Mechanisms of increased vascular superoxide production in human varicose veins.

Introduction: Varicose vein disease is one of the most common morbidities in the developed countries. Recent studies have shown that oxidative stress is increased in varicose veins (VV) and venous insufficiency. However, the exact mechanisms of oxidative stress in VV remain unknown.

Red blood cell rheology in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD).

Rheological studies concerning aggregation and elongation of erythrocytes were carried out in 21 patients (mean age 56 years) with chronic venous disease (CVD) and 10 (mean age 45 years) healthy control subjects, with the use of a LORCA device. Higher values of parameters characterizing both erythrocyte elongation (EI) and aggregation (gammathr) in non-control patients than in the control group were found. These values differed significantly ranging from 1.

[Surgical site infections following vascular surgery].

Objective: The aim of this paper was to perform epidemiological and microbiological analyses of surgical site infections diagnosed in patients after vascular surgery in two highly specialist centers in the year 2005.

Methods: The study was conducted in two highly specialist wards in 2005 and covered totally 413 procedures. SSI's detection was based on definitions developed according to CDC guidelines.

Efficacy and tolerability of liposomal heparin spraygel as an add-on treatment in the management of superficial venous thrombosis.

Superficial venous thrombosis usually resolves spontaneously in a few weeks. In most cases, treatment includes peroral analgesics or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs accompanied by the recommendation to wear elastic stockings and perform regular mild ambulation. In contrast to this "standard treatment," a recent ACCP guideline has recommended that patients affected by spontaneous superficial thrombophlebitis be treated with intermediate doses of unfractionated or low-molecular-weight heparin.

Red blood cell deformability in patients with claudication after pain-free treadmill training.

Objectives: To assess the effect of pain-free treadmill training on red blood cell deformability and walking distance in patients with claudication.

Design: Randomized-controlled trial of exercise training.

Setting: Patients were recruited from the primary care, vascular outpatient clinic.