Clinical Features and Management of "Phlebitis-like Abnormal Reaction" After Cyanoacrylate Closure for the Treatment of Incompetent Saphenous Veins.

BACKGROUND: Cyanoacrylate closure for the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins does not cause thermal damage and demonstrates satisfactory outcomes with rapid recovery. However, the characteristics of phlebitis-like abnormal reaction (PLAR), the most common adverse event after cyanoacrylate closure, have not been clarified. Moreover, it differs from typical phlebitis after thermal ablation. The objective of our study is to investigate the clinical features of PLAR after cyanoacrylate closure and to report its management. METHODS: A total of 160 patients with 271 incompetent saphenous veins (great saphenous veins, 201; small saphenous veins, 70) underwent cyanoacrylate closure with the VenaSeal™ system. We defined PLAR as any unusual skin condition that develops suddenly, such as erythema, itching, swelling, and pain/tenderness, over the treated veins several days after cyanoacrylate closure. Oral antihistamines and intravenous dexamethasone were administered to manage PLAR. RESULTS: Of the 271 treated veins, 69 experienced PLAR (25.4%). The mean time of occurrence was 13.6 ± 4.6 days after treatment. The rate of occurrence of erythema, itching, swelling, and pain/tenderness were 92.2%, 91.2%, 66.2%, and 48.5%, respectively. The occurrence of PLAR was significantly higher for great saphenous veins than for small saphenous veins (P < 0.001). Occurrences were more frequent in cases with a suprafascial great saphenous vein of length >10 cm than in cases with a subfascial great saphenous vein (P = 0.001). The proportion of patients who reported swelling decreased by more than half after the administration of oral antihistamine. The pain score on the 10th day also decreased significantly after the administration of antihistamine (P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: PLAR must be distinguished from classic phlebitis. We believe that PLAR is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction due to a foreign body, and in our experience, antihistamines or steroids are effective for the prevention and management of PLAR.

Visual pathway involvement in multiple sclerosis: Look straight in the eyes.

Visual symptoms are a common clinical manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS) and are frequently due to acute optic neuritis (ON). However, the entire visual pathway can be involved throughout the disease course. We describe the case of a young MS patient who experienced visual symptoms that were eventually found to be caused by retinal periphlebitis, an inflammatory process of the anterior visual pathway, which is common during MS, but rarely symptomatic. This case reinforces the concept that in all MS patients complaining visual symptoms, a complete work-up should be performed in order to rule out possible ON mimicries.

Inter-rater agreement on PIVC-associated phlebitis signs, symptoms and scales.

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Many peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) infusion phlebitis scales and definitions are used internationally, although no existing scale has demonstrated comprehensive reliability and validity. We examined inter-rater agreement between registered nurses on signs, symptoms and scales commonly used in phlebitis assessment. METHODS: Seven PIVC-associated phlebitis signs/symptoms (pain, tenderness, swelling, erythema, palpable venous cord, purulent discharge and warmth) were observed daily by two raters (a research nurse and registered nurse). These data were modelled into phlebitis scores using 10 different tools. Proportions of agreement (e.g. positive, negative), observed and expected agreements, Cohen's kappa, the maximum achievable kappa, prevalence- and bias-adjusted kappa were calculated. RESULTS: Two hundred ten patients were recruited across three hospitals, with 247 sets of paired observations undertaken. The second rater was blinded to the first's findings. The Catney and Rittenberg scales were the most sensitive (phlebitis in >20% of observations), whereas the Curran, Lanbeck and Rickard scales were the most restrictive (≤2% phlebitis). Only tenderness and the Catney (one of pain, tenderness, erythema or palpable cord) and Rittenberg scales (one of erythema, swelling, tenderness or pain) had acceptable (more than two-thirds, 66.7%) levels of inter-rater agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Inter-rater agreement for phlebitis assessment signs/symptoms and scales is low. This likely contributes to the high degree of variability in phlebitis rates in literature. We recommend further research into assessment of infrequent signs/symptoms and the Catney or Rittenberg scales. New approaches to evaluating vein irritation that are valid, reliable and based on their ability to predict complications need exploration.

