scholarly journals Health service costs of treating venous leg ulcers in the UK: evidence from a cross-sectional survey based in the north west of England

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e056790
Author(s):  
Sean Urwin ◽  
Jo C Dumville ◽  
Matt Sutton ◽  
Nicky Cullum
Keyword(s):  
Resource Use ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
Annual Prevalence ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesTo estimate and examine the direct healthcare costs of treating people with open venous leg ulcers in the UK.DesignCost-of-illness study.SettingA cross-sectional survey of nine National Health Service community locales over 2-week periods in 2015/2016.MethodsWe examined the resource use and prevalence of venous leg ulcer treatment in the community. Examination of variation in these obtained costs was performed by ordinary least squares regression. We used additional resource use information from a randomised control trial and extrapolated costs to the UK for an annual period.ResultsThe average 2-week per person cost of treating patients where a venous leg ulceration was the primary (most severe) wound was estimated at £166.39 (95% CI £157.78 to £175.00) with community staff time making up over half of this amount. Costs were higher where antimicrobial dressings were used and where wound care was delivered in the home. Among those with any recorded venous leg ulcer (primary and non-primary), we derived a point prevalence of 3.2 per 10 000 population and estimated that the annual prevalence could be no greater than 82.4 per 10 000 population. We estimated that the national cost of treating a venous leg ulcer was £102 million with a per person annual cost at £4787.70.ConclusionOur point prevalence figures are in line with the literature. However, our annual prevalence estimations and costs are far lower than those reported in recent literature which suggests that the costs of treating venous leg ulcers are lower than previously thought. Movement towards routinely collected and useable community care activity would help provide a transparent and deeper understanding of the scale and cost of wound care in the UK.

Embedding National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance into a leg ulcer pathway

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (Sup9) ◽  
pp. S6-S11
Author(s):  
Julie Mullings
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Compression Therapy ◽  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Correct Treatment ◽  
Treatment Choices ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
The Uk

Research has shown that leg ulcers represent the largest category of wound type treated within the UK. Venous leg ulcers are often classified as chronic wounds with increased protease levels causing the wound to become suspended in the inflammatory stage, which leads to delayed healing. If treatment choices are not evidence-based and appropriate regimens are not instigated early on in the wound care journey, the cost to both the patient and the healthcare service is substantial. Recent guidance from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends UrgoStart (Urgo Medical) for treating venous leg ulcers as an adjunct therapy to the gold standard of compression therapy. Correct treatment choices must be made by clinicians using up-to-date relevant wound care knowledge. Evidence-based treatment algorithms and pathways can assist with correct product and therapy placement, assisting decision-making to improve patient outcomes. The present article describes a patient-centred leg ulcer pathway that embeds NICE guidance.

Frequency of Isolated Superficial Venous Incompetence in Patients with Venous Ulcers as Measured by Ambulatory Strain-Gauge Plethysmography

1995 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 65-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hansson ◽  
J. Holm
Keyword(s):  
Strain Gauge ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Pressure Measurements ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Venous Ulceration ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
Strain Gauge Plethysmography ◽  
Venous Ulcers

Objective: Identification of isolated superficial venous incompetence (SVI) in patients with clinically diagnosed venous leg ulcers using a computerized strain-gauge plethysmograph. Design: Ambulatory leg ulcer patients were assessed as to the clinical diagnosis. Diagnoses other than venous ulceration were excluded. Setting: Department of Dermatology, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. Patients: One hundred and fourteen patients (133 legs) with venous leg ulcers were investigated. Main outcome measures: All patients were also investigated by measuring systolic ankle and arm pressure measurements. The ankle/arm (AI) was below 0.9 in 22 of the 133 ulcerated legs. Results: Of the 111 ulcerated legs with an AI>0.9, 10% had an isolated SVI. Conclusions: Isolated SVI is an important cause of venous leg ulcer development. Strain-gauge plethysmography is an inexpensive screening method, and is easy to use. Further examination with the more exact, but also more expensive and time-consuming, colour duplex should be performed in selected cases.

scholarly journals Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Venous Leg Ulcer Self Efficacy Tool for use in a Swiss-French setting

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Issue 1 Volume 21, 2020) ◽  
pp. 7-10
Author(s):  
Mathieu Turcotte ◽  
Monika Buehrer Skinner ◽  
Sebastian Probst
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Chronic Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Cross Cultural Adaptation ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers

Venous leg ulcers are lesions between the ankle joint and the knee caused by chronic venous insufficiency. The Venous Leg Ulcer Self Efficacy Tool (VeLUSET) was developed to measure self-care and self-efficacy in Englishspeaking persons with venous leg ulcers. This study describes the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original version of the VeLUSET from English into Swiss French.

