Biomarkers of low-grade inflammation in primary varicose veins of the lower limbs

R. Flore, F.R. Ponziani, L. Gerardino, A. Santoliquido, A. Di Giorgio, A. Lupascu, A. Nesci, P. Tondi

Internal Medicine and Angiology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy. francesca.ponziani@yahoo.it

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• Angiology

OBJECTIVE: To analyze serum biomarkers of CVD in selected patients with primary axial reflux of great saphenous vein in one or both lower limbs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients affected by uncomplicated varicose veins, were enrolled in the study. A unilateral, primary axial reflux in great saphenous veins was detected in 54 patients (U-CVD group) and a bilateral one in 42 (B-CVD group). Sixty-five age and sex-matched subjects without venous reflux were enrolled as controls. Mean venous pressure of both lower limbs at the distal great saphenous vein (mGSVP) and venous reflux were measured by continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound and echoduplex scanning, respectively. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) and its Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activities, Hematocrit (HTC), White Blood Cells (WBC), Neutrophyls (NEU), Platelets (PLT), Fibrinogen (FIB) and Blood Viscosity (BV) were assessed in blood samples drawn from the antecubital vein.

RESULTS: B-CVD group showed higher fibrinogen values (p < 0.005) and higher mean venous pressure (0 < 0.0001) in comparison to controls, while U-CVD did not. No difference was found between both groups and controls for all the other parameters.

CONCLUSIONS: Increased fibrinogen levels in patients with bilateral varicose veins may represent an early warning signal, as it could be associated to the long-term progression of chronic venous disease.

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