Determinação do agente microbiano, perfil de resistência antimicrobiana e produção de biofilme em úlceras de membros inferiores em pacientes com sequelas de hanseníase e outras doenças crônicas / Determination of the microbial agent, antimicrobial resistance profile and biofilm production in lower limb ulcers in patients with leprosy sequelae and other chronic diseases

Úlceras crônicas são definidas quando o processo de reparação do tecido excede o período de 3 meses, dificultando sua cicatrização. Sua etiologia pode ser multifatorial, como a ocorrência de traumas e consequência de patologias, como hanseníase, hipertensão e diabetes. As úlceras abrigam diversos microrganismos colonizadores e residentes que podem tornar-se potenciais agravantes a sua condição clínica, visto sua capacidade de formação de biofilmes e resistência antimicrobiana, diminuindo a eficácia da terapêutica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar os agentes microbianos presentes em úlceras de pacientes com doenças crônicas atendidos no ambulatório de feridas do Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima, avaliar a susceptibilidade antimicrobiana destes isolados e sua capacidade de produção de biofilme, bem como comparar os resultados evidenciados por swab e biópsia e correlacionar os resultados microbiológicos com dados clínicos dos pacientes. Foram coletadas amostras de exsudato por swab e biópsia de úlceras crônicas dos participantes com doenças crônicas. As amostras foram semeadas em ágar sangue, manitol, cetrimide e MacCnkey para posterior identificação microbiana. Também foi desempenhada a determinação da susceptibilidade aos antimicrobianos e capacidade de produção de biofilme dos isolados identificados por swab e biópsia. Foram identificados 47 microrganismos no total, sendo 26 (55%) isolados presentes no swab e 21 (45%) em biópsia. P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis e S. aureus foram as bactérias comumente prevalentes em ambos os materiais de coleta, com predomínio de P. aeruginosa. Apenas 16 (36%) das bactérias demonstraram capacidade de produzir biofilme, com destaque para o grupo dos gram-positivos (92%) que também exibiram alto perfil de susceptibilidade frente linezolida e vancomicina. Meropenem foi o único fármaco a mostrar eficácia frente as cepas de P. aeruginosa presentes, enquanto o grupo das enterobactérias apresentaram menor resposta frente a amoxicilina com ácido clavulânico. Swab e biópsia apresentaram uma concordância geral de 60%, semelhante ao observado por outros estudos. Tais diferenças podem se dar devido à presença de colonizadores. A cobertura de zinco e bota de Unna foi correlacionada à ausência de sinais flogísticos de infecção. Os dados sociodemográficos mostram prevalência de indíviduos com baixa escolaridade e idade acima de 60 anos. O swab é menos invasivo e mais utilizado devido sua facilidade e baixo custo em relação a biópsia; contudo, deve ser considerado com mais cautela na análise dos resultados microbiológicos.

Chronic wounds are defined when the tissue repair process exceeds the period of 3 months, making it difficult to heal. Its etiology can be multifactorial, such as the occurrence of trauma and consequences of pathologies, such as leprosy, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Ulcers harbor several colonizing and resident microorganisms that can become potential aggravating factors for their clinical condition, given their ability to form biofilms and their antimicrobial resistance, decreasing the therapeutic efficacy. This study aimed to determine the microbial agents present in ulcers of patients with chronic conditions treated at the wound clinic of the Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima, to evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility and ability to produce biofilm, as well as to compare the results evidenced by swab and biopsy and correlate the microbiological results with clinical data of the patients. Exudate samples were collected by swab and biopsy of leg ulcers from participants with chronic diseases. Samples were seeded on sheep blood agar, mannitol, cetrimide and MacConkey agar for subsequent microbial identification. The determination of antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production capacity of isolates identified by swab and biopsy was also performed. A total of 47 microorganisms were identified, 26 (55%) of which were isolated from the swab and 21 (45%) from the biopsy. P. aeruginosa, P. mirabilis and S. aureus were the commonly prevalent bacteria in both collection materials, with predominance of P. aeruginosa. Only 16 (36%) bacteria demonstrated the ability to produce biofilm, with emphasis on the gram-positive group (92%) that also exhibited a high profile of susceptibility to linezolid and vancomycin. Meropenem was the only drug to show efficacy against the strains of P. aeruginosa present, while the group of enterobacteria showed less response against amoxicillin with clavulanic acid. Swab and biopsy showed an overall agreement of 60%, similar to that observed by other studies. Such differences may occur due to the presence of colonizers. Zinc coating and Unna boot correlated with the absence of phlogistic signs of infection. Sociodemographic data show a prevalence of individuals with low education and aged over 60 years. The swab is less invasive and more used due to its ease and low cost compared to biopsy; however, it should be considered with more caution in the analysis of microbiological results

