Impact of great saphenous vein ablation on healing and recurrence of venous leg ulcers in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome: A retrospective comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment approach for patients with active venous leg ulcers (VLUs) and post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) associated with great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux remains unclear. To address this gap, we retrospectively compared the outcomes of patients with post-thrombotic VLU with an intact GSV vs those with a stripped or ablated GSV. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 48 patients with active VLUs and documented PTS, who were treated at a single center between January 2018 and December 2022. Clinical information, including ulcer photographs, was recorded in a prospectively maintained digital database at the initial and follow-up visits. Two patient groups-group A (with an intact GSV) and group B (with a stripped or ablated GSV)-were compared in terms of time to complete healing, proportion of ulcers achieving complete healing, and ulcer recurrence during the follow-up period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, gender, initial ulcer size, or ulcer duration between the two groups. All included patients had femoropopliteal post-thrombotic changes. Group A had significantly more completely healed ulcers (33 of 34 ulcers, 97%) compared with group B (10 of 14 ulcers, 71%) (P = .008). Group A also exhibited a significantly shorter time to complete ulcer healing (median: 42.5 days, interquartile range [IQR]: 65) compared with group B (median: 161 days, IQR: 530.5) (P = .0177), with a greater probability of ulcer healing (P = .0084). Long-term follow-up data were available for 45 of 48 patients (93.7%), with a mean duration of 39.6 months (range: 5.7-67.4 months). The proportion of ulcers that failed to heal or recurred during the follow-up period was significantly lower in group A (9 of 32 ulcers, 27%) compared with group B (11 of 13 ulcers, 85%) (P = .0009). In addition, in a subgroup analysis, patients with an intact but refluxing GSV (12 of 34) had a significantly shorter time to heal (median: 34 days, IQR: 57.25) (P = .0242), with a greater probability of ulcer healing (P = .0091) and significantly fewer recurrences (2 of 12, 16%) (P = .006) compared with group B. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that removal of the GSV through stripping or ablation in patients with post-thrombotic deep venous systems affecting the femoropopliteal segment may result in delayed ulcer healing and increased ulcer recurrence. Patients with an intact GSV had better outcomes, even when the refluxing GSV was left untreated. These findings emphasize the potential impact of GSV treatment on the management of VLUs in individuals with PTS. Further investigation is needed to validate these results and explore alternative therapeutic strategies to optimize outcomes for this patient population.

Dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane to treat venous leg ulcers: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (DHACM) in Medicare enrolees who developed a venous leg ulcer (VLU). METHOD: This economic evaluation used a four-state Markov model to simulate the disease progression of VLUs for patients receiving advanced treatment (AT) with DHACM or no advanced treatment (NAT) over a three-year time horizon from a US Medicare perspective. DHACM treatments were assessed when following parameters for use (FPFU), whereby applications were initiated 30-45 days after the initial VLU diagnosis claim, and reapplications occurred on a weekly to biweekly basis until completion of the treatment episode. The cohort was modelled on the claims of 530,220 Medicare enrolees who developed a VLU between 2015-2019. Direct medical costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the net monetary benefit (NMB) at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY were applied. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed to test the uncertainty of model results. RESULTS: DHACM applied FPFU dominated NAT, yielding a lower per-patient cost of $170 and an increase of 0.010 QALYs over three years. The resulting NMB was $1178 per patient in favour of DHACM FPFU over the same time horizon. The rate of VLU recurrence had a notable impact on model uncertainty. In the PSA, DHACM FPFU was cost-effective in 63.01% of simulations at the $100,000/QALY threshold. CONCLUSION: In this analysis, DHACM FPFU was the dominant strategy compared to NAT, as it was cost-saving and generated a greater number of QALYs over three years from the US Medicare perspective. A companion VLU Medicare outcomes analysis revealed that patients who received AT with a cellular, acellular and matrix-like product (CAMP) compared to patients who received NAT had the best outcomes. Given the added clinical benefits to patients at lower cost, providers should recommend DHACM FPFU to patients with VLU who qualify. Decision-makers for public insurers (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) and commercial payers should establish preferential formulary placement for reimbursement of DHACM to reduce budget impact and improve the long-term health of their patient populations dealing with these chronic wounds. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: Support for this analysis was provided by MiMedx Group, Inc., US. JLD, and RAF are employees of MiMedx Group, Inc. WHT, BH, PS, BGC and WVP were consultants to MiMedx Group, Inc. VD, AO, MRK, JAN, NW and GAM served on the MiMedx Group, Inc. Advisory Board. MRK and JAN served on a speaker's bureau. WVP declares personal fees and equity holdings from Stage Analytics, US.

