Outcomes of a multicomponent compression system in a hot environment: a clinical evaluation

Objective: To assess the effects of the UrgoKTwo (Laboratoires URGO, France) compression system on the leg volume, interface pressures, static stiffness index (SSI), comfort and slippage in a very hot environment. Method: Volunteers from among hospital staff in the Diabetic Foot Center (Cairo, Egypt), whose work involved standing for long periods, and who presented with a pitting oedema, were included in this study. The parameters were assessed at baseline, after four hours of wearing the compression system (T+4h), and following a treadmill test. Leg volume was assessed using HandySCAN 3D Laser (Creaform, Canada). Results: A total of 20 volunteers took part. The compression system was applied with an interface pressure of 45±3mmHg at baseline. After four hours of wearing the compression system, there was a significant reduction in mean leg volume of 81ml, which represented 2.9% of the mean volume (p<0.001). The SSI calculated at inclusion after bandage application (13±4.8 mmHg) increased significantly at T+4h (15.9±4.9 mmHg) (p<0.001). This was due to a decrease in resting pressure to 30mmHg without notable slippage. Despite the hot environment, the compression system remained very comfortable to study participants (mean visual analogue scale score: 8±1.6). Conclusion: The findings of this clinical trial showed that the compression system helped reduce oedema in a very hot environment from the initial hours of wear. The SSI, which increased over the course of the trial, is an essential factor in reinforcing venous haemodynamics of the calf muscle pump.