Variations in white blood count, thromboxane B2 levels and hematocrit in chronic venous hypertension.

OBJECTIVE To analyze variations in leukocyte count and thromboxane B2 production in the femoral vein of patients with chronic venous hypertension (CVH). DESIGN Prospective clinical study, controlled, non randomized and open. LOCATION Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, referral center, university hospital. PARTICIPANTS 15 patients with recurring stasis ulcer were analyzed, selected randomly from the venous diseases outpatient center, and 4 without lower limb venous alterations were also analyzed. INTERVENTION Blood samples from the femoral and brachial veins were drawn following supine and 45 degrees reverse Trendelenburg. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Direct leukocyte count and analysis of the thromboxane B2 with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. RESULTS After 30 minutes in reverse Trendelenburg, patients with CVH showed a leukocyte count reduced by +/- 27% (p = 0.02) and thromboxane B2 levels increased by +/- 158% (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS We suggest that future studies of medications for stasis ulcers include their effects on leukocyte entrapment and thromboxane B2 production in the lower limb venous system.