Incidence of Recurrent Venous Ulcer in Patients Treated at an Outpatient Clinic: Historical Cohort

Author(s):  
Michele Neves Brajão Rocha ◽  
Carol Viviana Serna Gonzalez ◽  
Eline Lima Borges ◽  
Vera Lúcia Conceição de Gouveia Santos ◽  
Soraia Assad Nasbine Rabeh ◽  
...  

The recurrence of venous ulcers is the wound reopening after a period of completed epithelisation of a previous ulcer due to exposure to causal factors and lack of prevention. Venous ulcers have a high recurrence rate that may increase through the years. Epidemiological evidence on its incidence and risk factors is scarce due to the lack of patient follow-up in outpatient clinics and adherence to treatment after healing. The objective was to analyze the incidence of venous ulcers recurrency in outpatients and the risk factors for its occurrence. It is an observational historical cohort with retrospective data collection, performed through electronic medical records. Setting: private health insurance outpatient clinic. The participants were adult patients with healed venous ulcers. Incidence of venous ulcer recurrence was calculated within individuals with healed ulcers from 2014 and 2018 with a follow-up of at least one year. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were used to explore risk factors considering demographic, clinical, and wound-related variables. As a result, sixty-five (65) of the 134 patients with healed venous ulcers had a recurrence, leading to an incidence of 48.5%, with a mean onset time of 230.1 (SD 267) days. Patients with recurrent venous ulcers were primarily women (39/48.1%), with a mean age of 64 (SD 15.5) years, 57 (50.8%) had some comorbidity, with systemic arterial hypertension as the most frequent (47/51%). Obesity (15/88.2%) increased the risk of venous ulcers recurrence by 8.7 (OR 95% CI 2.1-60.8; P = .009) times. In conclusion, venous ulcers recurrence incidence was 48.5%, with obesity as a risk factor. This study demonstrates that the clinical approach of people with venous ulcers should not finish when the wound is healed. For ulcer recurrence prevention interventions addressing systemic factors, besides topical management of the wound, are essential.

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 3548-3548
Author(s):  
Jean-Philippe Galanaud ◽  
Laurent Bertoletti ◽  
Paolo Prandoni ◽  
Pedro Gallego ◽  
Daniela Mastroiacovo ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Venous ulcer, the most serious consequence of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), is associated with a high morbidity, impaired quality of life and high costs. To date, risk factors for venous ulcer after acute VTE have not been characterized. Objective: To identify independent predictors of venous ulcer development one year after an acute VTE event. Methods: Using data from the RIETE international registry, we analysed risk factors for venous ulcers in patients with an objectively confirmed symptomatic acute VTE (DVT and/or pulmonary embolism (PE)) and followed up for at least one year. During follow-up, signs and symptoms of CVI, occurrence of a venous ulcer in the leg ipsilateral to DVT or, in the absence of reported DVT, in any leg were reported by local investigators. Independent predictors of venous ulcers were assessed using a stepwise multivariable model. Results: Of the 34,144 patients included in the RIETE registry, 4,305 were recruited in centres participating in long-term (1 to 3 years) follow-up. Of these, 54% (n=2,337) underwent an assessment for CVI. After a mean (SD) follow-up of 383 (+/-575) days, 55% (n=1297) had signs or symptoms of CVI and 2.5% (n=59) had developed a venous ulcer. History of previous VTE (OR=4.4 [2.6 - 7.7], signs of venous insufficiency (i.e. leg varicosities) at time of VTE event (OR=2.3 [1.3 - 4.0]), diabetes (OR=2.0 [1.0 - 3.8]), obesity (OR=1.8 [1.1 - 3.2]) and male sex (OR=2.7 [1.5 - 4.9]) were independent predictors of an increased risk of venous ulcer. Conversely, older age, presence of an objectively confirmed DVT at study enrolment, anticoagulant duration (<1 vs. >1 year), anticoagulant type (extended low molecular weight heparin vs. vitamin K antagonist), or presence of vena cava filter had no significant impact on risk of venous ulcer. When restricting our analysis to the 1790 patients with objectively confirmed DVT only, results remained similar in magnitude. Proximal character of DVT was associated with a 30% non-significant increased risk of - unquestionable - post-thrombotic ulcer but the proportion of distal DVT was low in our population (11%). Conclusions: After an acute VTE event, history of VTE, pre-existing signs of CVI, male sex, diabetes and obesity independently influenced the risk of venous ulcer. VTE therapeutic management (neither duration nor drugs) did not appear to modify this risk. Our results suggest that clinicians should consider strategies aimed to prevent ulcers in high risk patients, such as preventing VTE recurrence, use of compression stockings in those with CVI and encouraging weight loss in obese patients. Disclosures Galanaud: bayer: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Daichi: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Bertoletti:Daichi: Honoraria; bayer: Honoraria; BMS-Pfizer: Consultancy, Honoraria. Monreal:Bayer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; sanofi: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; boehringer: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; daichii: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Garavello ◽  
Margherita Lo Ponte ◽  
Stefania Gilardi ◽  
Paola Fiamma ◽  
Massimo Tozzi

