Elastic compression stockings fail to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome after a first deep vein thrombosis.

Context Post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a chronic complication of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) characterised by clinical features ranging from minor limb swelling to leg ulceration. One in three patients with DVT will develop PTS sequelae within 5 years, with most cases reported within the first 2 years. Venous hypertension, resulting from valvular reflux and residual thrombus, is implicated in the pathophysiology of PTS. Elastic compression stockings reduce venous hypertension and have been evaluated for the prevention of PTS; however, limitations in trial design affect the generalisability of published results. The study by Kahn and colleagues aims to evaluate the role of compression stockings in the prevention of PTS while addressing the methodological limitations of previously published trials.