The clinical feasibility of natural medicine, venotonic therapy and horsechestnut seed extract in the treatment of venous leg ulceration: a descriptive survey.
BACKGROUND
The primary treatment of choice for venous leg ulceration (VLU) is compression therapy; however, serious clinical issues demand the development of new treatments. An extract believed to promote VLU healing is Horsechestnut Seed Extract (HCSE).


METHODS
The clinical feasibility of HCSE in VLU was explored in a two-stage design. The second stage presented here, was a descriptive survey exploring current opinion and utilisation of natural therapies, venotonics and HCSE in VLU. A questionnaire mailed to 122 district nurses, 73 medical practitioners (MPs) and 53 clients with VLU resulted in a response rate of 32, 31.5 and 81 per cent, respectively.


RESULTS
Natural therapy and HCSE use for VLU was minimal in all groups. Half of all groups supported venotonics, with a similar proportion of nurses and clients utilising venotonics in practice. MPs were however less likely to utilise venotonics for VLU.


CONCLUSIONS
Whilst clinicians indicate that clinical evidence may influence the utilisation of HCSE in clinical practice, the evidence currently does not exist. Positive findings from well-designed trials may ameliorate the integration of natural medicine into mainstream practice.
Leach
Matthew J
MJ
School of Nursing & Midwifery, University of South Australia, North Terrace Adelaide, South Australia 5162, Australia. matthew.leach@postgrads.unisa.edu.au
D000328:Adult; D031319:Aesculus; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D024802:Nurse's Role; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000451:nursing*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012639:Seeds; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014689:Venous Insufficiency / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*
D010936:Plant Extracts