[Ultrasound elastography in assessing efficacy of treatment for lower limb varicose veins with a phlebotrophic drug containing a micronized purified flavonoid fraction].

UNLABELLED: Venous hypertension combined with other pathogenetic links of the development of chronic venous insufficiency creates conditions for activation of an inflammatory process. Chronization of inflammation leads to alterations in the histological structure of the vascular wall and perivasal tissues, which is reflected by changes in their physical properties (elasticity or compressibility), which may be studied by means of ultrasound elastography (USEG). OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed at exploring the possibility of using ultrasound elastography for monitoring efficacy of conservative treatment of varicose disease of lower extremities with an agent containing a micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF). MATERIAL AND METHODS: we examined a total of 19 patients (38 limbs) presenting with varicose disease of clinical class C2 according to the CEAP classification. The standard ultrasound examination and USEG were carried out using the unit of expert-class "Toshiba" (Japan) with a multi-frequency linear transducer 5-12 Hz. We examined the great saphenous vein in the area of the femur and crus, its tributaries, and the small saphenous vein. All examinations were performed with the patient in the supine, prone and standing positions from the standard approaches in the second half of the day prior to treatment with a phlebotrophic agent containing MPFF (Detralex) and three months after taking the drug at a dose of 1,000 mg/day. RESULTS: at baseline, according to the findings of USEG the intact veins of the lower limbs had a homogeneous pattern of the elastogram in the perivasal area. The presence of varicose transformation was associated with an inhomogeneous elastographic picture. On the background of treatment with MPFF, all patients showed a positive clinical effect in the form of decreased intensity of manifestations of complaints or complete disappearance thereof. According to the findings of ultrasound examination, there was a tendency towards a decrease in the wall thickness and diameter of the examined veins. USEG demonstrated an increase in the perivasal zones of elastographic homogeneity of tissues. The USEG-revealed alterations were more pronounced in large-diameter vessels. On the background of treatment with Detralex there was a trend towards normalization of the elastographic pattern of the vessel as a whole. CONCLUSION: the obtained findings confirm feasibility of using the technique of ultrasound elastography for identification of objective markers of treatment response to MPFF in varicose disease.

[Experimental study of Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines in tissue and the inflammatory reaction of limb with venous hypertension].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role and mechanism of Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) of tissue in promoting the inflammatory reaction of the limb with venous hypertension. METHODS: moral arteriovenous fistula was surgically created to establish the rat model of venous hypertension. A total of 36 SD rats were randomly divided into pcDNA3.1-DARC (Group A), empty plasmid of pcDNA3.1 (Group B) and control (Group C) groups. The animals were sacrificed at Days 14 and 42 post-operation respectively. The expressions of DARC at the RNA and protein level were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western blot. And the serum level of interleukin (IL)-8 was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the degrees of apoptosis and leukocytic infiltration of local tissue were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. RESULTS: With the elapsing time of venous hypertension, the DARC expression in tissue, the extent of apoptosis and leukocytic infiltration in tissue showed an increasing trend in Groups A and B. Group A was obviously higher than Group B during the corresponding period. And the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The serum levels of IL-8 of Groups A and B showed a decreasing trend. And Group A was obviously lower than Group B. Both groups were higher than the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The level of DARC in tissue and the degree of inflammatory reaction of venous hypertension have a positive correlation. And DARC may promote the development of venous hypertension inflammation through augmenting the adhesion and migration of leukocytes.

[Medicamentous protection of lower limb veins in a subacute period of varicophlebitis of the great saphenous vein].

