Long-term follow-up of sclerotherapy of telangiectasias and reticular veins in lower limbs: Glucose versus polidocanol diluted in glucose

Abstract

Background:

Sclerotherapy is the treatment of choice for telangiectasias and reticular veins of the lower limbs, but long-term follow-up raises concerns about recurrence. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of sclerotherapy for lower-limb telangiectasias and reticular veins over 3 years, focusing on disease control, pigmentation, and matting.

Methods:

A prospective, blinded cohort study followed patients treated with a single sclerotherapy session for telangiectasias (Study 1) or reticular veins (Study 2). Two groups were compae2-1358red: Group 1 received 0.2% polidocanol in 70% hypertonic glucose (PDHG) and Group 2 received 75% hypertonic glucose (HG) alone. Data were collected at 60 days and 3 years posttreatment. Analyses included recurrence, pigmentation, and matting. Photographic measurements were performed using ImageJ™ software.

Results:

A total of 43 patients were included in Study 1 and 35 in Study 2, with a mean follow-up of 36 months in both. The groups were epidemiologically similar. Recurrence occurred in both studies. In Study 1, almost all the patients had recurrence of telangiectasias, with no significant difference between treatments. In Study 2, recurrence was minimal and favored PDHG (p = 0.016). Pigmentation resolved mainly over time, with no significant intergroup or interstudy differences. Matting was more persistent in telangiectasias but nearly disappeared in reticular veins, with no significant group differences.

Conclusions:

Telangiectasia recurrence was common after 3 years, regardless of treatment. In contrast, reticular veins showed minimal recurrence, particularly with PDHG. Pigmentation generally resolved spontaneously. Matting was more persistent in telangiectasias than in reticular veins. These findings support the long-term viability of both approaches in clinical practice.