Effect of Unna's boot on venous ulcer healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effect of Unna's Boot on the healing of venous ulcers compared to other therapies. METHODS: Systematic Review carried out in the databases Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, and grey literature. Population - adult patients with venous ulcers; Intervention- Unna's Boot (UB); Control - other compression therapies (CT); Outcome- healing; Designs- randomized clinical trial, cohort study, and case control, published from 2001 to 2024. The effect of the intervention, risk of bias, and quality of evidence were evaluated. Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021290077). RESULTS: A total of 39 studies were included, with 5.151 patients. The majority (71.8%) were randomized controlled trials (RCT). UB was used as intervention/control in eight studies. When comparing CTs, only 1 study with UB showed a superior effect (p < .001) in healing, compared with high compression elastic bandage. In the quality of evidence analysis, 27 studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias. CONCLUSION: No superiority of UB was found in the healing of venous ulcers when compared to other CTs.

Effectiveness of the Use of the Human Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor in the Subsidized Regime vs The Contributive Regime in Patients with Venous Ulcers in Bogotá.

Introduction: Vascular ulcers constitute a serious global public health problem, responsible for causing a significant social and economic impact due to their recurrent, disabling nature and the need for prolonged therapies to cure them. Objective: To evaluate the use and efficacy of the rhEGF in the epithelialization of patients with a diagnosis of CEAP stage 6 venous insufficiency, in the two regimes of the health system in Colombia, the contributive (equivalent to a health system where citizens with payment capacity contribute a percentage of their salary) and the subsidized (equivalent to a health system where the state covers the vulnerable population and low socioeconomic level) versus the other treatments used. Methodology: Observational, descriptive, retrospective, multicenter study, in which 105 medical records with 139 ulcers were reviewed, in 2 centers, one belonging to the subsidized system and the other to the contributive system in Colombia. Results: The association with the epithelialization variable of the different treatment groups for ulcers according to the application of the mixed effect model test, for both regimes was for the Biologicals (EC 34.401/p = 0.000), Bioactive Agents (Hydrogels) (EC 24.735/p = 0.005) groups; for the rest of the treatment groups, the results were neither associated nor statistically significant. Conclusion: Intra- and perilesional therapy with rhEGF expands the therapeutic spectrum in patients with venous ulcers, regardless of the type of health system in which it will be applied, shortening the healing time and reaching a possible therapeutic goal, which according to this study there is an association with epithelialization regardless of the regime applied.

Impact of oral nutritional supplement composition on healing of different chronic wounds: A systematic review.

Chronic wounds are characterized by prolonged non-healing, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. Oral formulas may enhance the wound healing process and contribute to cost reduction in care. This review aimed to evaluate the effects of oral nutritional supplementation on chronic wound healing and provide insights into formula characteristics. A comprehensive search across Cinahl, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases yielded nine studies from the past decade involving 741 patients ages 52 to 81.7 across various care settings: hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care. Primary wound types included pressure injuries (58%), diabetic foot ulcers (40%), and venous ulcers (2%). The intervention duration ranged from 2 to 16 wk, with sample sizes varying from 24 to 270 patients. Notably, four studies reported a reduction in wound area and an increased healing rate with a hypercaloric, hyperproteic formula enriched with zinc and vitamins A, C, and E. However, two studies found no significant differences compared with control groups. Two other studies investigated a combination of arginine, glutamine, and ß-hydroxy-ß-methylbutyrate; however, they did not yield significant results, and one study favored a hyperproteic formula instead of a hyperproteic formula with arginine. This review provides evidence supporting the potential of oral nutritional supplementation to enhance the healing process of chronic wounds. Based on our findings, a desirable formula should be characterized by a high calorie and protein content and the inclusion of antioxidant micronutrients, including, but not limited to, vitamins A, E, C, and zinc.

Costo en el cuidado de enfermería a personas con úlcera vascular venosa / Cost of nursing care for patients with venous vascular ulcer / Custo dos cuidados de enfermagem as pessoas com úlcera vascular venosa

Introducción: El cuidado de las úlceras vasculares venosas se ha considerado un problema de salud pública por su alta incidencia e impacto social y económico que genera. Objetivo: Determinar los costos directos del cuidado de enfermería en personas con úlcera vascular venosa atendidas por un prestador de servicios de salud en la ciudad de Bogotá. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo, realizado entre el 1 enero de 2019 y el 31 de enero de 2020; el cual se basó, en la revisión de historias clínicas de personas con úlcera vascular venosa. La muestra estuvo conformada por 52 historias clínicas, seleccionadas mediante un instrumento de valoración de enfermería. Las variables que se analizaron fueron la edad y el sexo, utilizando estadística descriptiva y el análisis del costo. Resultados: El sexo predominante fue el femenino (69,24%) y la edad promedio de 64 años. El costo directo fue de 70.109.504.76 COP y la estimación promedio 1.348.259 COP, valor que incluyó el costo de apósitos, elastocompresión, limpieza y consulta. Conclusión: Los costos en el cuidado de las úlceras vasculares venosas están inmersos en los paquetes de atención, que incluyen los costos de curación y consulta; sin embargo, no son explícitos para enfermería.

