Pharmacological interventions to treat chronic venous disease: A network meta-analysis

BackgroundPharmacological therapies are recommended for patients with chronic venous disease (CVD).MethodsWe conducted this network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the safety and efficacy of pharmacological interventions in terms of ulcer healing, pain and heaviness for CVD treatment.Results51 RCTs (6800 patients) fulfilled eligibility criteria. Pentoxifylline (Relative risk [RR] = 1.69; 95% CI: 1.34 - 2.14), Micronized Purified Flavonoid Fraction (RR = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.23 - 2.29) and Sulodexide (RR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.16 - 2.23) significantly increased ulcer healing. Only Calcium dobesilate (RR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.14 - 0.64) significantly reduced pain compared to the control group. Calcium dobesilate (RR = 0.22; 95% CI: 0.08 - 0.63) and Centella asiatica (RR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11 - 0.81) significantly reduced heaviness. Red vine leaf extract (RR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44 - 0.87) was significantly associated with fewer adverse events.ConclusionsPharmacological interventions were efficacious for CVD treatment.