Use of amniotic membrane in hard-to-heal wounds: a multicentre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: Hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds negatively impact patients and are a source of significant strain on the healthcare system and economy. These wounds are often resistant to standard of care (SoC) wound healing approaches due to a diversity of underlying pathologies. Cellular, acellular, and matrix-like products, such as amniotic membranes (AM), are a potential solution to these challenges. A growing body of evidence suggests that AM may be useful for treatment-resistant wounds; however, limited information is available regarding the efficacy of dehydrated amniotic membrane (DHAM) on multi-aetiology, hard-to-heal wounds. Therefore, we analysed the efficacy of DHAM treatment in reducing the size of hard-to-heal diabetic and venous leg ulcers (VLUs) that had failed to improve after SoC-based treatments. METHOD: In this multicentre retrospective study, we analysed wound size during clinic visits for patients being treated for either diabetic or VLUs. During each visit, the treatment consisted of debridement followed by application of DHAM. Each wound was measured after debridement and prior to DHAM application, and wound volumes over time or number of DHAM applications were compared. RESULTS: A total of 18 wounds in 11 patients were analysed as part of this study. Wounds showed a significant reduction in volume after a single DHAM application, and a 50% reduction in wound size was observed after approximately two DHAM applications. These findings are consistent with reports investigating DHAM treatment of diabetic ulcers that were not necessarily resistant to treatment. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this study is the first to directly compare the efficacy of standalone DHAM application to hard-to-heal diabetic and venous leg ulcers, and our findings indicate that DHAM is an effective intervention for resolving these types of wounds. This suggests that implementing this approach could lead to fewer clinic visits, cost savings and improved patient quality of life. DECLARATION OF INTEREST: This research was supported in part by Merakris Therapeutics, US, and facilitated access to deidentified patient datasets, which may represent a perceived conflict of interest; however, the primary data analysis was performed by FSB who is unaffiliated with Merakris Therapeutics. TCB is a founder, employee of and shareholder in Merakris Therapeutics; WSF is a co-founder of, consultant for, and shareholder in Merakris Therapeutics, and was also supported by the National Institutes of Health National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences Clinical and Translational Science Awards Grant KL2 Scholars Program (KL2TR001441). The research was also supported through endowments to WSF from the University of Texas Medical Branch Mimmie and Hallie Smith Endowed Chair of Transplant Research and the John L Hern University Chair in Transplant Surgery.

Healing of Venous Leg Ulcers Influenced by Individual Aspects: Cluster Analysis in a Specialist Wound Management Clinic.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVE: Venous Leg Ulcers (VLU) present a challenging healing process. Attaining healing is a primary treatment objective, commonly pursued in Primary Health Care (PHC) or Specialist Wound Management Clinics. Our objective was to examine the association and interplay between sociodemographic, health, clinical, and care factors with the outcomes of VLU treatment in patients undergoing care at a Specialist Wound Management Clinic. METHODS: Longitudinal, observational study took place in a center for the treatment of chronic injuries linked to PHC. The sociodemographic aspects, health status and habits, clinical and care aspects of patients with VLU were scrutinized over a 1-year period. RESULTS: The sample comprised 103 participants, with some still under treatment (Treatment Group-TG/ n = 60) and others having achieved VLU healing (Healing Group-HG/ n = 43). An association between sociodemographic, health, clinical, and care factors and the healing outcome (HG) was identified. A moderate correlation was observed between factors predisposing to healing in the sociodemographic group and health habits. Notably, among sociodemographic factors, the older age group and improvements in health, particularly the reduced use of alcohol/smoking, appeared to exert the most significant influence on healing. Additionally, specialized service monitoring and the application of compression therapy were contributory factors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings substantiate the hypothesis that sociodemographic, health, clinical, and care-related aspects are intertwined with VLU healing. Protective factors associated with healing interacted synergistically, fostering a positive outcome over one year of treatment.

Prognostic models for clinical outcomes in patients with venous leg ulcers: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this review was to identify prognostic models for clinical application in patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs). METHODS: Literature searches were conducted in Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and CINAHL databases from inception to December 22, 2021. Eligible studies reported prognostic models aimed at developing, validating, and adjusting multivariable prognostic models that include multiple prognostic factors combined, and that predicted clinical outcomes. Methodological quality was assessed using the CHARMS checklist and PROBAST short form questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were identified, of which three were validation studies of previously published models, four reported derivation and validation of models, and the remainder reported derivation models only. There was substantial heterogeneity in the model characteristics, including 11 studies focused on wound healing outcomes reporting 91 different predictors. Three studies shared similar predicted outcomes, follow-up timepoint and used a Cox proportional hazards model. However, these models reported different predictor selection methods and different predictors and it was therefore not feasible to summarize performance, such as discriminative ability. CONCLUSIONS: There are no standout risk prediction models in the literature with promising clinical application for patients with VLUs. Future research should focus on developing and validating high-performing models in wider VLU populations.

Testing the feasibility of a co-designed intervention, comprising self-managed, home-based, exercise training with embedded behavioural support and compression therapy for people with venous leg ulcers receiving treatment at home (FISCU-II).

BACKGROUND: Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) heal slowly, are painful for patients and are costly for healthcare systems; they also affect patients' quality of life. Previous work suggests that supervised exercise training used in combination with compression therapy may offer clinical benefits. However, a large population of people with VLUs are unable to access such an intervention due to frailty and age. OBJECTIVES: To assess the feasibility of 'FISCU Home' (a co-designed, 12-week home-based self-managed lifestyle programme based on exercise and behaviour support) as an adjunct therapy to compression in people with VLUs. METHODS: Forty people with VLUs, receiving treatment at home, were recruited from community nursing and tissue viability teams, and via a newspaper advertisement. Participants were randomized 1 : 1 either to exercise with behaviour support (three times per week) plus compression therapy or compression only. The feasibility of the programme was assessed using progression criteria that included exercise attendance rate, loss to follow-up, patient preference(s) and adverse events (AEs). Baseline assessments were repeated at 12 weeks and 6 months. Secondary outcomes (i.e. ulcer recurrence, healing rate and healing time) were also documented at these intervals. Intervention and healthcare utilization costs were calculated. RESULTS: The study recruitment rate was 65%, while 75% of the exercise group participants attended all scheduled exercise sessions. All participants completed compression therapy. No serious AEs or exercise-related AEs were reported. Median (interquartile range) ulcer healing time was shorter in the exercise group [29 (7-108) vs. 42 (6-116) weeks]. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility and acceptability of both a home- and exercise-based lifestyle intervention in conjunction with compression therapy and the study procedures are supported.

