The incidence of venous disease in Brazil based on the CEAP classification

Venous disease presents an extremely complex problem with various clinical manifestations. This is an epidemiological study of venous disease as it occurs in an area of Brazil. For the first time in Brazil the CEAP classification is used.

A total of 2104 people, were randomly recruited at the registration desks of the General Policlinic Department of the University Hospital and public health centers. The "C" of the CEAP classification was used to classify the clinical features of the venous diseases. The subjects were categorized according to sex and age. In addition, women were also subdivided according to number of their pregnancies.

In the age group of females aged 14 to 22, we found 46.42% without symptoms and obvious veins (CEAP 0A/0A). Only 12.29% were symptomatic, and 41.25% of all patients in this group presented with visible veins or telangiectasias, though without symptoms. In the age group of women ranging from 23 to 48, 66.47% had had up to 3 pregnancies. In this group 10.43% were (CEAP 0A/0A). Those who had symptoms with prominent veins totaled 37.53% and those who presented with prominent veins without symptoms, 51.83%. In the female group over 48 years of age, only 4.67% were (CEAP 0A/0A). The majority (62.79%) had symptoms and prominent veins. In the male group, the greater part (65.54%) was (CEAP 0A/0A). Only 13.97% were considered symptomatic with some kind of prominent veins.

This large epidemiological study is the first in Brazil to validate the CEAP classification as an important tool in the epidemiology of venous pathology: a method allowing an objective approach to venous disease. The data in this study were similar to those of western countries. Venous disease was found to be much more frequent in females than males. Age and number of pregnancies are important factors in the development of the disease. Over 50% of young women presented with visible veins in their legs but were without symptoms and this was considered a purely esthetic problem.