[Phlebopathies: aetiology and therapeutic management]

Phlebopathy is an ambiguously interpreted term. In the Russian literature, it implies functional disorders of the venous system, albeit not seriously jeopardizing, however substantially decreasing quality of life. Phlebopathies may be induced by different causes, not infrequently common with the risk factors of chronic venous insufficiency. The present work deals with the classification, pathogenesis and epidemiology of phlebopathies, as well as the results of the original studies on management of hormone-induces phlebopathy. Hormone-induced phlebopathy - symptoms of phlebopathy or chronic venous insufficiency induced by long-term intake of combined oral contraceptives (COCs). To optimize treatment of the pathology concerned, we examined three groups of female patients (112 women) suffering from hormone-induced phlebopathy of the lower limbs. In Group One patients, COCs were discontinued with no administration of venotonic agents. Group Two patients along with withdrawal of COCs were given Antistax, as well as elastic compression. Group Three patients continued receiving COCs accompanied by simultaneous treatment with Antistax. During the study, we determined the malleolar volume, also assessing the degree of subjective symptoms, and quality of life. It was shown that withdrawal of COCs alone was not sufficient to stop symptoms of phlebopathy. Antistax efficiently stops the majority of these clinical manifestations, even on the background of intake of contraceptives. The maximal effect was observed in discontinuation of the COCs, intake of Antistax and prescription of elastic compression.