Nonostante i recenti progressi in tema di wound care, le ulcere varicose degli arti inferiori restano un problema frequente, con un alto tasso di recidiva. In questo lavoro abbiamo esaminato la storia clinica, la storia chirurgica e le patologie associate di 133 pazienti affetti da ulcera varicosa degli arti inferiori, di cui 56 da ulcera recidiva o plurirecidiva. L’analisi dei fattori di rischio potenziale per recidiva ha evidenziato come la presenza di varici recidive, una pregressa trombosi venosa profonda, problemi ortopedici, interventi ortopedici, l’obesità e un’età inferiore a 60 anni siano fattori di rischio potenziale per una recidiva dell’ulcera. La combinazione di uno più fattori di rischio assume significatività per la possibilità di una recidiva; si passa dal 22,7% in assenza di fattori di rischio al 33% per i pazienti che ne presentano due, fino al 57,5% in presenza di tre fattori di rischio e all’81,3% per quattro o più. L’ulcera varicosa richiede un follow-up stretto del paziente e una terapia elastocompressiva continua, che deve vedere una stretta collaborazione del paziente e un’attenzione specifica ai fattori di rischio. Despite recent advances in wound care, varicose ulcers of lower limbs remain frequent and display a high rate of recurrence. In this paper, we examined the clinical, surgical histories and associated diseases of 133 patients with venous ulcers of the lower limbs, which were recurrent in 56 cases. The analysis of potential risk factors for recurrence showed that the presence of recurrent varicose veins, a previous deep venous thrombosis, orthopedic problems, previous orthopedic procedures, obesity and age lower than 60 are potential risk factors for ulcer recurrence. Furthermore, the association of one or more risk factors increased the likelihood of relapse, from 22.7% with no risk factors to 33% with 2 risk factors, up to 57.5% with 3 risk factors, and up to 81.3% with 4 risk factors or more. Venous ulcers require close follow-up and continuous elastic compression, close collaboration by the patient and specific focus on risk factors.


2002 ◽  
Vol 17 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 134-136
Author(s):  
N. Fassiadis ◽  
C. Godby ◽  
L. Agland ◽  
N. Law

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing-led clinic within a District Hospital setting in detecting early skin break-down in healed venous ulcers. Patients and Methods: A total of 76 patients (45 women, 31 men; age range 24-91 years, mean 74 years) with healed venous ulcers were included in the study between July 1999 and April 2001. Patients were counselled about managemant of ulcers at their initial visit and followed up at 3 and 6 months. Results: We received 79 referrals and of those 76 (96%) accepted our invitation. Fifty-six patients did attend the first clinic appointment, 39 (67%) attended their second clinic visit at 3 months and 38 (68%) were followed up by a telephone call at 6 months. During this period 9 recurrent leg ulcers were noted which were referred for further intervention. Conclusion: It is important to provide follow-up for patients with healed ulcers in order to minimise the recurrence rate and to re-institute treatment soon, as recurrence can occur early following healing.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yvonn Kraemer ◽  
Kaisa Mäki ◽  
Ivan Marinkovic ◽  
Taina Nybo ◽  
Harri Isokuortti ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Post-traumatic headache (PTH) is a common symptom following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Patients at risk to develop acute PTH (aPTH) and further persistent PTH (pPTH) need to be recognized. Methods: This is a one-year follow-up of 127 patients with mTBI, aged 18 to 68, referred to outpatient clinic in the Helsinki University Hospital. Symptoms were assessed at the emergency department (ED), with structured interview at outpatient clinic visit and with Rivermead post-concussion symptom questionnaire at one, three, and 12 months after injury. Psychiatric disorders were assessed with Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I disorders at 3-4 months and return to work (RTW) from patient records. Results: At one month, 77/127 patients (61%) had aPTH. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors for aPTH were headache at the emergency department (ED) (OR 5.43), other pain (OR 3.19), insomnia (OR 3.23), and vertigo (OR 5.98). At three months, 17 patients (22% of aPTH patients) had developed pPTH, and at one year, 4 patients (24% of pPTH patients) still presented with pPTH. Risk factors for pPTH at three months were older age (OR 1.06) and current insomnia (OR 12.3). The frequency of psychiatric disorders did not differ between the groups. pPTH patients performed worse on their RTW. Conclusions: Risk factors for aPTH were insomnia, headache at ED, other pain, and vertigo and for pPTH, insomnia and older age. RTW rate was lower among pPTH patients.


