IMMUNOHISTOCHEMICAL STUDY lN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY OF THE, LOWER EXTREMITIES

Abstract

Chronic venous insufficiency IS a maJOr health problem, ranging from unimportant varicosity to ulceration, it is a frequent cause of hospitalization and can lead to incapacity for work, it is estimated that 1-2°/o of the general population will suffer from a venous ulcer at some period of their I ife.

It has long been recognized that not only hereditary, but also environmental factors are associated with the occurrence of venous disorders in a population, a standing occupation for many years is indicated as one of these risk factors.

The final stage of chronic venous insufficiency is ulceration, several theories have been suggested to explain the skin changes and ulcerations, however none of these can fully account for all the alterations which occur.

Adhesion molecules are considered to play an important role in inflammatory reactions and in the process of wound healing.

The aim of our study was to investigate the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule- I (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-! (VCAM-1) in venous leg ulcers. Forty patients were included in the study (37 males and 3 females), complete history taking, physical dermatological