Consensus on the diagnosis and management of chronic leg ulcers - Brazilian Society of Dermatology.

BACKGROUND: Chronic leg ulcers affect a large portion of the adult population and cause a significant social and economic impact, related to outpatient and hospital care, absence from work, social security expenses, and reduced quality of life. The correct diagnosis and therapeutic approach are essential for a favorable evolution. OBJECTIVE: To gather the experience of Brazilian dermatologists, reviewing the specialized literature to prepare recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of the main types of chronic leg ulcers. METHODS: Seven specialists from six university centers with experience in chronic leg ulcers were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to reach a consensus on the diagnosis and therapeutic management of these ulcers. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, relevant elements were considered in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic leg ulcers of the most common causes; then, the recent literature was analyzed using the best scientific evidence. RESULTS: The following themes were defined as relevant for this consensus - the most prevalent differential etiological diagnoses of chronic leg ulcers (venous, arterial, neuropathic, and hypertensive ulcers), as well as the management of each one. It also included the topic of general principles for local management, common to chronic ulcers, regardless of the etiology. CONCLUSION: This consensus addressed the main etiologies of chronic leg ulcers and their management based on scientific evidence to assist dermatologists and other health professionals and benefit the greatest number of patients with this condition.

Consensus on the diagnosis and management of chronic leg ulcers - Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract Background: Chronic leg ulcers affect a large portion of the adult population and cause a significant social and economic impact, related to outpatient and hospital care, absence from work, social security expenses, and reduced quality of life. The correct diagnosis and therapeutic approach are essential for a favorable evolution. Objective: To gather the experience of Brazilian dermatologists, reviewing the specialized literature to prepare recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of the main types of chronic leg ulcers. Methods: Seven specialists from six university centers with experience in chronic leg ulcers were appointed by the Brazilian Society of Dermatology to reach a consensus on the diagnosis and therapeutic management of these ulcers. Based on the adapted DELPHI methodology, relevant elements were considered in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic leg ulcers of the most common causes; then, the recent literature was analyzed using the best scientific evidence. Results: The following themes were defined as relevant for this consensus - the most prevalent differential etiological diagnoses of chronic leg ulcers (venous, arterial, neuropathic, and hypertensive ulcers), as well as the management of each one. It also included the topic of general principles for local management, common to chronic ulcers, regardless of the etiology. Conclusion: This consensus addressed the main etiologies of chronic leg ulcers and their management based on scientific evidence to assist dermatologists and other health professionals and benefit the greatest number of patients with this condition.

Evidências científicas sobre as úlceras de pernas como sequela da hanseníase / Evidencias científicas sobre las úlceras de piernas como secuela de la lepra / Scientific evidence on leg ulcers as leprosy sequel

