Programme for detecting chronic venous insufficiency in Belgium.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological study related to the detection of chronic venous disease (CVD) in a Belgian population and gathering of a maximum amount of epidemiological data on CVD.

METHOD: Survey based on a questionnaire completed by a general practitioner during consultation.

RESULTS: In total 3813 files of patients with CVD were completed and analysed. Of these patients suffering from CVD, 70% were women with a mean body mass index of 26.2 and a clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements classification as follows: C0 = 10%; C1 = 19%; C2 = 29%; C3 = 19%; C4 = 16%; C5 = 4%; C6 = 3%. Risk factors, clinical signs, complications and therapeutic approach are analysed and described.

CONCLUSION: High level of statistically analysable data could be obtained within a reasonable period. The study confirms the socioeconomic importance of CVD. For example, an industrial disablement of an average duration of 23.6 days is found in 6% of patients.