Treatment protocol on stasis edema in poorly mobile nursing home patients.

BACKGROUND: Prolonged immobility in the sitting position in the elderly is known to produce venous stasis with leg edema and possible skin changes.

METHODS: The authors have tested a treatment protocol in 30 patients to quantify the reduction of volume caused by an adjustable compression Velcro® wrap (Circaid Juxtalite®) after 15 days and to compare its effect on the leg volume for the next 15 days with 15-20 mmHg compression stockings (CS).

RESULTS: The authors noted a volume decrease between D0 and D15 by 10,8 % (52 legs) under Circaid Juxtalite®. At D30, they observed a non significant difference between Circaid Juxtalite® (- 1%) and the CS (1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS: A Velcro® adjustable compression wrap (Circaid Juxtalite®) is efficient in reducing stasis edema in the elderly. Stabilization of the leg volume with the use of 15- 20 mmHg CS suggests that a high pressure to maintain results is not required to maintain results.