Introduction Low-flow
vascular malformations are
congenital abnormalities of the veins, capillaries or lymphatic vessels or a combination of the previous. Compressive garments are frequently used as a first-line treatment option for low-flow
vascular malformations of the extremities with the purpose of relieving symptoms. Yet, the benefits and harms of
compression stockings remain unclear. Methods A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials including a hand search for studies measuring the benefits and harms of compression garments in treating low-flow
vascular malformations. Two investigators performed study selection, quality assessment and data extraction independently. Results Of the 565 studies found, eventually five (totalling 101 patients with venous malformations or
Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome receiving compression
therapy) observational studies were included in the systematic review. Although the overall quality of these studies was poor, results suggest that compression garments might lessen intravascular coagulation, improve symptoms and appearance, diminish oedema, and protect against minor
trauma. None of the studies quantified any harms of compression
therapy. Conclusion Even though compression
therapy is commonly used in the treatment of low-flow
vascular malformations, available literature does not provide high-quality evidence to validate its use. We therefore advocate the need for prospective comparative trials with standardised outcome measures to study the benefits and harms of this treatment option.