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Rerkasem K, Oo MZ, Papi M, Papanas N. Evolving Strategies in the Management of Venous Leg Ulcers. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2024:15347346241283142. [PMID: 39248191 DOI: 10.1177/15347346241283142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kittipan Rerkasem
- Environmental-Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Centre, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Myo Zin Oo
- Environmental-Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Centre, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Massimo Papi
- National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (NIHMP), ADOI National Study Group Vulnology and Vascular Dermatology, Rome, Italy
| | - Nikolaos Papanas
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Diabetes Centre-Diabetic Foot Clinic, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece
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Boyers D, Cruickshank M, Aucott L, Kennedy C, Manson P, Bachoo P, Brazzelli M. Automated devices for identifying peripheral arterial disease in people with leg ulceration: an evidence synthesis and cost-effectiveness analysis. Health Technol Assess 2024; 28:1-158. [PMID: 39186036 PMCID: PMC11367298 DOI: 10.3310/twcg3912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Peripheral artery disease is a common condition caused by narrowing/blockage of the arteries, resulting in reduced blood supply. Peripheral artery disease is associated with an increased risk of vascular complications, but early treatment reduces mortality and morbidity. Leg ulcers are long-lasting wounds, usually treated by compression therapy. Compression therapy is not suitable for people with peripheral artery disease, as it can affect the arterial blood supply. In clinical practice, people with peripheral artery disease are identified by measurement of the ankle-brachial pressure index using a sphygmomanometer and manual Doppler device. However, this method can be uncomfortable for people with leg ulcers and automated devices have been proposed as a more acceptable alternative. The objective of this appraisal was to summarise the clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence on the use of automated devices to detect peripheral artery disease in people with leg ulcers. Methods . Clinical effectiveness To identify reports of relevant studies, we searched major electronic databases and scrutinised the information supplied by the manufacturers of the automated devices under investigation. Due to the lack of evidence on people with leg ulcers, we considered evidence from studies of any design assessing automated devices versus an acceptable reference device in any population receiving ankle-brachial pressure index assessment. We summarised information on diagnostic accuracy of the automated devices and level of agreement with the reference device. For each device, when data permit, we pooled data across studies by conducting random-effects meta-analyses using a Hierarchical Summary Receiving Operating Characteristics model. Cost-effectiveness An economic model comprising a decision tree (24 weeks) and Markov models to capture lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life-years associated with venous, arterial and mixed aetiology disease in leg ulcer patients. Analyses were conducted from a United Kingdom National Health Service and Personal Social Services perspective. Costs and quality-adjusted life-years were discounted at 3.5% per year. Deterministic and several probabilistic analyses were used to capture uncertainty surrounding a range of optimistic and pessimistic assumptions about the impact of automated tests on health outcomes (ulcer healing and requirement for invasive management of arterial disease). Results . Clinical effectiveness From the 116 records retrieved by the electronic searches, we included 24 studies evaluating five devices (BlueDop Vascular Expert, BOSO ABI-System 100, Dopplex Ability, MESI ankle-brachial pressure index MD and WatchBP Office ABI). Two studies assessing people with leg ulcers found that automated devices often gave higher ankle-brachial pressure index readings than manual Doppler (underestimation of arterial disease). In the 22 studies involving people without leg ulcers, automated devices generally demonstrated good specificity and moderate specificity. Meta-analysis of 12 studies showed a pooled sensitivity of 64% (95% confidence interval 57% to 71%) and a pooled specificity of 96% (95% confidence interval 92% to 98%) for detection of peripheral artery disease. Cost-effectiveness Automated devices cost less than manual Doppler to deliver. However, increased risks of invasive treatment requirements for inappropriately compressed arterial/mixed ulcers due to false-negative results, and increased healing times due to delayed compression of false-positive test results mean that in most scenarios manual Doppler was less costly and had slightly higher quality-adjusted life-years than automated devices. Results are highly uncertain, dependent on many assumptions and should be interpreted cautiously. Limitations and conclusions The limited evidence identified for each automated device, especially in people with leg ulcers, and its clinical heterogeneity precludes any firm conclusions on the diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness of these devices in clinical practice. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42022327588. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Evidence Synthesis programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR135478) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 37. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwayne Boyers
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Lorna Aucott
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Charlotte Kennedy
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Paul Manson
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | | | - Miriam Brazzelli
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Blomgren L, Jansson L. The influence of socioeconomic factors on intervention and postoperative healing of venous ulcers: a prospective study. J Wound Care 2024; 33:474-479. [PMID: 38967345 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2022.0143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In previous studies, venous ulcers (VUs) have been found to occur more often in patients with lower socioeconomic status. The aim of this study was to explore if socioeconomic factors influence the delay of referral to a vascular service or the time to healing after superficial venous intervention. METHOD In this prospective study, patients answered a questionnaire about the duration and recurrence of their VU, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol, social and physical activities, ambulatory status, education, marital status, housing, perceived economic status and dependence on home care. Postoperative complications, VU healing and recurrence were noted one year after superficial venous intervention. RESULTS A total of 63 patients were included in this study (30 females and 33 males), with a mean age of 71.2 years (range: 37-92 years). Duration of the present VU in patients was: <3 months in 48%; 3-6 months in 27%; 6-12 months in 11%; and >12 months in 14%. Risk factors for delayed referral were recurrent VU (odds ratio (OR): 4.92; p=0.021); walking impairment (OR: 5.43; p=0.009) and dependence on home care (OR: 4.89: p=0.039) in a univariable analysis. The latter was the only significant finding in a multivariable analysis with socioeconomic risk factor (OR: 4.89; p=0.035). In 85% of patients, their VU healed without recurrence during one year follow-up. Healing took longer if the patients: were of older age (p=0.033); had a normal BMI (independent samples t-test, p=0.028); had a recurrent VU (OR: 5.00; p=0.049); or walking impairment (Fishers exact test, OR: 9.14; p=0.008), but no significant socioeconomic risk factors were found. CONCLUSION In this study, socioeconomic factors were not important risk factors for delayed referral of VU patients to a vascular service or prolonged healing time after superficial venous intervention. DECLARATION OF INTEREST This work was supported by the Scandinavian Research Foundation for Varicose Veins and other Venous Diseases (SFÅV) and by ALF funding from Region Örebro County. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Blomgren
- Karlskoga Vein Centre, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Linda Jansson
- Karlskoga Vein Centre, Karlskoga Hospital, Region Örebro County, Sweden
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Yosipovitch G, Jackson JM, Nedorost ST, Friedman AJ, Adiri R, Cha A, Canosa JM. Stasis Dermatitis: The Burden of Disease, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Dermatitis 2024; 35:337-344. [PMID: 37782143 DOI: 10.1089/derm.2022.0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Stasis dermatitis (SD), an inflammatory dermatosis occurring on the lower extremities, is a cutaneous manifestation of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). SD is associated with a significant burden of disease. Symptoms such as pain, swelling, and itching can be debilitating for patients, leading to poor sleep, loss of mobility, and the inability to perform daily activities, and can interfere with work and leisure activities. Moreover, SD is a progressive disease with serious secondary complications such as ulcerations, which increase the patients' morbidity, reduce their quality of life, and increase health care burden. Challenges in diagnosing patients may have both short- and long-term sequalae for the patients due to unnecessary treatment and management. In addition, misdiagnosis may result in hospitalizations, placing additional burden on health care professionals in terms of time and financial burden on the health care system. Compression therapy and leg elevation represent the mainstay of treatment for CVI; however, it is also difficult to self-manage, which places a substantial burden on patients and caregivers. Moreover, compression therapy may cause discomfort and exacerbate itching. Subsequent nonadherence may result in disease progression that places additional burden on the physicians who manage these patients and the health care system in terms of resources required and costs incurred. A large proportion of patients with SD develop allergic contact dermatitis because of innate immune signals and altered skin barrier predisposing to sensitization to topical prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and compression devices used to treat SD. Other than topical corticosteroids, there are no approved pharmacological options to treat inflammation in SD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Yosipovitch
- From the Miami Itch Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - J Mark Jackson
- Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, USA
| | - Susan T Nedorost
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Adam J Friedman
- George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Roni Adiri
- Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Herzliya Pituah, Israel
| | - Amy Cha
- Pfizer Inc., New York, New York, USA
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Valesky EM, Hach-Wunderle V, Protz K, Zeiner KN, Erfurt-Berge C, Goedecke F, Jäger B, Kahle B, Kluess H, Knestele M, Kuntz A, Lüdemann C, Meissner M, Mühlberg K, Mühlberger D, Pannier F, Schmedt CG, Schmitz-Rixen T, Strölin A, Wilm S, Rabe E, Stücker M, Dissemond J. Diagnosis and treatment of venous leg ulcers: S2k Guideline of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL) e.V. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2024; 22:1039-1051. [PMID: 38938151 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.15415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
This S2k guideline on venous leg ulcers was created on the initiative and under the leadership of the German Society of Phlebology and Lymphology (DGPL). The guideline group also consisted of representatives from the German Society for Phlebology and Lymphology, German Dermatological Society, German Society for General Medicine, German Society for Angiology, German Society for Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine, German Society for Surgery, German Society for Dermatosurgery, German Society for Wound Healing and Wound Treatment, Professional Association of Phlebologists and Lymphologists and Initiative Chronische Wunden. The aim of this guideline is to combine the different approaches and levels of knowledge of the respective professional groups on the basis of consensus, so that a basic concept for the best possible treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers can be provided. A total of 70 specific recommendations were formulated and agreed upon, divided into the subject areas of diagnostics, therapy, prevention of recurrences, and everyday challenges. The guideline thus reflects the current state of scientific knowledge and is intended to be widely used as the best available document for the treatment of patients with venous leg ulcers in everyday clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Maria Valesky
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Viola Hach-Wunderle
- Vascular Center, Department of Angiology, Northwest Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Kerstin Protz
- Competence Center for Health Services Research in Dermatology, Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kim Nikola Zeiner
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Cornelia Erfurt-Berge
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Björn Jäger
- Initiative Chronische Wunden, Quedlinburg, Germany
| | - Birgit Kahle
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Holger Kluess
- Professional Association of Phlebologists and Lymphologists, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Knestele
- Hospital Marktoberdorf, Department of Surgery, Kreiskliniken Ostallgäu, Marktoberdorf, Germany
| | - Anja Kuntz
- Welfare Center Leonberg, Gerlingen, Germany
| | | | - Markus Meissner
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Dermatology Office, Prof. Dr. Markus Meissner, Wiesbaden, Germany
| | - Katja Mühlberg
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Dominic Mühlberger
- St. Marien Hospital Herne, Department of Vascular Surgery, Ruhr University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | | | | | - Thomas Schmitz-Rixen
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Endovascular and Vascular Surgery, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anke Strölin
- University Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Wilm
- Institute for General Practice, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eberhard Rabe
- Private Office Dermatology & Phlebology, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Stücker
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Catholic Hospital Bochum, St. Josef Hospital, University Medical Center, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Joachim Dissemond
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Essen, Essen, Germany
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Shaughnessy MO, Kent DS. Advancing nursing practice in Ireland: A pathway of care for nurse-led integrated venous leg ulcer management. JOURNAL OF VASCULAR NURSING 2024; 42:110-114. [PMID: 38823970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvn.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Approximately 80% of patients presenting with leg ulcers are venous in origin. However, lack of standardisation of care has a human and financial impact for patients and service providers. Increases in the aging population and number of patients entering older age with co-morbidities results in increases in the demand for venous leg ulcer treatments. A joint initiative between a Registered Advanced Nurse Practitioner (RANP) in tissue viability and wound care, and a vascular consultant, identified deficits in patient care delivery and quality of life. A joint initiative Implementing the principles of the 'Sláintecare' policy was established as the Leg Ulcer Centre Ireland (LUCI) to deliver a pathway for the treatment and management of lower limb venous ulcers. The RANP provides a "one stop shop" for patients, offering a complete care package from diagnosis to surgical intervention - endovenous ablation, follow-up post operative care and discharge. Audit findings include; reduced hospital admissions and waiting times; increased patient satisfaction; and, improved interdisciplinary integrated referral pathways. The RANP offers an effective, efficient diagnosis-to-end treatment service for patients. The results demonstrate improved treatment, cost outcomes and value-based outcomes for patients. The new integrated service facilitates expansion of the service and further enhancement of the nursing skills and role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie O Shaughnessy
- RANP Tissue Viability & Wound Management/Lower Limb Venous Disease Surgical Care, CHO1 & Vascular Services Roscommon University Hospital
| | - Dr Susan Kent
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University (DCU), Dublin, Ireland.