Diagnosing and Managing Venous Stasis Disease and Leg Ulcers.

Venous insufficiency is a common medical condition that affects many individuals, especially those with advanced age. Chronic venous insufficiency can lead to secondary cutaneous changes that most commonly present as stasis dermatitis but can progress to more serious venous ulcers. Although venous ulcers are the most common cause of lower extremity ulcers, the differential diagnosis of leg ulcers is broad. This article will discuss clinical clues to help guide patient workup and will review basic clinical evaluation and management of common leg ulcers.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of intralesional and perilesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor vs hydrocolloid therapy in venous ulcer treatment in the Colombian context.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comparative analysis of health care expenses and outcomes in response to the question: What is the cost-effectiveness of intralesional and perilesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) compared with hydrocolloid therapy in patients diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency without infection in Colombia? METHODS: A Markov model was used to determine cost effectiveness over a 5-year period, considering the perspective of the health system in Colombia. The study included patients aged >18 years diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency and used clinical studies to calculate the probabilities of epithelialization, infection, recurrence, and mortality. RESULTS: RhEGF is more expensive per unit than hydrocolloids, but it is proven to be effective at healing ulcers in 8 to 12 weeks, even in complex cases. Hydrocolloids, in contrast, typically require 29.5 weeks on average, and ≤46 weeks for complex cases. Despite the cost, rhEGF is more cost effective because it achieves results comparable with hydrocolloid therapy at a lower cost per additional quality-adjusted life-year. CONCLUSIONS: Based on cost-effectiveness analysis, rhEGF is a superior alternative to hydrocolloids for treating venous ulcers in Colombia. Not only is it more affordable, but it also enhances patients' quality of life and streamlines the health care system's resource use.

Implantação de protocolo assistencial voltado a pessoas com úlceras venosas na atenção primária a saúde / Implementation of assistant protocol tailored to people with venous ulcers in primary health care / Implementación de protocolo asistente a la medida de personas con úlceras venosas en atención primaria de salud

Objetivo: Relatar a experiência da implantação de um protocolo assistencial voltado a pessoas com úlceras vasculares com foco nas úlceras venosas na atenção primária a saúde. Método:Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, realizado de março a julho de 2023, no Distrito Sanitário do Subúrbio Ferroviário, Salvador/BA. Resultados: A elaboração de um protocolo assistencial para pessoas com úlceras vasculares, com foco nas úlceras venosas, contou com apoio da enfermeira distrital, duas enfermeiras da assistência e um médico clínico e com a implementação dor referido protocolo por meio de reuniões online e presenciais para treinamento da verificação do índice tornozelo-braquial. Considerações finais:A elaboração do protocolo poderá favorecer a organização das unidades da atenção primária de modo que as pessoas portadoras de úlceras venosas possam receber um cuidado prestado de forma integral, holística e humanizada pelos profissionais que compõem a atenção primária a saúde.

Objective: To report the experience of implementing a care protocol aimed at people with vascular ulcers with a focus on venous ulcers in primary health care. Methodology: This is a descriptive study, carried out from March to July 2023, in the Health District of Subúrbio Ferroviário, Salvador/BA. Results: The development of a care protocol for people with vascular ulcers, focusing on venous ulcers, had the support of the district nurse, two care nurses and a clinical doctor and the implementation of this protocol through online and in-person meetings to training in checking the ankle-brachial index. Final considerations: The development of the protocol may favor the organization of primary care units so that people with venous ulcers can receive care provided in an integral, holistic and humanized manner by professionals who make up primary health care.

Objetivo: Reportar la experiencia de implementación de un protocolo de atención dirigido a personas con úlceras vasculares con enfoque en úlceras venosas en la atención primaria de salud. Metodología:Se trata de un estudio descriptivo, realizado de marzo a julio de2023, en el Distrito de Salud del Subúrbio Ferroviário, Salvador/BA. Resultados:El desarrollo de un protocolo de atención a personas con úlceras vasculares, con foco en las úlceras venosas, contó con el apoyo de la enfermera distrital, dos enfermeras asistenciales y un médico clínico y la implementación de este protocolo a través de reuniones online y presenciales para capacitaciones en comprobando el índice tobillo-brazo. Consideraciones finales: El desarrollo del protocolo puede favorecer la organización de las unidades de atención primaria para que las personas con úlceras venosas puedan recibir una atención brindada de manera integral, holística y humanizada por los profesionales que integran la atención primaria de salud.