2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 90-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalva Cezar da Silva ◽  
Maria de Lourdes Denardin Budó ◽  
Maria Denise Schimith ◽  
Gilson de Vasconcelos Torres ◽  
Vânia Lúcia Durgante ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to identify the influence of social networks in the therapeutic itinerary of people affected by venous ulcers. Qualititative research was conducted in the outpatient clinic of a public hospital in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Data were collected from January to February 2013 by means of semi-structured interviews with 14 people affected by venous ulcers. Content analysis provided the following categories: The family worries with me; I get lots of help from friends and neighbours, and I do it myself. Results revealed some elements of social networks that influence choices and continuity of treatment and care of patient with venous ulcers. It is therefore necessary for nurses to familiarize themselves with these social networks and work with them to strengthen the partnership in care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (8) ◽  
pp. 910-915
Author(s):  
Sinan F. Tabanjeh ◽  
Dana Hyassat ◽  
Hashem Jaddou ◽  
Nidal A. Younes ◽  
Asirvatham A. Robert ◽  
...  

Background: Diabetic foot is a major public health problem and their complications are an imperative cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Objective: To evaluate the rate of recurrence of foot ulcers post two years of follow-up, including the associated risk factors in the patients attending the diabetic foot clinic at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics (NCDEG), Amman, Jordan. Methods: A historical cohort design was adopted for the patients who presented for the first time to the diabetic foot clinic at the NCDEG. Every patient who came to the clinic was reviewed by using his or her medical files with respect to diabetic foot-related complaints. Patients were classified under four categories: (1) Recurrent foot ulcers (2) chronic foot ulcer (3) free of recurrence, and (4) no foot ulcers. Among the four groups, group 1 (recurrent foot ulcers, n=76) and group 3 (free of recurrence, n=54) were included for the analysis. Results: Among the 141 patients who presented to the diabetic foot clinic during the two-year study period, 76 (53.9%) of them experienced ulcer recurrences, 54 (38.3%) were recurrence-free, and 11 (7.8%) had chronic ulceration. The two-year recurrence rate was 58.5%. The presence of deformity and osteomyelitis were the statistically significant independent risk factors for recurrent foot ulceration. Conclusion: This study of recurrences was clearly related to the type and complications of the ulcers rather than to the other variables. Recurrent foot ulceration is linked to the presence of osteomyelitis and/or deformities.


EP Europace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Kezerle ◽  
M A Tsadok ◽  
A Akriv ◽  
B Feldman ◽  
M Leventer-Roberts ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Pfizer Israel Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of embolic complications in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Whether the risk of stroke in AF patients remains the same among the wide spectrum of disease is yet to be determined. Aim Among individuals with AF and DM, to assess the incidence rates and risk of ischemic stroke and mortality by baseline HbA1C levels. Methods We conducted a prospective, historical cohort study using the Clalit Health Services (CHS) electronic medical records database. The study population included all CHS members ≥ 21 years old, with a first diagnosis of NVAF between January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016 and a minimal follow-up period of 1 year. Among those patients identified as diabetics, we compared three groups of patients according to HBA1C levels at the time of AF diagnosis: &lt;7.0%, between 7-9% and ≥ 9%. Results A total of 44,451 cases were identified. The median age was 75 years (IQR 65-83) and 52.5% were women. During a mean follow up of 38 months, the incidence of stroke per 100 person-years in the three study groups was: 1.9 in patients with HBA1C &lt;7%, 2.37 in the intermediary group and 2.72 in those with HBA1C &gt;9%. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, higher levels of HBA1C were associated with an increased risk of stroke compared with a dose-dependent response when compared to individuals with HBA1C &lt;7% (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) = 1.32 {95% CI 1.12-1.55}for levels between 7-9% and AHR 1.64 {95% CI 1.28-2.09}) even after adjusting for CHA2DS2-VASC individual risk factors and use of oral anti-coagulants. The risk for overall mortality did not differ significantly between groups, with a slight elevation in the HBA1C &gt;9% group after adjusted analysis {aHR = 1.17 (1.07- 1.28)} Conclusion: In this observational cohort of patients with incident newly diagnosed nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, HBA1C levels were associated with an increased risk of stroke in a dose-dependent manner even after accounting for other recognized risk factors for stroke in this population. Abstract Figure. Kaplan-Meier for stroke-free survival


