Thrombophlebitis Health Dictionary

Inflammation of a vein.

A clot often develops, in which case the condition is termed thrombophlebitis.... phlebitis

This is a syndrome characterised by oral and genital ulceration, UVEITIS and ARTHROPATHY. THROMBOPHLEBITIS is a common complication, and involvement of the central nervous system may occur.... behçet’s syndrome

Linn.

Family: Fabaceae.

Habitat: Ladakh, at 3,000-4,000 m, also cultivated.

English: Yellow Sweet Clover, Melilot.

Unani: Iklil-ul-Malik, Asaab-ul- Malik, Naakhunaa.

Action: Plant—astringent, wound healer, styptic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, mild analgesic, anticoagulant, spasmolytic. Flower and leaf—diuretic, analgesic, anti- inflammatory, smooth muscle relaxant, vasodilator. Seed—used in cold.

Key application: In chronic venous insufficiency. For supportive treatment of thrombophlebitis, haemorrhoids and lymphatic congestion. (German Commission E.) As venotonic, vulnerary. (The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia.)

The herb contains coumarin derivatives; flavonoid glycosides, including kaempferol and quercetin. Di- coumarol (melitoxin) is produced when fermentation takes place in me- lilot. Seeds gave canavanin and trigo- nelline. Reported poisonous to horses. The flowers contain the flavonoids, quercetin and myricetin besides kaem- pferol.

The herb has shown increase in venous reflux and improvement in lymphatic kinetics. Animal experiments show an increase in healing wounds. Flower and leaf extracts have shown analgesic activity, prolongation in pento-barbital-induced hypnosis time and smooth muscle relaxant activity in mice; also exhibited hypotensive and vasodilatory activity in rabbit. Dicoumarol is a potent anticoagulant.

In Europe and China, the plant extract is used for inflammations, arthritis, rheumatism, phlebitis, venous insufficiency, haemorrhoids, brachialgia and bronchitis.

The Red Clove is equated with Tri- folium pratense.... melilotus officinalis

The condition in which an embolus (see EMBOLISM), or clot, is lodged in the LUNGS. The source of the clot is usually the veins of the lower abdomen or legs, in which clot formation has occurred as a result of the occurrence of DEEP VEIN THROMBOSIS (DVT) – THROMBOPHLEBITIS (see VEINS, DISEASES OF). Thrombophlebitis, with or without pulmonary embolism, is a not uncommon complication of surgical operations, especially in older patients. This is one reason why nowadays such patients are got up out of bed as quickly as possible, or, alternatively, are encouraged to move and exercise their legs regularly in bed. Long periods of sitting, particularly when travelling, can cause DVT with the risk of pulmonary embolism. The severity of a pulmonary embolism, which is characterised by the sudden onset of pain in the chest, with or without the coughing up of blood, and a varying degree of SHOCK, depends upon the size of the clot. If large enough, it may prove immediately fatal; in other cases, immediate operation may be needed to remove the clot; whilst in less severe cases anticoagulant treatment, in the form of HEPARIN, is given to prevent extension of the clot. For some operations, such as hip-joint replacements, with a high risk of deep-vein thrombosis in the leg, heparin is given for several days postoperatively.... pulmonary embolism

Ananassa sativa, Ananas comosus. Proteolytic enzyme derived from the stem of the pineapple plant.

Action. Anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle relaxant, digestant, anti-oedema. Stimulates production of prostaglandin El-like compounds. Inhibitor of blood platelet aggregation thus preserving the normal consistency of the blood.

Uses: Cellulitis, to remove layers of fat. Has some reputation as a digestant in terminal disease. Sinusitis, weak digestion in the elderly, oedema following surgical operation, to promote postoperative healing. Used by natives of the Far East for quinsy. Part of the Bristol Cancer Diet to promote digestion of proteins.

“It is of value in modulating tumour growth, blood coagulation and inflammatory changes in the de?bridement of third degree burns. As an inflammatory it has been used for rheumatoid arthritis, thrombophlebitis, haematomas, oral inflammation, diabetic ulcers, rectal and perirectal inflammation, athletic injuries and general oral and plastic surgery.” (Kay van Rietschoten, British Journal of Phytotherapy, Vol 1, Nos 3/4)

Preparations: 1-2 200mg Bromelain tablets/capsules between meals thrice daily. Patient preference: vegetarian hypoallergenic yeast-free: as an aid to digestion, 250-500mg at meals. ... bromelain

Common disorders affecting veins include varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (see thrombosis, deep vein), and thrombophlebitis.... veins, disorders of

n. a drug used to prevent and treat osteoporosis that develops after the menopause. Raloxifene is a *selective (o)estrogen receptor modulator (SERM): it mimics the protective action of oestrogen in the bones without the risk of the adverse effects (e.g. on the breast and uterus) associated with *hormone replacement therapy. However, it does not relieve menopausal symptoms. Side-effects include hot flushes, and there is a risk of *thromboembolism and *thrombophlebitis.... raloxifene

(thiopentone) n. a short-acting *barbiturate. It is given to induce general *anaesthesia. Possible complications of thiopental anaesthesia can include respiratory depression, laryngeal spasm, and thrombophlebitis. The drug is not used when respiratory obstruction is present.... thiopental

Veins are the blood vessels that convey blood back from the tissues towards the heart. Two common conditions that affect them are THROMBOSIS and varicosities (see below).