Análisis costo-efectividad del tratamiento con terapia compresiva en la cicatrización de úlceras venosas / Cost-effectiveness analysis of the treatment with compressive therapy in the healing of venous ulcers / Análise de custo-efetividade do tratamento com terapia compressiva na cicatrização de úlceras venosas

Objetivo: analizar el costo-efectividad y calcular la relación costoefectividad incremental del tratamiento multicapa compresivo con respecto al inelástico (bota de Unna y estiramiento corto) según la literatura actual. Método: estudio cuantitativo de costo-efectividad a través de un modelo con ayuda del software TreeAge® para la elaboración del árbol de decisión. Los supuestos anunciados se obtuvieron mediante el uso de datos secundarios de la literatura para estimar el costo y la efectividad de los parámetros asumidos. Para ello, se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura con metaanálisis. Resultados: el árbol de decisión, después del Roll Back, mostró que la terapia multicapa prevaleció sobre las alternativas en el caso base, presentó un costo intermedio por aplicación, pero obtuvo la mayor efectividad. El gráfico del análisis de costo-efectividad también demostró que había un dominio extendido de la bota de Unna sobre el vendaje de estiramiento corto. El análisis de sensibilidad reveló que el vendaje multicapa sigue siendo la alternativa con mayor costoefectividad, dentro del umbral de disposición a pagar. Conclusión: la alternativa con mayor costo-efectividad fue el vendaje multicapa, considerado estándar de oro en la literatura. La segunda alternativa con mayor costo-efectividad fue la bota de Unna, la terapia más utilizada en Brasil.

Objective: to analyze the cost-effectiveness and calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of multilayer compressive treatment in relation to inelastic (Unna boot and short stretch) therapy according to the current literature. Method: quantitative study about cost-effectiveness through modeling with the aid of TreeAge® software for construction of the decision tree. The anticipated assumptions were obtained by using secondary literature data to estimate the cost and effectiveness of the assumed parameters. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis was performed for this end. Results: the decision tree after Roll Back showed that the multilayer therapy dominated the alternatives in the base case, representing an intermediate cost per application, although with the highest effectiveness. The cost-effectiveness analysis graph also showed extended dominance of the Unna boot in relation to the short stretch bandage. The sensitivity analysis showed that multilayer bandage remains a more cost-effective alternative, within the threshold of willingness to pay. Conclusion: the most cost-effective alternative was multilayer bandage, considered the gold standard in the literature. The second most cost-effective alternative was the Unna boot, the most used therapy in Brazil.

Objetivo: analisar a custo-efetividade e calcular a razão de custoefetividade incremental do tratamento compressivo multicamadas em relação ao inelástico (bota de Unna e curto estiramento) de acordo com a literatura atual. Método: estudo quantitativo sobre custo-efetividade por meio de modelagem com auxílio do software TreeAge® para a construção da árvore de decisão. Os pressupostos anunciados foram obtidos pelo uso de dados secundários de literatura para estimativa do custo e efetividade dos parâmetros assumidos. Para tal, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de literatura com metanálise. Resultados: a árvore de decisão, após Roll Back mostrou que a terapia multicamadas dominou as alternativas no caso-base, representando custo intermediário por aplicação, porém, com a maior efetividade. O gráfico da análise de custo-efetividade também mostrou uma dominância estendida da bota de Unna em relação à bandagem de curto estiramento. A análise de sensibilidade mostrou que a bandagem multicamadas permanece como alternativa mais custo-efetiva, dentro do limiar de disposição para pagar. Conclusão: a alternativa com maior custo-efetividade foi a bandagem multicamadas, considerada padrão ouro na literatura. A segunda alternativa mais custo-efetiva foi a bota de Unna, terapia mais utilizada no Brasil.

Telenfermagem a Pacientes com Úlceras Venosas: Orientações Fornecidas e Desfecho do Monitoramento Remoto / Telenursing to Patients With Venous Ulcers: Guidelines Provided and Outcome of Remote Monitoring / Teleenfermería a Pacientes con Úlceras Venosas: Directrices Proporcionadas y Resultado de la Monitorización Remota

Objetivos:identificar as orientações fornecidas aos pacientes com úlceras venosas (UVs) submetidos à telenfermagem e descrever o desfecho ocorrido com os pacientes com UVs monitorados à distância. Método: estudo transversal e documental, realizado com 159 prontuários de pacientes com UV submetidos à telenfermagem numa clínica de estomaterapia no Rio de Janeiro. Os critérios de inclusão foram pacientes com diagnóstico de UV submetidos à telenfermagem, de abril de 2018 a fevereiro de 2020. A análise de dados ocorreu por meio de estatística descritiva (frequência absoluta e relativa para as variáveis categóricas), auxiliada por planilha do aplicativo Microsoft Excel. Resultados: identificou-se um equilíbrio entre os participantes em relação ao sexo; apresentaram idade média (desvio-padrão) de 68,07 (5,28); ensino fundamental completo ou médio incompleto; aposentados ou pensionistas. Verificou-se que 40,88% dos pacientes possuíam ao menos uma doença de base, predominando hipertensão arterial sistêmica e diabetes mellitus. As orientações mais prevalentes foram: repouso com os membros inferiores elevados, utilização da terapia compressiva com meia elástica ou atadura elástica e realização da troca de curativo secundário em sua residência. Conclusão: os achados evidenciam a necessidade de ampliar as ações de enfermagem desenvolvidas na Clínica, buscando proporcionar a saúde integral aos pacientes.

