Adherence to and efficacy of different compression methods for treating chronic venous insufficiency in the elderly.

Objectives To investigate the adherence to and efficacy of different compression methods in elderly patients. Methods A retrospective review of compression therapy in 120 elderly patients (65 years) with chronic venous insufficiency was performed to study the initially preferred compression method, adherence to each method, and its efficacy. Results Initially, an oversize strong stocking (24%), an appropriate size moderate stocking (19%), and bandages (37%) were equally preferred. Adherence at 1 month was 69%, 96%, and 91%, respectively, and they reduced ankle circumferences in C3 patients by 1.81.9cm, 0.3 +/- 1.7cm, and 2.9 +/- 1.7cm, respectively. The improvement rates of C4 symptoms were 79%, 60%, and 91%, respectively. Only three patients (2%) preferred an appropriate size strong stocking. Conclusions In elderly patients, an appropriate size strong stocking was not preferred. The best adherence was achieved by using a moderate stocking, while the best efficacy was achieved by using bandages.