Occurrence and Severity of Pain in Patients with Venous Leg Ulcers: A 12-Week Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of pain severity and its predictors in a group of patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. Methods: A 12-week longitudinal study included 754 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. Subjective severity of pain was measured at weekly intervals with an 11-point visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: A significant decrease in VAS scores has been observed throughout the entire analyzed period. Higher severity of pain during follow-up was independently predicted by the presence of pus and/or unpleasant smell from the ulceration during the first visit, as well as by the occurrence of posterior and/or circumferential ulcers. The presence of ulcer redness during the first visit was associated with lesser pain severity; also, a significant interaction effect between the ulceration redness and warmth was observed. Conclusions: Implementation of complex holistic care may contribute to a substantial decrease in the occurrence and severity of pain in a patient with venous leg ulcers. Pain control seems to depend primarily on clinical parameters and topography of venous ulcers. The predictors of pain severity identified in this study might be considered during the planning of tailored care for patients with venous leg ulcers.

Healing Process, Pain, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Venous Leg Ulcers Treated with Fish Collagen Gel: A 12-Week Randomized Single-Center Study

“…The negative impact of the disease increases with its advancement, and it is most severe at the stage of active ulcers [ 55 , 56 , 58 ]. The physical dimension, including pain reported at the beginning of therapy by as many as 95% of patients with VLUs [ 59 ], and during its duration, by 30–90% of patients [ 60 ], usually has the greatest impact on the quality of life. The mean pain intensity on a visual analog scale (0–11 points) was 5.86 [ 61 ]; more than half of the patients described it as “moderate to severe” [ 57 ], while others described it as “unbearable pain,” or “tear-inducing pain” [ 14 ].…”

Evaluation of factors affecting the healing process of venous ulcers: A 12‐week longitudinal study

“…This was a retrospective study based on a prospective dataset study on patients with VLUs from 2001 to February 2019 that have previously been described by the authors 16,17 . The cross‐sectional study included 754 patients with VLUs qualified for treatment at the Chronic Wound Treatment Unit of the University Hospital No.…”

“…This was a retrospective study based on a prospective dataset study on patients with VLUs from 2001 to February 2019 that have previously been described by the authors. 16,17 The cross- for chronic venous disease on enrolment, with only C6 patients included in the study. In accordance with recommendations, we used compression therapy (40 mmHg at the ankle area) in the form of compression bandages (short-stretch) or ready-made compression products.…”

Nursing outcomes in wound care management: A mixed method study

“…due to feelings of guilt for being a burden on their family and friends). Constant pain and presence of infection and exudate with frequent consumption of antibiotics generating resistance (Klein et al, 2021; Mościcka et al, 2020). These aspects deteriorate both their own quality of life ( Quality of Life , QoL) and that of their family members (Erfurt‐Berge et al, 2019; Oliveira et al, 2019).…”