Experience with six-month administration of red vine leaf extract in hormone-induced phlebopathy

Tsukanov Yu.T., Tsukanov A.Yu.

Postgraduate Medical Education Department of Surgical Diseases and Urology Omsk State Medical Academy, Omsk, Russia

Objective: The study was aimed at assessing efficacy and tolerability of six-month administration of a red vine leaf extract (Antistax^® – 360 mg/day) in women presenting with orthostasis-dependent phlebopathy of the lower limbs on the background of long-term hormone replacement therapy.

Of the 62 women included into the study, 59 completed it. Treatment with Antistax^® was accompanied and followed by a distinct decrease in the circumference of the calf as early as during the first 3 months from 36.77±2.892 cm to 35.98±2.831 cm (p=0.001), which remained stable for the subsequent 3 months despite taking hormonal agents. A decrease in the ankle circumference was similar, but less demonstrative. The evening diameter of the great saphenous vein (GSV) also decreased from 0.70±0.11 to 0.65±0.099 (p=0.001) and did not increase within the subsequent 3 months. There was a subjectively perceived decrease in the intensity of the venous symptoms along the 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS), being also more pronounced during the first 3 months. Quality of life according to the CIVIQ2 questionnaire, in spite of continuing hormone therapy, improved from 42.03±7.634 to 30.36±8.646 (p=0.000001). Administration of Antistax^® was well tolerated. Mild undesirable events were observed in 3 (5.08%) women and disappeared spontaneously. Patient compliance amounted to 99%.

Conclusion: Antistax^® (360 mg/day) orally administered in women suffering from orthostasis-dependent phlebopathy and taking hormonal replacement therapy is safe during 6 months, leading to a decrease in the measurements of the lower extremities and veins diameter, relieving venous symptoms, occurring to a greater extent within the first 3 months, and exerting a stable maintaining effect during the subsequent 3 months, and hence may be used in cases of prolonged replacement therapy.

KEY WORDS: chronic venous insufficiency, Antistax, phlebopathy, duplex scanning, hormone replacement therapy in women, CIVIC2 scale.

P. 107

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