Comparison of Knee-High and Thigh-High Graduated Compression Stockings in Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients with Hemorrhagic Stroke

Background: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a common complication in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Prophylaxis and treatment of DVT in these patients is very difficult because there are some limitations regarding the use of anticoagulant drugs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of knee-high and thigh-high graduated compression stockings in preventing DVT in patients with hemorrhagic stroke. Methods: In this clinical trial, 88 patients with hemorrhagic stroke were randomly assigned to two groups to receive either thighhigh or knee-high graduated compression stockings as prophylaxis for DVT. The prevalence of DVT was studied using clinical symptoms and Doppler ultrasound. Chi-square and Mann Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data. Results: In the thigh-high stockings group, 11 patients (26.8%) and in the knee-high stockings group, 18 patients (38.3%) were affected by DVT during the study. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P = 0.25). Conclusions: There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of DVT. Therefore, either knee-high or thigh-high stockings can be used as prophylaxis, depending on patients’ will, cost and ease of use