Superficial venous pathology in the Asian population of South West London--a prospective study.

Abstract

The Asian population of our hospital catchment area represents 6.2% of the total, which is 3.2% higher than the national average, compared to the Caucasian population which comprises 70.2% and is 21.9% lower than the national average. This study aimed to analyse the prevalence and presentation of superficial venous disease (SVD) in the Asian population of South West London. A prospectively gathered database of all 481 patients referred by local general practitioners (GP) to the varicose veins nurse specialist over a 24 month period was analyzed. Information was collected on demographics, presenting features, clinical signs, and whether surgical referral was made. Asians presented significantly younger than Caucasians (p<0.0001; unpaired t-test). Caucasians had a significantly higher positive family history than Asians (p<or=0.05; chi-squared test). SVD severity was graded using the CEAP (clinical, etiological, anatomical, pathophysiological) classification. Asians had significantly more severe disease than Caucasians (p<or=0.01; chi-squared test). There were no differences in sex distribution. Asians presented younger with more severe disease than their Caucasian counterparts. The reasons for these findings are unclear, but probably represent a combination of genetic, environmental and social factors. Further research is in progress to investigate this.