Objectives:To identify the guidelines provided to patients with venous ulcers submitted to telenursing and describe the outcome that occurred with patients with venous ulcers monitored remotely. Method: Cross-sectional and documentary study, carried out with 159 medical records of patients with venous ulcers submitted to telenursing at an enterostomal therapy clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The inclusion criteria were patients with a diagnosis of venous ulcer submitted to Telenursing, from April 2018 to February 2020. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics (absolute and relative frequency for categorical variables), aided by the application spreadsheet Microsoft Excel. Results: A balance was identified between the participants in relation to gender; had a mean age (standard deviation) of 68.07 (5.28); completed elementary school or incomplete high school; retirees or pensioners. It was found that 40.88% of the patients had at least one underlying disease, predominantly systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus. The most prevalent guidelines were: resting with the lower limbs elevated, using compressive therapy with elastic stockings or elastic bandage, and changing the secondary dressing at home. Conclusion: The findings show the need to expand the nursing actions developed at the clinic, seeking to provide comprehensive health to patients.

Objetivos:identificar las orientaciones proporcionadas a los pacientes con úlceras venosas sometidos a Teleenfermería y describir el desenlace ocurrido con los pacientes con úlceras venosas monitorizados a distancia. Método: estudio transversal y documental, realizado con 159 prontuarios de pacientes con úlceras venosas sometidos a teleenfermería en una Clínica de Estomaterapia de Rio de Janeiro. Los criterios de inclusión fueron pacientes con diagnóstico de úlcera venosa sometidos a teleenfermería, de abril de 2018 a febrero de 2020. El análisis de datos se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva (frecuencia absoluta y relativa para variables categóricas), auxiliada por la hoja de cálculo de la aplicación Microsoft Excel. Resultados: se identificó un equilibrio entre los participantes en relación al género; tenía una edad media (DE) de 68,07 (5,28); primaria completa o secundaria incompleta; jubilados o pensionados. Se encontró que el 40,88% de los pacientes tenían al menos una enfermedad de base, predominantemente Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica y Diabetes Mellitus. Las pautas más prevalentes fueron: reposo con los miembros inferiores elevados, uso de terapia compresiva con medias elásticas o venda elástica y cambio del vendaje secundario en casa. Conclusión: los hallazgos muestran la necesidad de ampliar las acciones de enfermería desarrolladas en la Clínica, buscando brindar salud integral a los pacientes

Coberturas e agentes tópicos e seus efeitos no tratamento de lesões venosas: revisão integrativa / Coverings and topical agents and their effects on the treatment of venous lesions: integrative review

Objetivo: Identificar na literatura coberturas e agentes tópicos utilizados no tratamento de lesões venosas e descrever os efeitos encontrados. Métodos: Revisão integrativa da literatura, realizada em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais, com uso dos seguintes descritores: úlcera varicosa; úlcera da perna; curativos oclusivos; terapêutica e suas respectivas traduções em inglês. Incluíram-se artigos publicados no período entre 2014 e 2022, sem limitação de idioma. Resultados: Identificaram-se 22 agentes tópicos/coberturas nos 24 artigos selecionados, com predomínio da carboximetilcelulose (n=4), gel de papaína (n=3) e polihexametileno biguanida (n=2), gel de plaquetas (n=2) e tecnologia como lipido-coloide-nano oligossacarídeo (n=2). Conclusão: Os 22 agentes tópicos/coberturas encontrados foram capazes de acelerar a cicatrização, diminuir o exsudato e tecidos desvitalizados, controlar a carga bacteriana, modular a inflamação e reduzir a dor e o odor. A partir da pesquisa também se identificaram as indicações, os resultados e as recomendações dos agentes/coberturas. Entretanto, ressalta-se a importância da realização de pesquisas clínicas de qualidade que contribuam para o planejamento e a tomada de decisões na assistência de enfermagem às pessoas com lesões venosas. Descritores: Enfermagem; Úlcera Varicosa; Úlcera da Perna; Terapêutica; Curativos Oclusivos

Objective: To identify in the literature the coverings and topical agents used in the treatment of venous lesions and describe the effects found. Methods: Integrative literature review carried out in national and international databases using thefollowing descriptors in Portuguese and English: varicose ulcer, leg ulcer, occlusive dressings, therapy. Articles published between 2014 and 2022 were included, without language limitation. Results: Twenty-two topical agents/coverings were identified in the 24 selected articles, with a predominance of carboxymethylcellulose (n=4), papain gel (n=3) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (n=2), platelet gel (n=2) and technology such as lipid-colloid nano-oligosaccharide (n=2). Conclusion: The 22 topical agents/coverings found were able to accelerate healing, decrease exudate and devitalized tissues, control bacterial load, modulate inflammation, and reduce pain and odor. From the research it was also possible to identify the indications, results and recommendations of the agents/coverings. However, we emphasize the importance of conducting quality clinical research that contributes to planning and decision-making in nursing care for people with venous lesions.Descriptors:Nursing;Varicose Ulcer;Leg Ulcer;Therapy;Occlusive Dressings.

