurodesis by VATS.

Sclerotherapy for Reticular Veins in the Lower Limbs: A Triple-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Reticular veins are subdermal veins located in the lower limbs and are mainly associated with aesthetic complaints. Although sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for reticular veins in the lower limbs, no consensus has been reached regarding to the optimal sclerosant. Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of 2 sclerosants used to treat reticular veins: 0.2% polidocanol diluted in 70% hypertonic glucose (HG) (group 1) vs 75% HG alone (group 2). Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective, randomized, triple-blind, controlled, parallel-group clinical trial with patients randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio between the 2 treatment groups from March through December 2014, with 2 months' follow-up. The study was conducted in a single academic medical center. Eligible participants were all women, aged 18 to 69 years, who had at least 1 reticular vein with a minimum length of 10 cm in 1 of their lower limbs. Interventions: The patients underwent sclerotherapy in a single intervention with either 0.2% polidocanol plus 70% HG or 75% HG alone to eliminate reticular veins. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary efficacy end point was the disappearance of the reticular veins within 60 days after treatment with sclerotherapy. The reticular veins were measured on images obtained before treatment and after treatment using ImageJ software. Safety outcomes were analyzed immediately after treatment and 7 days and 60 days after treatment and included serious adverse events (eg, deep vein thrombosis and systemic complications) and minor adverse events (eg, pigmentation, edema, telangiectatic matting, and hematomas). Results: Ninety-three women completed the study, median (interquartile range) age 43.0 (24.0-61.0) years for group 1 and 41.0 (27.0-62.0) years for group 2. Sclerotherapy with 0.2% polidocanol plus 70% HG was significantly more effective than with 75% HG alone in eliminating reticular veins from the treated area (95.17% vs 85.40%; P < .001). No serious adverse events occurred in either group. Pigmentation was the most common minor adverse event, with a 3.53% treated-vein pigmentation length for group 1 and 7.09% for group 2, with no significant difference between the groups (P = .09). Conclusions and Relevance: Sclerotherapy with 0.2% polidocanol diluted in 70% HG was superior to 75% HG alone in sclerosing reticular veins, with no statistical difference for complications. Pigmentation occurred in both groups, with no statistical difference between them. No serious adverse events occurred in either group. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT02054325.

Vascular sclerosing effects of bleomycin on cutaneous veins: a pharmacopathologic study on experimental animals.

BACKGROUND:: Varicose veins and the complications of venous disease are common disorders in humans. OBJECTIVE:: To study the effects of bleomycin as a potential new sclerosing agent and its adverse events in treating varicose veins. METHODS:: Bleomycin-loaded liposomes 0.1ml was injected in the dorsal ear veins of white New Zealand rabbits. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate was used as a positive control. Normal saline was used as negative control. The blood vessels of the treated ears were photographed before and at one hour and two, eight and 45 days after treatment. Biopsies from the treated areas were obtained for histological examination. Blood samples were collected to determine any possible toxicity. RESULTS:: Bleomycin by itself was ineffective; therefore, liposomes were used as a vector to deliver bleomycin to the vein lumen. Subsequently, bleomycin started showing its sclerosing effects. Toxicity monitoring showed no apparent hematologic, pulmonary, hepatic or renal toxicities. This study revealed that bleomycin induced vasculitis, which led to vascular occlusion, which was observed on day 1 and day 8. No bleomycin-related injury was noted by histopathological examination of lung sections. The calculation of the lung/body weight coefficient indicated that edema was present in the experimental groups compared with the negative and positive controls. STUDY LIMITATIONS:: Relatively small number of experimental animals used. CONCLUSIONS:: This study showed that bleomycin-loaded liposomes were able to induce vasculitis and vascular occlusion without any toxicity or complications. It might be useful, hence, to treat patients suffering from Varicose veins and other ectatic vascular diseases with this agent.

