Superficial thrombophlebitis is a relatively common inflammatory process that affects the superficial veins in the legs. The symptoms include pain, reddening of the skin and swollen surrounding tissue. There is some evidence to suggest that there may be an association between superficial thromboembolism and venous thromboembolism. Predisposing risk factors for superficial thrombophlebitis and venous thromboembolism are similar and include varicose veins, immobilization of the legs, the period after surgery, trauma, pregnancy and the period immediately following childbirth, active malignancies, use of oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy and obesity. Treatment aims to relieve painful local symptoms and prevent the development of more serious events caused by blood clots (thromboembolic events).
This review included 24 trials involving 2469 participants. The methodological quality of the included studies was poor and not all studies reported on progression of disease. Treatment ranged from low molecular weight heparin, to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, to topical treatment, surgery, and wearing compression stockings. Both low molecular weight heparin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories reduced the incidence of the extension or recurrence of superficial thrombophlebitis, by about 70% compared with placebo. Topical treatments relieved local symptoms but the trials did not report on progression to venous thromboembolism. Surgical treatment and wearing elastic stockings was associated with a lower rate of venous thromboembolism and progression of the thrombophlebitis compared with elastic stockings alone. Adverse effects of treatments were not discussed.