[Compression therapy in the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis]

Especially in Europe patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) of the leg are treated with compression therapy. A look at the literature, however, reveals that the exact mechanism of compression therapy in the treatment of acute deep vein thrombosis is not completely understood. Effects on fibrinolysis, resolution of pain and swelling as well as a fixation of the thrombus towards the vessel wall have been discussed. The literature indicates that compression stockings were mostly used in the treatment of DVT although there is some evidence that inelastic compression bandages have a greater impact on resolution of swelling and pain. Large randomised multicenter trials are still not available. Furthermore, evidence-based data providing an advantage of thigh-length compression therapy in the treatment of acute DVT are lacking. Studies have, however, shown that compression therapy is a safe therapy and can reduce the development of postthrombotic syndrome after acute DVT.