Vascular sclerosing effects of bleomycin on cutaneous veins: a pharmacopathologic study on experimental animals

Abstract: Background: Varicose veins and the complications of venous disease are common disorders in humans. Objective: To study the effects of bleomycin as a potential new sclerosing agent and its adverse events in treating varicose veins. Methods: Bleomycin-loaded liposomes 0.1ml was injected in the dorsal ear veins of white New Zealand rabbits. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate was used as a positive control. Normal saline was used as negative control. The blood vessels of the treated ears were photographed before and at one hour and two, eight and 45 days after treatment. Biopsies from the treated areas were obtained for histological examination. Blood samples were collected to determine any possible toxicity. Results: Bleomycin by itself was ineffective; therefore, liposomes were used as a vector to deliver bleomycin to the vein lumen. Subsequently, bleomycin started showing its sclerosing effects. Toxicity monitoring showed no apparent hematologic, pulmonary, hepatic or renal toxicities. This study revealed that bleomycin induced vasculitis, which led to vascular occlusion, which was observed on day 1 and day 8. No bleomycin-related injury was noted by histopathological examination of lung sections. The calculation of the lung/body weight coefficient indicated that edema was present in the experimental groups compared with the negative and positive controls. Study limitations: Relatively small number of experimental animals used. Conclusions: This study showed that bleomycin-loaded liposomes were able to induce vasculitis and vascular occlusion without any toxicity or complications. It might be useful, hence, to treat patients suffering from Varicose veins and other ectatic vascular diseases with this agent.

Sclerotherapy with 6% polidocanol solution in patients with placenta accreta.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta accreta is one of the main obstetrical complications worldwide. The aim of this study was to report the experience of managing placenta accreta with a 6% polidocanol solution sclerotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected patients between 37 weeks of gestation and 38 weeks of gestation, diagnosed with placenta accreta, treated at the Maternal Perinatal Hospital "Monica Pretelini Sáenz", Toluca, Mexico, during the period from November 2013 to August 2014. The surgical technique has two steps: (1) fundic-arciform caesarean section followed by a 6% polidocanol sclerosing solution through a 6Fr neonatal feeding tube upon its reaching the placental bed; (2) total abdominal hysterectomy with internal hypogastric artery ligation. RESULTS: Data were collected from 11 patients with a mean age of 33.9 years (range, 26-42 years) and 2.8±0.6 days of hospitalization in the obstetrical intensive care unit. The majority of patients were classified as having pregnancies at an advanced age. All women were multigravidas. Bleeding volume exhibited a range between 2.5 L and 3 L without any case of neonatal death but one mother died because of coagulopathy. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the technique that we are reporting is feasible for implementation in obstetric hospitals, with technical and economic feasibility.

Esclerosis venosa eco-asistida con espuma para la insuficiencia venosa crónica / Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy with foam in chronic vein insufficiency