Introduction: The venous vascular ulcers care has become a public health problem due to its high incidence and the social and economic impact it causes. Objective: To determine the direct costs of nursing care of people with venous vascular ulcers treated at a health service provider facility in Bogota, Colombia. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, retrospective study carried out between January 1, 2019 and January 31, 2020, which focused on the review of medical records of patients with venous vascular ulcer. The sample included 52 medical records that were selected through a nursing assessment instrument. The variables of age and gender were analyzed through descriptive statistics and cost analysis. Results: Female was the predominant gender (69.24%) and the average age was 64 years. The direct cost was $70.109.504.76 COP, whereas the average estimate was $1.348.259 COP, which included the cost of dressings, elastocompression, cleaning, and consultation. Conclusion: The costs of venous vascular ulcers care are included in the care packages, which include costs of healing and consultation. Nevertheless, they are not explicit for nursing.

Introdução: O atendimento às úlceras vasculares venosas tem sido considerado um problema de saúde pública devido à alta incidência e ao impacto social e econômico que gera. Objetivo: Determinar os custos diretos da assistência de enfermagem a pessoas com úlceras vasculares venosas atendidas por um serviço de saúde na cidade de Bogotá. Materiais e métodos: Estudo observacional, descritivo, retrospectivo, realizado entre 1º de janeiro de 2019 e 31 de janeiro de 2020; que se baseou na revisão de prontuários de pessoas com úlcera vascular venosa. A amostra foi composta por 52 prontuários, selecionados por meio de instrumento de avaliação de enfermagem. As variáveis analisadas foram idade e sexo, por meio de estatística descritiva e análise de custos. Resultados: O sexo predominante foi o feminino (69,24%) e a média de idade foi de 64 anos. O custo direto foi de 70.109.504,76 COP e a estimativa média foi de 1.348.259 COP, valor que incluiu o custo de curativos, elastocompressão, limpeza e consulta. Conclusão: Os custos no cuidado das úlceras vasculares venosas estão embutidos nos pacotes de cuidados, que incluem os custos de cura e consulta; entretanto, não são explícitos para a enfermagem.

