Comparison of Knee-High and Thigh-High Graduated Compression Stockings in Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke

Abstract

Background Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Prophylaxis and treatment of DVT in these patients is very difficult because there are some limitations regarding the use of anticoagulant drugs. Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of knee-high and thigh-high graduated compression stockings in preventing DVT in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Methods In this clinical trial, 88 patients with hemorrhagic stroke were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either thigh-high or knee-high graduated compression stockings as prophylaxis for DVT. The prevalence of DVT was studied using clinical symptoms and Doppler ultrasound. Chi-square and Mann Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. Results In the thigh-high stockings group, 11 patients (26.8%) and in the knee-high stockings group, 18 patients (38.3%) were affected by DVT during the study. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.25). Conclusions There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of DVT. Therefore, either knee-high or thigh-high stockings can be used as prophylaxis, depending on patients’ will, cost and ease of use.