CONTEXTO CLÍNICO: La insuficiencia venosa crónica de miembros inferiores se manifiesta a través de varices que son dilataciones permanentes de las venas superficiales de los miembros inferiores. Afectan ambos miembros, suelen aparecer antes de los 30 años y tienen un predominio marcado en el sexo femenino. Se calcula que el 44% de las mujeres y el 32% de los varones presentan algún grado de insuficiencia venosa crónica. Entre un 10 a 15 % evolucionan a formas sintomáticas con dolor, picazón, alteraciones cutáneas, flebitis y ulceras. La insuficiencia venosa crónica se clasifica según la etiología en varices primarias o esenciales (no existe una alteración del sistema venoso profundo) y varices secundarias, como las que siguen a una trombosis venosa profunda. Según a su morfología se clasifican en varices tronculares, reticulares, de venas perforantes y telangectasias.Las formas leves pueden ser tratadas con medidas de contención (posturales, lubricación, medias compresivas, etc.) y tratamiento farmacológico, mientras que las formas sintomáticas moderadas a graves pueden ser tratadas con diferentes técnicas de escleroterapia que utilizan distintos tipos de sustancias esclerosantes (hiperosmóticas, corrosivas y detergentes) y cuando son formas muy severas está indicada la resección o ligadura radical quirúrgica del paquete venoso comprometido. Otras técnicas usadas son la crio-esclerosis, eco-esclerosis, laser-esclerosis, radiofrecuencia. La escleroterapia es una técnica simple de tratamiento que se usa para el manejo de venas de pequeño o moderado tamaño, no siendo eficaz en vasos de mayores a 9 mm de diámetro debido a que los esclerosantes líquidos no cumplen los requerimientos básicos de la técnica. Se postula el uso del tratamiento del síndrome varicoso con Eco-doppler con espuma para venas varicosas esenciales de cualquier tipo y tamaño (desde las arañas vasculares, venas capilares subcutáneas hasta las varices de gran volumen). TECNOLOGÍA: La escleroterapia es una técnica percutánea mínimamente invasiva cuyo objetivo es cerrar las venas varicosas utilizando irritantes químicos. El uso de agentes esclerosantes con espuma provoca la desorganización de la membrana fosfolipídica de las células endoteliales con un poder esclerosante mayor. Los tipos de sustancia que se pueden usar son: polidocanol (hidroxipolietoxidodecano), tetradedilsulfato de sodio, cloruro de lapidio. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la evidencia disponible acerca de la eficacia, seguridad y aspectos relacionados a las políticas de cobertura de la Esclerosis venosa eco-asistida con espuma para la insuficiencia venosa crónica. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas (incluyendo Medline, Cochrane y CRD), en buscadores genéricos de Internet, agencias de evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias y financiadores de salud utilizando la siguiente estrategia: ((Sclerotherapy[MeSH] OR Sclerotherap*[tiab]) AND (Polidocanol[Supplementary Concept] OR Polidocanol[tiab] OR Varithena[tiab] OR Laureth[tiab] OR Lubrol[tiab])) AND (Venous Insufficiency[MeSH] OR Venous Insufficien*[tiab] OR Varicose Veins[Mesh] OR Varicose[tiab] OR Varix[tiab] OR Varices[tiab]) AND (ultrasound-guided[All Fields] AND foam[All Fields] AND elds])) Se priorizó la inclusión de revisiones sistemáticas (RS), ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados (ECAs), evaluaciones de tecnologías sanitarias y económicas, guías de práctica clínica(GPC) y políticas de cobertura de otros sistemas de salud cuando estaban disponibles. RESULTADOS: Para el informe se incluyeron dos RS, un ECA, una evaluación de tecnología, tres GPC y seis políticas de cobertura. CONCLUSIONES: Evidencia de moderada calidad sugiere que la esclerosis venosa eco-asistida con espuma no demostró mayor efectividad que otros tratamientos como ablación con radiofrecuencia, láser o cirugía para la insuficiencia venosa crónica. Las distintas guías de práctica clínica recomiendan esta tecnología como una opción terapéutica para síndromes varicosos sintomáticos venas safenas incompetentes, venas varicosas reticulares, telangiectasias y venas varicosas residuales a otros tratamientos. Algunos financiadores estadounidenses y británicos dan cobertura a esta tecnología sólo para síndrome varicoso de venas safenas grandes, pequeñas y accesorias sintomáticas de más de 2,5 mm con presencia de insuficiencia venosa documentada por eco-doppler. Otros financiadores lo consideran un tratamiento cosmético o en fase experimental.

A prospective randomized study comparing polidocanol foam sclerotherapy with surgical treatment of patients with primary chronic venous insufficiency and ulcer.

