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®, medi GmbH, Bayreuth, Germany) after 15 days and to compare its effect on the leg volume for the next 15 days with 15- to 20-mmHg compression stockings (CS). RESULTS: The authors noted a volume decrease between T0 and T15 by 10.8% (52 legs) under Circaid Juxtalite®. At T30, 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.