Abstract
Objective: Patients with varicose veins of the lower extremity have various complaints, and not a few of them complain of edema, which is one of the reasons for their deteriorated quality of life. We investigated the clinical usefulness of goreisan, a kampo prescription to regulate water metabolism, in patients with varicose veins of the lower extremity accompanied by edema. Methods: Twenty-two patients with varicose veins of the lower extremity accompanied by a subjective and objectively obvious symptom of edema (C3 or severer according to CEAP classification) received goreisan for 12 weeks in combination with the use of elastic compression stockings. Circumferences of lower extremity (circumference above patella, maximum circumference of lower leg, and circumference at external malleolus), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores of subjective symptoms (edema, pain, coldness, malaise, numbness, pruritus, and muscle cramp), severity of varicose veins, and laboratory parameters (coagulation system, inflammatory reaction, general items, and blood pressure) were evaluated before and after the administration of goreisan. Results: All the circumferences of lower extremity were significantly reduced after the administration of goreisan. Significant improvements were also recognized in the VAS scores of subjective symptoms and the severity of varicose veins. The laboratory parameters showed no change. Conclusion: The possibility was suggested that using goreisan together with elastic compression stockings improves edema and reduces complaints in patients in treatment of varicose veins of the lower extremity accompanied by edema.
