Chronic venous disease treated with sulodexide: a survey among primary care physicians in Mexico

BACKGROUND: Sulodexide is a glycosaminoglycan approved for the treatment of chronic venous disease (CVD). It has been available in Mexico since 2012. The aim of the study was to understand the clinical experience of primary care physicians in the treatment of CVD with sulodexide. METHODS: Clinical data collection forms were distributed among general practitioners. Data was collected for up to four follow-up consultations. All signs and symptoms were rated with the Likert Scale at each examination: 0 to 5 (where 0 means none, and 5 very severe). Both the patient's and the physician's opinions of the effects of the treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Data were collected from 1599 patients at different clinical stages of CVD, 52% of which were at advanced stages (C-4-C-6). A total of 434 cases were followed up with four examinations (median of thirty days between each examination). In these cases, the overall sign and symptom score decreased significantly at each examination (P<0.01). At the fourth examination, 98.9% of the patients felt better or much better than at the first examination, and 99.7% were better or much better in the physician's opinion (P<0.01). The only adverse effect was nausea, reported in two cases. CONCLUSIONS: Sulodexide was effective and well tolerated in the treatment of CVD.