It is no secret that hospitalized patients can be at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as a result of recent surgery or if they are immobilized due to an illness.   

Compression stockings are often used for these patients to reduce this risk.

A deep vein thrombosis or blood clot in the deeper veins can be dangerous because it can break loose and travel to the lungs where it can cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be lethal.

Under current practice, post surgery and immobile bed ridden patients are frequently fitted with compression stockings to lower the risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Over time, numerous RCTs (randomized controlled trials) have been performed to determine how compression stockings can help prevent DVT among different groups of hospital patients.

The Cochrane Library (more specific the Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group) just recently released an update on its reviews of these RCTs, which have been published since the year 2000.

This update basically confirmed how graduated compression stockings aid in the reduction of blood clots in the deeper veins in hospital patients, particularly after general and orthopedic surgery.

The analysis showed some proof of the effectiveness of compression hose in medical patients, which was however limited to only one trial.

Unfortunately, adverse effects and problems associated with compression stockings were not adequately reported in the studies – especially considering the very limited data about medical patients.

Future updates and reviews of additional RCTs may be needed to bring more clarity on these issues.

For complete details on the above referenced review results please follow the link below…

Preventing DVT with the help of graduated compression stockings

If you liked this post please let us know by clicking the Facebook like button below.  We also appreciate any comments and personal experiences you have to contribute.