The study was aimed at determining the dynamics of saphenous veins in patients with varicophlebitis of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in a subacute period (during compression therapy) and at assessing efficacy of 4-month medicamentous protection thereof. We examined a total of 32 patients presenting with the first episode of non-embolic varicophlebitis of the great saphenous vein. The comparison group comprised 16 patients undergoing 4-month compression (degree 2) therapy alone, and the study group patients (n = 16) were subjected to compression therapy combined with a 4-month course of micronized diosmin (1 tablet twice a day). The patients were included into the groups alternately as they attended our medical facility. Duplex scanning before and after the treatment course was used to measure the following parameters: 1) the evening diameter of veins and 2) an increase in the vein's diameter measured overnight as compared to the morning measures - the orthostatic gradient. The obtained results showed that the subacute period of varicophlebitis of the GSV is accompanied and followed by an increase in the diameter of the GSV and SSV and that of their orthostatic gradient, caused by imparted tonicity and viscoelastic properties. Compression therapy alone in the subacute period of varicophlebitis does not provide complete safety of saphenous veins from secondary lesions. Compression therapy combined with a 4-month-long course of taking micronized diosmin increases the efficacy of treatment.

Flebite secundária à inserção de cateter venoso periférico: aspectos relevantes para a assistência de enfermagem / Phlebitis due to the insertion of peripheral venous catheters: issues relevant to nursing care / Flebitis secundaria a la inserción de cateteres venosos periféricos: lãs cuestiones a los cuidados de enfermería

Objetivo: informar aos leitores sobre os mecanismos que conduzem à flebite enquanto complicação da terapia intravenosa. Metodologia: artigo de atualização, o qual apresenta os aspectos epidemiológicos, fatores predisponentes,medidas preventivas e métodos de avaliação da flebite decorrente de inserção de cateter venoso periférico, com vistas a subsidiar as condutas de enfermagem. Resultados: a flebite consiste em fenômeno bastante prevalente em pacientes hospitalizados, relacionado a múltiplos fatores, tais como hiperosmolaridade e ph da solução infundida, tipo de dispositivo venoso utilizado e o cuidado de enfermagem no que se refere ao procedimento de venopunção e manutenção do acesso venoso. É fundamental que o enfermeiro conheça os métodos disponíveis para diagnosticar a flebite, identificando sinais e sintomas flogísticos, podendo assim intervir de acordo com o grau evidenciado, prevenindo a ocorrência de fleboesclerose. Conclusão: conhecer os tipos de flebite e, consequentemente, seus fatores de risco contribui para que o enfermeiro tenha melhor embasamento para a tomada de decisão no que concerne à construção de protocolos específicos visando à prevenção desta complicação.(AU)

Objective: to contribute to the reflection on the mechanisms leading to phlebitis as a complication of intravenous therapy. Methodology: this is about an update paper, which presents the epidemiology, predisposing factors, preventive measures and evaluation methods of phlebitis due to insertion of peripheral venous catheter, in order to subsidize the nursing plan. Results: the phenomenon of phlebitis is quite prevalent in hospitalized patients, related to multiple factors such as hyperosmolarity and pH of the solution infused, type of device used venous and nursing care with regard to the procedure of venipuncture and venous access. It is important for nurses to learn the tools to diagnose phlebitis, identifying signs and symptoms of inflammation, thus being able to intervene according to the degree shown, preventing the occurrence of phlebosclerosis. Conclusion: knowing the types of phlebitis and, consequently, their risk factors helps the nurse to have a better basis for decision making regarding the construction of specific protocols aimed at preventing this complication.(AU)

Objetivo: contribuir a la discusión de los mecanismos que conducen a la flebitis como complicación de la terapia intravenosa. Metodología: documento de actualización, que presenta la epidemiología, factores predisponentes, las medidas preventivas y métodos de evaluación de flebitis debido a la inserción de catéter venoso periférico, con el fin de subsidiar el plan de enfermería. Resultados: el fenómeno de la flebitis es muy frecuente en pacientes hospitalizados, relacionado con múltiples factores tales como hiperosmolaridad y el pH de la solución infundida, el tipo de dispositivo utilizado atención venosa y de enfermería en relación con el procedimiento de punción venosa y el acceso venoso. Es importante para las enfermeras aprender las herramientas para disgnosticar la flebitis, la identificación de signos y síntomas de inflmación, con lo que haya podido intervenir en función del grado se muestra, evitando la aparición de phlebosclerosis. Conclusión: conocer los tipos de flebitis y, en consecuencia, sus factores de riesgo ayuda a la enfermera para tener una mejor base para la toma de decisiones respecto a la construcción de protocolos específicos para prevenir esta complicación.(AU)

A biomechanical analysis of venous tissue in its normal and post-phlebitic conditions.

