title: Current management of venous ulcers: an evidence-based review.
abstract: Chronic venous ulceration is a common and important medical problem that causes significant morbidity. Venous ulcers are expensive to treat, have substantial economic effects in terms of days of work lost, and adversely impact the patient's quality of life. Relying on evidence allows for a rationale of clinical decision making. The objectives of venous ulcer management include the healing of the ulcer, prevention of recurrence, and improvement of edema. Compression is the cornerstone of venous ulcer therapy. Adjunctive modalities such as surgery, growth factors, grafting, biologic skin substitutes, dressings, and oral medication have differing levels of evidence supporting their use, and may also facilitate the healing process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA.
authors.forename: Jordana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Herschthal
authors.forename: Robert S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kirsner
mesh_terms: D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D015911:Sclerotherapy / Q000639:trends*; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000639:trends*; D053828:Stockings, Compression; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000639:trends*
chemical_list: D000925:Anticoagulants; D005343:Fibrinolytic Agents