Patient compliance with fitted compression hosiery monitored by photoplethysmography

This study assessed the compliance useage and impact by monitoring of graded compression hosiery in chronic venous disease. Diagnostic methods, such as qualitative photoplethysmography (PPG), have enabled the physician to assess deep-vein valvular incompetence earlier and begin specific treatment measures to slow the progression of symptoms. This study group, comprised of 100 patients, was diagnosed initially with deep-venous thrombophlebitis and evaluated by phleborrheography and PPG at three-month intervals for one year. The patients were instructed to wear fitted, graded compression hosiery after hospital discharge; compliance was 37% at one year. The primary reason for noncompliance was socioeconomic. The price of the ideal graded compression hosiery was not easily within reach of this population and insurance reimbursement was difficult or impossible to obtain. Complaint patients felt better while wearing the compression hosiery. Increasing deterioration of qualitative PPG values of deep-valve assessment was found in both compliant and noncompliant patients at each testing interval. The PPG value deteriorated as time increased with or without the compression hose, although symptoms lessened when the prescribed hosiery was worn. The long-term sequelae of wearing or not wearing the hosiery are yet to be determined, but PPG assessment is normalized with the hosiery in place.