Although biomechanical studies of the normal rat vein wall have been reported (Weizsacker, 1988; Plante, 2002), there are no published studies that have investigated the mechanical effects of thrombus formation on murine venous tissue. In response to the lack of knowledge concerning the mechanical consequences of thrombus resolution, distinct thrombus-induced changes in the biomechanical properties of the murine vena cava were measured via biaxial stretch experiments. These data served as input for strain energy function (SEF) fitting and modeling (Gasser et al., 2006). Statistical differences were observed between healthy and diseased tissue with respect to the structural coefficient that represents the response of the non-collagenous, isotropic ground substance. Alterations following thrombus formation were also noted for the SEF coefficient which describes the anisotropic contribution of the fibers. The data indicate ligation of the vena cava leads to structural alterations in the ground substance and collagen fiber network.

Pharmacological interventions to treat phlebitis: systematic review.

This study presents a systematic review for evaluating effective pharmacological actions for the treatment of phlebitis stemming from infusion therapy. The studies reviewed were categorized according to the type of therapeutic approach proposed by the author and by the level of evidence presented. The review found that topical nitroglycerin and notoginseny were more effective in the reduction of the inflammatory process when compared with other proposed alternatives. Nevertheless, the development of research related to possible alternatives for the treatment of phlebitis is important.

Pileflebitis secundaria a diverticulitis / Phylephebitis dur to diverticulitis

Presentamos el caso de un varón de 52 años, con antecedentes de cólicos renoureterales que había consultado por un episodio de similares características, acompañado de fiebre y elevaciones de la GGT y de la fosfatasa alcalina. Una ecografía abdominal mostró hepatoesplenomegalia y un material ecogénico en el eje esplenoportal, sugerente de trombosis. La TAC abdominal demostró trombosis de la vena mesentérica inferior, continuándose por la vena esplénica hasta el origen proximal de la vena porta. También se observaron numerosos divertículos. Se sospechó que el paciente presentaba una diverticulitis aguda complicada con trombosis vascular, por lo que se decidió la realización de cirugía, que confirmó la existencia de diverticulitis sin perforación ni abscesos, flebitis con pileflebitis de la arteria mesentérica inferior hasta su unión con la vena esplénica, con salida de pus al seccionar la vena. Se realizó ligadura de la vena mesentérica inferior e intervención de Hartman con ligadura del muñón rectal y colostomía. Además se indicó tratamiento antibiótico de amplio espectro y anticogulación, siendo la evolución favorable. Posteriormente comentamos algunos aspectos etiológicos, clínicos, diagnósticos y terapéuticos de esta infrecuente complicación de la diverticulitis

A case of a 52 year-old-male, with past medical history of renoureteral crisis and recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, is presented. The patient presented to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain (similar to previous episodes), fever and abnormal liver function test (marked elevation of gammaglutamyltranspeptidase and alkaline phosphatase). An abdominal ultrasound was performed showing hepatomegaly, and enlarged spleen and an echogenic material that suggested a thrombosis. A CT scan confirmed the thrombosis of the inferior mesenteric vein extending up to the splenic vein and the portal vein. It also showed a large number of diverticulum. Surgery was performed in order to rule out an acute diverticulitis. A phylephlebitis, infective suppurative thrombosis of the portal vein and its branches (inferior mesenteric vein and splenic vein) was found due to an acute diverticulitis with neither perforation nor abscess. A ligature of the inferior mesenteric vein and a Hartmann procedure with resection of the diseased colon, and end colostomy and creation of a rectal stump, were performed. A favourable outcome was obtained with antibiotics and anticoagulation. Some aspects of the aetiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of this unusual complication of diverticulitis are also presented

Evaluation of a visual infusion phlebitis scale for determining appropriate discontinuation of peripheral intravenous catheters.

