Neuropathic pain in patients with chronic leg ulcers.
BACKGROUND
Leg ulcers are a frequent and often painful disorder. This pain is not always correctly evaluated and relieved.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this prospective study is to assess the contribution of neuropathic pain in leg ulcers.


METHODS
A visual analog scale and the DN4 questionnaire were fulfilled by 81 patients with leg ulcers.


RESULTS
Of the patients with leg ulcers, 58% (n = 47) had a positive DN4 score. No predictive factor leading to neuropathic pain was found. The aetiology of the ulcers did not influence the DN4 score.


CONCLUSIONS
This high prevalence of neuropathic pain in leg ulcers might be explained by an impairment of peripheral nerves due to ischaemia. This study also highlights the difficulty to relieve pain in chronic wounds; 16 patients had an analogous visual scale above 7. These results should encourage practitioners to regularly screen for neuropathic pain and to initiate appropriate treatment if necessary.
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, France.
M
M
Eusen
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, France.|Laboratory of Neurosciences, University of Brest, France.
E
E
Brenaut
Department of Dermatology, Military Hospital of Brest, France.
P
P
Schoenlaub
Department of Hygiene, University Hospital of Brest, Brest, France.
P
P
Saliou
Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Brest, France.|Laboratory of Neurosciences, University of Brest, France.
L
L
Misery
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007871:Leg Ulcer / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies