Venous leg ulcer treatment and practice--part 1: the causes and diagnosis of venous leg ulcers

What Makes Wounds Chronic

Chronic wounds present a unique therapeutic challenge to heal. Chronic wounds are colonized with bacteria and the presence of a biofilm that further inhibits the normal wound healing processes, and are locked into a very damaging proinflammatory response. The treatment of chronic wounds requires a coordinated approach, including debridement of devitalized tissue, minimizing bacteria and biofilm, control of inflammation, and the use of specialized dressings to address the specific aspects of the particular nonhealing ulcer.

Resting Doppler ankle brachial pressure index measurement: a literature review

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is under-diagnosed in primary and acute settings. The use of Doppler ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) is effective in diagnosing PVD , aid in determining aetiology of leg ulcers and is cost efficient in reducing the effects of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. The aim of this literature review was to review practitioners' experience in using Doppler ABPI, different skills used to measure ABPI and to examine practitioners' confidence in ABPI. The findings identified variation in method for Doppler measurement: including position of the artery, arm measurement, resting period and type of equipment for measuring blood pressure, variations in practitioners' training and experience have demonstrated variability in ABPI results. Although limited in number, the studies have demonstrated knowledge gap, and the need for training among health professionals.

Management of varicose veins: a survey of current practice by members of the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland

INTRODUCTION

In 1999, a survey was published detailing the management of varicose veins by members of the then Vascular Surgical Society (VSS). Since then, newer methods for treating varicose veins have been developed and far more explicit rationing has been introduced in the NHS.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

In order to examine whether there had been a significant change in established practice in the UK, a questionnaire was sent to all Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland (VSGBI) members in the 2004 yearbook by E-mail or post.

RESULTS

Of the 426 questionnaires distributed, a 69% response rate was achieved. Of respondents, 97% treated varicose veins in their NHS practice, whilst 88% did so in private practice. Some 73% used hand-held Doppler assessment in the clinic and 96% used duplex ultrasound assessment selectively. Despite UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines, only 68% said that their primary care trusts funded treatment of symptomatic varicose veins, while 93% did so for complications. In either NHS or private practice, respectively, 83% or 72% of responders offered surgery as preferred treatment for primary varicose veins, while 14% or 20% preferred endovascular treatments (endovascular laser treatment, radiofrequency ablation and foam sclerotherapy). Of responders, 17% did not follow-up patients after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey suggests that there is rationing of access to care for symptomatic varicose veins. Despite publicity for endovenous techniques, surgery remains the preferred treatment for varicose veins in the UK.

Exploring the aetiology and management of venous eczema

Many older people living at home or in residential settings in the community suffer from inflammation of the skin of the lower legs, or venous eczema. Management of this condition may depend on the background of the professional who carries out the initial assessment. Those with a tissue viability background may plan their care based on an assessment of the patient for suitability for compression, to reverse the venous hypertension which may be a causative factor of the eczema. On the other hand, professionals with a background in dermatology may base initial care plans on the use of emollients and topical steroids to reduce inflammation. This article examines the evidence base for our understanding of what causes venous eczema, questions whether current management of the condition is truly evidence-based, and argues for a more pro-active approach to both assessment and management of venous eczema.