Varicose veins are dilated tortuous veins occurring in about 15 per cent of adults – women more than men. They most commonly occur in the legs but may also occur in the anal canal (HAEMORRHOIDS) and in the oesophagus (due to liver disease).

Normally blood ?ows from the subcutaneous tissues to the super?cial veins which drain via perforating veins into the deep veins of the leg. This ?ow, back towards the heart, is aided by valves within the veins. When these valves fail, increased pressure is exerted on the blood vessels leading to dilatations known as varicose veins.

Treatment is needed to prevent complications such as ulceration and bleeding, or for

cosmetic purposes. Treatment alternatives include injection with sclerosing agents to obliterate the lumen of the veins (sclerotherapy), or surgery; in the elderly or un?t, an elastic stocking may su?ce. One operation is the Trendelenburg operation in which the saphenous vein is disconnected from the femoral vein and individual varicose veins are avulsed. (See also VASCULITIS.)

Thrombosis Thrombosis occurs when blood, which is normally a liquid, clots within the vein to form a semisolid thrombus (clot). This occurs through a combination of reduced blood ?ow and hypercoagulability (a reduced threshold for clotting). The most common site for this to occur is in the deep veins of the leg, where it is known as a deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).

Predisposing factors include immobility (leading to reduced blood ?ow), such as during long journeys (e.g. plane ?ights) where there is little opportunity to stretch one’s legs; surgery (leading to temporary post-operative immobility and hypercoagulability of blood); oestrogen administration (low-dose oestrogen oral contraceptives carry a very low relative risk); and several medical illnesses such as heart failure, stroke and malignancy.

Deep-vein thrombosis presents as a tender, warm, red swelling of the calf. Diagnosis may be con?rmed by venogram (an X-ray taken following injection of contrast medium into the foot veins) or by ultrasound scanning looking for ?ow within the veins.

Prevention is important. This is why patients are mobilised and/or given leg exercises very soon after an operation, even major surgery. People should avoid sitting for long periods, particularly if the edge of the seat is hard, thus impeding venous return from the legs. Car drivers should stop regularly on a long journey and walk around; airline travellers should, where possible, walk round the aisle(s) and also exercise and massage their leg muscles, as well as drinking ample non-alcoholic ?uids.

Diagnosis and treatment are important because there is a risk that the clotted blood within the vein becomes dislodged and travels up the venous system to become lodged in the pulmonary arteries. This is known as PULMONARY EMBOLISM.

Treatment is directed at thinning the blood with ANTICOAGULANTS, initially with heparin and subsequently with WARFARIN for a period of time while the clot resolves.

Blocked super?cial veins are described as super?cial thrombophlebitis, which produces in?ammation over the vein. It responds to antiin?ammatory analgesics. Occasionally heparin and ANTIBIOTICS are required to treat associated thrombosis and infection.... veins, diseases of

Enlarged, tortuous veins just beneath the skin. Varicose veins most often occur in the legs but can also occur in the anus (see haemorrhoids), oesophagus (see oesophageal varices), and scrotum (see varicocele).

A defect of the valves in the leg veins causes blood to pool in the veins near the surface of the skin, causing them to become varicose. Contributing factors include obesity, hormonal changes and pressure on the pelvic veins during pregnancy, hormonal changes occurring at the menopause, and standing for long periods of time. Varicose veins are common, tend to run in families, and affect more women than men.Varicose veins may not cause any problems but may ache severely; swollen feet and ankles and persistent itching may occur. These symptoms may worsen during the day and can be relieved only by sitting with the legs raised. In women, symptoms are often worse just before menstruation. In severe cases, leg ulcers may occur. Thrombophlebitis may be associated with varicose veins.

Usually, support stockings, regular walking, and sitting with the feet up as much as possible are the only measures required.

In more severe cases, sclerotherapy may be carried out.

Varicose veins may require surgical removal if they become painful or ulcerated, but they may later develop elsewhere.... varicose veins

n. obstruction of a vein by a blood clot, without preceding inflammation of its wall. It is most common within the deep veins of the calf of the leg – deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – in contrast to *thrombophlebitis, which affects superficial leg veins. Prolonged immobility, heart failure, pregnancy, injury, and surgery predispose to thrombosis by encouraging sluggish blood flow. Many of these conditions are associated with changes in the clotting factors in the blood that increase the tendency to thrombosis; these changes also occur in some women taking oral contraceptives.

The affected leg may become swollen and tender. The main danger is that the clot may become detached and give rise to *pulmonary embolism. Regular leg exercises help to prevent deep vein thrombosis, and anticoagulant drugs (such as heparin and warfarin) are used in prevention and treatment. Large clots may be removed surgically in the operation of thrombectomy to relieve leg swelling.... phlebothrombosis

n. a condition in which the blood changes from a liquid to a solid state within the cardiovascular system during life and produces a mass of coagulated blood (thrombus). Thrombosis may occur within a blood vessel in diseased states. Thrombosis in an artery obstructs the blood flow to the tissue it supplies: obstruction of an artery to the brain is one of the causes of a *stroke and thrombosis in an artery supplying the heart – *coronary thrombosis – results in a heart attack (see myocardial infarction). Thrombosis can also occur in a vein (deep vein thrombosis; see phlebothrombosis), and it may be associated with inflammation (see thrombophlebitis). The thrombus may become detached from its site of formation and carried in the blood to lodge in another part (see embolism).... thrombosis