Control of therapy with microcirculatory and phlebotropically active drugs in patients with congenital and acquired venous insufficiency.

During the treatment of two patients with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome interesting observations of the efficacy and the side effects of DHE were made. This led to the decision to carry out a validity study in 12 patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). The patients were treated with 0.25 mg or 0.5 DHE intravenously, and after that with 7.5 mg orally for one week. Before and after treatment measurements of venous capacity, microcirculatory parameters and rheological parameters were performed. Following the i.v. injection of 0.25 to 0.5 mg DHE the venous capacity decreased significantly in a dose-dependent way. The flow of erythrocytes in capillaries measured under resting condition was significantly lower and peak flow of reactive hyperemia decreased. No relation was found between the dose of DHE administered and the particular side effects (stomach trouble, increase in diastolic blood pressure) in 2 of the 12 patients. After oral treatment patients showed signs of subjective improvement of their complaints. On the basis of the results, the validity of non-invasive angiological tests is discussed.

Increasing exercise among blue-collar employees: the tailoring of worksite programs to meet specific needs.

Despite increasing interest in worksite exercise programs, little attention has been focused on the blue-collar segment of the workforce. Because of their low participation in traditional exercise classes and programs, blue-collar workers at a university were targeted for an exercise program tailored specifically to their preferences and needs. Thirty-eight sedentary males employed in operations and maintenance shops on the university campus were evaluated with regard to their current exercise behavior, other health habits, and their preferred types of physical activity programs. A pre- and postprogram submaximal exercise test, weight, and blood pressure measurements were also completed on-site. Twenty-two men (23% of the total blue-collar population) subsequently participated in a 16-week exercise program using an on-site parcourse, and incorporating such motivational strategies as public monitoring, intershop competition, and activity-based incentives. Participation rates were substantially higher than those recorded for previous worksite exercise classes. Participants showed increases in fitness levels (P less than 0.0001) and decreases in weight (P less than 0.05) compared with nonparticipants. Suggestions concerning recruitment of such individuals into low-cost exercise programs and subsequent participation maintenance are discussed.