[Effectiveness and safety of hydroxyethyl-rutosides in the local treatment of symptoms of venous insufficiency during air travel]

Abstract

During air travel, the length of time spent in a sitting position and the absence of muscular activity in the calves severely slow the rate of blood flow in the lower limbs. The aim of this randomized, cross-over, double-blind study was to evaluate local application of Hydroxyethyl-rutosides (O-Beta-Hydroxyethylrutosides) in the treatment of symptoms of venous insufficiency including stasis-induced edema during extended air travel on flights exceeding 6 hours. Hydroxyethyl-rutosides or placebo was applied every 3 or 4 hours throughout the flight. In the 51 subjects evaluated (both males and females) the results show statistically significant differences favoring treatment with Hydroxyethyl-rutosides both with regard to objective signs of edema: change in minimum ankle circumference was less during trips in which Hydroxyethyl-rutosides was applied, whether compared with the maximum measurement (p = 0.04) or the last measurement made during the flights, and with regard to subjective signs: several symptoms occurred significantly less frequently when the subject applied Hydroxyethyl-rutosides during the flight [pain (p = 0.03), sensation of heavy and tired legs (p = 0.04) and sensation of swelling (p = 0.02)]. the patient's overall assessment of the treatment was also favorable after using Hydroxyethyl-rutosides Gel (p = 0.01). the number of subjects complaining of edema (pitting edema, marks of shoes, difficulties putting shoes back on) was significantly lower during periods of treatment with Hydroxyethyl-rutosides Gel (p = 0.001). Local application of Hydroxyethyl-rutosides, 3 to 4 times during 6 to 14 hours is thus effective in treating the main symptoms of venous insufficiency including stasis-induced edema caused by extended periods in the sitting position during long air flights.