scholarly journals A multi-centre, prospective, randomised controlled feasibility study of plantar resistance exercise therapy for venous leg ulcers – Results of the PREVUE study

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-246
Author(s):  
Leon Jonker ◽  
Jane Todhunter ◽  
Jose Schutter ◽  
Charlotte Halliday ◽  
Stacey Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Resistance Exercise ◽  
Exercise Programme ◽  
Complete Healing ◽  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
P Value ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers

Objectives To evaluate the feasibility of an interventional study involving a seated plantar resistance exercise programme, using a StepIt pedal, aimed at promotion of venous leg ulcer healing. Methods Thirty-two venous leg ulcer patients, recruited from community, GP and hospital settings, were randomised to either a standard care or adjuvant StepIt exercise programme arm for up to 12 weeks. The exercise involved a twice daily routine of 10 times 1 min of exercise, i.e. 2 s push and 2 s lift repetitions (equating to 300 daily ‘steps’). Results Complete healing of the venous leg ulcers was observed in 10 out of 15 (67%; StepIt cohort) and 7 out of 17 (41%; control cohort), respectively (p-value 0.18, Fisher’s exact test). Baseline differences between the two cohorts were longer wound chronicity, less venous leg ulcer-related pain and better venous leg ulcer-related quality of life in the StepIt cohort. One adverse event, involving increased wound exudate and slough production, was observed in a participant using StepIt, and no study withdrawals were recorded in either arm. StepIt users whose wound had completely healed by week 12 were more likely to be compliant with the exercise programme (self-reported) and more positive about the trial experience; however, all would recommend the device to others. Conclusions Seated plantar resistance exercise shows promise and may accelerate venous leg ulcer wound healing. The StepIt pedal is well-received by patients, and its efficacy may depend on the degree of patient compliance with the exercise programme. Further larger scale studies are indicated to allow more concrete inferences to be made on the clinical and potential health economics impact that this device may have.

scholarly journals Patient Explanation of Adherence and Non-Adherence to Venous Leg Ulcer Treatment: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carolina D. Weller ◽  
Catelyn Richards ◽  
Louise Turnour ◽  
Victoria Team
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Treatment Adherence ◽  
Theoretical Domains Framework ◽  
Environmental Context ◽  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
Ulcer Treatment

The aim of this study was to understand which factors influence patients’ adherence to venous leg ulcer treatment recommendations in primary care. We adopted a qualitative study design, conducting phone interviews with 31 people with venous leg ulcers in Melbourne, Australia. We conducted 31 semi-structured phone interviews between October and December 2019 with patients with clinically diagnosed venous leg ulcers. Participants recruited to the Aspirin in Venous Leg Ulcer Randomized Control Trial and Cohort study were invited to participate in a qualitative study, which was nested under this trial. We applied the Theoretical Domains Framework to guide the data analysis. The following factors influenced patients’ adherence to venous leg ulcer treatment: understanding the management plan and rationale behind treatment (Knowledge Domain); compression-related body image issues (Social Influences); understanding consequences of not wearing compression (Beliefs about Consequences); feeling overwhelmed because it’s not getting better (Emotions); hot weather and discomfort when wearing compression (Environmental Context and Resources); cost of compression (Environmental Context and Resources); ability to wear compression (Beliefs about Capabilities); patience and persistence (Behavioral Regulation); and remembering self-care instructions (Memory, Attention and Decision Making). The Theoretical Domains Framework was useful for identifying factors that influence patients’ adherence to treatment recommendations for venous leg ulcers management. These factors may inform development of novel interventions to optimize shared decision making and self-care to improve healing outcomes. The findings from this article will be relevant to clinicians involved in management of patients with venous leg ulcers, as their support is crucial to patients’ treatment adherence. Consultation with patients about VLU treatment adherence is an opportunity for clinical practice to be targeted and collaborative. This process may inform guideline development.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AUTOLOGOUS PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN VERSUS SALINE DRESSING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC VENOUS LEG ULCERS

2021 ◽  
pp. 45-47
Author(s):  
Prateek Shakya ◽  
Akash Singh ◽  
K.S. Shahi
Keyword(s):  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
Treatment Modalities ◽  
Venous Stasis ◽  
Venous Disease ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Ulcer Size ◽  
Ulcer Area ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
The Mean

