Comparison of the Safety and Efficacy of Foam Sclerotherapy With 1:2 Polidocanol to Air Ratio Versus 1:4 Ratio for the Treatment of Reticular Veins of the Lower Extremities

BACKGROUND: Foam sclerotherapy is a common treatment of lower extremity reticular veins. The effect of different liquid-gas ratios on foam stability and efficacy has been controversial. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of 2 different polidocanol (POL) to air ratios for the treatment of reticular veins of the lower extremities. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients with lower extremity reticular veins were randomized to foam sclerotherapy with POL mixed with 4 mL of room air for one lower extremity or 2 mL for the other lower extremity. All telangiectasias were treated with glycerin immediately after treatment of the reticular veins. Adverse events (AEs) and efficacy were evaluated by both subject and blinded investigator. RESULTS: Thirty subjects completed the study. No statistically significant difference was seen in AEs between the 2 different POL to air ratios by subject questionnaire and blinded investigator scores at all time points. Subjects and blinded investigator reported a mean improvement between 0% and 50% at Day 21 and 26% to 75% at Day 90, which was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Two different POL to air ratios, 1:2 versus 1:4, were similarly safe and efficacious for the treatment reticular veins of the lower extremities.