TREATMENT OF THROMBOPHLEBITIS

Venous stasis, injury or alteration of the intima and alterations in the coagulability of the blood are the three most common etiologic factors in thrombophlebitis. Usually at least two of these factors must be present before the clinical manifestations of the disease develop.A plan of treatment based on correcting these three factors has been used in over 250 cases of thrombophlebitis, and it is believed that a significant decrease was brought about in the acute and long term disability and in the occurrence of complications.The program consists of absolute bed rest in a hospital for about a week, elevation of the foot of the bed, administration of anticoagulants and adenosine-5-monophosphate for at least six weeks, progressive ambulation after the fourth day of treatment, with avoidance of prolonged standing and sitting, and adequate elastic support. Treatment must be continued until the patient has returned to full, normal activity and all signs of phlebitis have disappeared.