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Cacua Sánchez MT, Botero AM, Moreno-Mattar O. Cost-effectiveness analysis of intralesional and perilesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor vs hydrocolloid therapy in venous ulcer treatment in the Colombian context. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2024; 12:101745. [PMID: 38145819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.101745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Teresa Cacua Sánchez
- Health Services, Ambulatory Surgery Center, Hospital Occidente de Kennedy, Vascular Laboratory SURA, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana María Botero
- Vascular Surgeon, Colombian Association for Vascular Surgery, Bogotá, CO
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Tettelbach WH, Driver V, Oropallo A, Kelso MR, Niezgoda JA, Wahab N, Jong JLD, Hubbs B, Forsyth RA, Magee GA, Steel P, Cohen BG, Padula WV. Dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane to treat venous leg ulcers: a cost-effectiveness analysis. J Wound Care 2024; 33:S24-S38. [PMID: 38457290 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2024.33.sup3.s24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (DHACM) in Medicare enrolees who developed a venous leg ulcer (VLU). METHOD This economic evaluation used a four-state Markov model to simulate the disease progression of VLUs for patients receiving advanced treatment (AT) with DHACM or no advanced treatment (NAT) over a three-year time horizon from a US Medicare perspective. DHACM treatments were assessed when following parameters for use (FPFU), whereby applications were initiated 30-45 days after the initial VLU diagnosis claim, and reapplications occurred on a weekly to biweekly basis until completion of the treatment episode. The cohort was modelled on the claims of 530,220 Medicare enrolees who developed a VLU between 2015-2019. Direct medical costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and the net monetary benefit (NMB) at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY were applied. Univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) were performed to test the uncertainty of model results. RESULTS DHACM applied FPFU dominated NAT, yielding a lower per-patient cost of $170 and an increase of 0.010 QALYs over three years. The resulting NMB was $1178 per patient in favour of DHACM FPFU over the same time horizon. The rate of VLU recurrence had a notable impact on model uncertainty. In the PSA, DHACM FPFU was cost-effective in 63.01% of simulations at the $100,000/QALY threshold. CONCLUSION In this analysis, DHACM FPFU was the dominant strategy compared to NAT, as it was cost-saving and generated a greater number of QALYs over three years from the US Medicare perspective. A companion VLU Medicare outcomes analysis revealed that patients who received AT with a cellular, acellular and matrix-like product (CAMP) compared to patients who received NAT had the best outcomes. Given the added clinical benefits to patients at lower cost, providers should recommend DHACM FPFU to patients with VLU who qualify. Decision-makers for public insurers (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) and commercial payers should establish preferential formulary placement for reimbursement of DHACM to reduce budget impact and improve the long-term health of their patient populations dealing with these chronic wounds. DECLARATION OF INTEREST Support for this analysis was provided by MiMedx Group, Inc., US. JLD, and RAF are employees of MiMedx Group, Inc. WHT, BH, PS, BGC and WVP were consultants to MiMedx Group, Inc. VD, AO, MRK, JAN, NW and GAM served on the MiMedx Group, Inc. Advisory Board. MRK and JAN served on a speaker's bureau. WVP declares personal fees and equity holdings from Stage Analytics, US.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Tettelbach
- RestorixHealth, Los Angeles, CA, US
- College of Podiatric Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, US
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, US
- American Professional Wound Care Association, US
| | - Vickie Driver
- Wound Care and Hyperbaric Centers at INOVA Healthcare, US
- Wound Care Collaborative Community, US
| | - Alisha Oropallo
- Comprehensive Wound Healing Center, US
- Hyperbarics at Northwell Health, US
| | | | | | - Naz Wahab
- Wound Care Experts, NV, US
- HCA Mountain View Hospital, US
- Roseman University College of Medicine, US
- Common Spirit Dignity Hospitals, US
| | | | | | - R Allyn Forsyth
- MiMedx Group, Inc., GA, US
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, CA, US
| | | | | | | | - William V Padula
- Stage Analytics, Suwanee, GA, US
- Department of Pharmaceutical & Health Economics, Mann School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, US
- The Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, US
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Tettelbach WH, Driver V, Oropallo A, Kelso MR, Niezgoda JA, Wahab N, De Jong JL, Hubbs B, Forsyth RA, Magee GA. Treatment patterns and outcomes of Medicare enrolees who developed venous leg ulcers. J Wound Care 2023; 32:704-718. [PMID: 37907359 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2023.32.11.704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To retrospectively evaluate the comorbidities, treatment patterns and outcomes of Medicare enrolees who developed venous leg ulcers (VLUs). METHOD Medicare Limited Data Standard Analytic Hospital Inpatient and Outpatient Department Files were used to follow patients who received medical care for a VLU between 1 October 2015 and 2 October 2019. Patients diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and a VLU were propensity matched into four groups based on their treatment regimen. Episode claims were used to document demographics, comorbidities and treatments of Medicare enrolees who developed VLUs, as well as important outcomes, such as time to ulcer closure, rates of complications and hospital utilisation rates. Outcomes were compared across key propensity-matched groups. RESULTS In total, 42% of Medicare enrolees with CVI (n=1,225,278), developed at least one VLU during the study, and 79% had their episode claim completed within one year. However, 59% of patients developed another VLU during the study period. This analysis shows that only 38.4% of VLU episodes received documented VLU conservative care treatment. Propensity-matched episodes that received an advanced treatment or high-cost skin substitutes for a wound which had not progressed by 30 days demonstrated the best outcomes when their cellular, acellular, matrix-like product (CAMP) treatment was applied weekly or biweekly (following parameters for use). Complications such as rates of infection (33%) and emergency department visits (>50%) decreased among patients who received an advanced treatment (following parameters for use). CONCLUSION Medicare enrolees with CVI have diverse comorbidities and many do not receive sufficient management, which contributes to high rates of VLUs and subsequent complications. Medicare patients at risk of a VLU who receive early identification and advanced CAMP treatment demonstrated improved quality of life and significantly reduced healthcare resource utilisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William H Tettelbach
- HCA Healthcare, Mountain Division, US
- College of Podiatric Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, US
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, US
- Association for the Advancement of Wound Care, US
- American Professional Wound Care Association, US
- MiMedx Group Inc., GA, US
| | - Vickie Driver
- Wound Care and Hyperbaric Centers at INOVA Healthcare, US
- Wound Care Collaborative Community, US
| | - Alisha Oropallo
- Comprehensive Wound Healing Center, US
- Hyperbarics at Northwell Health, US
| | | | | | - Naz Wahab
- Wound Care Experts, NV, US
- HCA Mountain View Hospital, US
- Roseman University College of Medicine, US
- Common Spirit Dignity Hospitals, US
| | | | | | - R Allyn Forsyth
- MiMedx Group Inc., GA, US
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, US
| | - Gregory A Magee
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, US
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Stanek A, Mosti G, Nematillaevich TS, Valesky EM, Planinšek Ručigaj T, Boucelma M, Marakomichelakis G, Liew A, Fazeli B, Catalano M, Patel M. No More Venous Ulcers-What More Can We Do? J Clin Med 2023; 12:6153. [PMID: 37834797 PMCID: PMC10573394 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are the most severe complication caused by the progression of chronic venous insufficiency. They account for approximately 70-90% of all chronic leg ulcers (CLUs). A total of 1% of the Western population will suffer at some time in their lives from a VLU. Furthermore, most CLUs are VLUs, defined as chronic leg wounds that show no tendency to heal after three months of appropriate treatment or are still not fully healed at 12 months. The essential feature of VLUs is their recurrence. VLUs also significantly impact quality of life and could cause social isolation and depression. They also have a significant avoidable economic burden. It is estimated that the treatment of venous ulceration accounts for around 3% of the total expenditure on healthcare. A VLU-free world is a highly desirable aim but could be challenging to achieve with the current knowledge of the pathophysiology and diagnostic and therapeutical protocols. To decrease the incidence of VLUs, the long-term goal must be to identify high-risk patients at an early stage of chronic venous disease and initiate appropriate preventive measures. This review discusses the epidemiology, socioeconomic burden, pathophysiology, diagnosis, modes of conservative and invasive treatment, and prevention of VLUs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Stanek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Batorego 15 Street, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
- Vascular Independent Research and Education, European Foundation, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.L.); (B.F.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
| | - Giovanni Mosti
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- Angiology Department, MD Barbantini Clinic, Via del Calcio 2, 55100 Lucca, Italy
| | - Temirov Surat Nematillaevich
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Specialized Surgery, Central Hospital of Ministry of Internal Affairs, Chimboy St. 2 A, Almazar District, Tashkent 100095, Uzbekistan
| | - Eva Maria Valesky
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital, Goethe University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tanja Planinšek Ručigaj
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- Dermatovenereological Clinic, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Gradiskova 10 Street, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Malika Boucelma
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Algiers, Bachir Mentouri Hospital, Algiers 16208, Algeria
| | - George Marakomichelakis
- Vascular Independent Research and Education, European Foundation, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.L.); (B.F.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Evangelismos, 16676 Athens, Greece
| | - Aaron Liew
- Vascular Independent Research and Education, European Foundation, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.L.); (B.F.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Portiuncula University Hospital, University of Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland
| | - Bahar Fazeli
- Vascular Independent Research and Education, European Foundation, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.L.); (B.F.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- Support Association of Patients of Buerger’s Disease, Buerger’s Disease NGO, Mashhad 9183785195, Iran
| | - Mariella Catalano
- Vascular Independent Research and Education, European Foundation, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.L.); (B.F.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Biomedical, Clinical Sciences L Sacco Hospital, Inter-University Research Center on Vascular Disease, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Malay Patel
- Vascular Independent Research and Education, European Foundation, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (A.L.); (B.F.); (M.C.); (M.P.)
- VAS-International Consortium—International No More Venous Ulcers Strategic Network, 20157 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (T.S.N.); (E.M.V.); (T.P.R.); (M.B.)
