Graduated compression stockings,
does it really help with Prevention of proximal deep-vein thrombosis in immobile patients with acute stroke?
research showsThigh-length compression stockings earn D with 24 points because they did not reduce proximal DVT and increased skin harm after acute stroke. Events were 126/1,256 (10.0%) versus 133/1,262 (10.5%); the source reported no-stocking minus stocking as a 0.5-percentage-point reduction (95% CI -1.9 to 2.9), P=0.88.
ads claimThe physical sensation of compression should not be converted into a claim of thrombosis prevention. Actual DVT events did not decline in this large trial population.
Useful facts when choosing a product
- Proximal DVT was 126/1,256 versus 133/1,262; the source reported no-stocking minus stocking as a 0.5-point reduction.
- Skin harm was 64/1,256 versus 16/1,262, OR 4.18, with no separate P value reported.
- Verdict 1494 gives intermittent pneumatic compression A with 90 points in the same indication.
What the research actually shows
The correct CLOTS-1 PMID is 19477503. In the same indication, CLOTS-3 randomized 2,876 participants, 1,438 per group, and found proximal DVT in 122 (8.5%) versus 174 (12.1%), absolute reduction 3.6 percentage points (95% CI 1.4 to 5.8), adjusted OR 0.65 (0.51 to 0.84) in those with complete ultrasound assessment, P=0.001. Verdict 1494 is A with 90 points, showing that evidence differs by compression device.
Why this is classified as D (24)
A large objective DVT trial found no benefit and significant skin harm, but no independent large series repeats the same stocking intervention, giving D with 24 points.
Counterpoint. Significantly increased skin breaks, ulcers, blisters, or necrosis argues against routine use of these stockings after acute stroke.
Rejudgment record. Cross-check applied — Applied the failed primary proximal-DVT endpoint in a 2,518-person intention-to-treat hard-endpoint trial while withholding repeated refutation because no independent large repetition of the same no-stocking comparison exists
| Endpoint | H | Hard endpoint - actual events such as death |
| Replication | R1 | Single confirmatory trial |
| Independence | I1 | Mixed funding sources |
| Effect size | E- | Harm increased in the trials |
| Precision | C0 | The confidence interval leaves room for benefit |
The scoring table and the verdict agree (D).
Sub-claim grades by effect
This ingredient is marketed for several effects. A single overall grade blends strong and weak claims together, so each effect is graded separately here. The overall grade reflects the strongest disconfirming or core claim.
| Effect (sub-claim) | Grade | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention of proximal DVT within 30 days | D | The primary endpoint failed in 2,518 intention-to-treat participants. |
| Reduced venous thromboembolism at six months | D | There was no difference at long-term follow-up. |
| Improved function and quality of life at six months | D | The follow-up analysis found no benefit. |
Cross-check — Codex and Claude
Evidence Table
| Study | Design | Sample | Funding | Endpoint | Result | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLOTS Trials Collaboration 2009 | Outcome-blinded multicenter randomized no-stocking-controlled trial | 1 | Mixed support from the UK MRC, Scottish Chief Scientist Office, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, UK Stroke Research Network, and Tyco Healthcare | Symptomatic or asymptomatic proximal DVT within 30 days | 126/1,256 with stockings versus 133/1,262 without; source-reported no-stocking-minus-stocking reduction 0.5 percentage points (95% CI -1.9 to 2.9), P=0.88; skin-harm OR 4.18 (95% CI 2.40 to 7.27) | Large direct null hard-endpoint trial |
| Dennis M et al. 2013 | Prespecified six-month follow-up analysis of CLOTS-1 and CLOTS-2 | 3,014 | Mixed public, nonprofit, and partial manufacturer support for the CLOTS program | Six-month mortality, venous thromboembolism, function, and quality of life | No long-term clinical benefit in CLOTS-1 | Long-term follow-up of the key trial |
Receipt — 2 References
All 2 cited sources were verified for existence at the original page (as of 2026-07-24).
Reviewed and approved: Chamgap Editorial Team · Approval date: 2026-07-24 · Corrections: none
Cite this verdict
[Chamgap] Graduated compression stockings x DVT prevention after acute stroke — Evidence Grade D·24. 2 cited sources checked. Source: https://chamgap.com/en/verdicts/heart/graduated-compression-stockings-acute-stroke-dvt-prevention/ · CC BY 4.0CC BY 4.0 — free to use with attribution; do not distort grades, numbers, or verdict meaning.
What this document does and does not do
Chamgap is an information source. It reports what research has and has not confirmed; it does not tell readers what to take or buy. That decision belongs to readers and, when needed, medical or legal professionals. This verdict reflects literature available up to the search date and may change as new research appears. Nothing here is medical advice.