Compression Therapy to Prevent Recurrent Cellulitis of the Leg

In this randomized, single-center trial, 84 adults with chronic leg edema and recurrent cellulitis were assigned to compression therapy plus education or education alone. The primary outcome was recurrence of cellulitis. After an interim analysis showed significant benefit 15% recurrence in the compression group vs. 40% in controls the trial was stopped early. Compression therapy also reduced leg volume without significant adverse events. Most quality-of-life measures did not differ between groups. The findings support compression therapy in preventing cellulitis recurrence in this high-risk population.

In this randomized, single-center trial, 84 adults with chronic leg edema and recurrent cellulitis were assigned to compression therapy plus education or education alone. The primary outcome was recurrence of cellulitis. After an interim analysis showed significant benefit 15% recurrence in the compression group vs. 40% in controls the trial was stopped early. Compression therapy also reduced leg volume without significant adverse events. Most quality-of-life measures did not differ between groups. The findings support compression therapy in preventing cellulitis recurrence in this high-risk population.