Resumo Objetivo Investigar as evidências científicas sobre as úlceras de pernas como sequela da hanseníase. Métodos Revisão Integrativa da Literatura (RIL). Para identificação do tema e questão de pesquisa, utilizou-se a estratégia PICo, na sequencia procedeu-se a busca nas bases de dados: Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (Cinahl), Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Banco de dados em Enfermagem (BDENF), EMBASE (Elsevier), PUBMED (National Library of Medicine), SCOPUS (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), selecionados os descritores específicos para cada uma delas e elaboradas as respectivas estratégias de busca. Os idiomas considerados foram: inglês, português e espanhol. O período da RIL foi indeterminado. Para a seleção dos estudos, utilizou-se a ferramenta Ryyan que permitiu dois dos autores independentemente incluir, excluir, ou ficar indeciso, as discordâncias foram solucionadas por um terceiro. Os artigos selecionados foram classificados de acordo com a Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). E para a interpretação dos resultados os artigos foram agrupados por semelhança e categorizados da seguinte maneira: autor, ano país, nível de evidência, objetivos e resultados, conclusão e recomendação. Resultados Identificou-se 415 estudos e 10 foram incluídos na revisão. O resultado principal obtido foi o tratamento tópico da úlcera, as vulnerabilidades e os determinantes que assolam os acometidos pela hanseníase não foram estudados. Conclusão Não há fortes evidências sobre as terapias para o tratamento de úlceras de pernas decorrentes da hanseníase que apoiem a diminuição de sequelas incapacitantes ocasionadas pela doença perpetuando o estigma e a desigualdade social.

Resumen Objetivo investigar las evidencias científicas sobre las úlceras de piernas como secuela de la lepra. Métodos revisión integradora de la literatura (RIL). Para la identificación del tema y pregunta de la investigación, se utilizó la estrategia PICo, luego se procedió a la búsqueda en las bases de datos: Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (Cinahl), Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (Lilacs), Banco de dados em Enfermagem (BDENF), EMBASE (Elsevier), PUBMED (National Library of Medicine), SCOPUS (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), se seleccionaron los descriptores específicos para cada una y se elaboraron las respectivas estrategias de búsqueda. Se consideraron los idiomas inglés, portugués y español. El período de la RIL fue indeterminado. Para la selección de los estudios, se utilizó la herramienta Ryyan, que permitió dos de los autores independientemente incluir, excluir o estar indeciso, las discrepancias fueron resueltas por un tercero. Los artículos seleccionados se clasificaron según la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Y para la interpretación de los resultados, los artículos se agruparon por semejanza y se categorizaron de la siguiente manera: autor, año, país, nivel de evidencia, objetivos y resultados, conclusión y recomendación. Resultados se identificaron 415 estudios y se incluyeron 10 en la revisión. El resultado principal obtenido fue el tratamiento tópico de la úlcera, las vulnerabilidades y los determinantes que asolaron a los afectados por la lepra no fueron estudiados. Conclusión no hay fuertes evidencias sobre las terapias para el tratamiento de úlceras de piernas resultantes de la lepra que justifiquen la reducción de secuelas incapacitantes provocadas por la enfermedad, perpetuando el estigma y la desigualdad social.

Abstract Objective To investigate the scientific evidence on leg ulcers as leprosy sequel. Methods This is an Integrative Literature Review (ILR). In order to identify the theme and research question, the PICo strategy was used, in the sequence the search was carried out in Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Latin American & Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), (BDENF), EMBASE (Elsevier), PUBMED (National Library of Medicine), SCOPUS (Elsevier), Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics) databases. Specific descriptors were selected for each of them and respective search strategies were created. The languages considered were English, Portuguese and Spanish. The ILR period was indeterminate. For the study selection, the Ryyan tool was used and allowed two of the authors to independently include, exclude or remain undecided, disagreements were solved by a third party. The selected articles have been ranked according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). And for interpretation of results, the articles were grouped by similarity and categorized into author, country year, level of evidence, objectives and results, conclusion and recommendation. Results 415 studies were identified and 10 were included in the review. The main outcome was the topical treatment of ulcers, the vulnerabilities and the determinants that afflict those affected by leprosy were not studied. Conclusion There is no strong evidence on therapies for the treatment of leprosy-induced leg ulcers that support the reduction of disabling sequel caused by disease perpetuating stigma and social inequality.