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Apollo CVHF, Heart Institute, Ahmedabad 380059, India
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11
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Alexander JB. Lower-Extremity Vascular Ulcers: Assessment and Approaches to Management. Med Clin North Am 2023; 107:911-923. [PMID: 37541716 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Healing of skin wounds of the lower extremities can be complicated by concomitant vascular disease. Dysfunction of the arterial, venous, and/or lymphatic systems can compromise the healing of skin ulcers of the legs, creating a burden for patients from painful, draining wounds and placing patients at risk for infection, amputation, and even death. Insights into vascular pathophysiology and an understanding of the processes of wound healing permit an evidence-based approach to patients with vascular leg ulcers. Clinical trials have demonstrated opportunities to improve the care of patients with vascular leg ulcers, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality and easing patients' burdens.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Alexander
- Division Vascular Medicine, Jefferson Vascular Center, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, 111 South 11th Street, Suite 6210, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
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12
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Chan DYS, Surendra NK, Ng YZ, Lee SH, Yong E, Hong Q, Goh CC, Lai TP, Tan AHM, Law CCC, Liang S, Car J, Lo ZJ. Prospective study on the clinical and economic burden of venous leg ulcers in the tropics. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:954-963. [PMID: 37209840 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are both chronic and recurrent. The treatment of such ulcers often require multiple outpatient visits and dressing changes. Several reports on the costs of treating such VLUs have been reported in the west. We prospectively evaluated the clinical and economic burden of VLUs in a population of Asian patients in the tropics. METHODS Patients from a prospective two-center study conducted at two tertiary hospitals in Singapore, as a part of the Wound Care Innovation in the Tropics program, between August 2018 and September 2021 were recruited. The patients were followed up for 12 weeks (visit 1 to visit 12), until index ulcer healing, death, or lost to follow-up (whichever came first). These patients were then followed up 12 weeks later to determine the longer term outcome of the wound (healed, recurrence, remained unhealed). The itemized costs derived from the medical service were retrieved from the relevant departments of the study sites. The patients' health-related quality of life was assessed at baseline and the last visit of the 12-week follow-up period (or until index ulcer healing), using the official Singapore version of the EuroQol five-dimension-5L questionnaire, which also includes a visual analog scale (EQ-VAS). RESULTS A total of 116 patients were enrolled; 63% were men, and the mean patient age was 64.7 years. Of the 116 patients, 85 (73%) had a healed ulcer at 24 weeks (mean duration to ulcer healing, 49 days), and 11 (12.9%) had experienced ulcer recurrence within the study period. Within the 6-month follow-up period, the mean direct healthcare cost per patient was USD$1998. The patients with healed ulcers had significantly lower costs per patient compared with those with unhealed ulcers (USD$1713 vs USD$2780). Regarding health-related quality of life, 71% of the patients had a lower quality of life at baseline, which had improved at 12 weeks of follow-up, with only 58% of the patients reported to have a lower quality of life. Also, the patients with healed ulcers scored higher for both utilities (societal preference weights) and EQ-VAS at follow-up (P < .001). In contrast, patients with unhealed ulcers only scored higher EQ-VAS at follow-up (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS The findings from this exploratory study provide information on the clinical, quality of life, and economic burden of VLUs in an Asian population and suggest the importance of healing VLUs to reduce the effects on patients. The present study provides data as a basis for economic evaluation as a consideration for the treatment of VLUs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naren Kumar Surendra
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yi Zhen Ng
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sze-Han Lee
- Skin Research Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Enming Yong
- Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Qiantai Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Cheng Goh
- Wound and Stoma Care, Nursing Specialty, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tina Peiting Lai
- Wound and Stoma Care, Nursing Specialty, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Audrey Hui Min Tan
- Wound and Stoma Care, Nursing Specialty, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Shanying Liang
- Department of Surgery, Woodlands Health, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Josip Car
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zhiwen Joseph Lo
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore; Department of Surgery, Woodlands Health, Singapore, Singapore
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13
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Borges D, Pires R, Ferreira J, Dias-Neto M. The effect of wound electrical stimulation in venous leg ulcer healing-a systematic review. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:1070-1079.e1. [PMID: 37196922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The benefit of using electric stimulation therapy (EST) to heal venous leg ulcers (VLUs) is not well established. The main aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of ulcer EST in VLU healing. METHODS A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science and included original studies that reported VLU healing after EST. The inclusion criteria were at least two surface electrodes placed on or near the wound or a planar probe covering the ulcer area to be treated. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized control trials (RCTs) and Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist for case series were used to evaluate the risk of bias. RESULTS This review included eight RCTs and three case series involving a total of 724 limbs in 716 patients with VLUs. The mean patient age was 64.2 years (95% confidence interval, 62.3-66.2), and 46.2% (95% confidence interval, 41.2%-50.4%) were men. The active electrode was placed on the wound with the passive electrode placed on healthy skin (n = 6), the two electrodes were placed on either side of the wound edges (n = 4), or a planar probe was used (n = 1). The pulsed current was the most used waveform (n = 9). The change in the ulcer size was the main method used to determine ulcer healing (n = 8), followed by the ulcer healing rate (n = 6), exudate levels (n = 4), and the time to healing (n = 3). Five RCTs detected a statistically significant improvement in at least one VLU healing outcome, after EST compared with the control group. In two of these, EST was better than the control but only for patients who had not undergone surgical treatment of VLU. CONCLUSIONS The findings from the present systematic review support the use of EST to accelerate wound healing of VLUs, especially for patients who are not surgical candidates. However, the significant variation in electric stimulation protocols represents an important limitation to its use and should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Borges
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Raquel Pires
- Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Ferreira
- Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Centro Hospitalar de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Marina Dias-Neto
- Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, Portugal; UnIC@RISE, Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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14
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Mirakhmedova S, Amirkhanov A, Seliverstov E, Efremova O, Zolotukhin I. Daily Duration of Compression Treatment in Chronic Venous Disease Patients: A Systematic Review. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1316. [PMID: 37763085 PMCID: PMC10533179 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13091316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There are no data on the daily regimen of compression therapy in patients with chronic venous disease. This systematic review aimed to establish the optimal daily duration of compression treatment. Methods: A systematic search of CENTRAL and MEDLINE was performed to identify RCTs, non-RCTs, reviews, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and guidelines evaluating the use of compression regimens in the treatment of varicose veins. Results: Thirty-two RCTs, three non-RCTs, four observational studies, and two crossover trials reporting the duration and regimes of compression treatment fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The daily duration of compression was reported in patients after invasive treatment, for venous ulcer treatment, in patients with venous symptoms. The quality of the studies varied. We could not conduct a meta-analysis due to the heterogeneity of the research data and their quality. Twenty-three studies reported results of compression usage after invasive procedures. Eight studies reported daily duration regimens in patients with venous ulcers. Nine studies reported the impact of compression on venous symptoms and/or edema or limb volume change. One study was conducted to assess if compression improves QoL in venous patients. While there was a clear difference found in the daily duration depending on the clinical scenario, no data in support of exact regimens were found. Conclusions: There are no reliable data supporting exact daily regimens of compression treatment in various cohorts of CVD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Igor Zolotukhin
- Department of Surgery, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 117997, Russia; (S.M.); (A.A.); (E.S.); (O.E.)
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15
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Learned A, Robinson SA, Nguyen TT. Comprehensive Care of Lower-Extremity Wounds. Surg Clin North Am 2023; 103:745-765. [PMID: 37455035 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
There are 5 common types of chronic nonhealing lower-extremity wounds: arterial, venous, diabetic foot ulcer, pressure, and mixed or atypical. Each chronic wound type has distinct features, and understanding the underlying cause will dictate the wound treatment plan. Here, the authors review the distinguishing wound properties for these 5 common chronic nonhealing lower-extremity wounds and outline a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses wound perfusion, debridement, infection control, moisture balance, and use of complementary advanced wound care products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Learned
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 North Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Sudie-Ann Robinson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 North Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Tammy T Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 55 North Lake Avenue, Worcester, MA 01655, USA; University of Massachusetts Diabetes Center of Excellence.
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16
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Milic DJ, Zivic SS, Bogdanovic DC, Lazarevic MV, Ademi BN, Milic ID. The influence of different sub-bandage pressure values in the prevention of recurrence of venous ulceration-A ten year follow-up. Phlebology 2023; 38:458-465. [PMID: 37343246 DOI: 10.1177/02683555231184776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy of three different strengths of compression systems in the prevention of venous leg ulcer (VLU) recurrences during a 10-year follow up period. METHODS An open, prospective, randomized, single-center study included 477 patients (240 men, 237 women; mean age 59 years). Patients were randomized into three groups: Group A) 149 patients (allocated to wear elastic stocking 18-25 mmHg). Group B) 167 patients (wearing compression device exerting 25-35 mmHg), and Group C) 161 patients (treated with multilayer compression system exerting 35-50 mmHg). RESULTS Overall, 65% (234/360) of patients had recurrent VLU within 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 120 (96%) of 125 in group A, in 89 (66.9%) of 133 patients in group B and in 25 (24.5%) of 102 patients in group C (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Compression systems with the higher compression class provide lower recurrence rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragan J Milic
- Clinic for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, Clinical Center Nis, Nis, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | - Sasa S Zivic
- Clinic for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, Clinical Center Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | | | - Milan V Lazarevic
- Clinic for Cardiovascular and Transplant Surgery, Clinical Center Nis, Nis, Serbia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Nis, Nis, Serbia
| | - Bekim N Ademi
- University Clinical Centre of Kosovo, Hospital District, Prishtina, Kosovo
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17
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Cai PL, Hitchman LH, Mohamed AH, Smith GE, Chetter I, Carradice D. Endovenous ablation for venous leg ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 7:CD009494. [PMID: 37497816 PMCID: PMC10373122 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009494.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are a serious manifestation of chronic venous disease affecting up to 3% of the adult population. This typically recalcitrant and recurring condition significantly impairs quality of life, and its treatment places a heavy financial burden upon healthcare systems. The longstanding mainstay treatment for VLUs is compression therapy. Surgical removal of incompetent veins reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence. However, open surgery is an unpopular option amongst people with VLU, and many people are unsuitable for it. The efficacy of the newer, minimally-invasive endovenous techniques has been established in uncomplicated superficial venous disease, and these techniques can also be used in the management of VLU. When used with compression, endovenous ablation aims to further reduce pressure in the veins of the leg, which may impact ulcer healing. OBJECTIVES To determine the effects of superficial endovenous ablation on the healing and recurrence of venous leg ulcers and the quality of life of people with venous ulcer disease. SEARCH METHODS In April 2022 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scrutinised reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions on the language of publication, but there was a restriction on publication year from 1998 to April 2022 as superficial endovenous ablation is a comparatively new technology. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endovenous ablative techniques with compression versus compression therapy alone for the treatment of VLU were eligible for inclusion. Studies needed to have assessed at least one of the following primary review outcomes related to objective measures of ulcer healing such as: proportion of ulcers healed at a given time point; time to complete healing; change in ulcer size; proportion of ulcers recurring over a given time period or at a specific point; or ulcer-free days. Secondary outcomes of interest were patient-reported quality of life, economic data and adverse events. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data, carried out risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 1 tool, and assessed GRADE certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS The previous version of this review found no RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria. In this update, we identified two eligible RCTs and included them in a meta-analysis. There was a total of 506 participants with an active VLU, with mean durations of 3.1 months ± 1.1 months in the EVRA trial and 60.5 months ± 96.4 months in the VUERT trial. Both trials randomised participants to endovenous treatment and compression or compression alone, however the compression alone group in the EVRA trial received deferred endovenous treatment (after ulcer healing or from six months). There is high-certainty evidence that combined endovenous ablation and compression compared with compression therapy alone, or compression with deferred endovenous treatment, improves time to complete ulcer healing (pooled hazard ratio (HR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.47; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 466 participants). There is moderate-certainty evidence that the proportion of ulcers healed at 90 days is probably higher with combined endovenous ablation and compression compared with compression therapy alone or compression with deferred endovenous treatment (risk ratio (RR) 1.14, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.30; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, 466 participants). There is low-certainty evidence showing an unclear effect on ulcer recurrence at one year in people with healed ulcers with combined endovenous treatment and compression when compared with compression alone or compression with deferred endovenous treatment (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.48; I2 = 78%; 2 studies, 460 participants). There is also low-certainty evidence that the median number of ulcer-free days at one year may not differ (306 (interquartile range (IQR) 240 to 328) days versus 278 (IQR 175 to 324) days) following combined endovenous treatment and compression when compared with compression and deferred endovenous treatment; (1 study, 450 participants). There is low-certainty evidence of an unclear effect in rates of thromboembolism between groups (RR 2.02, 95% CI 0.51 to 7.97; I2 = 78%, 2 studies, 506 participants). The addition of endovenous ablation to compression is probably cost-effective at one year (99% probability at GBP 20,000/QALY; 1 study; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Endovenous ablation of superficial venous incompetence in combination with compression improves leg ulcer healing when compared with compression alone. This conclusion is based on high-certainty evidence. There is moderate-certainty evidence to suggest that it is probably cost-effective at one year and low certainty evidence of unclear effects on recurrence and complications. Further research is needed to explore the additional benefit of endovenous ablation in ulcers of greater than six months duration and the optimal modality of endovenous ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paris L Cai
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Louise H Hitchman
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Abduraheem H Mohamed
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - George E Smith
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Ian Chetter
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
| | - Daniel Carradice
- Academic Vascular Surgical Unit, Hull York Medical School, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Hull, UK
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18
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Shao MY, Harlin S, Chan B, Santangelo K, Fukaya E, Stoughton J, Kolluri R. VIEW-VLU observational study of the effect of Varithena on wound healing in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:692-699.e1. [PMID: 36972751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic venous hypertension, triggered by venous reflux and/or obstruction, leads to skin changes and venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Compression therapy is the standard of care, but many wounds remain unhealed. The objectives of this study were to observe the effects of endovenous chemical ablation with commercially available 1% polidocanol injectable microfoam on VLU healing and recurrence rates. METHODS The VIEW VLU study was a multicenter, open-label, phase IV registry of patients with active VLUs resulting from venous insufficiency of the great saphenous vein and/or anterior accessory saphenous vein systems who underwent ablation with 1% polidocanol microfoam. Primary outcomes included wound healing rate (change in wound perimeter), wound closure at 12 weeks after treatment, and time to wound closure. Secondary outcomes included VLU recurrence, numeric pain score at the ulcer location, EuroQol five-dimension five-level questionnaire quality-of-life index, and the Venous Clinical Severity Score. Patients were followed for 12 months. RESULTS We enrolled 76 patients (80 ulcers) from 14 sites across the United States and Canada (mean age 63.6 ± 13.7 years, 39.5% female, mean body mass index 36.3). Of the enrollees, 96.3% presented with great saphenous vein incompetence. The mean baseline wound perimeter was 117.2 ± 107.4 mm and 26.3% of wounds (21/80) were circumferential. The mean ulcer age was 34.8 ± 51.8 weeks at first presentation and the mean compression therapy duration was 26.4 ± 35.9 weeks. The median wound perimeter decreased by 16.3% from baseline in the first 2 weeks after the procedure and by 27.0% at 12 weeks. By 12 weeks, 53.8% of wounds (43/80) were healed. The median time to ulcer closure by Kaplan-Meier analysis was 89 days (95% confidence interval, 62.0-117.0). In a Kaplan-Meier analysis of initially healed wounds, 88.9% (95% confidence interval, 76.9-94.8) remained closed at 12 weeks after closure. The mean numeric pain scores (ulcer site) improved by 41.0% and 64.1% at 12 weeks and 12 months after the procedure, respectively. The health-related quality-of-life index (scale of 0-1) improved from 0.65 ± 0.27 at baseline to 0.72 ± 0.28 at 12 weeks and 0.73 ± 0.30 at 12 months. By 12 weeks after treatment, the mean target leg Venous Clinical Severity Score had significantly decreased by 5.8 points, and by 12 months it had decreased by 10.0 points. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with 1% polidocanol microfoam was associated with promising wound healing rates and low recurrence rates for VLUs, despite a challenging patient population with recalcitrant ulcers, a large percentage of which were circumferential, in patients with high body mass indexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y Shao
- Swedish Hospital, Northshore University HealthSystem, Chicago, IL.
