Servier – Phlebolymphology

Russell Hull, who is one of the leading clinical scientists in this field, together with his co-worker Jeanne Sheldon, presents proposals on how to conduct and report new drug trials, and gives an overview on the state of the art of how to treat patients with venous thromboembolism, based on recommendations from consensus papers.

Colleagues, who are planning randomized controlled trials, will find very important suggestions that will help to improve the quality of their studies.

An update on the use of factor Xa inhibitors for thrombosis prevention and treatment comes from Joseph Caprini, a top expert in the field of thromboprophylaxis. Until now, neither HIT (heparin-induced thrombopenia) nor osteoporosis has been observed after the administration of the factor Xa-inhibitor fondaparinux, which in various trials has achieved some of the lowest VTE rates ever observed following total hip or knee replacement, or hip fracture.

A well-balanced and critical analysis of the pharmacological treatment of chronic venous disorders is presented by Michel Perrin and George Geroulakos. Links between the pathophysiology of venous disorders, signs, and symptoms are discussed, and possible targets of phlebotropic drugs are outlined.

The paper of René Milleret points to a clinical problem that is probably underdiagnosed: popliteal vein entrapment syndrome. This condition may especially occur in connection with intensive sports training, or with recurrent sural vein thrombosis, but also after surgery of the small saphenous vein. Diagnostic tests are described and the outcome of surgery in 11 cases is reported.

A new feature of Phlebolymphology is the Book reviews. Two new books on phlebology and on phlebolymphology are reviewed by two leading authorities, John Bergan and Michel Perrin.

For future editions, the Editorial Board of Phlebolymphology would like to encourage our readers to send in reviews of books or articles, together with their comments.

Enjoy your reading!