BACKGROUND:
Chronic venous disease (CVD) is progressive and has a high prevalence in the economically active population. Its impact on the quality of life of affected individuals is poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE:
To test for correlations between the CEAP classification of CVD severity and CVD symptoms and quality of life of affected individuals.
METHODS:
We investigated 91 lower limbs in 59 patients with CVD (CEAP C1- C6). Patients were assessed with a Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAPS), the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and the SF-36 quality-of-life questionnaire. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated.
RESULTS:
There were positive correlations between the CEAP classification and scores for VAPS (0.815, p <0.000), VCSS (0.937, p <0.000), and SF-36 in the dimensions Physical Functioning: -0.791, p <0.000; Role Physical: -0.839; p <0.000; Bodily Pain: -0.684; General Health: -0.617, p <0.000; Role Emotional: -0.691, p <0.000). There was no correlation with Vitality: -0.003, p=0.979; Role Social: -0.188, p=0.740 or Mental Health: -0.085, p=0.421.
CONCLUSIONS:
There were positive correlations between CEAP and both VAPS and VCSS. Chronic Venous Insufficiency progressively affects quality of life (SF-36). Physical and emotional aspects are more severe at later stages of CVD. Vitality, Mental Health and Role Social can be negatively impacted from the early stages of the disease.
varicose veins; venous insufficiency; quality of life; signs and symptoms
