Therapeutic Options and Patterns of Prescription in Chronic Venous Disorders: Results of a 3-Year Survey in Italy

Objectives: To assess self-management of chronic venous disorders (CVDs) in a selected Italian population and the pattern of prescription by selected Italian phlebologists. Design: Cross-sectional study carried out between 2003 and 2005. Materials: Non-random, transverse sample of men and women recruited by advertising. Methods: Assessment of therapeutic habits of respondents, treatment advice given by phlebologists related to socio-demographic variables and severity of the disease. Multivariate odds ratios for sex, age, class, region, family history and severity of the disease. Results: Women undergo CVD therapy more than men (odds ratio (OR): 2.37 for medical treatment; 1.29 for surgical treatment and 5.72 for sclerotherapy). Young people prefer drug treatment to compression stockings. Drug therapy for CVD is 1.5 times more likely in southern Italian respondents, as is compression stockings (OR: 1.91). Surgical therapy is more frequent in Northern Italy (OR for Central Italy: 0.79; Southern Italy and Islands: 0.76). Family history of CVD leads people to early treatment of symptoms. Conclusions: This study provides insight into self-medication of CVD in Italy and the prescribing patterns of Italian phlebologists in the treatment of CVD. It shows that the population interviewed is able to practise responsible self-medication of their CVD problems. © 2009 European Society for Vascular Surgery.