Comparison of peripheral tissue perfusion and calf pump function in women with mild/moderate and severe chronic venous disease symptom intensity

Abstract

Objective To compare calf muscle function and peripheral tissue perfusion in women with chronic venous disease (CVD) with mild/moderate and severe symptoms. Methods A cross-sectional study included women with CVD classified in stages C1, C2, and C3. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed symptomatology and divided participants into two groups. Group I reported mild/moderate symptoms (VAS of 1-6), and group II severe symptoms (VAS of 7-10). Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to assess peripheral tissue perfusion through in venous occlusion and movement plethysmography protocols. Total venous volume, venous filling index, calf ejection fraction, retention fraction (RF_HHB) and residual volume fraction (RVF_HHB) were measured. The assessment of calf muscle function was performed using the Heel Rise Test (HRT), considering the test time (HRT_T) and the number of repetitions (HRT_N). Fisher’s exact test was used to analyze the categorical data and the Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the variables. Results Fifty-five participants were included in this study. Thirty (55%) were in Group I while twenty-five (45%) were in Group II. Group I presented values of RVF_HHb of -25.42 and RF_HHb of -56.83, while group II of 56.28 and 21.50 in HHb (µmolL-1) (p=0.048 and p=0.035, respectively). Body mass index was significantly higher in group II (p=0.003). No significant difference in calf muscle function was observed between groups by HRT_T and HRT_RR. Conclusion Women with severe symptoms of CVD had less venous emptying and higher levels of reflux. The intensity of symptoms may be associated with high BMI levels.

Publication
Journal of Vascular Nursing

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