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

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.

Low-laser light therapy in venous ulcer healing: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives: to compare the effect of adjuvant low-laser light therapy versus conventional treatment alone on venous ulcer healing. Methods: this is a randomized clinical trial with 40 patients randomized equally to a control group (topical and compressive treatment) and intervention group (adjuvant low-laser light therapy). Outcomes of interest were Wound Healing: Secondary Intention and Tissue Integrity: Skin & Mucous Membranes, as described in the Classification of Nursing Outcomes/NOC. Results: groups with similar sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Eighty-two ulcers were assessed, with an average duration of 1 to 5 years, in 1,066 nursing consultations, with a statistically significant difference in the time and number of healed ulcers (intervention group). There was a significant improvement in the nursing outcomes under study and in eight clinical indicators. Conclusions: low-laser light therapy improves and reduces tissue regeneration time, contributing to advances in wound treatment.

Venous Leg Ulcers: Advanced Therapies and New Technologies

The prevalence of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) differs between 1.5% and 3% in the general population. The challenge in treating VLUs is common recurrence. Moreover, VLUs can be resistant to healing, despite appropriate treatment. In these cases, advanced wound therapies should be considered. The number of new technologies, applied in VLUs treatment, has increased in the last years. These therapies include biophysical interventions such as ultrasound therapy, electrical stimulations, electromagnetic therapy, or phototherapy. Furthermore, stem cell therapies, biologic skin equivalents, platelet-rich plasma therapy, oxygen therapies, anti-TNF therapy, or negative pressure wound therapy are advanced venous ulcer therapeutic methods that may support the standard of care. Medical devices, such as a muscle pump activator, or intermittent pneumatic compression device, may be especially useful for specific subgroups of patients suffering from VLUs. Some of the above-mentioned technologies require broader evidence of clinical efficacy and are still considered experimental therapies in dermatology.

Varicose veins: our experience in KVG Medical College and Hospital, Karnataka

Background: The varicose veins is the most common vascular disorder of the lower extremities. It affects more than 5% of adult population but in India incidence of varicose veins seems to be far less common because patients come for complications such as pain, oedema, pigmentation and ulceration leading to tip of Iceberg phenomenon. This study will help in finding epidemiology, mode of presentation and effect of surgery on venous ulcers and recurrence. The aims and objectives of the study was to study the incidence of varicose veins according to age, sex and occupation with spectrum of clinical presentation in varicose veins. To determine effect of surgery in healing of varicose ulcers if present and study of recurrence upto 6 months.Methods: This prospective study involved 50 patients admitted in KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia with clinical diagnosis of varicose veins. The study period was 18 months inclusive of a 6 month follow up period.Results: Most patients was between 41 to 50 years (26 %.), males (74%), left side involvement in (70%) and farmer by occupation (40%) with pain as most common presenting symptom in (76%). Long saphenous system involvement in (94%). 6 patients out of 50 showed recurrence of varicose veins. 4 patient showed recurrence out of 21 venous ulcer patients.Conclusions: For varicose veins saphenofemoral junction ligation with stripping of vein with perforator ligation showed good outcome. Venous ulcers heal well after surgery with few recurrences.

Treatment of venous ulcers in drug addicts: A case report

Venous ulcers are common in drug addicts and, although the management of these wounds is the same as in other patients, there are differences in the approach and the outcome of treatment. Those injecting drugs are at risk of serious infections, such as necrotizing fasciitis, wound botulism, and cutaneous anthrax due to the nature of the substances being injected. Herein, we present two cases of venous ulcers in drug addicts in their thirties. Both patients had been suffering from a venous ulcer for several years and the final result differed in the two patients. We concluded that it is necessary to raise awareness of the importance of treatment and lifestyle changes. The multidisciplinary approach in these patients may contribute to the improvement of wound healing.