Venous leg ulcers: a prognostic index to predict time to healing.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prognostic factors in uncomplicated venous leg ulcer healing.


METHODS
Randomised parallel group controlled trial with subjects stratified by initial ulcer diameter and four months' maximum duration of follow up.


METHODS
Assessment at Northwick Park Hospital vascular unit with community based treatment.


METHODS
200 patients with clinical and objective evidence of uncomplicated venous leg ulceration and an initial ulcer diameter > 2 cm.


METHODS
Time to complete healing of the ulcer.


RESULTS
In the presence of graduated compression healing occurred more rapidly in patients with a smaller initial ulcer area (relative risk of healing 1.92 associated with halving of ulcer area (95% confidence interval 1.58 to 2.33)), shorter duration of ulceration (relative risk 1.35 associated with halving duration (1.17 to 1.56)), younger age (relative risk 1.34 associated with 10 year decrease (1.12 to 1.59)), and no deep vein involvement (relative risk 1.8 (1.19 to 2.78)).


CONCLUSIONS
These prognostic factors used in a simple scoring system predict time to healing.
Skene
A I
AI
Department of Vascular Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex.
Smith
J M
JM
Doré
C J
CJ
Charlett
A
A
Lewis
J D
JD
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing