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Graduated elastic compression stockings on a stroke unit: a feasibility study.
P Scholten1, A Bever, K Turner
1Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
Age and Ageing
|September 14, 2000
Summary
Graduated compression stockings are feasible and well-tolerated for stroke patients, with 84% having no contraindications. This method offers a safe alternative for preventing venous thromboembolism in stroke survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Medicine
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Thrombo-embolic complications significantly increase morbidity and mortality post-stroke.
- Anticoagulant prophylaxis is often contraindicated or not recommended due to hemorrhage risks.
- Graduated elastic compression stockings (GECS) are underutilized in stroke care due to perceived contraindications and tolerability issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility of using graduated compression stockings on a stroke unit.
- To assess the tolerability of graduated compression stockings in stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- 112 consecutive stroke patients were evaluated for contraindications to GECS.
- Clinical assessments and ankle-brachial Doppler pressure index were used to identify contraindications.
- Patient tolerability of GECS was prospectively monitored.
Main Results:
- 84% (94/112) of patients had no contraindications for GECS, with low ankle-brachial index (<0.8) being the most common.
- 95% (89/94) of eligible patients tolerated GECS until discharge.
- Skin irritation was the primary reason for intolerance.
Conclusions:
- Contraindications for GECS can be reliably identified using clinical criteria and ankle-brachial pressure index.
- When contraindications are screened, GECS demonstrate excellent tolerability in stroke patients.
- This approach presents a viable strategy for preventing venous thromboembolism in stroke patients.