Varicose vein in patients under the age of 40: A multicenter case-control study

Abstract

Objective

To assess the risk factors for varicose veins in patients under the age of 40 and the long-term results of surgery.

Methods

This multicenter case-control study comprised patients who received great saphenous vein stripping and ambulatory phlebectomy between January 2014 and December 2015 and were followed for at least 5 years. Patients under the age of 40 were assigned to Group 1. Patients in Group 2 were selected in a 3:1 ratio by matching their CEAP classification to those in Group 1. We studied their demographics, risk factors, and follow-up findings.

Results

There were 42 patients (mean age 35) in Group 1 and 126 patients (mean age 57) in Group 2. Group 2 patients had a higher prevalence of hypertension (16% vs 2%, p = .022). The proportions of C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6 were 52%, 10%, 24%, 10%, and 5%, respectively. For risk factors, only family history was more prevalent in Group 1 (odds ratio 4.9, 95% confidence interval 2.3–10.4). The course of the disease was shorter in Group 1 (p = .003). During a mean follow-up of 79 months, there were no difference in the recurrences of varicose vein, Venous Clinical Severity Score, or Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores (p > .05), which indicated similar 5-year surgery efficacy between the two groups.

Conclusion

Family history was more prevalent and the course of the disease was shorter among young patients with varicose veins. The 5-year prognosis of surgery was satisfactory despite the age of receiving the treatment.