Stockings No Help in Stroke Risk

Tight-fitting compression stockings don’t prevent blood clots from developing in the legs of stroke patients, according to new research.

The study, published June 6 in the Lancet, tracked more than 2,500 immobile patients admitted to hospitals within a week of a stroke. Half received thigh-high graduated compression stockings that squeeze veins to prevent blood clots in the legs, which can prove fatal if they travel to the heart or lungs. The other half did not. Over 30 days, 10 percent of patients in both groups developed blood clots in their legs. And 5 percent of those wearing stockings developed skin breaks, ulcers and blisters, compared with 1 percent in the other group.

Lead researcher Martin Dennis of the University of Edinburgh says he was “surprised by the complete lack of effect” of the stockings and is urging a revision of treatment guidelines in the United Kingdom, where compression stockings are routinely issued to stroke patients.

Although American Heart Association president-elect Ralph Sacco, M.D., says in the United States the stockings are only recommended for those who can’t tolerate anti-clotting medications such as heparin, studies such as these do call for taking another look at AHA guidelines. Sacco and Dennis agree this study doesn’t affect compression stocking recommendations for surgery patients or those told to use them during long air travel. 

Sid Kirchheimer writes about consumer and health issues.