Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Post-thrombotic Syndrome; Approach to Management and Health Resort Treatment

Introduction: Post- thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is the most common complication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and develops in 20-50% of patients after a proximal DVT. Balneotherapy and hydrotherapy is justified in treatment of primary or post-thrombotic hronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Material: A review of articles was done in electronic databases Pubmed and Medline by keywords: postthrombotic syndrome, chronic venous insufficiency in conjunction with balneotherapy, hydrotherapy, kinesitherapy, coagulation. Results: Main risk of PST is considered as extensive proximal character of DVT, pre-existing CVI, older age, high body mass index, pre-existent varicosities. PTS refers to clinical manifestations of CVI, and is common cause of unilateral CVI. The thrombus itself may lead to venous valves destruction and reflux. The Villalta PTS scale may define and classify the severity of PTS Venous leg ulcers is the most advanced clinical manifestation of the disease. Prevention of PTS begins with prevention of initial and recurrent DVT includes use of compression stockings and anticoagulant medications. Treatment guidelines recommend anticoagulant therapy - five days with heparin followed by three months of oral anticoagulant after acute event, with subsequent long-term of extended therapy depending on patient's risk of recurrence. Recent clinical trials indicate that the use of new anticoagulants (NOAS) reduces the incidence of PTS. Ultrasound compression test of the leg veins evaluates the degree of obstruction by clots. Medical therapy of CVI has still not efficient. Carbon dioxide baths and ozone baths have favorably affect hemostasis system. However there are only a few controlled studies evaluating effects of balneotherapy in primary and post-thrombotic CVI. The favorable effect of these mineral baths may result from both hydrostatic effects as well as the contribution with specific hemico-physical properties. The controlled trials (in patients with C3-C5 stage) shown that balneohydrotherapy and kinesitherapy have decreased signs and symptoms in patients with primary and post - thrombotic CVI. Conclusions: The Health Resort treatment of patients with CVI in the mechanism of post-thrombotic syndrome should be preceded by evaluation of the venous system of the lower limb by compression ultrasound. Balneotherapy and hydroteraphy seem to be effective and safe procedures even in patients with advanced primary and post-thrombotic CVI stage.