| | - Stuart Harlin
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Beverly Chan
- Vascular Health Bronte, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Eri Fukaya
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | | | - Raghu Kolluri
- Ohio Health Heart and Vascular Columbus, Columbus, OH
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19
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Musayeva AM. New approach to pathogenesis and treatment of trophycal ulcers. BULLETIN OF THE MEDICAL INSTITUTE "REAVIZ" (REHABILITATION, DOCTOR AND HEALTH) 2023. [DOI: 10.20340/vmi-rvz.2023.1.morph.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Introduction. Trophic ulcers are one of the most common medical ailments worldwide. Treatment of patients with trophic ulcers is difficult not only because they often recur, but also because they are difficult to treat. Purpose. Study the clinical features and present our own results of combined methods of treatment of trophic ulcers of venous etiology. Materials and methods. The study involved 100 patients with trophic ulcers of the lower extremities of venous, diabetic and atherosclerotic etiology, who had a history and were treated for varicose veins of the lower extremities and post-thrombotic disease. Examination of patients included questionnaires, clarification of complaints, anamnesis data, causes of development, examination and ultrasound diagnostics (duplex examination). The examination of the ulcer included determining the location, size, appearance, base of the wound, the level of exudation and assessment of the condition of the skin around the defect. Results. The etiological factors in the development of trophic ulcers were: varicose disease with chronic venous insufficiency – 25 patients, post-thrombotic disease – 55 patients. All patients underwent only conservative treatment of trophic venous ulcers with the appointment of a placenta compositum. After the treatment of a group of patients, out of 100 patients with venous trophic ulcers, 89% were cured within 4 months, 8% were cured within 2 years, and in 3 % ulcers did not heal for more than two years. The average duration of the course of ulcers was 12 months. The average size of trophic ulcers based on the results of the analysis was 8 cm2. Complete healing of venous ulcers was most often observed in the age group 61–73 years in 30% patients. Conclusion. The use of the compositum placenta contributed to the acceleration of wound healing, which made it possible to obtain more effective results.
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Schul MW, Melin MM, Keaton TJ. Venous leg ulcers and prevalence of surgically correctable reflux disease in a national registry. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:511-516. [PMID: 36681297 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic venous disorders are common, with varicose veins occurring in ∼40% of the population. Venous leg ulcers affect 1% to 2% of the population, with the prevalence increasing ≤4% for those aged >65 years. Both conditions are expensive and together are responsible for ≤2% of the annual healthcare budget expenditure of Western societies. The ESCHAR (effect of surgery and compression on healing and recurrence) and EVRA (early venous reflux ablation) trials demonstrated that surgical correction of superficial venous reflux reduced ulcer recurrence, resulted in faster healing times (EVRA), and was proved cost-effective. Largescale data regarding patients with chronic venous leg ulcers presenting to venous centers with treatable superficial venous insufficiency has not been previously reported. Our study was designed to evaluate the percentage of patients with leg ulcers presenting to dedicated vein centers who were found to have surgically correctable superficial venous insufficiency. METHODS The American Vein & Lymphatic Society Patient Reported Outcome Venous Registry began collecting data in 2014 and is one of two national registries focused on chronic venous disorders. The database was queried first for the presence of an ulcer using the CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) classification (C6 status). These de-identified data were further correlated by crossing the number of ulcers for the same limb using the revised venous clinical severity score (rVCSS). The demographics, index duplex ultrasound details, and rVCSS features for ulcer duration and compression use were analyzed. Once the presence of an ulcer had been validated by CEAP and rVCSS, the population was divided into groups according to the ultrasound-reported anatomic pathology (eg, normal, reflux, obstruction, reflux plus obstruction). The query was directed toward all patients seeking a venous evaluation at participating centers from January 2018 through January 2022. RESULTS More than 270,000 unique patient records were reviewed. Of the 270,000 records, 163,027 (60%) had had duplex ultrasound scans available, for 1794 unique patients (1879 limbs), representing 1.1% with a leg wound. Of these patients, 55.4% were men and 44.6% were women. Group S included patients with isolated superficial pathology (n = 1291; 68.7%). Group M included patients with mixed superficial and deep pathology (n = 238; 12.7%). Group D included patients with isolated deep vein pathology (n = 58; 3.1%). Finally, group N included patients with leg wounds but no venous pathology (n = 292; 15.5%). The rVCSSs for groups S and M were significantly higher than those for group N. In group S, the dominant patterns involved the great saphenous vein (GSV) above the knee (54.8%), the small saphenous vein (30.7%), and the anterior accessory GSV (14.4%). The frequency of single, double, and triple axial vein reflux identified 1.45 vessels eligible for ablation treatment per limb. In group M, the dominant patterns involved the GSV above the knee (61.7%), the small saphenous vein (26.2%), and the anterior accessory GSV (12.1%), for 1.52 axial segments per limb. Of the 84.4% of venous ulcer patients, duplex ultrasound analysis revealed that 97% of this large subset had had surgically correctable disease. CONCLUSIONS The American Vein & Lymphatic Society Patient Reported Outcome Venous Registry demonstrated that 85% of the leg wounds in the present study were venous in origin and 97% possessed surgically correctable disease. Our findings support early referral to dedicated vein centers with appropriate venous reflux management as a part of the multidisciplinary team caring for patients with venous leg ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M Mark Melin
- M Health Fairview Wound Healing Institute, Edina, MN
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21
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Yosipovitch G, Nedorost ST, Silverberg JI, Friedman AJ, Canosa JM, Cha A. Stasis Dermatitis: An Overview of Its Clinical Presentation, Pathogenesis, and Management. Am J Clin Dermatol 2023; 24:275-286. [PMID: 36800152 PMCID: PMC9968263 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-022-00753-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Stasis dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease of the lower extremities. It typically occurs in older individuals and is the cutaneous manifestation of venous hypertension caused by venous reflux. Such retrograde venous blood flow is the result of incompetent venous valves, valve destruction, or venous obstruction. Stasis dermatitis is eczematous. The associated impairment of venous valves may cause swelling of the legs, leading to serious conditions including venous ulcerations. Diagnosis can be challenging because of its clinical resemblance to other skin conditions and poor clinical recognition by physicians. The cornerstones of stasis dermatitis treatment are compression therapy to ameliorate pain and swelling, topical treatments to alleviate secondary skin changes, and interventional treatment options to correct the underlying causes of venous reflux. Given the central role of inflammation of the lower extremities in driving the cutaneous changes characteristic of stasis dermatitis, new therapeutic approaches that target the inflammation are under clinical evaluation in patients with stasis dermatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil Yosipovitch
- Miami Itch Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL USA
| | | | - Jonathan I. Silverberg
- The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC USA
| | | | | | - Amy Cha
- Pfizer Inc., New York, NY USA
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22
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Uttaray S, Vaddavalli VV, Savlania A, Behera A, Kaman L, Gorsi U. Effect of Endovenous Laser Ablation Along With Compression Therapy on Chronic Venous Ulcer Healing. Cureus 2023; 15:e33406. [PMID: 36751227 PMCID: PMC9899100 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic venous insufficiency is a major cause of morbidity, and there is a paucity of data regarding its epidemiology due to the lack of a central wound registry. In this study, we aimed to study the time for healing of the ulcer and compliance with compression therapy (CT) following endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) ± ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) along with CT in patients with chronic venous ulcers. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted from January 2020 to June 2021 after obtaining institutional ethical committee clearance. Patients with chronic venous ulcers (>six weeks to 4 cm in 10% of patients. A total of 38% of patients underwent only EVLA, and EVLA+UGFS were done in 62% of participants. The healing rate at six months follow-up was 92%, with the average time taken being 2.55±1.38 months. Those who remained with an unhealed ulcer at six months follow-up had an ulcer size of >5 cm and an age of >50 years. Ninety-six percent of the patients were compliant with CT after an endovenous intervention. The recurrence rate at two years post-ablation was 6%. VCSS was 19.66±3.23 at presentation and 5.5±2.82 at six months of follow-up. Conclusion Endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux along with CT is associated with a shorter healing time of venous ulcerations and reduced chances of recurrence. There is an improvement in VCSS score over the period of six months follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetal Uttaray
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Venkata Vineeth Vaddavalli
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Ajay Savlania
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Arunanshu Behera
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Lileswar Kaman
- Department of General Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
| | - Ujjwal Gorsi
- Department of Radiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, IND
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23
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Jaschke E, Umlauft J, Palmer-Reichel K, Oberaigner W, Schmuth M. [Low-dose topical recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF) therapy for chronic venous leg ulcers, 10-year follow-up]. DERMATOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 74:41-48. [PMID: 36287238 PMCID: PMC9836986 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-022-05068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of leg ulcers is an enormous problem worldwide. Chronic venous ulceration affects 1% of the population and often has a protracted course. Recurrence rate is high, ranging up to 69% in the first year after healing. OBJECTIVES To determine whether topical application of low-dose topical recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhu GM-CSF) is safe in venous leg ulcer treatment, and whether it accelerates healing rates and reduces recurrence rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive patients with chronic venous leg ulcers received topical treatment with low-dose rhu GM-CSF (10 µg/mL 0.9% sodium chloride solution; 1.0-2.3 µg rhu GM-CSF/cm2) in combination with treatment of venous insufficiency. All patients were previously treated with other topical wound remedies for several weeks (median 8 weeks) without success. RESULTS In 119 of 130 patients, the wounds healed completely (91.5%). No local or systemic adverse reactions were observed. The mean time to healing was 24 weeks (median 14 weeks). Median follow-up of the 119 patients with healed ulcers was 84 months. The recurrence rates were 5.2% after 1 year, 18.9% after 4 years and 32.0% after 10 years. CONCLUSIONS Topical low-dose rhu GM-CSF proved to be safe and highly effective. Healing rates were comparable to those reported in the ESCHAR study (Effects of Surgery and Compression on Healing And Recurrence in venous ulceration) and recurrence rates were the lowest reported in the literature. Topical therapy with rhu GM-CSF can be applied in an outpatient setting and does not require hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Umlauft
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | | | - Wilhelm Oberaigner
- University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Österreich
| | - Matthias Schmuth
- Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Innsbruck, Österreich
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24
