Compression therapy for a patient with vascular disease of the lower extremity can cause complications.
Risk factors for complications:
(1) improper application
(2) presence of severe arterial disease
(3) application of excessive pressure
(4) poor hygiene
Adverse effects may include:
(1) persistent skin erythema
(2) pain or discomfort
(3) edema
(4) deep vein thrombosis
(5) superficial skin damage, maceration or breakdown
(6) pressure damage (ulcer, other)
(7) arterial ischemia which can lead to amputation
(8) infection
A patient with a reduced ankle-to-brachial pressure index (ABPI) should be evaluated for arterial disease. A patient with an ABPI < 0.8 should be evaluated for arterial disease and usually is not considered a candidate for high compression therapy.
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