Pomada de óxido de zinco versus hidrogel no tratamento de úlcera crônica de pessoas com sequelas de hanseníase: estudo clínico randomizado do tipo piloto / Zinc oxide ointment versus hydrogel in the treatment of chronic ulcers in people with leprosy sequelae: a randomized clinical pilot study

As úlceras cutâneas crônicas de origem neuropática secundárias à hanseníase são de difícil resolução e onerosas ao sistema público de saúde e aos pacientes acometidos. Há coberturas de alta tecnologia para o tratamento das úlceras, entretanto, são de custo elevado. Desta forma, faz-se necessário identificar tratamento que possa ser usado nessa população, buscando minimizar ou regredir completamente a úlcera e que seja de baixo custo. Objetivo: Avaliar a viabilidade de um protocolo para uso da pomada de óxido de zinco nas concentrações a 20% e 25% comparada ao hidrogel, no tratamento de úlcera crônica de perna de pessoas com sequelas de hanseníase e propor instrumento de acompanhamento de pacientes em tratamento de úlceras crônicas. Método: Estudo clínico pragmático, do tipo piloto, randomizado com três braços paralelos, aberto em relação ao controle (hidrogel) e cego entre os dois grupos de intervenção, a saber: óxido de zinco a 20% e 25%. A população do estudo foi constituída por pacientes atendidos nos ambulatórios do Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima, portadores de úlceras de perna, que já concluíram o tratamento para a hanseníase e a amostra constituída por 12 pacientes com 36 úlceras. Como desfechos primários foram avaliadas as taxas de adesão, recrutamento e de eventos adversos. O desfecho secundário foi a avaliação da eficácia das intervenções por meio da avaliação inicial e evolução da úlcera, empregando-se a Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) e a mediana da área em cm2. Resultados: Quatro participantes com 11 úlceras foram incluídos no grupo hidrogel, seis participantes com 20 úlceras no grupo do óxido de zinco 20% e dois participantes com cinco úlceras no grupo do óxido de zinco 25%. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 61,4 anos (±8,8), a metade era do sexo masculino e a maioria possuía menos que oito anos de estudo (80,0%). As taxas de recrutamento, adesão dos participantes aos produtos indicados, aos retornos para as reavaliações e eventos adversos associados aos produtos foram, respectivamente, 44,4%, 91,7%,100% e 8,3%. Quanto à eficácia, não houve diferença entre os grupos em relação à evolução da área, entretanto, o grupo controle apresentou maior redução da escala PUSH (p<0,02). Dentre as dificuldades de aplicação do protocolo de pesquisa, destacaram-se as relacionadas ao instrumento de coleta de dados com destaque para a avaliação da área da úlcera. Tendo-se em vista a experiência de emprego do formulário de coleta de dados do estudo piloto, foi criado como produto o ebook intitulado Instrumento para desenvolvimento do Processo de Enfermagem no acompanhamento de pacientes com úlcera de perna secundária à hanseníase, que pode ser acessado no link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HE1unzlDBmehsDADsBmRHWVxM8G9FQbT/view. Conclusão: o estudo permitiu concluir que há viabilidade de emprego do protocolo analisado, sugerindo ajustes na forma de obtenção e pontuação do escore relacionado à maior medida da área da úlcera. Devido à baixa taxa de recrutamento, deve ser considerado o desenvolvimento do estudo futuro em mais de um centro pesquisador(AU).

