Objectives: The purpose of this study was to analyse prevalence of so called classical risk factors for VV in patients with this entity.
Materials and methods: Study consisted of three parts. In the first part the prevalence of risk factors in 130 men and 360 women with VV was compared. In the second part the prevalence of risk factor in 360 women with VV and 162 without VV was compared. In the third part the prevalence of risk factors in pregnant women with and without VV was compared. The age of patients in all groups was comparable. The results were statistically analyzed.
Results: There were no differences in prevalence of classical risk factors between men and women with VV. In non pregnant women positive family history (OR 2,27, p=0,018) and previous pregnancies (OR 2,05, p=0,046) were associated with presence of VV. Premenstrual aching of lower extremities and obesity were at the border of statistical significance, OR and p, 1,9 and 0,062 and 1,4 and 0,071, respectively. As many as 47% of pregnant women had VV. Positive family history (OR 2,27, p=0,018), previous pregnancies (OR 2,56, p=0,011) and premenstrual aching of lower extremities (OR 2,03, p=0,021) were associated with presence of VV. Remaining, so called classical risk factors such as oral contraceptive, working in a sitting or standing position or constipations were not associated with occurrence of VV.
Conclusions: In conclusion, positive family history and previous pregnancies seem to be principal risk factors for VV in women.