Elastic Stockings for VTE Prevention – RPTH Journal
RPTH Journal shared a post on LinkedIn about a recent article by Lara N. Roberts and Emma Gee et al, adding:
“Elastic stockings for VTE prevention: is it time to let them go?
Antiembolism stockings (AES) have been a cornerstone of VTE prevention for decades.
But a new editorial by Lara Roberts and Emma Gee in RPTH Journal makes a compelling case that the evidence no longer supports their routine use, and that the time for deimplementation has come.
What the evidence shows:
- The CLOTS1 trial in stroke patients: no meaningful reduction in VTE, but a 5% risk of skin damage (OR 4.2)
- The GAPS trial: adding AES to LMWH was no better than LMWH alone in surgical patients (absolute risk difference 0.3%)
- A meta-analysis confirmed no reduction in DVT, PE, or VTE mortality with AES added to pharmacologic prophylaxis
- Correct application of AES is suboptimal in trials (15–31%) and even worse in the real world (60% incorrect use)
- Skin damage including blisters, ulcers, and necrosis occurs in 3–5% of patients
Beyond clinical harm:
- AES use costs an estimated £63 million annually in England for surgical patients alone, including nursing time, procurement, and supply chain
- Made from non-recyclable synthetic materials, AES contribute to healthcare’s environmental footprint
With earlier mobilisation and shorter hospital stays now standard, the clinical context in which AES were originally shown to work has largely disappeared.
The authors call for a planned, systems-level deimplementation strategy, supported by staff education, updated guidelines, and post-implementation surveillance.
A bold but evidence-based position worth reading.”
Title: Elastic stockings for venous thromboembolism prevention, time to go
Authors: Lara N. Roberts, Emma Gee
Stay updated on all scientific advances with Hemostasis Today.
-
Oct 1, 2026, 12:22Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro: Kell Blood Group System – Clinical Significance and Transfusion Practice
-
Oct 1, 2026, 12:15Stefan Hofer: Teamwork in Action – Managing Postpartum Hemorrhage
-
Oct 1, 2026, 12:12Louise St. Germain Bannon: Women’s Health Moves to the Center of the Global Health Agenda
-
Oct 1, 2026, 11:38Isabella Presch: Better Medicines for Children – Advancing Pediatric Clinical Research
-
Oct 1, 2026, 10:34Thomas Vallim: New Protocol Improves Measurement of AAV-CRISPR Gene Editing
-
Oct 1, 2026, 10:05Guillaume Baudry: Landmark Clinical Trials Shaping Modern Heart Failure Therapy
-
Oct 1, 2026, 09:48Lesley Van Wyk: JAMA – A Newly Identified Blood Group System
-
Oct 1, 2026, 09:19Pauline Schuitema: Lipemic Index May Help Identify Severe Lipid Disorders
-
Oct 1, 2026, 07:52Marc Carrier: TRIM-Line Trial Evaluates VTE Prevention in Cancer