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Turner BRH, Jasionowska S, Machin M, Javed A, Gwozdz AM, Shalhoub J, Onida S, Davies AH. Systematic review and meta-analysis of exercise therapy for venous leg ulcer healing and recurrence. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2023; 11:219-226. [PMID: 36202303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2022.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE National guidelines in the United Kingdom have recommended regular exercise for individuals with venous leg ulceration. However, data on the effects of exercise on ulcer healing and recurrence are sparse. In the present study, we aimed to quantify the evidence for exercise regarding venous ulcer healing with respect to the primary outcomes of the proportion of healed ulcers and rate of ulcer recurrence. The secondary outcomes were improvement in ulcer symptoms, ulcer healing time, quality of life, compliance, and adverse events reported. METHODS The review followed PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines using a registered protocol (CRD42021220925). The MEDLINE and Embase databases and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, European Union Clinical Trials, and International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number registries were searched up to April 6, 2022 and included studies comparing exercise therapy and compression vs compression alone. Data for the proportion of healed ulcers were pooled using a fixed effects meta-analysis. RESULTS After screening 1046 reports, 7 were included, with 121 participants allocated to exercise therapy and 125 to compression alone. All the reports were of randomized controlled trials and had reported ulcer healing at 12 weeks, with a pooled relative risk of ulcer healing of 1.38 for exercise vs compression (95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.71). Only one study had reported on recurrence; thus, data pooling was not performed. No differences between exercise and usual care were demonstrated. Compliance with exercise ranged from 33% to 81%. The included studies demonstrated low enrollment and a high risk of bias. Also, most of the trials had failed to demonstrate any differences in activity completed between the intervention and control arms. CONCLUSIONS A paucity of studies has examined leg ulcer recurrence after exercise programs, with no evidence to show that exercise is beneficial. Furthermore, the quality of evidence supporting exercise as an adjunct to ulcer healing is very low, and the trials demonstrated serious methodologic flaws, chiefly in recording the activity undertaken by the participants in the intervention arm. Future randomized controlled trials should implement activity monitoring and standardize the reporting of key patient, ulcer, and reflux characteristics to enable future meaningful meta-analyses to determine the role of exercise as an adjunct to venous leg ulceration healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict R H Turner
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Jasionowska
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Machin
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Azfar Javed
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam M Gwozdz
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Shalhoub
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Onida
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alun H Davies
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
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25
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Matei SC, Dumitru CȘ, Radu D. Measuring the Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Venous Disease before and Short Term after Surgical Treatment-A Comparison between Different Open Surgical Procedures. J Clin Med 2022; 11:7171. [PMID: 36498744 PMCID: PMC9738055 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic venous disease (CVD) is a common pathology that significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients. Methods: QoL was assessed in 317 patients diagnosed with CVD who underwent surgeries, including cryostripping (n = 113), high ligation and stripping (HL&S, n = 96), and phlebectomies (n = 108). CVD symptoms and QoL were assessed before surgery and 2 weeks after surgery using the following questionnaires: CIVIQ-20, VAS, Eq-5D, PHQ-9 and GAD-9. Results. The results reveal a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between CEAP score and QoL questionnaires performed preoperatively and postoperatively in all three surgical technique groups, with a statistical improvement postoperatively. Phlebectomy had the best postoperative QoL score (r = 0.495) compared to the other two types of procedures. Conclusions: Analyzing patients’ subjective perception following conventional surgery for CVD treatment, an improved QoL is observed both in functional and psychosocial aspects, even early postoperatively. Classical surgical procedures remain an effective and feasible option in CVD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu-Ciprian Matei
- Department of Surgery, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, EftimieMurgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- 1st Surgical Clinic, “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency County Hospital, LiviuRebreanu Boulevard no. 156, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Ștefania Dumitru
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Angiogenesis Research Center, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sq. EftimieMurgu no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Daniela Radu
- Department of Surgery, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, EftimieMurgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- 1st Surgical Clinic, “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency County Hospital, LiviuRebreanu Boulevard no. 156, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
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26
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Korepta L, Ward M, Blecha M, Sinacore J, Aulivola B. A Contemporary Comparison of Cyanoacrylate, Radiofrequency, and Endovenous Laser Ablation on Healing of Active Venous Ulceration. Ann Vasc Surg 2022; 87:237-244. [PMID: 35472495 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2022.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this study is to compare the healing rates of active lower extremity venous ulcers for patients receiving one of 3 ablation methods, compare their complications, and identify factors affecting successful healing and prevention of recurrence. METHODS For this study, data were collected retrospectively on 146 patients at a single institution, tertiary referral center, with an active venous ulcer who underwent ablation therapy via cyanoacrylate (VenaSeal), radiofrequency (RFA), or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) from 2010 to 2020. RESULTS The study showed a nonsignificant difference in days to ulcer healing postintervention between ablative techniques, with 80.8 days for cyanoacrylate ablation (n = 15), 70.07 for RFA (n = 44), and 67.04 days for EVLA (n = 79). A similar, nonsignificant trend was observed for ulcer recurrence, with a rate of 35.7% (5/14) for cyanoacrylate ablation, 26.7% (20/75) for EVLA, and 23.1% (9/39) for RFA. The same nonsignificant trend occurred with deep venous thrombosis following the procedure in 6.3% (1/16) of cyanoacrylate ablation, 4.8% (4/84) of EVLA, and 2.2% (1/46) of RFA cases. The rate of endovenous glue induced thrombosis was also higher (6.3%) for cyanoacrylate than endovenous heat induced thrombosis in EVLA (3.6%) and RFA (2.2%). Cox proportional hazard was significant for compliance with compression therapy (hazard ratio [HR] 2.12, confidence interval [CI] 95% = 1.10-4.20, P = 0.031) and a lack of working with a wound clinic (HR 0.50, CI 95% = 0.33-0.75, P = 0.001) were associated with the decreased time to healing of ulcer but was not influenced by the presence of other comorbidities of smoking or diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates a trend toward cyanoacrylate ablation having longer healing times and more complications compared to other ablation methods when used in patients with active venous ulcers. Compliance with compression treatment is predictive of venous ulcer healing and working with a wound clinic had significantly longer healing times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Korepta
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL.
| | - Matthew Ward
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Matthew Blecha
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
| | - James Sinacore
- Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL
| | - Bernadette Aulivola
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL
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27
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Lian Y, Anderson I, Keevil VL, Gohel M. A point prevalence audit of inpatients with leg ulcers eligible for compression therapy in a large university NHS hospital. J Wound Care 2022; 31:590-597. [PMID: 35797261 DOI: 10.12968/jowc.2022.31.7.590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Compression therapy is the mainstay of treatment for venous leg ulceration. Several studies have evaluated leg ulcer management and compression in the community. However, little is known about the leg ulcer population and use of compression therapy in the hospital setting, where it is not often part of inpatient care. This study aimed to evaluate the proportion of inpatients with leg ulceration eligible for compression therapy. METHOD A point prevalence audit was undertaken using three methods: patient electronic live report; a leg ulcer audit form; and an electronic record search. The following data were retrieved: patient age, sex, primary reason for admission, diabetes, mobility status, history of dementia, Clinical Frailty Scale score and presence of oedema. Ankle-brachial pressure index was measured to determine patients' eligibility for compression therapy. RESULTS The audit identified 80/931 (8.5%) inpatients as having confirmed, active leg ulceration. A total of 36/80 (45%) inpatients were assessed for eligibility for compression, of whom 25/36 (69.4%) were eligible for full compression, 2/36 (5.6%) reduced compression and 9/36 (25%) were not eligible for compression therapy. CONCLUSION The audit demonstrated that a significant proportion of hospital inpatients with leg ulcers were eligible for compression therapy and that this patient population were heterogenous in terms of comorbidity profile, mobility, frailty and dementia, among other factors. Further research is required to explore the most feasible and effective compression options for inpatients with leg ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Lian
- Tissue Viability Team, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK
| | - Irene Anderson
- University of Hertfordshire, School of Health and Social Work, Department of Nursing, Health and Wellbeing, College Lane, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Victoria L Keevil
- Department of Medicine for the Elderly, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.,Senior Research Associate in Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Manj Gohel
- Tissue Viability Team, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH), Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Hills Road, Cambridge, UK.,Honorary Senior Lecturer, Imperial College London and University of Cambridge, UK
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28
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Keohane CR, Westby D, Twyford M, Ahern T, Tawfick W, Walsh SR. Axial ablation versus terminal interruption of the reflux source (AAVTIRS): a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:483. [PMID: 35689289 PMCID: PMC9188187 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of superficial venous reflux has been shown to improve ulcer healing time and reduce the risk of ulcer recurrence. Terminal ablation of the reflux source (TIRS) is an alternative to formal endovenous ablation or surgery which can be performed by injecting sclerosant foam into the peri-ulcer plexus of the veins. TIRS has been shown to be successful and in our experience is the option preferred by many patients, when offered as an alternative to axial ablation (AA). AIM To determine if the proportion of ulcers healed within 6 months of endovenous treatment differs between patients undergoing AA of varicose veins or TIRS by peri-ulcer foam sclerotherapy. METHODS AAVTIRS is an assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial. Patients will be recruited from a dedicated ulcer clinic in Roscommon University Hospital and from the vascular surgical clinics in University Hospital Galway. All patients attending the ulcer clinic will be screened for eligibility. RANDOMISATION Random computer-generated sequence is stratified by ulcer size. Allocation will be concealed using sealed opaque envelopes. BLINDING Assessors reviewing wounds at follow -p visits will be blinded to patient allocation. PRIMARY ENDPOINT The proportion of ulcers healed within 6 months of enrolment. DISCUSSION This will be the first time that TIRS has been evaluated with a properly powered randomised trial in the setting of venous ulcer management. Streamlining the management of venous ulcers has broad health economic benefits. If it is found that TIRS is superior or non-inferior to AA, then a less expensive, less invasive injection can be offered as an alternative to AA in an attempt to encourage the healing of venous ulcers. If AA is found to be superior to TIRS, then this would suggest that all patients undergoing ablation in the management of venous ulcers should have their superficial reflux fully treated, building on the evidence of the EVRA trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04484168. Registered on 23 July 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- C R Keohane
- University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland. .,National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.
| | - D Westby
- Roscommon University Hospital, Roscommon, Ireland.,National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - M Twyford
- University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.,National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - T Ahern
- University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.,National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - W Tawfick
- University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.,National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - S R Walsh
- University Hospital Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Lambe Institute for Translational Research, National University of Ireland Galway, Newcastle Rd, Galway, Ireland
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29
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[Venous ulcus cruris-Surgical treatment]. Hautarzt 2022; 73:491-500. [PMID: 35551422 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-022-05006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Venous ulcus cruris is usually a chronic disease and an extreme burden for patients and their families. An analysis based on a random statutory health insurance sample of the AOK Hessen/KV Hessen estimated the number of affected people to be 400,000 in Germany. A venous ulcus cruris is always caused by an underlying chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A spontaneous healing of this chronic disease without treatment is not to be expected. The conservative treatment includes an adequate compression treatment and exudate management. Surgical treatment is based on three pillars: an open surgical or endovenous approach to resolve the pathological venous reflux, uIcer surgery and in rare cases the various procedures of fascia surgery as well as defect coverage by a combination of negative pressure wound therapy and skin transplantation.
