Intermittent Pneumatic Impulse Compression in the Treatment of Stasis Dermatitis—A Monocenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Background/Objectives: Intermittent pneumatic impulse compression (IIC) is a well-established drainage treatment that reduces edema and enhances arterial blood flow. While widely utilized in various medical fields, its efficacy in dermatology, particularly for stasis dermatitis, remains underexplored. This study evaluates the effectiveness of IIC in inpatients with bilateral stasis dermatitis by comparing standard therapy alone versus standard therapy with additional IIC on one leg over five days. Methods: Seventeen patients from the Dermatology Department at University Hospital Duesseldorf were enrolled. Both legs received standard therapy, while one randomized leg received additional IIC for four hours daily. Measurements, including transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcpO₂), leg circumference, and pain sensation, were taken at baseline, the first day post-IIC, and after five days. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The IIC-treated legs exhibited significant improvements in tissue oxygen saturation (MD = 19.87 mmHg, SD = 27.82, p = 0.012) and reduced ankle circumference (MD = −2.125 cm, SD = 1.593, p < 0.0001). No significant changes were observed in tcpO₂ or circumference in the non-IIC-treated legs. Other leg circumference measurements (calf, above the knee) did not demonstrate significant improvements in either group. Pain levels remained stable under IIC therapy. Conclusions: This proof-of-concept study provides evidence supporting IIC as a beneficial adjunct therapy for stasis dermatitis, demonstrating significant edema reduction and enhanced oxygenation. Further investigations are warranted to confirm these findings and expand clinical applicability.