Main contraindications to compression therapy
Compression is strongly contraindicated in the event of severe peripheral arterial disease when the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI) measured by Doppler is less than 0.6. Compression using a high level of pressure is contraindicated in the event of an ABI <0.8.
The other main contraindications to venous compression therapy are patients suffering from :
- cardiogenic oedema caused by heart failure
- diabetic microangiopathy
In this case, prescription of compression therapy may be possible on specialist advice following appropriate treatment of the causes of the concurrent disease, under close medical supervision and with a reduction in the pressure levels.
- severe skin infections (such as pyoderma, for example)
- allergies to textile materials, particularly in the event of known allergy to natural latex (in the case of cohesive bandages containing natural latex), in the event of known allergy to adhesives, etc.
In all cases, it is obviously essential to perform a differential diagnosis in the event of any oedema, with investigation to detect any cause other than a venous or lymphatic one.