Manganaro A, Buda D, Ando G, Consolo F.
[Compression therapy in deep venous thrombosis]
[Article in Italian]
Minerva Cardioangiol 2000 Dec;48(12 Suppl 1):57-60

Scuola di Specializzazione in Cardiologia Malattie dell'Apparato Cardiovascolare
Cattedra di Angiologia, Universita degli Studi, Messina.

External compression, both intermittent by pneumatic pumps and continuous by
anelastic or elastic bandages and by graduate compression stockings, play a
pivotal role in prophylaxis of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT). The use of external
compression in DVT therapy and in prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism (PE) and of
post-thrombotic syndrome has not been validated as well as in DVT prophylaxis.
The pathophysiologic properties of the external compression and the most recent
evidences about the early mobilization of the patients with DVT and about Low
Molecular Weight Heparin (LMWH) therapy suggest the advantages of the external
compression. The authors review the most important clinical investigations about
early use of external compression in DVT joined with pharmacological therapy: the
results have been the reduction of the growth of the thrombus, the reduction of
PE ratio, the prevention of the post-thrombotic syndrome, the indirect
improvement of the quality of life. Finally the authors confirm the
recommendations about the use of physical therapy with early mobilization and
external compression joined with LMWH anticoagulation in DVT.