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30
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De Maeseneer MG, Kakkos SK, Aherne T, Baekgaard N, Black S, Blomgren L, Giannoukas A, Gohel M, de Graaf R, Hamel-Desnos C, Jawien A, Jaworucka-Kaczorowska A, Lattimer CR, Mosti G, Noppeney T, van Rijn MJ, Stansby G, Esvs Guidelines Committee, Kolh P, Bastos Goncalves F, Chakfé N, Coscas R, de Borst GJ, Dias NV, Hinchliffe RJ, Koncar IB, Lindholt JS, Trimarchi S, Tulamo R, Twine CP, Vermassen F, Wanhainen A, Document Reviewers, Björck M, Labropoulos N, Lurie F, Mansilha A, Nyamekye IK, Ramirez Ortega M, Ulloa JH, Urbanek T, van Rij AM, Vuylsteke ME. Editor's Choice - European Society for Vascular Surgery (ESVS) 2022 Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Management of Chronic Venous Disease of the Lower Limbs. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2022; 63:184-267. [PMID: 35027279 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2021.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 242] [Impact Index Per Article: 121.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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31
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Chaitidis N, Kokkinidis DG, Papadopoulou Z, Kyriazopoulou M, Schizas D, Bakoyiannis C. Treatment of chronic venous disorder: A comprehensive review. Dermatol Ther 2021; 35:e15238. [PMID: 34859549 DOI: 10.1111/dth.15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic venous disorder (CVD) is highly prevalent vascular disorder affecting up to 45% of the general population, with clinical manifestations ranging from teleangiectasias to venous leg ulcers (VLUs). We examined the currently available data in order to provide an updated, comprehensive review on treatment options of CVD. We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane, Scopus, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials, and OpenGrey databases for relevant articles in English published until November 2020. Compression treatment is the mainstay of conservative treatment. Pharmacological treatment can provide significant symptomatic relief and hence it should be considered as part of conservative treatment. Transcutaneous Lacer treatment (TCL) is a safe and effective alternative option to sclerotherapy for treatment of C1 stage. High ligation and stripping (HL/S), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) systems and non thermal non tumescent ablation (NTNT) systems are safe and efficacious first-line options for treatment of saphenous insufficiency. Interventional treatment of co-existing incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) is not supported by contemporary evidence. Regarding deep venous insufficiency (DVI), treatment of symptomatic femoroiliocaval occlusive venous disease refractory to conservative treatment with percutaneous transluminal venoplasty stenting has produced encouraging results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Damianos G Kokkinidis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Zoi Papadopoulou
- 3rd Department of Pediatrics, Ippokrateio General Hospital Of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Kyriazopoulou
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 401 General Military Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Schizas
- 1st Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Bakoyiannis
- 1st Department of Surgery, Laikon General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Pantoja JL, Patel RP, Ulloa JG, Farley SM. Deep venous stenting improves healing of lower extremity venous ulcers. Ann Vasc Surg 2021; 78:239-246. [PMID: 34416283 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2021.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long standing, recalcitrant venous ulcers fail to heal despite standard compression therapy and wound care. Stenting of central veins has been reported to assist in venous ulcer healing. This study reports outcomes of deep venous stenting for central venous obstruction in patients with recalcitrant venous ulcers at a single comprehensive wound care center. METHODS A single center retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with CEAP (Clinical, Etiology, Anatomy, and Pathophysiology) 6 disease that had undergone deep venous stenting in addition to wound care and compression therapy. Intra-operative details, wound healing, and stent patency rates were recorded. Stent patency and intra-operative details were compared between the healed and unhealed groups. RESULTS Between 2010 and 2019, 15 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age: 63 years old, 12 males). Pre-operative mean wound area was 14.1 cm2 with mean wound duration of 30 months. 93% of patients healed the ulcers at mean healing time of 10.6 months. Wound recurrence rate was 57% with mean recurrence time of 14.8 months. Ten patients presented with an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter, 4 in the healed group and 6 in the unhealed group. The common iliac vein was stented in all patients. Extension into the IVC was required in 4, the common femoral vein in 11, and femoral vein in 2 patients. The average stent length was 190cm. During the follow-up period, primary patency rates in healed patients (mean follow-up time: 19.2 months) was 83% and 59% in the unhealed group (mean follow-up time: 36.6 months); secondary patency rates were 83% and 89%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In patients with recalcitrant venous ulcers with central venous obstruction, deep venous stenting resulted in a high rate of healing. However, a prolonged 10 month healing time was observed and despite high stent patency, wound recurrence rate was high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe L Pantoja
- University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of Vascular Surgery, Los Angeles, CA.
| | - Rhusheet P Patel
- University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of Vascular Surgery, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jesus G Ulloa
- University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of Vascular Surgery, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Steven M Farley
- University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Division of Vascular Surgery, Los Angeles, CA
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Abstract
Lower extremity ulcerations contribute to significant morbidity and economic burden globally. Chronic wounds, or those that do not progress through healing in a timely manner, are estimated to affect 6.5 million people in the United States alone causing, significant morbidity and economic burden of at least an estimated $25 billion annually. Owing to the aging population and increasing rates of obesity and diabetes mellitus globally, chronic lower extremity ulcers are predicted to increase. Here, we explore the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of the most (and least) commonly seen lower extremity ulcers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caralin Schneider
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 N.W. 10th Avenue, RMSB, Room 2023-A, USA
| | - Scott Stratman
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 N.W. 10th Avenue, RMSB, Room 2023-A, USA
| | - Robert S Kirsner
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology & Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 N.W. 10th Avenue, RMSB, Room 2023-A, USA.
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Review of the Current Evidence for Topical Treatment for Venous Leg Ulcers. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 10:241-247.e15. [PMID: 34171531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The development of a venous leg ulcer (VLU) represents the most severe clinical manifestation of a chronic venous disease. Despite major progress, there is a limited understanding of VLU pathogenesis and wound healing biology. Treatment of VLUs remains a serious challenge for physicians of different specialties. This communication focuses on describing the rationale and scientific basis for topical wound care in the management of VLUs. METHODS A literature review was performed to summarize methods with proven efficacy in VLU management. A systematic literature search was also performed to identify new evidence from the randomized controlled trials published within 2014-2021. The scientific challenges, clinical practice concerns, economic obstacles, and possible directions for further research have been discussed. RESULTS Hundreds of topical products have been advertised for the treatment of VLUs. Published data on topical treatment of venous ulcers is insufficient, scattered, weak, and has significant methodological flaws. Forty-three randomized controlled trials on topical treatment of VLUs have been published within 2014-2021. Clinical practice guidelines need to be updated. Major gaps in knowledge have been identified, and suggestions for future research directions have been provided. CONCLUSIONS The American Venous Forum Research Committee would like to bring attention to topical wound care for VLUs as a critical gap in knowledge, and encourage scientists, practitioners, and industry to collaborate to fill this gap.
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Gohel MS, Mora MSc J, Szigeti M, Epstein DM, Heatley F, Bradbury A, Bulbulia R, Cullum N, Nyamekye I, Poskitt KR, Renton S, Warwick J, Davies AH. Long-term Clinical and Cost-effectiveness of Early Endovenous Ablation in Venous Ulceration: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Surg 2021; 155:1113-1121. [PMID: 32965493 PMCID: PMC7512122 DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2020.3845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance One-year outcomes from the Early Venous Reflux Ablation (EVRA) randomized trial showed accelerated venous leg ulcer healing and greater ulcer-free time for participants who are treated with early endovenous ablation of lower extremity superficial reflux. Objective To evaluate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux in patients with venous leg ulceration. Design, Setting, and Participants Between October 24, 2013, and September 27, 2016, the EVRA randomized clinical trial enrolled 450 participants (450 legs) with venous leg ulceration of less than 6 months' duration and superficial venous reflux. Initially, 6555 patients were assessed for eligibility, and 6105 were excluded for reasons including ulcer duration greater than 6 months, healed ulcer by the time of randomization, deep venous occlusive disease, and insufficient superficial venous reflux to warrant ablation therapy, among others. A total of 426 of 450 participants (94.7%) from the vascular surgery departments of 20 hospitals in the United Kingdom were included in the analysis for ulcer recurrence. Surgeons, participants, and follow-up assessors were not blinded to the treatment group. Data were analyzed from August 11 to November 4, 2019. Interventions Patients were randomly assigned to receive compression therapy with early endovenous ablation within 2 weeks of randomization (early intervention, n = 224) or compression with deferred endovenous treatment of superficial venous reflux (deferred intervention, n = 226). Endovenous modality and strategy were left to the preference of the treating clinical team. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome for the extended phase was time to first ulcer recurrence. Secondary outcomes included ulcer recurrence rate and cost-effectiveness. Results The early-intervention group consisted of 224 participants (mean [SD] age, 67.0 [15.5] years; 127 men [56.7%]; 206 White participants [92%]). The deferred-intervention group consisted of 226 participants (mean [SD] age, 68.9 [14.0] years; 120 men [53.1%]; 208 White participants [92%]). Of the 426 participants whose leg ulcer had healed, 121 (28.4%) experienced at least 1 recurrence during follow-up. There was no clear difference in time to first ulcer recurrence between the 2 groups (hazard ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.57-1.17; P = .28). Ulcers recurred at a lower rate of 0.11 per person-year in the early-intervention group compared with 0.16 per person-year in the deferred-intervention group (incidence rate ratio, 0.658; 95% CI, 0.480-0.898; P = .003). Time to ulcer healing was shorter in the early-intervention group for primary ulcers (hazard ratio, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12-1.64; P = .002). At 3 years, early intervention was 91.6% likely to be cost-effective at a willingness to pay of £20 000 ($26 283) per quality-adjusted life year and 90.8% likely at a threshold of £35 000 ($45 995) per quality-adjusted life year. Conclusions and Relevance Early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux was highly likely to be cost-effective over a 3-year horizon compared with deferred intervention. Early intervention accelerated the healing of venous leg ulcers and reduced the overall incidence of ulcer recurrence. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ISRCTN02335796.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjit S Gohel
- Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jocelyn Mora MSc
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matyas Szigeti
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David M Epstein
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Francine Heatley
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Bradbury
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Bulbulia
- Gloucestershire Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, United Kingdom.,Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Cullum
- University of Manchester & Manchester University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Isaac Nyamekye
- Worcestershire Acute Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Keith R Poskitt
- Gloucestershire Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Renton
- North West London Hospitals National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Warwick
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Warwick, United Kingdom
| | - Alun H Davies
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Kiguchi MM, Reynolds KB, Biagetti GM, Knoles-Barnett K, Naz I, Alfawaz A, Fatima J, Dirks R, Abramowitz SD, Woo EY. Delayed referral of venous ulcers increases resource usage. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2021; 10:87-93. [PMID: 33957279 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Venous insufficiency is often not readily recognized as a contributing etiology to nonhealing wounds by nonvascular surgery specialists, potentially delaying appropriate treatment to achieve wound healing and increasing healthcare costs. The objective of the present study was to understand the time and resources used before the definitive treatment of venous ulcers. METHODS A single-institution retrospective medical record review of C6 patients undergoing radiofrequency saphenous and perforator vein ablation from May 2016 to January 2018 identified 56 patients with 67 diseased limbs. The numbers of inpatient, emergency department, and wound care visits and the intervals to vein ablation from the initial evaluation of the ulceration by a healthcare provider were collected. The demographics, comorbidities, previous venous interventions, wound characteristics, duplex ultrasound imaging, and available wound healing follow-up through July 2018 were assessed for all patients. RESULTS For the 67 limbs examined, 588 total healthcare visits were performed for wound assessment before a referral to a vascular surgeon, with 413 visits at a wound care center (70% of all visits). Other specialty visits included emergency medicine (17.9% of limbs) and rheumatology (22.4% of limbs). Six patients (nine limbs) were admitted to inpatient services for treatment of their ulceration. Overall, the patients were seen an average of 8.6 ± 9.7 times for their ulcer with the wound center before determination of a contributing venous etiology and subsequent treatment. These visits translated to a median of 230 days (interquartile range, 86.5-1088 days) between the first identification of the ulcer by healthcare providers and subsequent accurate diagnosis and definitive treatment of their venous disease with radiofrequency saphenous and perforator vein ablation. After intervention, 18.64% of the limbs had healed at 1 month, 33.92% had healed at 3 months, 50% had healed at 6 months, and 82.92% had healed by 12 months. CONCLUSIONS An earlier and accurate diagnosis of the venous contribution to ulcers and subsequent appropriate treatment of venous etiologies in wound formation by a vascular venous specialist could significantly improve healing and minimize resource usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misaki M Kiguchi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC.
