Venous Insufficiency in Pediatric Patients

Abstract

Objective: The diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous disease has been well standardized in adults. However, the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency in pediatric patients, except for Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and post-thrombotic syndrome, could not be established.

In this retrospective study, we planned to present pediatric patients diagnosed with venous insufficiency by our clinic.

Methods: Between January 2016 and May 2018, patients under 18 years of age who were referred to our clinic were included in this study. Venous Doppler ultrasonography was performed in patients and reflux in deep and superficial veins was evaluated. The reflux time is simply duration of inverse flow. A reflux time of >500 ms was used to define the valve insufficiency of the superficial and perforating veins. A reflux time of >1 s was used to define the valve insufficiency of the deep venous system. Venous reflux parameters were compared using t-test.

Results: Twenty-five patients were identified in this study. The mean age of the patients was 12 (4-17) years. As a result of clinical examination, 11 patients had varicose venous or venous malformation, 9 patients had swelling (pedal edema), and 6 patients had edema or venous ulcer. Two patients had normal examination findings. Chronic inflammation, hyperpigmentation was not present. No venous thrombomboemboli story was available in any patient.

Conclusion: The uncertainty of the factors that cause venous reflux in children still maintains itself today. However, this uncertainty will continue for a long time as the methods used in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous disease are the same in both adults and children.