Effect of Sulodexide on Endothelial Function and Quality of Life in Patients with Varicose Veins

Objective. To study the effect of sulodexide on endothelial dysfunction and quality of life in patients with varicose veins. Material and methods. The study included 93 patients with varicose veins CEAP class C2-C3. They were divided into 4 groups: group 1 — compression hosiery; group 2 — sulodexide 250 LE 2 times a day; group 3 — endovenous laser ablation; group 4 — endovenous laser ablation followed by sulodexide therapy. We analyzed serum E-selectin, MCP-1, VEGF, MMP-2 and MMP-9 as markers of endothelial dysfunction and vein-specific inflammation. Quality of life changes were assessed using the CIVIQ-20 and SF-36 questionnaires. Results. E-selectin decreased by 24% after 2 months in the 1st group (p=0.004). In the 2nd group, E-selectin, MCP-1, MMP-2 and MMP-9 significantly decreased (p=0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001 and p=0.04, respectively), while VEGF did not change (p=0.73). E-selectin, MCP-1 and MMP-9 decreased in the 3rd group. In the 4th group, all indicators decreased after complex treatment. After 2-month therapy, QoL improved in all groups (p<0.05), except for the first group (CIVIQ-20 questionnaire, p=0.73). Conclusion. Sulodexide therapy, especially after invasive treatment, improves the quality of life, reduces serum markers of endothelial dysfunction and vein-specific inflammation.