| | - Kyle B Reynolds
- Department of Vascular Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | | | | | - Iram Naz
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Abdullah Alfawaz
- Department of Vascular Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Javairiah Fatima
- Department of Vascular Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Rachel Dirks
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco-Fresno, Fresno, Calif
| | - Steven D Abramowitz
- Department of Vascular Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
| | - Edward Y Woo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC
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Abdelgawad MS, El-Shafei AM, Sharaf El-Din HA, Saad EM, Khafagy TA, Sameer A, Elsaadany NA, Abdelmaksoud MA. Radiofrequency ablation for markedly incompetent perforators versus compression therapy in the management of post-phelebtic venous ulcers: A randomized controlled trial. Vascular 2021; 30:357-364. [PMID: 33884938 DOI: 10.1177/17085381211010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venus ulcers developed mainly due to reflux of incompetent venous valves in perforating veins. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, 119 patients recruited over two years, with post-phelebtic venous leg ulcers, were randomly assigned into one of two groups: either to receive radiofrequency ablation of markedly incompetent perforators (Group A, n = 62 patients) or to receive conventional compression therapy (Group B, n = 57 patients). Follow-up duration required for ulcer healing continued for 24 months post randomization. RESULTS Statistically significant shorter time to healing (ulcer complete healing or satisfactory clinical improvement) between both groups (56 patients, 90.3% of cases in Group A versus 44 patients 77.2% of cases in Group B) over the follow-up period of 24 months was attained (p = 0.001). Also, significantly different ulcer recurrence was recorded between both groups, 8 patients (12.9%) in Group A versus 19 patients (33.3%) in Group B (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION In absence of deep venous obstruction, the monopolar radiofrequency ablation for incompetent perforators is a feasible and effective method that surpasses the traditional compression protocol for incompetent perforator-induced venous ulcers in terms of time required for healing even in the presence of unresolved deep venous valvular reflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Shukri Abdelgawad
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amr M El-Shafei
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Hesham A Sharaf El-Din
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ehab M Saad
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Tamer A Khafagy
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amr Sameer
- Department of General Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Nshaat A Elsaadany
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Abdelmaksoud
- Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Mansoura University Hospitals, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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[Medical compression therapy of the extremities with medical compression stockings (MCS), phlebological compression bandages (PCB), and medical adaptive compression systems (MAC) : S2k guideline of the German Phlebology Society (DGP) in cooperation with the following professional associations: DDG, DGA, DGG, GDL, DGL, BVP. German version]. Hautarzt 2021; 72:137-152. [PMID: 33301064 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-020-04734-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Radiofrequency ablation and ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of venous insufficiency ulcers in the lower limbs. Descriptive study. ANGIOLOGIA 2021. [DOI: 10.20960/angiologia.00339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Rabe E, Földi E, Gerlach H, Jünger M, Lulay G, Miller A, Protz K, Reich-Schupke S, Schwarz T, Stücker M, Valesky E, Pannier F. Medical compression therapy of the extremities with medical compression stockings (MCS), phlebological compression bandages (PCB), and medical adaptive compression systems (MAC) : S2k guideline of the German Phlebology Society (DGP) in cooperation with the following professional associations: DDG, DGA, DGG, GDL, DGL, BVP. Hautarzt 2021; 72:37-50. [PMID: 33386416 PMCID: PMC8692288 DOI: 10.1007/s00105-020-04706-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- E Rabe
- Emeritus Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn (AöR), Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
| | - E Földi
- Földiklinik, Rösslehofweg 2-6, 79856, Hinterzarten, Germany
| | - H Gerlach
- , Zehntstr. 25, 68519, Viernheim, Germany
| | - M Jünger
- Klinik und Poliklinik f. Hautkrankheiten, Universitätsmedizin, Ferdinand Sauerbruchstraße, 17475, Greifswald, Germany
| | - G Lulay
- Klinik für Gefäß- u. Endovaskularchirurgie, Phlebologie-Lymphologie, Frankenburgstr. 31, 48431, Rheine, Germany
| | - A Miller
- Dermatologische Praxis, Wilmersdorfer Str. 62, 10627, Berlin, Germany
| | - K Protz
- Wundforschung, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Bachstr. 75, 22083, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S Reich-Schupke
- Privatpraxis für Haut- und Gefäßmedizin, Wundtherapie, Hertener Str. 27, 45657, Recklinghausen, Germany
| | - T Schwarz
- Praxis für Gefäßmedizin, Konrad Goldmann Str. 5b, 79100, Freiburg, Germany
| | - M Stücker
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Gudrunstraße 56, 44791, Bochum, Germany
| | - E Valesky
- Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - F Pannier
- Praxis für Dermatologie & Phlebologie, Helmholtzstr. 4-6, 53123, Bonn, Germany
- Dermatologische Universitätsklinik Köln, Cologne, Germany
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Raffetto JD, Ligi D, Maniscalco R, Khalil RA, Mannello F. Why Venous Leg Ulcers Have Difficulty Healing: Overview on Pathophysiology, Clinical Consequences, and Treatment. J Clin Med 2020; 10:jcm10010029. [PMID: 33374372 PMCID: PMC7795034 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are one of the most common ulcers of the lower extremity. VLU affects many individuals worldwide, could pose a significant socioeconomic burden to the healthcare system, and has major psychological and physical impacts on the affected individual. VLU often occurs in association with post-thrombotic syndrome, advanced chronic venous disease, varicose veins, and venous hypertension. Several demographic, genetic, and environmental factors could trigger chronic venous disease with venous dilation, incompetent valves, venous reflux, and venous hypertension. Endothelial cell injury and changes in the glycocalyx, venous shear-stress, and adhesion molecules could be initiating events in VLU. Increased endothelial cell permeability and leukocyte infiltration, and increases in inflammatory cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, iron deposition, and tissue metabolites also contribute to the pathogenesis of VLU. Treatment of VLU includes compression therapy and endovenous ablation to occlude the axial reflux. Other interventional approaches such as subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery and iliac venous stent have shown mixed results. With good wound care and compression therapy, VLU usually heals within 6 months. VLU healing involves orchestrated processes including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling and the contribution of different cells including leukocytes, platelets, fibroblasts, vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and keratinocytes as well as the release of various biomolecules including transforming growth factor-β, cytokines, chemokines, MMPs, tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs), elastase, urokinase plasminogen activator, fibrin, collagen, and albumin. Alterations in any of these physiological wound closure processes could delay VLU healing. Also, these histological and soluble biomarkers can be used for VLU diagnosis and assessment of its progression, responsiveness to healing, and prognosis. If not treated adequately, VLU could progress to non-healed or granulating VLU, causing physical immobility, reduced quality of life, cellulitis, severe infections, osteomyelitis, and neoplastic transformation. Recalcitrant VLU shows prolonged healing time with advanced age, obesity, nutritional deficiencies, colder temperature, preexisting venous disease, deep venous thrombosis, and larger wound area. VLU also has a high, 50-70% recurrence rate, likely due to noncompliance with compression therapy, failure of surgical procedures, incorrect ulcer diagnosis, progression of venous disease, and poorly understood pathophysiology. Understanding the molecular pathways underlying VLU has led to new lines of therapy with significant promise including biologics such as bilayer living skin construct, fibroblast derivatives, and extracellular matrices and non-biologic products such as poly-N-acetyl glucosamine, human placental membranes amnion/chorion allografts, ACT1 peptide inhibitor of connexin 43, sulodexide, growth factors, silver dressings, MMP inhibitors, and modulators of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, the immune response and tissue metabolites. Preventive measures including compression therapy and venotonics could also reduce the risk of progression to chronic venous insufficiency and VLU in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D. Raffetto
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Correspondence: (J.D.R.); (F.M.)
| | - Daniela Ligi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Unit of Clinical Biochemistry, University Carlo Bo of Urbino, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (D.L.); (R.M.)
| | - Rosanna Maniscalco
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Unit of Clinical Biochemistry, University Carlo Bo of Urbino, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (D.L.); (R.M.)
| | - Raouf A. Khalil
- Vascular Surgery Research Laboratories, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Ferdinando Mannello
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Unit of Clinical Biochemistry, University Carlo Bo of Urbino, 61029 Urbino, Italy; (D.L.); (R.M.)
- Correspondence: (J.D.R.); (F.M.)
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Pihlaja T, Torro P, Ohtonen P, Romsi P, Pokela M. Ten years of experience with first-visit foam sclerotherapy to initiate venous ulcer healing. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2020; 9:954-960. [PMID: 33248300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effect of first-visit foam sclerotherapy compared with scheduled treatment for patients with venous ulceration. METHODS The study design was a retrospective comparative study. From December 2009 to October 2019, a total of 245 venous ulcers in 214 patients (including recurrent ulcers) were treated at Oulu University Hospital. Of these 245 venous ulcers, 143 were treated with first-visit foam sclerotherapy (group A) and 102 with scheduled treatment (group B). All patients received endovenous ablation (foam sclerotherapy and/or endothermal ablation) and compression therapy to promote venous ulcer healing. The primary outcome was the interval to ulcer healing, determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The secondary outcomes included the time to ulcer healing from the receipt of referral and ulcer recurrence. RESULTS The median time to ulcer healing was 2.3 months for group A and 3.2 months for group B (P = .002). The estimated median ulcer healing times after referral for a first session of endovenous ablation were 2.7 months with a delay of <1 month from the referral, 3.3 months with a delay of 1 to 2 months, and 5.0 months with a delay of >2 months (P = .002). In group A, recurrent ulcers were recorded for 11 patients (7.7%). In group B, recurrent ulcers were recorded for 12 patients (11.8%; P = .281). CONCLUSIONS The results of the present retrospective comparative study support first-visit foam sclerotherapy as an effective method to initiate endovenous ablation to promote venous ulcer healing. In venous ulcers, delays to endovenous ablation should be avoided whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Pihlaja
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland; Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Pia Torro
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pasi Ohtonen
- Medical Research Center Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Division of Operative Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Pekka Romsi
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Matti Pokela
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
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Wang CM, Zhao SL, Feng QC, Gai S, Li X. One-year outcomes of radiofrequency ablation of incompetent perforator veins using the radiofrequency stylet device: Cohort study from East Asia. Phlebology 2020; 36:268-274. [PMID: 33201775 DOI: 10.1177/0268355520973488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to assess outcomes of patients undergone radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for their incompetent perforator veins (IPVs) with ClosureFast stylets. METHODS Data of 165 IPVs in 138 limbs of 117 consecutive patients between July 2017 to Nov. 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary endpoints (technical success rate, complications) and secondary endpoints (VCSS) were analyzed. RESULTS The immediate technical success rate was 100%. There were no major complications. The rate of ecchymosis and induration was 5.8%. 129/165 IPVs in 79.5% (93/117) patients had achieved sonographic evaluation at 1 year followed-up, in which 3 perforators were recanalized. VCSS scores at pre-operation and 1-year follow-up were 5.77 ± 1.88 and 2.70 ± 1.39, respectively (t= 29.644, P= .000). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, RFA is safe and effective for the treatment of IPVs. At the 1-year follow-up, the RFA of IPVs showed a low recanalization rate and had a satisfactory improvement on VCSS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Ming Wang
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology, 66482Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shi-Lu Zhao
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology, 66482Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Chen Feng
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology, 66482Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Gai
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology, 66482Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Li
- Department of Vascular Surgery and Interventional Radiology, 66482Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
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Pasek J, Szajkowski S, Pietrzak M, Cieślar G. Comparison of the efficacy of topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone vs a combination of physical methods including topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy, magnetotherapy, and low-energy light therapy in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Dermatol Ther 2020; 33:e14474. [PMID: 33125817 DOI: 10.1111/dth.14474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone vs a combination of physical methods including topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy, magnetotherapy and low-energy light therapy in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Thirty-six patients were treated with topical oxygen hyperbaria and 29 patients were treated with a combination of physical methods. The assessment of ulcer surface area with use of a planimetric method, pain intensity with use of Laitinen scale and quality of life by means of EuroQol scale were performed. In both groups a statistically significant (P < .05) reduction of ulcer surface area has been obtained, but in patients treated with combined physical therapy average percentage reduction of ulcer surface area (36.44% ± 11.04%) was statistically significantly (P = .00001) bigger as compared to other group (13.65% ± 8.32%). In both groups of patients statistically significant (P < .05) reduction of frequency and intensity of pain, reduced intake of analgesic drugs and reduction of limitations of physical activity, as well as statistically significant improvement of quality of life have been observed, but in patients treated with combined physical therapy an average increase in the score in EuroQoL scale (61.03 ± 7.14) was statistically significantly (P = .00001) bigger as compared to other group (25.27 ± 8.16). It was concluded that topical hyperbaric oxygen therapy alone and a combination of physical methods cause significant reduction of ulcer surface area, reduction of pain intensity, as well as improvement of the quality of life, but a combination of physical methods is more efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarosław Pasek
