Planimetric rate of healing in venous ulcers of the leg treated with pressure bandage and hydrocolloid dressing.
BACKGROUND
Venous leg ulcers are a common cause of morbidity, but few predictive parameters exist that can be used to follow their progress.


OBJECTIVE
We investigated the use of healing rate as a useful parameter in the treatment of venous ulceration.


METHODS
Twenty-seven venous ulcers being treated with a standard regimen were evaluated. We calculated the initial (4-week) and overall healing rates using the Gilman method (delta A/p).


RESULTS
The average initial healing rate for all ulcers combined, the healed group, and the nonhealing group was 0.069, 0.087, and -0.005 cm/wk, respectively. Similarly, the average overall healing rate for all ulcers combined, the healed group, and the nonhealing group was 0.062, 0.089, and -0.043 cm/wk, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The initial healing rate (delta A/p(0-4)) may be an appropriate end point for clinical investigations comparing therapies for the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers.
Margolis
D J
DJ
Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
Gross
E A
EA
Wood
C R
CR
Lazarus
G S
GS
D001458:Bandages; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003102:Colloids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000628:therapy*; D014945:Wound Healing
D003102:Colloids