Compression for preventing recurrence of venous ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Up to 1% of adults will have a leg ulcer at some time. Most leg ulcers are venous in origin and are caused by high pressure in the veins due to blockage or damaged valves. Venous ulcer prevention and treatment typically involves the application of compression bandages/stockings to improve venous return and thus reduce pressure in the legs. Other treatment options involve removing or repairing veins. Most venous ulcers heal with compression therapy, but ulcer recurrence is common. For this reason, clinical guidelines recommend that people continue with compression treatment after their ulcer has healed. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2000 and last updated in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of compression (socks, stockings, tights, bandages) for preventing recurrence of venous leg ulcers. SEARCH METHODS: In August 2023, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases, and two ongoing trials registries. We also scanned the reference lists of included studies and relevant reviews and health technology reports. There were no restrictions on language, date of publication, or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated compression bandages or hosiery for preventing the recurrence of venous ulcers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two review authors independently selected studies, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data. Our primary outcome was reulceration (ulcer recurrence anywhere on the treated leg). Our secondary outcomes included duration of reulceration episodes, proportion of follow-up without ulcers, ulceration on the contralateral leg, noncompliance with compression therapy, comfort, and adverse effects. We assessed the certainty of evidence using GRADE methodology. MAIN RESULTS: We included eight studies (1995 participants), which were published between 1995 and 2019. The median study sample size was 249 participants. The studies evaluated different classes of compression (UK class 2 or 3 and European (EU) class 1, 2, or 3). Duration of follow-up ranged from six months to 10 years. We downgraded the certainty of the evidence for risk of bias (lack of blinding), imprecision, and indirectness. EU class 3 compression stockings may reduce reulceration compared with no compression over six months (risk ratio (RR) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27 to 0.76; 1 study, 153 participants; low-certainty evidence). EU class 1 compression stockings compared with EU class 2 compression stockings may have little or no effect on reulceration over 12 months (RR 1.70, 95% CI 0.67 to 4.32; 1 study, 99 participants; low-certainty evidence). There may be little or no difference in rates of noncompliance over 12 months between people using EU class 1 stockings and people using EU class 2 stockings (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.40 to 3.75; 1 study, 99 participants; low-certainty evidence). UK class 2 hosiery compared with UK class 3 hosiery may be associated with a higher risk of reulceration over 18 months to 10 years (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.91; 5 studies, 1314 participants; low-certainty evidence). People who use UK class 2 hosiery may be more compliant with compression treatment than people who use UK class 3 hosiery over 18 months to 10 years (RR for noncompliance 0.69, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.99; 5 studies, 1372 participants; low-certainty evidence). There may be little or no difference between Scholl UK class 2 compression stockings and Medi UK class 2 compression stockings in terms of reulceration (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.28; 1 study, 166 participants; low-certainty evidence) and noncompliance (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.84.1 to 12; 1 study, 166 participants; low-certainty evidence) over 18 months. No studies compared different lengths of compression (e.g. below-knee versus above-knee), and no studies measured duration of reulceration episodes, ulceration on the contralateral leg, proportion of follow-up without ulcers, comfort, or adverse effects. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Compression with EU class 3 compression stockings may reduce reulceration compared with no compression over six months. Use of EU class 1 compression stockings compared with EU class 2 compression stockings may result in little or no difference in reulceration and noncompliance over 12 months. UK class 3 compression hosiery may reduce reulceration compared with UK class 2 compression hosiery; however, higher compression may lead to lower compliance. There may be little to no difference between Scholl and Medi UK class 2 compression stockings in terms of reulceration and noncompliance. There was no information on duration of reulceration episodes, ulceration on the contralateral leg, proportion of follow-up without ulcers, comfort, or adverse effects. More research is needed to investigate acceptable modes of long-term compression therapy for people at risk of recurrent venous ulceration. Future trials should consider interventions to improve compliance with compression treatment, as higher compression may result in lower rates of reulceration.

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.

Dosimetria do laser de baixa intensidade para cicatrização de úlcera venosa: um protocolo de revisão sistemática / Low-level laser dosimetry for venous ulcer healing: a protocol for systematic review

OBJETIVO: Analisar a dosimetria do laser de baixa intensidade no processo de cicatrização de úlcera venosa. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um protocolo de revisão sistemática registrado no International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) sob código de registro CRD420211256286. Serão realizadas buscas por evidências científicas em 11 bases de dados, utilizando os idiomas português, inglês e espanhol. A exportação das publicações seguirá as etapas de identificação e seleção dos estudos, e extração dos dados. As divergências serão resolvidas por consenso dos dois revisores, e caso persistam, um terceiro revisor será consultado para decidir sobre a inclusão do material. A ferramenta Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) será utilizada para avaliar o risco de viés dos estudos dos ensaios clínicos randomizados, ao passo que a ferramenta Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) será utilizada para avaliar o risco de viés dos ensaios clínicos não randomizados. A análise crítica dos materiais selecionados quanto à dosimetria do laser de baixa intensidade para cicatrização de úlcera venosa resultará em uma síntese narrativa, sem metanálise.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the dosimetry of low-level laser therapy in the healing process of venous ulcers. METHOD: This is a protocol for systematic review registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews under registry code CRD420211256286. Articles will be searched in 11 databases using Portuguese, English, and Spanish languages. The export of publications will follow the steps of study identification, selection, and data extraction. Disagreements will be resolved by consensus among reviewers; if they persist, a third reviewer will be consulted to decide whether to include the material. The Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool will be used to assess the validity of randomized clinical trials, while the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool will be used to assess the risk of bias in non-randomized clinical trials. The critical analysis of selected materials on dosimetry of low-level laser therapy for venous ulcer healing will result in a narrative synthesis without meta-analysis.

