title: PredyCLU: a prediction system for chronic leg ulcers based on fuzzy logic; part I - exploring the venous side.
abstract: Chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) are a common occurrence in the western population and are associated with a negative impact on the quality of life of patients. They also cause a substantial burden on the health budget. The pathogenesis of leg ulceration is quite heterogeneous, and chronic venous ulceration (CVU) is the most common manifestation representing the main complication of chronic venous disease (CVD). Prevention strategies and early identification of the risk represent the best form of management. Fuzzy logic is a flexible mathematical system that has proved to be a powerful tool for decision-making systems and pattern classification systems in medicine. In this study, we have elaborated a computerised prediction system for chronic leg ulcers (PredyCLU) based on fuzzy logic, which was retrospectively applied on a multicentre population of 77 patients with CVD. This evaluation system produced reliable risk score patterns and served effectively as a stratification risk tool in patients with CVD who were at the risk of developing CVUs.
authors.affiliation: Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.|Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: de Franciscis
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fregola
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gallo
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Argirò
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Barbetta
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.|Division of Vascular Surgery, S. Anna Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-6998-5405
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Buffone
authors.affiliation: Division of Vascular Surgery, S. Anna Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesco G
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Caliò
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry and Medical and Surgical Experimental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Caridi
authors.affiliation: Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.|Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Amato
authors.affiliation: Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.|Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
authors.forename: Raffaele
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Serra
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D017143:Fuzzy Logic; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D010689:Phlebitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014647:Varicose Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
keywords: Chronic leg ulcer; Chronic venous disease; Chronic venous ulceration; Fuzzy logic; Risk factor