Approximately 150 million peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters are inserted annually in the United States, with a 5% incidence rate of phlebitis as an acceptable benchmark. In 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that PIV sites and administration sets be changed at least every 96 hours, yet clinical practice supported that at least 25% of PIV catheters showed no signs of phlebitis at 96 hours' dwell time. This study reports the assessment results of 850 PIV catheters over the indwelling life of the catheter, using the Visual Infusion Phlebitis scale as the measure determining when a PIV should be removed.

[Acute, idiopathic, bilateral uveitis with periphlebitis--case report]. / Ostre, idiopatyczne, obustronne zapalenie blony naczyniowej z towarzyszacym zapaleniem okolozylnym--opis przypadku.

The purpose of this paper is to present the case of a 35 years old healthy male suffering from acute, bilateral uveitis with periphlebitis which despite broad ophthalmic and internal diagnosis remained of unknown origin. Despite anti-inflammatory treatment with acyclovir, ciprofloxacin and Encorton remission of inflammation was not achieved. Due to the failure of steroid treatment the decision of immunosuppressive therapy with Rapamycine and Endoxan was made. New therapeutic regimen caused the remission of inflammation and preserved patient's useful visual acuity.

[Effort phlebitis of the upper limb. Report of 5 cases]. / Phlébite d'effort du membre supérieur. A propos de cinq observations.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of upper limbs is extremely rare. DVT related to physical stress is a less known form. The purpose of this study was to outline the clinical pattern and laboratory features as well as the clinical course and outcome of this disease. The authors report 5 documented cases of upper limb DVT related to physical stress: 4 patients were hand workers and 1 was a young athletic man. None of the patients developed pulmonary embolism. Two patients had late sequelae. Treatment is based on prompt and early anticoagulation. Prevention can be achieved by contention, active physiotherapy and professional rehabilitation.

Soluble P-selectin antagonist mediates rolling velocity and adhesion of leukocytes in acutely inflamed venules.

OBJECTIVE: Leukocyte rolling is recognized as an important event in facilitating the extravasation of leukocytes from the vascular to the interstitial compartment, and is mediated by the selectin family of cell adhesion molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate and characterize the rolling behavior of leukocytes in a model of acute inflammation using a novel soluble selectin ligand directed against P-selectin. METHODS: Feline mesenteric postcapillary venules were visualized using intravital microscopy prior to and following exposure to leukotriene C4 (LTC4) in animals pretreated with vehicle (saline) and the P-selectin antagonist rPSGL-Ig. RESULTS: A concentration of 500 pM LTC4 induced a threefold and sixfold elevation in leukocyte rolling flux and adhesion, respectively, compared to baseline values (p < 0.05). Administration of rPSGL-Ig had no effect on LTC4-induced leukocyte rolling flux but significantly attenuated the increase in the fraction of rolling leukocytes (p < 0.05). In addition, rPSGL-Ig inhibited the LTC4-induced reductions in leukocyte rolling velocity (p < 0.001). Finally, LTC4-induced leukocyte adhesion in animals pretreated with rPSGL-Ig was reduced by 60%, compared to vehicle-treated animals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: LTC4 induces leukocyte rolling and adhesion in feline mesenteric venules in a dose-dependent manner. Administration of rPSGL-Ig inhibits LTC4-induced reductions in leukocyte rolling velocity and attenuates the elevation in the fraction of rolling leukocytes produced by LTC4 stimulation. This suggests that rPSGL-Ig may be used to reduce leukocyte rolling and adhesion, and subsequently attenuate tissue injury during inflammation.

[Periphlebitis retinae, uveitis and cystoid maculopathy in a patient with multiple sclerosis]. / Periphlebitis retinae, Uveitis sowie zystoide Makulopathie bei einem Patienten mit Multipler Sklerose.