Effect of Unna's boot on venous ulcer healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Efecto de la bota de Unna en la cicatrización de úlceras venosas: revisión sistemática y metanálisis / Efeito da Bota de Unna na cicatrização de úlceras venosas: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the effect of Unna's Boot on the healing of venous ulcers compared to other therapies. Methods: Systematic Review carried out in the databases Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, and grey literature. Population - adult patients with venous ulcers; Intervention- Unna's Boot (UB); Control - other compression therapies (CT); Outcome- healing; Designs- randomized clinical trial, cohort study, and case control, published from 2001 to 2024. The effect of the intervention, risk of bias, and quality of evidence were evaluated. Registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021290077). Results: A total of 39 studies were included, with 5.151 patients. The majority (71.8%) were randomized controlled trials (RCT). UB was used as intervention/control in eight studies. When comparing CTs, only 1 study with UB showed a superior effect (p < .001) in healing, compared with high compression elastic bandage. In the quality of evidence analysis, 27 studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias. Conclusion: No superiority of UB was found in the healing of venous ulcers when compared to other CTs.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Analizar el efecto de la Bota de Unna en la cicatrización de úlceras venosas en comparación con otras terapias. Métodos: Revisión sistemática realizada en las bases de datos Scopus, Embase, Biblioteca Cochrane, Web de la Ciencia, PubMed, Índice acumulativo de literatura de enfermería y salud afines, Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud, y literatura gris. Población - pacientes adultos con úlceras venosas; Intervención- Bota de Unna (BU); Control: otras terapias de compresión (TC); Resultado- curación; Diseños: ensayo clínico aleatorizado, estudio de cohorte y casos y controles, publicado del 2002 al 2023. Se evaluaron el efecto de la intervención, el riesgo de sesgo y la calidad de la evidencia. Registrada en PRÓSPERO (CRD42021290077). Resultados: Se incluyeron 39 estudios, con 5.151 pacientes. La mayoría (71,8%) fueron ensayos controlados aleatorios (ECA). La BU se utilizó como intervención/control en ocho estudios. Al comparar TC, sólo 1 estudio con BU mostró un efecto superior (p < .001) en la curación, en comparación con el vendaje elástico de alta compresión. En el análisis de la calidad de la evidencia, se evaluó que 27 estudios tenían un alto riesgo de sesgo. Conclusión: No se encontró superioridad de la BU en la curación de úlceras venosas en comparación con otras TC.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar o efeito da Bota de Unna na cicatrização de úlceras venosas em comparação com outras terapias. Métodos: Revisão Sistemática realizada nas bases de dados Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, e de literatura cinzenta. População- pacientes adultos com úlcera venosa; Intervenção- Bota de Unna (BU); Controle- outras terapias compressivas (TC); Desfecho- cicatrização; Delineamentos- ensaio clínico randomizado, estudo de coorte e caso controle, publicados de 2002 a 2023. Avaliaramu-se efeito da intervenção, risco de viés e qualidade da evidência. Registrada no PROSPERO (CRD42021290077). Resultados: Foram incluídos 39 estudos, com 5.151 pacientes. A maioria (71,8%) era ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR). A BU foi utilizada como intervenção/controle em oito estudos. Na comparação entre TC, somente 1 estudo com BU apresentou efeito superior (p < .001) na cicatrização, comparado com atadura elástica de alta compressão. Na análise de qualidade da evidência, 27 estudos foram avaliados com alto risco de viés. Conclusão: Não foi encontrada superioridade da BU na cicatrização de úlceras venosas quando comparada com outras TC.

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.

Effect of catalytic nanomedicine on amputation-stage chronic venous ulcers: four case studies.

BACKGROUND: Chronic ulcers represent a significant challenge for patients with compromised microcirculation. As a novel branch of research, catalytic nanomedicine has exhibited promising outcomes with the development of nanostructured composites designed to disinfect and improve the healing of chronic wounds through the incorporation of bionanocatalysts within gel matrices. PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the impact of bionanocatalysts on 4 patients suffering from chronic venous ulcers, which had previously been indicated for lower extremity amputation. METHODS: Bionanocatalysts were synthesized and incorporated into a gel matrix. Monthly debridement was conducted with the objective of completely removing nonviable tissue. The bionanocatalyst-embedded gel was applied every other day, covering the entire wound surface and secured with a secondary dressing. RESULTS: Encouragingly, all cases exhibited complete wound closure, and patients reported no adverse side effects. CONCLUSION: These findings offer robust support for the utilization of this technology in wound healing and prompt a reevaluation of the hypothesis regarding the mechanism of action of bionanocatalysts in chronic wounds. Future research endeavors should aim to quantitatively assess the bionanocatalysts' influence on the trajectory of wound healing, as well as address the myriad challenges associated with managing chronic wounds.

