6. Causes :
•The causes of superficial thrombophlebitis are
different for the lower and upper extremities.
-For the upper extremity :most commonly the
insertion of venous catheters into peripheral
veins , the possible invasion of bacteria in the
area of the catheter, and the effect of the inserted
chemicals.
7. - For the lower extremity:
•Varicose veins
•Immobilisation (also pre- and post-surgery)
•Trauma or surgical interventions (especially including
interventions which include the removal of lymph
nodes)
•Pregnancy, and maternal and birth-related conditions
8. •Cancerous malformations
•Obesity
•History of thrombosis
•Autoimmune diseases
•Use of hormonal therapies (e.g. the
contraceptive pill or hormonal replacement
therapy)
•Smoking (also as a higher associated risk factor
to arteriosclerosis)
9. Pathogenesis:
•The pathway of the development of the disease
can be split into two stages:
1.Inflammation process in the vessel (due to a
slow in blood circulation, inflammation factors,
and possibly the exposure to risk factors).
10. 2. Secondary development of a thrombus (the
blood clods around the inflamed tissue of the
vessel, fibrous material builds up and forms a
thrombus).
13. 2. D – dimper test
A D-dimer test is a simple blood test that can help your healthcare
provider determine if you may have a blood clotting condition.
you have a high level of D-dimer in your blood .
3. MR venography and CT venography :
If the results of your ultrasound aren’t clear, your doctor will use
these imaging studies to confirm the presence of a clot. They will
inject a dye into your vein and the image will show up on an X-ray.
Possible side effects include pain and an allergic reaction to the
dye.
14. Complication :
• Although thrombophlebitis has been considered a fairly
benign disease, some research indicates that there is a
correlation of a higher prevalence of deep vein thrombosis
(phlebothrombosis) in patients with superficial
thrombophlebitis. This condition can be tested for with the
Homan’s Sign Test
• Another serious condition related complication is pulmonary
embolism .
15. Prevention :
• Patients should be advised to stretch their legs Frequently
when he / she long time drive a car .
• Walking and exercises that increase blood circulation are
effective measures to keep the blood flow steady.
• Wearing compress stockings are often used as a prevention
method for patients who are at a higher risk of developing
thrombosis.
• Routine changing and cleaning of intravenous (IV) lines help
to prevent thrombophlebitis of the upper extremity.
16. Treatment:
• Conservative treatment:
-Thrombolysis agent
- Topical treatments (e.g. with Heparin spray gel) to reduce local
symptoms .
- Anti-coagulants which are blood-thinning medications (such as
Fondaparinux/Arixtra 2.5mg)
- Anti-inflammatory medication (e.g. non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs)
17. • Operative treatment
- Stenting procedures, a surgical intervention where a metal
cage is inserted into the clotted vein to reopen the blockage,
is most commonly used for deep vein thrombosis .
- Varicose vein stripping (surgical intervention) .
- Surgery to remove the entire clogged vein (in extreme cases)
.
18. • Physiotherapy treatment
Acute treatment depends on location, extent, symptoms, and
underlying medical condition, but generally include:
- Warm compression
- Elevate the limb above the heart level.
- Encouraging circulation (walking around) and limb-specific
exercises that activate the skeletal-muscle pump.
