• S J Hollingsworth, M Dialysis, and S G Barker.
• The Academic Vascular Unit, Department of Surgery, The Royal Free and University College London Medical School, Mortimer Street, London, W1N 8AA, U.K.
• Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2001 Nov 1; 22 (5): 456-62.

Objectiveto develop a model simulating factors of "long haul" flight to investigate the relationship with DVT.Materials And Methodsvolunteers (19 males: 20 females) sat for 6 h in a warm (>25 degrees C), dry environment, limited in movement, consuming alcohol (40 ml of 40% alcohol/hour) and salted foods (300 g). Half of the subjects received 150 mg aspirin and wore especially designed below-knee, compression stockings (Class 1 profile). Changes in full blood counts were recorded, and as an indication of DVT formation, plasma was analysed for D-dimer. Limb swelling was assessed from leg measurements.Resultsafter 6 h, in controls, there were significant rises in platelet packing (Pct p<0.04), total platelet numbers (p<0.003) and total numbers of white blood cells (WBC's p<0.001). With aspirin plus stockings, there were similar significant rises in total platelet numbers (p<0.002) and total WBC's (p<0.001). In both groups, significant rises were seen in all WBC types (except basophils). Wearing compression stockings prevented calf swelling seen in controls after 6 h (p<0.002). No subject developed a DVT, or a change in levels of D-dimer.Conclusionchanges in the cellular components of blood, particularly WBC's, combined with vaso-compression and reduced flow could predispose towards DVT. Aspirin, combined with compression stockings, may provide prophylaxis.Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Limited.

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