The chronic skin ulcers of neuropathic origin, secondary to leprosy, are difficult to heal and costly to the public health system and patients. There are high technology dressings for wound treatment, however, they are expensive. In this way, it is necessary to identify the treatment which can be applied to this population, seeking to minimize or completely reduce the ulcer at lower costs. Objective: To evaluate the viability of a protocol for the use of zinc oxide ointment at 20% and 25% concentrations compared to hydrogel, in the treatment of chronic leg ulcers of people with leprosy sequelae, and to suggest a follow-up instrument for patients under treatment of chronic ulcers. Method: This is a pragmatic, pilottype, randomized trial with three parallel segments, open to the control (hydrogel) and blind between the two intervention groups, namely: zinc oxide at 20 and 25%. The study population consisted of patients with leg ulcers, attended at the outpatient clinics of Lauro de Souza Lima Institute, who had already completed the treatment for leprosy, and the sample comprised 12 patients with 36 ulcers. Adherence, recruitment, and adverse event rates were assessed as primary outcomes. Evaluation of the efficacy of the interventions through the initial evaluation and evolution of the ulcer, using Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH), and median of the area in cm2, were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: Four participants with 11 ulcers were included in the hydrogel group, six participants with 20 ulcers in the zinc oxide group at 20%, and two participants with 05 ulcers in the zinc oxide group at 25%. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 61.4 years (± 8.8); half were males and the majority had attended school for less than eight years (80.0%). The recruitment rates, adhesion of the participants to the indicated products, the returns to the reassessments and adverse events associated with the products, were, respectively, 44.4%, 91.7%, 100% and 8.3%. Concerning effectiveness, there was no difference between groups in relation to the evolution of the area, but the control group presented a greater reduction in the PUSH scale (p<0,02). Among the difficulties of applying the research protocol, the ones related to data collection instrument were predominant for ulcer evaluation. Considering the experience of using the data collection form of the pilot study, the ebook entitled Instrument for Nursing Process Development in the follow-up of leprosy leg ulcer patients was created as a product link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HE1unzlDBmehsDADsBmRHWVxM8G9FQbT/view. Conclusion: the study led to conclude that the protocol analyzed is feasible to be applied, suggesting adjustments for obtaining and punctuating the score related to the largest measurement of the ulcer area. Due to the low recruitment rates, further studies are necessary in more than one research center(AU).

Papel del factor de crecimiento epidérmico recombinante humano Heberprot-P en un paciente con Lepra Multibacilar / Role of the human recombinant epidermal growth factor Heberprot-P in a patient with Multibacillary Leprosy

Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino de 59 años de edad, tratado por vías convencionales a causa de lesiones ulcerativas de miembros inferiores, de más de siete años de evolución, sin diagnóstico y tratamiento. La evolución ulterior permitió reconocer la aparición subsecuente de lepra multibacilar. La basiloscopía fue positiva, indicando el diagnóstico de las lesiones ulcerativas, que se trataron con el uso de factor de crecimiento epidérmico recombinante humano en su formulación Heberprot-P, permitiendo la granulación de las lesiones en toda su extensión en un plazo corto, de 16 días, sin que se presentaran eventos adversos graves. Su resultado final fue satisfactorio (AU)

This is a case of a 59-year-old male patient who came to the hospital with a seven-year history of undiagnosed and untreated ulcerative lesions of the inferior limbs. Follow-up pointed to a subsequent multibacillary leprosy. The smear test was positive, diagnosing the ulcerative lesions, which were treated with the human recombinant epidermal growth factor in its Heberprot-P formulation, permitting the whole granulation of the lesions in only 16 days of treatment and without any adverse reactions. The final result was satisfactory (AU)

Activated charcoal dressing in malodorous leg ulcers.

Leg ulcers are commonly associated with malodour. Reduction of malodour in foul smelling ulcers is an adjuvant therapy in the management of ulcers. We report two patients with leg ulcer who got benefited with activated charcoal dressing for malodour.

Interventions for skin changes caused by nerve damage in leprosy.

BACKGROUND: More than three million persons are disabled by leprosy worldwide. The main complication of sensory nerve damage is neuropathic ulceration, particularly of the feet. In this review we explored interventions that can prevent and treat secondary damage to skin and limbs. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of self-care, dressings and footwear in preventing and healing secondary damage to the skin in persons affected by leprosy. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register (April 2008), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2008), MEDLINE (from 2003 to April 2008), EMBASE (from 2005 to April 2008), CINAHL (1982-2006) and LILACS (1982- April 2008 ) as well as online registers of ongoing trials (April 2008). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials involving anyone with leprosy and damage to peripheral nerves treated with any measures designed to prevent damage with the aim of healing existing ulcers and preventing development of new ulcers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors assessed trial quality and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS: Eight trials with a total of 557 participants were included. The quality of the trials was generally poor. The interventions and outcome measures were diverse. Although three studies that compared zinc tape to more traditional dressings found some benefit, none of these showed a statistically significant effect. One trial indicated that topical ketanserin had a better effect on wound healing than clioquinol cream or zinc paste, RR was 6.00 (95% CI 1.45 to 24.75). We did not combine the results of the two studies that compared topical phenytoin to saline dressing, but both studies found statistically significant effects in favour of phenytoin for healing of ulcer (SMD -2.34; 95% CI -3.30 to -1.39; and SMD -0.79; 95% CI -1.20 to 0.39). Canvas shoes were not much better than PVC-boots, and double rocker shoes did not promote healing much more than below-knee plasters. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: One study suggested that topical ketanserin is more effective than clioquinol cream or zinc paste. Topical phenytoin (two studies) may be more effective than saline dressing regarding ulcer healing. For the other dressings the results were equivocal. Canvas shoes were a little better than PVC-boots, but not significantly, and the effect of double rocker shoes compared to below-knee plasters was no different in promoting the healing of ulcers. No side effects were documented. There is a lack of high quality research in the field of ulcer prevention and treatment in leprosy. New trials should follow the current standards for design and reporting of randomised controlled trials.

