Post Thrombotic Syndrome

Transcription

1 Post Thrombotic Syndrome DVT Clinic Information for Patients i University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust

2 What is Post Thrombotic Syndrome? Post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a condition which may occur as a result of previously having had a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is termed a syndrome as it is associated with varying signs and symptoms which can differ between patients. Symptoms can be present in various combinations and may be present some or most of the time. It is not possible to predict who will develop PTS. Some patients will develop symptoms in the first six months following a DVT, in others it may take up to two years or longer. Some will not develop PTS. What are the symptoms and signs of PTS? Symptoms: Symptoms can vary from slight discomfort, itching, a sensation of heaviness, swelling or pain in the leg which is worse on standing and is improved by elevation the limb. Signs: Swelling of the leg, skin discolouration, scaly skin, eczema and in severe cases, ulceration. 2

3 What are the causes of PTS? In a normal healthy leg, blood flows from the foot back to the heart through the veins without problem. When upright, blood is prevented from running back to the foot by a series of one-way valves in the veins. A blood cot can damage these valves and result in reduced efficiency of the system returning blood to the heart. The calf muscle contains many veins. The muscle contracts during exercise; this contraction squeezes the veins and pumps the blood back towards the heart. This is known as the calf muscle pump. A DVT can sometimes cause scarring of the veins and make them narrower. This results in the calf muscle pump being less effective in pumping blood out of the leg. These combined factors can lead to the development of PTS. 3

4 How can PTS be prevented? Wearing compression stockings following diagnosis of a DVT has been shown to reduce the incidence of PTS. The stockings are graduated, having a higher pressure at the ankle than they do at the knee. This reverse pressure encourages blood back towards the heart and helps the prevent pooling of blood, lessens swelling and reduces the risk of developing further signs of PTS. Along with wearing compression stockings, the risk of getting PTS can be reduced by doing the following: Stopping smoking Elevating the leg regularly Reducing weight Gentle exercise PTS can have a negative effect on quality of life, it is therefore important to take measures to prevent or lessen it. In some patients the initial pain and swelling of a DVT may take a few months to resolve. It is not until the acute phase has passed that the diagnosis of PTS could be accurately made. 4

5 Further Information If you have any questions, please contact us at: DVT Clinic Odames Ward Victoria Building Leicester Royal Infirmary Tel: (Mon-Fri 8am till 6pm) 5

6 Leaflet References Vazquez S R, Kahn S R (2010). Post Thrombotic Syndrome. Circulation Journal the American Heart Association; 121 (8); e217. (2010) Prandoni P et al (1997). The clinical course of deep vein thrombosis. Prospective long-term follow up of 528 symptomatic patients. Haematologica; 82: Milne AA, Ruckley CV (1994). The clinical course of patients following extensive deep venous thombosis. European Journal of Vascular Surgery. 8 (1);

7 Any questions? If you have any questions write them down here to remind you what to ask when you speak to your consultant. 7

8 If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the service equality manager on Haddaad rabto warqadan oo turjuman oo ku duuban cajalad ama qoraal ah fadlan la xiriir, Maamulaha Adeegga Sinaanta Eĝer bu broşürün (kitapçıĝın) yazılı veya kasetli açıklamasını isterseniz lütfen servis müdürüne telefonundan ulaşabilirsiniz. Produced: December 2011 Review: December 2013 (Roberts) KR HAEM