Background: Venous disease is responsible for around 85% of all chronic lower limb ulcers in resource-rich countries. Venous leg ulcer is a chronic condition, and various treatment modalities are available. Various adjunctive wound care therapies and procedures are available that can be utilized as part of a comprehensive approach to healing venous stasis ulcers. Platelet-rich brin (PRF) is one of the newer modalities and it contains broblast growth factor (FGF), VEGF, angiopoietin and platelet-derived GF which enhances the wound healing. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare the efcacy of PRF versus saline dressing in chronic venous leg ulcers. Aim: To compare the efcacy of autologous PRF with saline dressing in patients with chronic venous leg ulcer in terms of mean reduction in ulcer area, presence of infection and cosmetic outcome at the end of 4 weeks. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients with chronic venous leg ulcers of >6 months duration having an ulcer area of 1 cm × 1 cm to 5 cm × 5 cm were taken into the study and were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1: Patients received PRF dressing. 10 mL of patient's blood was taken and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15 min. A brin clot obtained in the middle of the tube was removed and used for dressing over the wound surface. It was repeated every week for 4 weeks. Group 2: Patients received saline dressings once a week for 4 weeks. The assessment of the ulcer size was done with the help of photographs, and ulcer area was measured. Results: The mean reduction in the area of the ulcer size in PRF group was 81.84%, and the mean reduction in the area of the ulcer size in Saline group was 59.84%. Conclusion: Platelet rich brin matrix is a novel modality and an ideal, safe, affordable therapeutic option for chronic venous leg ulcers.

Autologous cultured single-keratinocytes in fibrin glue suspension in chronic venous leg ulcers

Phlebologie ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 30 (02) ◽  
pp. 44-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Waler ◽  
A. Franek ◽  
B. Gierat-Kucharzewska ◽  
M. Kucharzewski
Keyword(s):  
Fibrin Glue ◽  
Venous Insufficiency ◽  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
Ulcer Formation ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
Rapid Healing ◽  
Skin Specimen ◽  
Chronic Leg Ulcers

SummaryThe aim of this work was to apply the cultured autologous keratinocytes in fibrin glue suspension in treatment of chronic non-healing venous leg ulcers. 32 patients with chronic leg ulcers caused by venous insufficiency were treated. The surface of ulcers covered 14.2 cm2 to 48.6 cm2. The duration of leg ulcer was between 4 to 20 years. The skin specimen 1.0 × 1.0 cm was taken from the buttock of each patient, from which keratinocytes were obtained. Next those cells were cultured. After 7 days the keratinocytes in fibrin glue were applied to the wound bed. After 2 weeks of treatment the ulceration of 13 patients healed completely whereas the ulcer formation of the rest of the patients diminished by 30%. In all patients the process of healing was successfully completed after further 4 weeks. Our method shows that a rapid healing chronic venous leg ulcer can be achieved by keratinocytes in fibrin glue suspension.

Venous leg ulcer healing time is increased with each subsequent bacterial strain identified in the ulcer. A retrospective study

2020 ◽  
pp. 026835552096194
Author(s):  
Karolina Kruszewska ◽  
Katarzyna Wesolowska-Gorniak ◽  
Bozena Czarkowska-Paczek
Keyword(s):  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Ulcer Healing ◽  
Bacterial Strain ◽  
Bacterial Flora ◽  
Healing Time ◽  
Leg Ulcer ◽  
Leg Ulcers ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcer ◽  
Venous Leg Ulcers ◽  
Systemic Antibiotic Therapy

Objective The aim of the study was to analyze bacterial flora in venous leg ulcers, empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy, and factors influencing healing time. Materials and methods Data from 30 patients with venous leg ulcers were retrospectively analyzed. Collected data included: sociodemographic data, wounds information, number of comorbidities, results of the microbiological examination, and empiric and targeted antibiotic therapy. To compare the empiric and targeted treatment in terms of their compatibility, the group of patients was divided into the four subgroups: NEA (no empiric antibiotics), NA (no antibiotics), ETA+ (compatibility of empiric and targeted antibiotic), ETA− (no compatibility of empiric and targeted antibiotic). Results The average ulcer healing time was 163.4 ± 97.1 (range 51.0 to 426.0) days and increased by 28 days with each additional bacterial strain in the ulcer (p = 0.041). Healing time did not differ between the four groups. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most frequent bacteria. Amoxicillinium/acidum clavulanicum was the most common empirical antibiotic and amoxicillinium/acidum clavulanicum, and levofloxacinum was the most common targeted antibiotic. Conclusions Venous leg ulcer healing time was prolonged with each subsequent bacterial strain in the ulcer, and it was independent from systemic antibiotic therapy.

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