Varicose veins during pregnancy: Risk factors and impact on quality of life

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to examine the risk factors for varicose veins during pregnancy and their impact on quality of life. Material and methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional observational study in pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. In addition to the collection of sociodemographic and lifestyle data, the presence of varicose veins was assessed using the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathophysiological (CEAP) questionnaire, and the quality of life was assessed using the Chronic Venous Insufficiency Questionnaire (CIVIQ-20). Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for varicose veins. Results: A total of 658 women were included. Considering all types of varicose veins, prevalence of varicose veins was 29% (191 women). Varicose veins presence was found to be significantly associated with gestational week (odd ratio [OR], 1.047; 95% CI, 1.013-1.083; P=0.03), thyroid diseases (OR, 2.474; 95% CI, 1.109-5.522; P=0.019), smoking status during pregnancy (OR, 7.294; 95% CI, 2.408-22.093; P<0.001), and positive family varix history (OR, 213.437; 95% CI, 87.248-522.138; P<0.001). As regards the quality-of-life evaluation, scores in all CIVIQ-20 dimensions-physical (mean deviation [MD], -4.30; 95% CI, -4.76 to 3.83; P<0.001), psychological (MD, -8.67; 95% CI, -9.60 to 7.73; P<0.001), social (MD, -3.13; 95% CI, -3.48 to 2.79; P<0.001), pain (MD, -3.94; 95% CI, -4.37 to 3.51; P<0.001)-and the global index score (MD, 25.06; 95% CI, 22.50 to 27.62; P<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with varicose veins than in those without (P<0.001). Conclusions: In this prospective, observational study in pregnant women, gestational week, thyroid diseases, smoking status during pregnancy, and positive family history were identified as risk factors for varicose veins, and the presence of varicose veins was found to negatively impact quality of life in this setting.