PATIENT: A 44-year-old woman has a history of multiple sclerosis since 20 years. Besides recurrent numbness she had many instances of optic nerve neuritis which has led to a pronounced optic atrophy on her left eye. Additionally, she has developed recurrent iridocyclitis on her right eye. This was the reason why she was referred to our outpatient department for evaluation. Ophthalmic examination revealed an iridocyclitis associated with a multifocal retinal periphlebitis and severe cystoid macular edema in her right eye. CONCLUSION: Patients with multiple sclerosis develop in approximately 30% of cases retinal periphlebitis which may rarely be associated with anterior uveitis or cystoid macular edema as observed in our patient.

Experimental infusion phlebitis: tolerance osmolality of peripheral venous endothelial cells.

This study aimed to determine the osmolality that peripheral venous endothelial cells can tolerate and to clarify the relationship between tolerance osmolality and duration of infusion. Nutrient solutions of 539-917 mOsm/kg, prepared to have no acidic effect, were infused into rabbit ear veins, and the veins were examined histopathologically. In each experiment of 8-, 12-, or 24-h infusion, the higher osmolality solutions caused some phlebitic changes, such as loss of venous endothelial cells, inflammatory cell infiltration, and edema; however, the lowest osmolality solution caused few changes. Infusion of 120 mL/kg of 814 mOsm/kg solution caused phlebitis at 5 or 10 mL.kg-1.h-1, however, the same volume of the same solution scarcely caused phlebitis at 15 mL.kg-1.h-1 because of the shortened infusion duration. These results suggest that the tolerance osmolality of peripheral venous endothelial cells with poor blood flow is about 820 mOsm/kg for 8 h, 690 mOsm/kg for 12 h, and 550 mOsm/kg for 24 h, and that the tolerance osmolality falls as the duration of infusion increases. In conclusion, hypertonic solutions should be infused at as high a rate as is clinically acceptable and compatible with nutrient bioavailability because increasing the infusion rate reduces the duration of infusion and phlebitis.

Saphenous vein thrombophlebitis (SVT): a deceptively benign disease.

PURPOSE: The association between deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the hypercoagulable state is a well-established entity. However, the association between saphenous vein thrombophlebitis and coagulation abnormalities has not been investigated. Although thrombosis of varicose veins typically runs a benign course, phlebitis of the saphenous system may propagate to the deep system or saphenofemoral junction that requires more aggressive therapy. Given the potential similarity in clinical outcome between saphenous vein thrombophlebitis (SVT) and DVT, we have investigated the coagulation profile of patients presenting with isolated SVT. METHODS: Seventeen consecutive patients who presented to our vascular laboratory with isolated SVT had a coagulation profile performed that included antithrombin III (AT III), protein C (PC), protein S (PS) antigen and activity levels, activated protein C (APC) resistance, factor V DNA mutation, and coagulation factors II and X. All patients had duplex scans performed on both the superficial and deep venous systems. Patients with SVT only were treated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and warm soaks as outpatients, whereas those patients found to have DVT or a clot at the saphenofemoral junction were fully anticoagulated with heparin and coumadin therapy. All 17 patients had at least one repeat coagulation profile performed up to 5 months after their SVT occurrence to ensure that the results of hypercoagulability were not transient. RESULTS: Ten (59%) of the 17 patients with SVT had abnormal coagulation profiles on initial presentation. All 10 patients who were hypercoagulable had repeat tests and 6 (35%) remained abnormal. Four patients who had abnormal results converted to normal values. Seven patients with normal coagulation profiles on initial presentation had repeat tests and all remained normal. CONCLUSION: The incidence of the hypercoagulable state in patients with SVT is high. Thirty-five percent of patients with isolated SVT had consistently abnormal coagulation profiles. Patients with SVT may be prone to the development of DVT or saphenofemoral junction thrombophlebitis and should be closely followed after the initial diagnosis of hypercoagulability.