Abstract:
The increase in the prevalence of the varicose vein has opened the gates for further
research and exploration on this particular topic. The association between varicose veins
and increased levels of inflammatory biomarkers has been studied previously, but no
study has been done yet to assess the correlation between the changes occurring in the
concentration of the inflammatory biomarkers in the blood and the changes occurring in
the diameter of the varicose veins. To find out this correlation, patients suffering from
varicose veins were recruited who fulfilled the inclusion criteria set for this study. This
was a case-control study and consisted of 76 participants (38 cases, 38 controls). Doppler
ultrasound was used to measure the changes that have occurred in the walls of the
abnormally dilated veins. Blood samples from the abnormally dilated superficial veins in
lower limb of each patient were collected to analyze the concentration of inflammatory
biomarkers i.e., fibrinogen. The results obtained were analyzed statistically to determine
any significant correlation. It was observed that fibrinogen levels were significantly
elevated in patients suffering from varicose veins and ulceration, and this increase was
significantly correlated with the changes in the diameter of the wall of the varicose veins
(p= .000). The occurrence of the varicose vein among the different ethnicities of the
country was also found to be statistically significant (p= .005). It can be concluded that
fibrinogen can be used as a biomarker to monitor the severity and prognosis of this disease
and can also be used to determine the efficacy of the management given to the patients
who suffer from varicose vein
