Further Observations On the Effect of Diuretics On Stasis Edema of the Leg

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Abstract
Chlorthalidone, polythiazide and hydrofluomethazine were compared for their effect on venous stasis edema in 728 patients. Investigation of body weight, ankle and calf circumference demonstrated that all 3 drugs had a remarkable effect on reduction of the size of the edematous leg, and caused a decrease of body weight ChlorthaUdone and polythiazide were similarly effective in the doses given, whereas hydrofluomethazine exerted a less pronounced effect. On the contrary hydrofluomethazine had practically no side effects, whereas the other 2 drugs caused undesirable side reactions in 8% (chlorthalidone) and 6.2% (polythiazide) of the cases. In 2 series of patients an earlier empiric impression of the beneficial effect of diuretics in leg ulcer treatment was confirmed. The healing quotients of one series of patients on the standard ulcer therapy of the clinic, including diuretics, and of another series on the same therapy with diuretics excluded were statistically different favouring the "diuretics series." Diuretics are beneficial in states of venous stasis edema, with or without leg ulcers.

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