Aquacel Ag Advantage/Ag+ Extra and Cutimed Sorbact in the management of hard-to-heal wounds: a cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare Aquacel Ag Advantage/Ag+ Extra (Aquacel Ag+) (Convatec, UK) and Cutimed Sorbact (Sorbact) (Essity, US) dressings indicated for the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs), diabetes foot ulcers (DFUs) and pressure injuries (PIs) for clinical performance and outcomes using real-world evidence in Germany and the US. METHOD: This study was a chart audit review of patients who used either Aquacel Ag+ or Sorbact dressings in the 24 months prior to October 2022. Healthcare providers with access to electronic medical records and charts were asked to capture data via patient record forms. The quantitative data were analysed. RESULTS: Findings in Germany were comparable between Aquacel Ag+ and Sorbact with regards to wound description, management and treatment outcomes, including percent area reduction and wound closure. A difference was that a greater proportion of Sorbact patients required surgery (0% versus 11%; p=0.039). In the US, a greater proportion of wounds were worsening before dressing in the Aquacel Ag+ cohort (49% versus 34%; p=0.010). A multinomial logistic regression yielded the result that patients who received Aquacel Ag+ were 3.53 times more likely to have the wound completely healed (p=0.033). CONCLUSION: Both Aquacel Ag+ and Sorbact dressings are widely used in Germany and the US for patients with VLUs, DFUs and PIs. Our study found two important differences: patients who used Aquacel Ag+ were less likely to need further surgery in Germany; and in the US, there were significantly higher odds that wounds would completely heal with Aquacel Ag+ dressings compared to Sorbact.

Cuidados prestados ao portador de úlcera venosa que auxiliam a cicatrização da ferida / Care provided to patients with venous ulcers to help the wound heal

Objetivo: Identificar na literatura quais são as mais recentes práticas assistenciais prestadas ao paciente portador de úlcera visando a cicatrização da ferida. Método: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada no período de novembro e dezembro de 2022 indexados nos portais LILACS e MEDLINE, os descritores usados na busca foram "Úlcera varicosa" OR "Insuficiência venosa'' AND "cicatrização" AND "Assistência ao paciente". Resultados: foram incluídos 8 artigos, como principais resultados observou-se que a enfermagem realiza várias intervenções para cicatrização das lesões sendo a mais utilizada é o tratamento com terapia compressiva, seguido do tratamento com hidrocoloide e tratamento com gel de plaquetas homólogo. No que tange a avaliação de lesões, prevalece o uso do instrumento PUSH. Considerações finais: faz-se necessário a avaliação adequada, orientação do paciente e cuidador, cuidado multidisciplinar e associação de novas tecnologias para o tratamento de úlceras venosas. A padronização da utilização de escalas como a PUSH na avaliação dos cuidados prestados é essencial para nortear o atendimento.(AU)

Objective: To identify in the literature which are the most recent care practices provided to patients with ulcers, aiming at wound healing. Method: this is an integrative literature review carried out in the period of November and December 2022 indexed in the LILACS and MEDLINE portals, the descriptors used in the search were "Varicose ulcer" OR "Venous insufficiency'' AND "healing" AND "Assistance to the patient". Results: 8 articles were included. With regard to the assessment of injuries, the use of the PUSH instrument prevails. Final considerations: proper assessment, patient and caregiver guidance, multidisciplinary care and association of new technologies for the treatment of venous ulcers are necessary. The standardization of the use of scales such as the PUSH in the assessment of the care provided is essential to guide care.(AU)

Objetivo: Identificar en la literatura cuáles son las prácticas más recientes de cuidados prestados a pacientes con úlceras visando la cicatrización de las heridas. Método: se trata de una revisión bibliográfica integradora realizada en el período de noviembre y diciembre de 2022 indexada en los portales LILACS y MEDLINE, los descriptores utilizados en la búsqueda fueron "Úlcera varicosa" O "Insuficiencia venosa" Y "cicatrización" Y "Cuidados del paciente". Resultados: Se incluyeron 8 artículos, como principales resultados se observó que enfermería realiza diversas intervenciones para la cicatrización de las lesiones, siendo la más utilizada el tratamiento con terapia compresiva, seguida del tratamiento con hidrocoloide y el tratamiento con gel de plaquetas homólogas. En cuanto a la valoración de las lesiones, prevalece el uso del instrumento PUSH. Consideraciones finales: son necesarias una evaluación adecuada, la orientación al paciente y al cuidador, la atención multidisciplinar y la asociación de nuevas tecnologías para el tratamiento de las úlceras venosas. La estandarización del uso de escalas como el PUSH en la evaluación de los cuidados prestados es esencial para orientar la asistencia.(AU)

