Journal of vascular nursing : official publication of the Society for Peripheral Vascular Nursing
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Obesity is a chronic disease that is linked to the presence of numerous chronic illnesses, including venous disease. Venous disease can lead to chronic wounds, which may be exacerbated by vitamin, mineral, and macro-nutritional deficiencies. A cross-sectional observational design was used to examine the nutritional status of patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs) who are overweight or obese and to explore the relationship between nutritional status and severity of venous ulceration. ⋯ Overweight and obese patients with VLU show nutritional deficits that are similar to those of the broader population of patients with leg ulcers. The relationships found between vitamins A and C and leg ulcer severity warrant further exploration. The nutritional differences in the study need to be examined in a larger sample of overweight and normal-weight patients to determine whether overweight patients are at greater risk for prolonged VLU because of poor nutrition than non-overweight patients.
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The symptoms that result from compression of the superior vena cava are known as superior vena cava syndrome. The syndrome was originally described as secondary to infection such as tuberculosis or syphilitic aortic aneurysm. Currently, the origin is generally cancer or thrombotic events. ⋯ With carcinoma or infection, specific drugs or radiation may be used. In cases of compression, dilation and stenting of the superior vena cava may be performed. In some cases a bypass of the superior vena cava may be indicated.