Comparação da atividade de ácidos graxos essenciais e biomembrana na microbiota de feridas crônicas infectadas / Comparison of the activity of fatty essential acids and biomembrane in the microbiota of infected chronic wounds

Em pessoas curadas de hanseníase, as úlceras em membros inferiores representam um desafio aos profissionais, por serem crônicas, infectadas e recorrentes. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo comparar a ação de uma biomembrana de látex (Biocure®) e de um produto à base de AGE (Dersani®) na microbiota de feridas crônicas infectadas, em pessoas que receberam alta do tratamento para hanseníase. Trata-se de pesquisa realizada no Hospital de Dermatologia Sanitária, de Goiânia (GO), no período de fevereiro a outubro de 2007, na qual participaram 8 pessoas curadas de hanseníase, com 19 feridas infectadas, que foram, alocadas aleatoriamente em grupo A (tratado com Dersani®) e grupo B (tratado com Biocure®). Foram identificados Staphylococcus aureus (50%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35,7%), Proteus vulgaris (8,2%), Enterobacter aerogenes (3,3%) e Escherichia coli (2,7%). Os resultados obtidos in vivo sugerem que o Dersani® tenha efeito antimicrobiano positivo sobre Enterobacter aerogenes e o Biocure® sobre Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Os resultados in vitro mostraram ausência de atividade de ambos os produtos sobre os microrganismos isolados das lesões.

For patients cured of leprosy, low-limb ulcers represent a challenge to healthcare workers, for being chronic, infected, and recurrent. This study aimed to compare the latex biomembrane (Biocure TM) and an EFA-based product (Dersani TM) action on the microbiota of infected chronic wounds, in patients discharged from the treatment of leprosy. This is a research carried out at Hospital de Dermatologia Sanitária, in Goiânia-GO, from February to October 2007, in which 8 individuals cured of leprosy, having 19 infected wounds, were randomly allocated in group A (Dersani TM) and group B (Biocure TM). Staphylococcus aureus (50%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (35.7%), Proteus vulgaris (8.2%), Enterobacter aerogenes (3.3%), and Escherichia coli (2.7%) were isolated. The results obtained in vivo suggest that Dersani TM has a positive antimicrobial effect against Enterobacter aerogenes and Biocure TM against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, despite the in vitro results having shown absence of antimicrobial activity for both products against microorganisms standard and isolated from the wounds.

Leg ulcers due to hyperhomocysteinemia.

Chronic leg ulcers are rare in young adults and generally indicate a vascular cause. We report a case of a 26-year-old man with leg ulcers of eight months duration. Doppler study indicated venous incompetence and a postphlebitic limb. However, as the distribution and number of ulcers was not consistent with stasis alone and no features of collagen vascular disease were noted, a hyperviscosity state was considered and confirmed with significantly elevated homocysteine level in the serum. Administration of vitamins B1, B2, B6 and B12, trimethyl-glycine, mecobalamine, folic acid and povidone iodine dressings with culture-directed antibiotic therapy led to a satisfactory healing of ulcers over a period of one month. Hyperhomocysteinemia must be considered in the differential diagnosis of leg ulcers in young individuals.