Endovenous ablation for venous leg ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are a serious manifestation of chronic venous disease affecting up to 3% of the adult population. This typically recalcitrant and recurring condition significantly impairs quality of life, and its treatment places a heavy financial burden upon healthcare systems. The longstanding mainstay treatment for VLUs is compression therapy. Surgical removal of incompetent veins reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence. However, open surgery is an unpopular option amongst people with VLU, and many people are unsuitable for it. The efficacy of the newer, minimally-invasive endovenous techniques has been established in uncomplicated superficial venous disease, and these techniques can also be used in the management of VLU. When used with compression, endovenous ablation aims to further reduce pressure in the veins of the leg, which may impact ulcer healing. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of superficial endovenous ablation on the healing and recurrence of venous leg ulcers and the quality of life of people with venous ulcer disease. SEARCH METHODS: In April 2022 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scrutinised reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions on the language of publication, but there was a restriction on publication year from 1998 to April 2022 as superficial endovenous ablation is a comparatively new technology. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endovenous ablative techniques with compression versus compression therapy alone for the treatment of VLU were eligible for inclusion. Studies needed to have assessed at least one of the following primary review outcomes related to objective measures of ulcer healing such as: proportion of ulcers healed at a given time point; time to complete healing; change in ulcer size; proportion of ulcers recurring over a given time period or at a specific point; or ulcer-free days. Secondary outcomes of interest were patient-reported quality of life, economic data and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data, carried out risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 1 tool, and assessed GRADE certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: The previous version of this review found no RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria. In this update, we identified two eligible RCTs and included them in a meta-analysis. There was a total of 506 participants with an active VLU, with mean durations of 3.1 months ± 1.1 months in the EVRA trial and 60.5 months ± 96.4 months in the VUERT trial. Both trials randomised participants to endovenous treatment and compression or compression alone, however the compression alone group in the EVRA trial received deferred endovenous treatment (after ulcer healing or from six months). There is high-certainty evidence that combined endovenous ablation and compression compared with compression therapy alone, or compression with deferred endovenous treatment, improves time to complete ulcer healing (pooled hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.47; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 466 participants). There is moderate-certainty evidence that the proportion of ulcers healed at 90 days is probably higher with combined endovenous ablation and compression compared with compression therapy alone or compression with deferred endovenous treatment (risk ratio (RR) 1.14, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.30; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 466 participants). There is low-certainty evidence showing an unclear effect on ulcer recurrence at one year in people with healed ulcers with combined endovenous treatment and compression when compared with compression alone or compression with deferred endovenous treatment (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.48; I2 = 78%; 2 studies, 460 participants). There is also low-certainty evidence that the median number of ulcer-free days at one year may not differ (306 (interquartile range (IQR) 240 to 328) days versus 278 (IQR 175 to 324) days) following combined endovenous treatment and compression when compared with compression and deferred endovenous treatment; (1 study, 450 participants). There is low-certainty evidence of an unclear effect in rates of thromboembolism between groups (RR 2.02, 95% CI 0.51 to 7.97; I2 = 78%, 2 studies, 506 participants). The addition of endovenous ablation to compression is probably cost-effective at one year (99% probability at GBP 20,000/QALY; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Endovenous ablation of superficial venous incompetence in combination with compression improves leg ulcer healing when compared with compression alone. This conclusion is based on high-certainty evidence. There is moderate-certainty evidence to suggest that it is probably cost-effective at one year and low certainty evidence of unclear effects on recurrence and complications. Further research is needed to explore the additional benefit of endovenous ablation in ulcers of greater than six months duration and the optimal modality of endovenous ablation.

Nutritional Status of People with a Coexisting Chronic Wound and Extended Assessment Using Bioelectrical Impedance.

The diagnosis of malnutrition should be one of the pillars of comprehensive patient care, especially in the case of patients with large wounds, prolonged healing, or comorbidities. The condition for a reliable and accurate nutritional diagnosis is to link it with the parameters of nutritional status assessment at the basic level (anthropometric measurements and clinical assessment) and in depth (biochemical tests and bioelectrical impedance). A prospective study included a sample of 60 patients with coexisting chronic wounds (venous ulcers, diabetic foot syndrome, pressure injury) treated at the Wound Treatment Clinic of Fr. B. Markiewicz Podkarpackie Oncology Center (Poland). The method of estimation and diagnostic survey was used; the research tool was a scientific research protocol consisting of four parts. Self-care capacity was assessed based on the Barthel scale, nutritional status using blood biochemical parameters, and electrical bioimpedance. Wounds were classified according to the extent, depth of tissue structures, and potential infection. Subjects with pressure ulcers had statistically significantly lower fat-free mass component indices compared to those with diabetic foot syndrome and venous ulceration. The subjects with pressure ulcers had significantly lower values of body composition components compared to those with diabetic foot syndrome and venous ulcers. In the group of patients with pressure ulcers, the lowest values of albumin (3.20 g/dL), hemoglobin (10.81 g/dL), and nutritional risk index (NRI) (88.13 pts.) scores were confirmed. Subjects with pressure ulcers with limited self-care presented a non-physiological nutritional status, indicating a risk of malnutrition. Local actions related to wound treatment should be preceded by a general examination, considering the state of augmented nutrition with the use of electrical bioimpedance.

Circumferential Radical Debridement and Omental Free Flap in the Treatment of Severe Chronic Venous Ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous leg ulcers are a significant health care burden with a difficult and unreliable treatment. Free flaps may be needed for wound coverage in severe cases. Incomplete removal of dermatoliposclerosis (DLS) area and/or not addressing the underlying venous dysfunction may contribute to the reported modest long-term results. METHODS: A series of 5 patients with severe chronic venous ulcers of the leg, resistant to conservative treatment and superficial venous surgery, were treated with radical, circumferential, subfascial resection of the DLS skin and coverage with omental free flaps. Delayed arteriovenous (AV) loops were used as recipients. All patients had previous superficial venous surgery and multiple skin grafts. Mean follow-up was 8 years (4-15 years). RESULTS: One hundred percent of flaps survived completely. No major complications occurred. One patient developed ulceration of the flap at 2 years and healed with basic wound care. At a mean follow-up of 8 years, all patients were ulcer-free. One patient died 15 years after the surgery for unrelated causes. CONCLUSIONS: Radical circumferential resection of DLS area in severe chronic venous leg ulcers and coverage with a free omental flap using staged AV loop provided durable coverage in a series of 5 patients. Complete resection of DLS area, addressing the underlying venous pathology, and draining the flap to a healthy competent vein graft (AV loop) may contribute to these favorable results.