2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 197-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
J T Christenson ◽  
C Prins ◽  
G Gemayel

Objective Increased intramuscular and subcutaneous tissue pressures are often found in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency venous ulcer disease. Additional subcutaneous para-tibial fasciotomy promotes early ulcer healing. This study evaluates the mid-term effect of eradication of superficial reflux with additional fasciotomy in patients with increased tissue pressures. Method Between January 2006 and June 2009, 58 patients underwent fasciotomy. Tissue pressures (intramuscular and subcutaneous) were measured. Sixty-nine limbs with 91 venous ulcers were treated. Mean duration of the venous ulcer was 3.4 years. Underlying disease was post-thrombotic syndrome (PT) in 19 patients (33%, 24 limbs, 27 ulcers) and non-post-thrombotic (non-PT) severe chronic venous insufficiency in 39 (67%, 45 limbs, 64 ulcers). All patients were C6 at the time of surgery. Preoperative tissue pressures were 23.5 ± 6.1 mmHg (intramuscularly) and 9.8 ± 3.2 mmHg (subcutaneously). Results Ninety ulcers (99%) healed postoperatively (42 with and 48 without skin grafting). Tissue pressures significantly decreased following surgery and remained low at three months postoperatively. Ten ulcers in six patients recurred six to 20 months postoperatively (11%), resulting in 86.4 actuarial freedom from venous ulcer recurrence at three years following surgery. Four patients (1 non-PT and 3 PT) had re-fasciotomy; all healed initially but two ulcers (2 patients, PT) recurred at 11 and 12 months. Those patients underwent re-fasciotomy, one healed and one recurred six months later. Conclusion Eradication of superficial reflux with additional subcutaneous fasciotomy for chronic and recurrent venous ulcer improves ulcer healing or success of skin grafting. Mid-term results are excellent particularly in patients with non-PT disease. Recurrence is more frequently seen in patients with PT syndrome. In patients with ulcer recurrence and high tissue pressures, re-fasciotomy can be helpful to promote healing, particularly in patients with primary venous disease.


2015 ◽  
Vol 173 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilad Twig ◽  
Hertzel C Gerstein ◽  
Dana Ben-Ami Shor ◽  
Estela Derazne ◽  
Dorit Tzur ◽  
...  

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess coronary artery disease (CAD) risk among obese young men without metabolic risk factors.DesignA longitudinal study in a historical cohort.MethodsIncident CAD during a median follow-up of 6.1 years was assessed among 31 684 young men (mean age 31.2±5.7 years) of the Metabolic, Lifestyle and Nutrition Assessment in Young Adults (MELANY) cohort. Participants were categorized by BMI and the number of metabolic abnormalities (based on the Adult Treatment Panel-III). Metabolically healthy (MH) obesity was defined as BMI ≥30 kg/m2 in the presence of normal blood pressure (BP) and normal levels of fasting glucose, triglyceride, and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c) levels (n=599; 1.9%). Cox proportional hazard models were applied.ResultsThere were 198 new cases of CAD that were diagnosed during 209 971 person-years of follow-up, of which six cases occurred among MH obese. The incidence of CAD among MH lean, overweight, and obese participants was 0.23, 0.45, and 1.0/1000 person-years respectively. In a multivariable model adjusted for clinical and biochemical CAD risk factors, a higher CAD risk was observed among MH-obese (hazard ratio=3.08; 95% CI=1.10–8.68, P=0.033), compared to MH-normal weight subjects. This risk persisted when BMI was treated as a time-dependent variable, or when fasting glucose, HDL-c, triglycerides, or BP were added to the model. Similar results were also obtained when a more permissive definition of MH was used.ConclusionsObesity may continue to contribute to increased risk for incident CAD in young men even in the presence of a healthy metabolic profile.


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