Identification of types of wound bed tissue as a percentage and total wound area by planimetry in neuropathic and venous ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic and venous leg ulcers are chronic wounds associated with devitalized tissue and recurrent infection. Management should be guided by accurate tissue assessment, including the use of planimetry, which provides tissue types as a percentage of the total wound bed surface area. OBJECTIVE: This innovative study aimed to assess and identify the wound bed tissues, as a percentage, of neuropathic and venous ulcers using digital planimetry, providing support to nurses optimize the management of necrotic tissues and, consequently, to avoid wound infection. METHODS: This cross-sectional study enrolled 24 patients with chronic wounds who were assessed from January to March 2021 at the Wound Outpatients Clinic. The wound photographs were analyzed using Image J 1.53e and a smartphone with WoundDoc Plus® 2.8.2 via digital planimetry. Statistical analyses were performed using the binomial test, t-test, and Mann-Whitney. RESULTS: Median wound areas (p=0.3263) did not differ between the group with 2 or 3 risk factors for delayed healing (Md: 31.7) and the group with up to 1 risk factor (Md: 5.3). A low exudate level was associated with the up-to-1-risk-factor-for-delayed-healing group (p=0.0405), while a medium level was associated with the two-or-three-risk-factor group (p=0.0247). A heat map displayed the tissue percentages in the wound bed. In the group with 2 or 3 risk factors for delayed healing, 91.7% (11/12) had less than 70% granulation tissue, which was the primary factor for this group (p<0.0001). Additionally, 66.7% (8/12) of patients with 2 or 3 risk factors for delayed healing exhibited discolored and/or dark red granulation tissue as the primary factor (p=0.0130). CONCLUSION: This novel identification of wound area and tissue types as a percentage, using digital planimetry, can play a crucial role in assisting nurses in decision-making related to the appropriate management of devitalized tissues. Furthermore, this measurements may facilitate the conducting of virtual wound consultations and offer valuable support in the development of protocols aimed at preventing infection and biofilm formation in the wound bed.

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.

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

Use of Intralesional and Perilesional Human Recombinant Epidermal Growth Factor (hrEGF) in the Local Treatment of Venous Ulcer - Review Article - Expert Recommendation.

Venous Ulcers (VU) represent 60-80% of all leg ulcers and are the final stage of the disease secondary to venous hypertension or valve insufficiency. Conventional treatment that focuses on its etiological factors continues to be the gold standard; however, 30% of ulcers do not heal with this treatment; thus, it has been seen that the use of growth factor can be used as an adjuvant for this pathology. A literature review was carried out to evaluate the evidence from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, case studies, and quantitative studies that respond to the objective of this analysis review in the different databases with specific inclusion criteria with publications between 2002 and 2022, initially finding the topical application of the factor and later, more recently, the intralesional and perilesional application, the latter being an alternative treatment for this type of pathology and generating some recommendations for using the Factor.

Influence of pain on the quality of life in patients with venous ulcers: Cross-sectional association and correlation study in a brazilian primary health care lesions treatment center.

We aimed to verify the association and correlation between pain and QoL in people with VU treated in a Brazilian Primary Health Care (PHC) lesions treatment center. This is an observational, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, carried out in a service specialized in the treatment of chronic injuries, linked to 29 PHC units. Sociodemographic and health characterization instruments were used. The Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36) and Visual Analogue Pain Scale (VAPS) also were used. The Kruskal-Wallis test verified the association between the scalar variables of QoL and pain intensity. With Spearman's correlation test, we verified the level of correlation between the scales applied. A total of 103 patients participated in the study. Higher QoL scores associated with moderate pain were found, especially in the Physical role functioning, Physical functioning, and Vitality domains. Correlation analysis showed its greatest (moderate) strength in the interaction between the highest scores in the Physical role functioning and Emotional role functioning domains with the lowest pain levels.

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)

RESVECH 2.0: cross-cultural adaptation for Brazil, reliability and validity for the evaluation of venous ulcers.

OBJECTIVES: to cross-culturally adapt the scale Resultados en la valoración y evolución de la cicatrización de las heridas - RESVECH 2.0 for Brazilian Portuguese; to estimate the internal consistency and construct and criterion validity of the scale in the evaluation of venous ulcers. METHODS: methodological study, based on international guidelines for studies of this type. Wounds were evaluated using the RESVECH 2.0 and Pressure Ulcer Scale of Healing 3.0 (PUSH). Descriptive analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha and Spearman's correlation (p<0.05) were used. RESULTS: 12 nurses and 77 people with 153 venous ulcers participated in the study. The translation was successful, the proposed factor model was validated, and Cronbach 's alpha = 0.832 (95%CI, 0.780-0.880) and correlation coefficient (RESVECH 2.0 and PUSH 3.0) = 0.74 were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: the adaptation of RESVECH 2.0 to Brazilian Portuguese is robust. Reliability and validity show compatibility for use in the country in the evaluation of venous ulcers.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the treatment with compressive therapy in the healing of venous ulcers. / Análisis costo-efectividad del tratamiento con terapia compresiva en la cicatrización de úlceras venosas.

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.