The Effect of Compliance With Elastic Compression Stockings On Severity Of PTS After 2 Years in Patients Who Underwent Pharmacomechanical Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis For Acute Iliofemoral Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Background: Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) poses significant risks, particularly Post-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS). This study investigates the role of elastic compression stockings (ECS) in preventing PTS, focusing on patient adherence and its impact on therapeutic outcomes following pharmacomechanical catheter-directed thrombolysis (PMCDT) for acute iliofemoral DVT.

Methods: This study evaluated 230 patients post-PMCDT for acute iliofemoral DVT, comparing 74 compliant and 156 non-compliant patients regarding PTS incidence and severity using Villalta and VCSS scores. Follow-ups included both clinical assessments and D-Dimer measurements, along with evaluation of adherence to elastic compression stockings.

Results: The compliant group (74 patients) showed a higher proportion of females (48.7%) compared to the non-compliant group (31.0%, p=0.0435). Hospital stays were longer for compliant patients (3.91 days) than non-compliant (3.28 days, p=0.002). At the 6-month follow-up, the rate of severe PTS was 4.05% in the compliant group and 7.05% in the non-compliant group (OR=0.56; 95% CI: 0.15-2.06; p=0.05). At 24 months, severe PTS was observed in 4.05% versus 8.97% (OR=0.43; 95% CI: 0.12-1.54; p=0.05). D-Dimer levels were significantly lower in the compliant group at 6 months (1103 ng/ml vs. 1945 ng/ml, p<0.001), but not at 24 months.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of patient adherence to ECS in reducing long-term complications following DVT treatment. Enhanced compliance strategies, including education and monitoring, are essential for improving recovery. Further research is necessary to optimize ECS use and prevent PTS.