Quality of life in patients with leg ulcers or skin lesions – a pilot study

Szewczyk, Maria T.; Mościcka, Paulina; Jawień, Arkadiusz; Cwajda‐Białasik, Justyna; Cierzniakowska, Katarzyna; Ślusarz, Robert; Hancke, Elżbieta

doi:10.5114/pdia.2014.40983

Cited by 22 publications

(27 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Many previous studies, including research with numeric pain score which was performed in our center [ 12 , 32 ], confirmed that pain is the main determinant of poor quality of life in patients with leg ulcerations [ 2 , 6 , 8 – 11 , 13 , 14 , 16 , 37 ]. Additionally, a few authors point to a significant relationship between the intensity of pain and other clinical characteristics of ulceration: its area and duration of the vascular disease [ 8 , 9 , 31 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

“…Similar levels of the life quality (87.03 pts) were previously reported by Szewczyk et al . [ 12 ], who used to the same Sxindex-29 instrument in venous ulceration patients. Consequently, the quality of life in ulceration patients seems to be greater than that in individuals with psoriasis (92.65 pts) [ 25 , 35 , 36 ], but poorer than in the case of trophic disorders of the lower limb skin without associated discontinuity (61.17 pts) [ 12 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Influence of ulceration etiology on the global quality of life and its specific dimensions, including the control of pain, in patients with lower limb vascular insufficiency

Cwajda‐Białasik

Szewczyk

Mościcka

et al. 2017

pdia

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IntroductionThe results of previous studies suggest that the quality of life in patients with lower limb ulcerations is markedly poorer than in the general population – with regard to physical, mental and social spheres. This complex character of that parameter necessitates comprehensive analyses of its specific aspects, including the level of the acceptance of illness and associated pain symptoms.AimTo compare the quality of life and its specific dimensions in patients with lower limb ulcerations of various etiology.Material and methodsPatients with the ulcerations resulting from venous (n = 101) or arterial pathologies (n = 98), or having mixed etiology (n = 99) were examined with the: 1) Skindex-29 instrument, 2) Acceptance of Illness Scale, 3) Beliefs about Pain Control Questionnaire, and 4) Coping Strategy Questionnaire.ResultsThe average quality of life related to physical symptoms was significantly higher in patients with venous ulcerations. Patients with ulcerations of arterial etiology more frequently used catastrophizing, and less often ignored pain sensations, used coping self-statements, and increased their activity levels; they were characterized by lower levels of control and poorer ability to decrease the pain. The internal locus of pain control increased proportionally to the global quality of life scores and levels of illness acceptance. Control over pain and ability to decrease the pain were more effective in individuals who used ignoring pain sensations, increasing the activity level, coping self-statements, and reinterpreting pain than in those using catastrophizing or praying and hoping strategies.ConclusionsPhysical complaints seem to be the basic determinant of the quality of life in patients with the lower limb ulceration, irrespective of its etiology.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 71%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of ulceration etiology on the global quality of life and its specific dimensions, including the control of pain, in patients with lower limb vascular insufficiency

Cwajda‐Białasik

Szewczyk

Mościcka

et al. 2017

pdia

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“…Identification of patients with venous leg ulcers who are more likely to experience persistent pain during treatment might be vital for the therapeutic outcomes. Previous studies confirmed unequivocally that ulcer pain jeopardizes significantly the activities of daily living and social contacts of the patients [ 3 , 8 , 16 , 19 , 23 , 33 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 ], deteriorates the quality of their life [ 3 , 22 , 30 , 33 , 35 , 37 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 ] and can even be a determinant of worse treatment compliance [ 49 ]. Therefore, the patients with unfavorable baseline profiles of risk factors, more prone to experience persistent pain, could be offered a complex therapeutic program, including also psychological intervention and consultations of a pain management specialist [ 50 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

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

Mościcka

Cwajda‐Białasik

Jawień

et al. 2020

JCM

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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.

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“…Physically, people with CVLUs experience symptoms such as odor, drainage, and leg swelling, which affect functional ability and physical appearance [ 8 ]. Self-management of CVLUs has been linked to , fatigue and pain [ 9 ], and physical exhaustion [ 10 ] from the intense care required. Psychological symptoms reported by people with CVLUs include fear that the ulcer will never heal, will get infected, or that an amputation may occur [ 1 , 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An observational study protocol to explore loneliness and systemic inflammation in an older adult population with chronic venous leg ulcers

et al. 2021

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Background Chronic venous leg ulcers (CVLUs) are the most common type of lower extremity wound. Even when treated with evidenced-based care, 30–50% of CVLUs fail to heal. A specific gap exists about the association between psychosocial stressors, particularly loneliness, and biomarkers of inflammation and immunity. Loneliness is highly prevalent in persons with CVLUs, has damaging effects on health, and contributes to the development of multiple chronic conditions, promotes aberrant inflammation, and diminishes healing. However, the confluence of loneliness, inflammation and the wound healing trajectory has not been elucidated; specifically whether loneliness substantially mediates systemic inflammation and alters healing over time. This study seeks to address whether there is a specific biomarker profile associated with loneliness, CVLUs, and wound healing that is different from non-lonely persons with CVLUs. Methods An observational prospective study will identify, characterize and explore associations among psychosocial stressors, symptoms and biomarkers between 2 CVLU groups, with loneliness+ (n = 28) and without loneliness- (n = 28) during 4 weeks of wound treatment, measured at 3 time points. We will examine psychosocial stressors and symptoms using psychometrically-sound measures include PROMIS® and other questionnaires for loneliness, social isolation, depression, anxiety, stigma, sleep, fatigue, pain, quality of life, cognition, and function. Demographics data including health history, sex, age, wound type and size, wound age, and treatment will be recorded from the electronic health record. We will characterize a biomarker panel of inflammatory genes including chemotaxic and growth factors, vascular damage, and immune regulators that express in response to loneliness to loneliness and CVLUs using well-established RNA sequence and PCR methods for whole blood samples. In an exploratory aim we will explore whether age and sex/psychological stressors and symptoms indicate potential moderation/mediation of the effect of loneliness on the biomarker profile over the study period. Discussion This study will provide insight into the influence of psychosocial stressors, symptoms, and biological mechanisms on wound healing, towards advancing a future healing prediction model and interventions to address these stressors and symptoms experienced by persons with CVLUs.

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Quality of life in patients with leg ulcers or skin lesions – a pilot study

Cited by 22 publications

References 14 publications

Influence of ulceration etiology on the global quality of life and its specific dimensions, including the control of pain, in patients with lower limb vascular insufficiency

Influence of ulceration etiology on the global quality of life and its specific dimensions, including the control of pain, in patients with lower limb vascular insufficiency

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

An observational study protocol to explore loneliness and systemic inflammation in an older adult population with chronic venous leg ulcers

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