If sclerotherapy is not safe for patients with factor V Leiden, then what what is the most effective way to treat reticular and spider veins on the lateral legs?
With factor V Leiden, risk of blood clots depends on several lifestyle factors and whether you have dominant or recessive expression of this gene mutation. Sclerotherapy, combined with laser or radiofrequency needle techniques, can be used. You may need protection from clotting with a few days of tiny injections and compression stockings. Your board certified vein specialist would evaluate your individual risk and advise accordingly.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy is safe with factor V Leiden, if in experienced hands. There are vein centers that treat people with different thrombophillia problems with success. Some also offer anti-coagulation therapies.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy is safe for patients with (single allele) factor V Leiden mutation. This is based on my own experience as well as recent published studies looking at this very problem. However, whenever I treat such a
patient they must use prophylactic anti-coagulation with daily Lovenox injections for five days as a precaution.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
I don't treat patients with factor V Leiden any differently if all they are having is simple sclerotherapy. I would for anything beyond this. I think it's the best treatment for spider and reticular veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It depends on whether you are heterozygous (have one copy of the gene) or homozygous (two copies of the gene) for the factor V Leiden deficiency. The former only slightly increases risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots. However, if no other risks are present, the risk is still small. For homozygous, the risk is greater and if sclerotherapy is done, precautions should be taken such as Aspirin or blood thinners, in addition to compression stockings.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Clotting problems can vary in severity. You should speak with your vein MD and hematologist. They will be able to determine whether sclerotherapy is right for you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy should be fine for patients with factor V Leiden.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Low doses of sclerosant are OK.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Sclerotherapy is safe for patients with factor V Leiden. I have treated several patients over the years without any troublesome results. I would recommend you find someone who is experienced at doing the procedure. I would also suggest a trial treatment with a lesser concentration and volume of sclerosing solution.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
In general, I would say that it is safe. However, since you will always be at increased risk for abnormal clotting, extra precaution is always prudent. If you take a blood thinner, that may make bruising more likely. You should definitely discuss this with your hematologist and the injecting physician so they are aware of your condition.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are people with factor V Leiden that have received treatment for varicose veins and have experienced no complications. The clinic that would be performing the treatment should consult with you about the risks and potential complications. Even with a clotting disorder, there is still very low risk involved.
Published on Jul 11, 2012