BACKGROUND: To compare polidocanol foam sclerotherapy with surgical treatment of patients with primary chronic venous insufficiency and active ulcer treated at a single vascular center. METHODS: Fifty-eight limbs of 56 patients with active ulcers were prospectively randomized to undergo either surgical treatment or foam sclerotherapy. Patients completed the Aberdeen Varicose Veins Questionnaire (AVVQ), the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and Venous Disability Score (VDS). The follow-up was 502 ± 220 days. RESULTS: The ulcer healed in 100% and 91.3% of patients treated with surgery or foam sclerotherapy, respectively (P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in AVVQ, VCSS, and VDS between the 2 groups after the procedures (P = 0.45, 0.58, and 0.66, respectively; Mann-Whitney U test). Complications occurred in 14.2% and 13.0% in the surgical and foam sclerotherapy groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment and foam sclerotherapy achieved high rates of ulcer healing, without a statistically significant difference. Both treatments led to significant improvements in VCSS, VDS, AVVQ scores, demonstrating improvements in clinical outcomes and quality of life.

Polidocanol versus hypertonic glucose for sclerotherapy treatment of reticular veins of the lower limbs: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of chronic venous disease is high and occurs more frequently in females. According to the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathological classification (CEAP) definition, the reticular veins are included in the C1 class and are mainly associated with aesthetic complaints. Several invasive techniques are used for treatment, including mini phlebectomy, laser ablation, and radiofrequency ablation. However, a wide range of sclerosing agents may serve as minimally invasive alternatives, promoting chemical sclerosis of the vein wall. Although this technique is routinely performed around the world, there is no consensus on the most efficacious and safe chemical agent to be used. METHODS/DESIGN: Inclusion criteria are women between 18 and 69 years old with at least 10 cm long reticular veins in the lower limbs, on the outer side of the leg/thigh. Patients with CEAP 2 to 6, or with allergies, pregnancy, performing breastfeeding, or with any dermatologic or clinical problems will be excluded. Patients with venous ultrasound mapping showing involvement of saphenous trunks and/or a deep venous system will also be excluded. Patients will be randomized into two groups, one receiving 75% pure glucose and the other group receiving 0.2% polidocanol diluted in 70% glucose. Just one limb and one session per patient will be performed. The sclerosing agent volume will not exceed 5 mL. Clinical follow-up will include visits on days 7 and 60, always with photographic documentation. DISCUSSION: This project aims to enroll 96 patients and subject them to a double-blind treatment after the randomization process. The design is intended to evaluate efficacy through a primary end point and safety through a secondary end point. Forty-eight patients have currently been enrolled. Preliminary results for these patients showed that 25 received treatment, 2 were excluded, and 22 returned after 7 days and showed no greater adverse events. To date, establishing efficacy criteria has not been possible, and no patients have reached the 60-day return point. These data may help doctors choose the best chemical agent for the treatment of reticular veins. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02054325, 3/02/2014.

Cross-sectional study comparing different therapeutic modalities for cystic lymphangiomas in children.

OBJECTIVE: Here, we describe our experience with different therapeutic modalities used to treat cystic lymphangiomas in children in our hospital, including single therapy with OK-432, bleomycin and surgery, and a combination of the three modalities. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, cross-sectional study including patients treated from 1998 to 2011. The effects on macrocystic lymphangiomas and adverse reactions were evaluated. Twenty-nine children with cystic lymphangiomas without any previous treatment were included. Under general anesthesia, patients given sclerosing agents underwent puncture of the lesion (guided by ultrasound when necessary) and complete aspiration of the intralesional liquid. The patients were evaluated with ultrasound and clinical examinations for a maximum follow-up time of 4 years. RESULTS: The proportions of patients considered cured after the first therapeutic approach were 44% in the surgery group, 29% in the bleomycin group and 31% in the OK-432 group. These proportions were not significantly different. Sequential treatment increased the rates of curative results to 71%, 74% and 44%, respectively, after the final treatment, which in our case was approximately 1.5 applications per patient. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that most patients with cystic lymphangiomas do not show complete resolution after the initial therapy, regardless of whether the therapy is surgical or involves the use of sclerosing agents. To achieve complete resolution of the lesions, either multiple operations or a combination of surgery and sclerotherapy must be used and should be tailored to the characteristics of each patient.