The effect of wound electrical stimulation in venous leg ulcer healing-a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The benefit of using electric stimulation therapy (EST) to heal venous leg ulcers (VLUs) is not well established. The main aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of ulcer EST in VLU healing. METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science and included original studies that reported VLU healing after EST. The inclusion criteria were at least two surface electrodes placed on or near the wound or a planar probe covering the ulcer area to be treated. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized control trials (RCTs) and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for case series were used to evaluate the risk of bias. RESULTS: This review included eight RCTs and three case series involving a total of 724 limbs in 716 patients with VLUs. The mean patient age was 64.2 years (95% confidence interval, 62.3-66.2), and 46.2% (95% confidence interval, 41.2%-50.4%) were men. The active electrode was placed on the wound with the passive electrode placed on healthy skin (n = 6), the two electrodes were placed on either side of the wound edges (n = 4), or a planar probe was used (n = 1). The pulsed current was the most used waveform (n = 9). The change in the ulcer size was the main method used to determine ulcer healing (n = 8), followed by the ulcer healing rate (n = 6), exudate levels (n = 4), and the time to healing (n = 3). Five RCTs detected a statistically significant improvement in at least one VLU healing outcome, after EST compared with the control group. In two of these, EST was better than the control but only for patients who had not undergone surgical treatment of VLU. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from the present systematic review support the use of EST to accelerate wound healing of VLUs, especially for patients who are not surgical candidates. However, the significant variation in electric stimulation protocols represents an important limitation to its use and should be addressed in future studies.

Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy to remove post-thrombotic obstructions and manage post-thrombotic syndrome-associated venous leg ulceration.

BACKGROUND: Up to one half of patients with a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis will develop post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). Patients with PTS can develop venous leg ulcers (VLUs) due to post-thrombotic obstructions (PTOs) that contribute to prolonged ambulatory venous hypertension. The current treatments for PTS, which include chronic thrombus, synechiae, trabeculations, and inflow lesions, do not target PTOs, and such obstructions can affect stenting success. The aim of the present study was to determine whether removal of chronic PTOs using percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy would promote VLU resolution and positive outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective analysis, the characteristics and outcomes for patients with VLUs secondary to chronic PTO who were treated using the ClotTriever System (Inari Medical) between August 2021 and May 2022 were assessed. Technical success was considered the ability to cross a lesion and introduce the thrombectomy device. Clinical success was defined as a decrease of ≥1 in the severity category for the ulcer diameter using the revised venous clinical severity score (score 0, no VLU; score 1, mild VLU [size <2 cm]; score 2, moderate VLU [size 2-6 cm]; score 3, severe VLU [size >6 cm]) at the latest follow-up visit. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients with 15 VLUs on 14 limbs were identified. Their mean age was 59.7 ± 11.8 years, and four patients (36.4%) were women. The median VLU duration was 11.0 months (interquartile range [IQR], 6.0-17.0 months), and 2 patients had VLUs secondary to a deep vein thrombosis event >40 years previously. All treatments were performed in a single session, with technical success achieved in 100% of the 14 limbs. A median of five passes (IQR, four to six passes) with the ClotTriever catheter were performed per limb. Chronic PTOs were successfully extirpated, and intraprocedural intravascular ultrasound showed effective disruption of venous synechiae and trabeculations. Stents were placed in 10 limbs (71.4%). The time to VLU resolution or the latest follow-up was 12.8 ± 10.5 weeks, and clinical success was achieved for all 15 VLUs (100%), with the revised venous clinical severity score for the ulcer diameter improving from a median of 2 (IQR, 2-2) at baseline to a median score of 0 (IQR, 0-0) at last follow-up. The VLU area had decreased by 96.6% ± 8.7%. Of the 15 VLUs, 12 (80.0%) had resolved completely, and 3 had demonstrated near-complete healing. CONCLUSIONS: All patients showed complete or near-complete VLU healing within a few months after mechanical thrombectomy. Mechanical extirpation and interruption of chronic PTOs allowed for luminal gain and restoration of cephalad inflow. With additional investigation, mechanical thrombectomy with the study device could prove a vital component to the treatment of VLUs secondary to PTOs.

A New Powder Dressing for Management of Chronic Venous Ulcers.

BACKGROUND: A new powder dressing (TPD) is a methacrylate-based powder formulation that transforms in situ into a shape-retentive matrix upon hydration to create optimum moist wound healing conditions. The following randomized, controlled, clinical study aimed to evaluate the role of TPD in the management of chronic venous ulcers (CVU). METHODS: The randomized controlled prospective study enrolled 60 CVU patients. After randomization, patients in the treatment group ( n = 30) were treated with TPD, whereas those in the control group ( n = 30) received conventional compression dressing therapy. RESULTS: After treatment, patients in the TPD group had significantly higher rates of complete ulcer healing at 12 weeks (43.3% vs 10.0%, p = .004) and 24 weeks (86.7% vs 40.0%, p = .001) when compared with conventional dressing group. Moreover, patients in the TP dressing group had significantly shorter time to complete ulcer healing [mean (95% CI): 16.7 (14.1-19.3) versus 37.0 (30.8-43.2) weeks, p = .001]. In addition, patients in the TPD group had significantly fewer number of dressings, less severe pain after dressing, and lower need for systemic analgesics. CONCLUSION: Use of TPD in management of CVUs was associated with significantly higher healing rates, shorter duration to healing, and lower pain.