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Częstochowa, Poland.,Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Bytom, Poland
| | - Sebastian Szajkowski
- Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, Masovian Medical College, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mikołaj Pietrzak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Bytom, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Cieślar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Bytom, Poland
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45
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Huang IKH, Pua U, Quek LHH, Chong RCL, Tay WL, Hong Q, Yong E, Chandrasekar S, Zhang L, Tan GWL, Lo ZJ. Iliac vein pathology and short-term stenting outcomes in a South-East Asian population: A single-centre experience. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2020; 65:46-53. [PMID: 33084219 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current literature regarding iliofemoral intervention and stenting is mostly based on Western populations. We present our experience of iliofemoral stenting for chronic venous disease within a South-East Asian population. METHODS This is a single-centre retrospective review of a prospectively collected registry. Seventy-one patients with 105 limbs underwent iliac vein IVUS and stenting between 2016 and 2019. All patients underwent pre-procedure ultrasound venous scan and MRI venogram. Pre- and post-operative CEAP classification, Villalta score and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), technical results, stent patency rates and complication rates are documented. RESULTS Seventy-six per cent of the cases are non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion, and 68% of patients have C4 to C6 disease. Ten percentage of patients had acute thrombosis on presentation. There was 100% technical success. A 6- and 7-point reduction in the mean VCSS and Villalta score, respectively, were noted post-stenting (baseline of 10 points and P < 0.001 in both categories). Post-stenting ulcer healing rate was 91% at 6 and 12 months. One-year ulcer recurrence and cellulites recurrence were at 8% and 7%, respectively. One unplanned 30-day readmission (not related to procedure) and no 30-day mortality were noted. Bleeding complication from anticoagulation was 3%. There was 10% in-stent non-flow limiting stenosis on surveillance. One-year primary patency was 91%, and secondary patency was 100%. CONCLUSION Within our series, iliofemoral stenting has 100% technical success, with statistically significant reduction in VCSS and Villalta score, good wound healing rates, low ulcer and cellulites recurrence and good primary and secondary patency rates at 1 year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kuang Hsin Huang
- Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Uei Pua
- Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Lawrence Han Hwee Quek
- Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Rhan Chean Lester Chong
- Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Wei Ling Tay
- Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Qiantai Hong
- Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Enming Yong
- Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Sadhana Chandrasekar
- Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Li Zhang
- Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Glenn Wei Leong Tan
- Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Zhiwen Joseph Lo
- Vascular Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
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46
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Gohel MS, Heatley F, Liu X, Bradbury A, Bulbulia R, Cullum N, Epstein DM, Nyamekye I, Poskitt KR, Renton S, Warwick J, Davies AH. Early versus deferred endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux in patients with venous ulceration: the EVRA RCT. Health Technol Assess 2020; 23:1-96. [PMID: 31140402 DOI: 10.3310/hta23240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venous ulceration is a common and costly health-care issue worldwide, with poor healing rates greatly affecting patient quality of life. Compression bandaging has been shown to improve healing rates and reduce recurrence, but does not address the underlying cause, which is often superficial venous reflux. Surgical correction of the reflux reduces ulcer recurrence; however, the effect of early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux on ulcer healing is unclear. OBJECTIVES To determine the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of compression therapy with early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux compared with compression therapy with deferred endovenous ablation in patients with venous ulceration. DESIGN A pragmatic, two-arm, multicentre, parallel-group, open randomised controlled trial with a health economic evaluation. SETTING Secondary care vascular centres in England. PARTICIPANTS Patients aged ≥ 18 years with a venous leg ulcer of between 6 weeks' and 6 months' duration and an ankle-brachial pressure index of ≥ 0.8 who could tolerate compression and were deemed suitable for endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomised 1 : 1 to either early ablation (compression therapy and superficial endovenous ablation within 2 weeks of randomisation) or deferred ablation (compression therapy followed by endovenous ablation once the ulcer had healed). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was time from randomisation to ulcer healing, confirmed by blinded assessment. Secondary outcomes included 24-week ulcer healing rates, ulcer-free time, clinical success (in addition to quality of life), costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). All analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. RESULTS A total of 450 participants were recruited (224 to early and 226 to deferred superficial endovenous ablation). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. Time to ulcer healing was shorter in participants randomised to early superficial endovenous ablation than in those randomised to deferred ablation [hazard ratio 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13 to 1.68; p = 0.001]. Median time to ulcer healing was 56 (95% CI 49 to 66) days in the early ablation group and 82 (95% CI 69 to 92) days in the deferred ablation group. The ulcer healing rate at 24 weeks was 85.6% in the early ablation group, compared with 76.3% in the deferred ablation group. Median ulcer-free time was 306 [interquartile range (IQR) 240-328] days in the early ablation group and 278 (IQR 175-324) days in the deferred endovenous ablation group (p = 0.002). The most common complications of superficial endovenous ablation were pain and deep-vein thrombosis. Differences in repeated measures of Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores (p < 0.001), EuroQol-5 Dimensions index values (p = 0.03) and Short Form questionnaire-36 items body pain (p = 0.05) over the follow-up period were observed, in favour of early ablation. The mean difference in total costs between the early ablation and deferred ablation groups was £163 [standard error (SE) £318; p = 0.607]; however, there was a substantial and statistically significant gain in QALY over 1 year [mean difference between groups 0.041 (SE 0.017) QALYs; p = 0.017]. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of early ablation at 1 year was £3976 per QALY, with a high probability (89%) of being more cost-effective than deferred ablation at conventional UK decision-making thresholds (currently £20,000 per QALY). Sensitivity analyses using alternative statistical models give qualitatively similar results. LIMITATIONS Only 7% of screened patients were recruited, treatment regimens varied significantly and technical success was assessed only in the early ablation group. CONCLUSIONS Early endovenous ablation of superficial venous reflux, in addition to compression therapy and wound dressings, reduces the time to healing of venous leg ulcers, increases ulcer-free time and is highly likely to be cost-effective. FUTURE WORK Longer-term follow-up is ongoing and will determine if early ablation will affect recurrence rates in the medium and long term. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN02335796. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 24. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjit S Gohel
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK.,Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Francine Heatley
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Xinxue Liu
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Andrew Bradbury
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard Bulbulia
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK.,Medical Research Council Population Health Research Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Clinical Trial Service Unit and Epidemiological Studies Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicky Cullum
- School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - David M Epstein
- Department of Applied Economics, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | | | - Keith R Poskitt
- Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
| | | | - Jane Warwick
- Imperial Clinical Trials Unit, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Alun H Davies
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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47
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Köksoy C, Bahçecioğlu İB, Çetinkaya ÖA, Akkoca M. Iliocaval outflow obstruction in patients with venous ulcers in a small comparison study between patients with primary varicose veins and chronic deep vein disease. J Vasc Surg Venous Lymphat Disord 2020; 9:703-711. [PMID: 32827736 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Iliocaval outflow obstruction was investigated in patients with venous ulcers caused by primary superficial disease and chronic deep vein disease METHODS: After clinical assessment, patients with healed or active venous leg ulcers underwent lower extremity duplex ultrasound examination to identify the presence of venous disease in the superficial, deep and perforating systems. Bilateral contrast venography and intravascular ultrasound examination were then performed to determine the presence and degree of iliocaval obstructive lesions. RESULTS This retrospective study included a total of 59 patients with 71 legs presenting active or healed ulcer. There were 16 limbs (22.5%) with superficial venous reflux associated with normal infrainguinal deep veins (group I) and 55 limbs (77.5%) with infrainguinal post-thrombotic deep venous disease (group II). Using venography and intravascular ultrasound examination, the incidence of >50% of venous obstruction in the iliocaval system in groups I and II were 75% and 83.6%, respectively. All obstructive lesions in group I were nonthrombotic. However, group II included thrombotic, nonthrombotic and combinations of the two types of obstructions. Group II had more ulcers (1.73 ± 1.3 vs 1.17 ± 0.5; P = .03), larger ulcers (>6 cm in 34.1% vs 8.3%), longer duration of ulcers (71.3 ± 110.5 months vs 37.9 ± 40.4 months; P = .03), smaller diameter of refluxing superficial veins (7.7 ± 2.6 mm vs 15.1 ± 6.6 mm; P = .001), and higher incidence of occluded iliocaval systems (18 [32.7%] vs 0; P = .003) than group I. After the exclusion of bilateral cases and thrombotic obstructions, the incidence of >50% nonthrombotic obstruction in ipsilateral and contralateral sides was 76.5% and 24.4%, respectively (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS The results of this study revealed that the majority of patients with venous ulcers with either infrainguinal primary superficial or post-thrombotic deep venous disease had an element of iliocaval venous obstruction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cüneyt Köksoy
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey.
| | | | - Ömer Arda Çetinkaya
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Muzaffer Akkoca
- Department of General Surgery, University of Health Sciences, Dışkapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Nicolaides A, Kakkos S, Baekgaard N, Comerota A, de Maeseneer M, Eklof B, Giannoukas A, Lugli M, Maleti O, Mansilha A, Myers KA, Nelzén O, Partsch H, Perrin M. Management of chronic venous disorders of the lower limbs. Guidelines According to Scientific Evidence. Part II. INT ANGIOL 2020; 39:175-240. [PMID: 32214074 DOI: 10.23736/s0392-9590.20.04388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Bo Eklof
- American Venous Forum, Hoffman Eastates, IL, USA
| | | | | | | | - Armando Mansilha
- Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto, Department of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, S. João Hospital, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Olle Nelzén
- Vascular Surgery Unit, Skaraborg Hospital, Kärnsjukhuset, Skövde, Sweden
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49
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Monfort JB, Senet P. Leg Ulcers in Sickle-Cell Disease: Treatment Update. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2020; 9:348-356. [PMID: 32286203 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2018.0918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Significance: Sickle-cell leg ulcers (SCLUs) are a severe, chronic, and recurrent complication of sickle-cell disease (SCD). There are no official recommendations for treatment. Recent Advances: Only a few studies with a high level of evidence have been conducted to evaluate treatment of SCLUs. However, several studies have been conducted with a high level of evidence to evaluate the efficacy of treatments in venous leg ulcers, and SCLUs could benefit from these treatments, especially when a venous incompetence or an edema is associated. Pathophysiology of SCLUs includes a vasculopathy related to chronic hemolysis and an endothelial dysfunction, which could be therapeutic approaches to SCLU treatment. Critical Issues: Therapeutic approaches to SCLUs can target SCD on the one hand and skin healing and associated aggravating factors on the other. A review of the literature found only case series and six randomized controlled trials; some offered encouraging results, but most had serious biases. Clinical trials specifically targeting SCLUs are difficult to realize because of the small number of affected patients, in comparison with patients with leg ulcers from other causes. Future Direction: Treating SCLUs remains a challenge. Data in the literature are currently insufficient to offer clear treatment guidelines because of several biases in controlled studies. New studies are under way to assess the efficacy of topical treatments and describe the microbiome of SCLUs. Prevention of SCLU recurrence should be assessed in future clinical trials because the high risk of recurrence is an unsolved critical issue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Senet
- Department of Dermatology, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
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50
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Heatley F, Onida S, Davies AH. The global management of leg ulceration: Pre early venous reflux ablation trial. Phlebology 2020; 35:576-582. [PMID: 32268842 PMCID: PMC7491250 DOI: 10.1177/0268355520917847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various guidelines exist worldwide for the diagnosis and management of venous leg ulcers; however, these are difficult to implement resulting in disparate treatment of patients globally. METHOD An online, 26-question survey was designed to evaluate the current global management of venous leg ulceration and was emailed globally to approximately 15,000 participants (November 2017-February 2018). RESULTS Overall, 799 responses were received from 86 countries, with a 5% response rate. The respondent physicians saw a median of 10 (interquartile range 5-20) patients per month, with a median time to referral from primary to secondary care of six weeks. Of the respondents, 61% arranged an ankle brachial pressure index on first visit and 84% performed a venous duplex, with 95% prescribing compression for those in whom it was not contraindicated. Fifty-nine percent performed endovenous intervention or surgery prior to ulcer healing. CONCLUSIONS The survey showed a diversity of treatment pathways. The need to develop a robust, clear pathway for patients with leg ulceration is clearly required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francine Heatley
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Sarah Onida
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Alun H Davies
- Academic Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK
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