The effectiveness of two different sub-bandage pressure values on healing and quality of life outcomes for patients with venous leg ulcers

Abstract

Introduction: Venous ulcers account for over 80% of chronic wounds in the lower extremities. Venous ulcers lead to a significant decrease in the patients' quality of life. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of two different sub-bandage pressure values on healing and quality of life outcomes. Material and methods:The study included 116 outpatients with venous leg ulcers (VLUs), one group with a moderate compression pressure of 35-40 mm Hg and the second with a high pressure > 45 mm Hg. The Kaplan-Meier curve and log rank test were used to estimate healing by type of compression. Quality of life measures included: Quality of Life Index (QL), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Patients were followed for 24 weeks. Results: Kaplan-Maier analysis showed that a high pressure leads to a higher proportion of healed VLUs, compared to the moderate pressure (p = 0.011). QL, GDS and NPRS at the beginning were equalized between the groups. In patients with a high compression, there was a statistically significant increase in QL (p = 0.005), decrease in GDS (p = 0.040) and NPRS (p = 0.002) during 24 weeks. In patients with moderate compressions there was a statistically significant increase in QL (p = 0.013). Conclusions: Patients who received high pressure, healed faster. When a high pressure was applied, there was a statistically significant increase in QL, decrease in GDS and NPRS compared to the group of patients to whom the moderate pressure was applied.

Optimising application of a two-layer compression bandage using continuous, multi-point sub-bandage pressure monitoring in healthy volunteers

“…However, average pressures achieved with VIG were generally comparable, if not slightly higher than the target pressures. Given that higher sub-bandage pressures have been shown to increase healing rates of VLUs [17][18][19][20] , it is possible that these applications would not negatively impact clinical outcomes. Furthermore, VIG enables similar achievement of target sub-bandage pressures when compared to measurements taken opposite from the digitally guided applications.…”

Chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers: Aetiology, on the pathophysiology‐based treatment

“…Generally, tension prescription depends on the disease severity and is in the range of 20–50 mmHg 1 . A higher compression pressure (over 45 mmHg) resulted in a higher proportion of healed VLU during a period of 24 weeks 35 . Also, it was demonstrated that the effectiveness of compression therapy might affect the recurrence of VLU.…”

“…1 A higher compression pressure (over 45 mmHg) resulted in a higher proportion of healed VLU during a period of 24 weeks. 35 Also, it was demonstrated that the effectiveness of compression therapy might affect the recurrence of VLU. Milic and coworkers published an open, prospective, randomized, single‐centre study that included 477 patients (240 men, 237 women; mean age 59 years).…”