Long-haul flights, edema, and thrombotic events: prevention with stockings and Pycnogenol® supplementation (LONFLIT Registry Study)

BACKGROUND: This registry study evaluated the effects of Pycnogenol (R) on edema and thrombotic complications in long-haul flights; jet lag was also evaluated. METHODS: Four hundred and fifty subjects at different risk levels for thrombosis, flying in economy class twice in less than a week for more than 8 hours, were included; 295 completed the registry study and were subdivided in 3 groups according to their risk level - low, moderate, or high. The high-risk group also received Aspirin (R). A standard management (SM) was used in all groups. In each risk category, three groups were made according to patient management: a Pycnogenol (R) group, a SM group (control), and a stockings group. The groups were comparable at inclusion. No side effects were observed. RESULTS: In the low risk group edema were reduced more (P<0.05) with Pycnogenol (R) and stockings compared to control. Ankle circumference was smaller with Pycnogenol (R) (P<0.05). No thrombosis was detected. D-dimer was negative in Pycnogenol (R) subjects; one subject in the control group had increased values, as did two of the 36 subjects in the stockings group. In the group with moderate risk, edema and ankle circumference were lower in the Pycnogenol (R) group (P<0.05). One deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and one minimal superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) was seen in controls. D-dimer was normal in the Pycnogenol (R) group. In high-risk subjects, edema, and ankle circumference were significantly reduced in the Pycnogenol (R) group (P<0.05). There were no SVT or DVT in the Pycnogenol (R) group. One minimal DVT and one SVT were observed in controls. D-dimer was negative in all Pycnogenol (R) subjects (P<0.05); three post-flight values increased in controls and in four of the 32 subjects in the stockings group. The jet lag score was lower in low-, medium-, and high-risk Pycnogenol (R) subjects (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This registry study indicates that Pycnogenol (R) supplementation reduces edema and may control some thrombotic events.