A randomized trial of class 2 and class 3 elastic compression in the prevention of recurrence of venous ulceration

Prevention strategies for the recurrence of venous leg ulcers: A scoping review

Venous leg ulcer (VLU) is the most severe manifestations of chronic venous disease, which has characterized by slow healing and high recurrence rates. This typically recalcitrant and recurring condition significantly impairs quality of life, prevention of VLU recurrence is essential for helping to reduce the huge burden of patients and health resources, the purpose of this scoping review is to analyse and determine the intervention measures for preventing recurrence of the current reported, to better inform healthcare professionals and patients. The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wan Fang Data and Chongqing VIP Information (CQVIP) were accessed up to June 17, 2023. This scoping review followed the five-steps framework described by Arksey and O'Malley and the PRISMA extension was used to report the review. Eleven articles were included with a total of 1503 patients, and adopted the four effective measures: compression therapy, physical activity, health education, and self-care. To conclude, the use of high pressure compression treatment for life, supplementary exercise therapy, and strengthen health education to promote self-care are recommended strategies of VLU prevention and recurrence. In addition, the importance of multi-disciplinary teams to participate in the care of VLU in crucial.

The effectiveness of nursing interventions in adherence to self-care for preventing venous ulcer recurrence: A systematic literature review

Venous ulcers affect up to 3% of the global population, with a high impact on economies and quality of life. This is exacerbated by its recurrence rates, which reach 70% at 12 months after healing. The perpetuation of these cycles of healing and recurrence is not interrupted or even attenuated by the self-care activities recommended and directed toward their prevention. In this context, we sought to identify the effectiveness of interventions that promote adherence to self-care to prevent venous ulcer recurrence. In August 2022, we conducted a literature search via EBSCO in the following databases: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were researched in the form of randomised controlled trials or systematic literature reviews, and 99 studies were identified. During the different times of selection, four studies met the defined inclusion criteria and were included. As the main conclusions, the emphasis goes to the importance of the use of compression and the greater effectiveness of higher compression classes for the prevention of recurrence. Different educational methodologies seem to be important to increase knowledge about prevention, specifically regarding the aetiology of recurrence and the implementation of prevention measures.

Decision-making on the use of compression hosiery and compression bandaging: a systematic review

This systematic literature review was carried out by a final-year nursing student in response to clinical experience, and to understand the rationale and evidence around managing venous ulcers. In the student's clinical experience, the two most commonly used treatment methods were forms of compression hosiery and compression bandaging. The CINAHL, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, Internurse and MEDLINE databases were searched for literature published over the period 2003-2023. From the resulting five papers, five key themes were identified: types of compression systems used and the rationale for decision-making; clinical effectiveness; the impact on patient experience and quality of life; pain levels following application of compression systems; and cost effectiveness. Conclusion: Management and prevention of venous ulceration is complex. The decisions should be made in partnership with the patient and will be influenced by context. Overall, compression hosiery was identified as the more favourable system.

A new compression stocking with well-defined pressure-a randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate an innovative class I compression stocking with predetermined uniform pressure in comparison to a graduated class III compression stocking system, regarding edema reduction, interface pressure, and patient comfort.

METHOD

Twenty-five patients with chronic venous disease, were randomized: 12 to investigational stocking, 13 to comparator stocking. Data collected at baseline and after 14 days.

RESULTS

Edema was significantly equal reduced to follow-up; mean -129.0 cm3 (SD 105; p = .004, Class I) and -223.7 cm3 (SD 120; p = .002, Class III), respectively. The investigational stocking lost significantly less compression pressure than the comparator stocking (p ≤ .013). Participants in both groups perceived significant improvement regarding leg heaviness, leg swelling, and feelings of tightness and tingling (p ≤ .016).

CONCLUSION

The innovative investigational class I stocking appears to offer similar edema reduction and benefits to the comparator class III stocking. However, a larger and prolonged study is required. The study was registered in the ISRCTN-registry, ISRCTN17356077, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN17356077.

Análise de custo-efetividade do tratamento com terapia compressiva na cicatrização de úlceras venosas

Objetivo: analisar a custo-efetividade e calcular a razão de custoefetividade incremental do tratamento compressivo multicamadas em relação ao inelástico (bota de Unna e curto estiramento) de acordo com a literatura atual. Método: estudo quantitativo sobre custo-efetividade por meio de modelagem com auxílio do software TreeAge® para a construção da árvore de decisão. Os pressupostos anunciados foram obtidos pelo uso de dados secundários de literatura para estimativa do custo e efetividade dos parâmetros assumidos. Para tal, foi realizada uma revisão sistemática de literatura com metanálise. Resultados: a árvore de decisão, após Roll Back mostrou que a terapia multicamadas dominou as alternativas no caso-base, representando custo intermediário por aplicação, porém, com a maior efetividade. O gráfico da análise de custo-efetividade também mostrou uma dominância estendida da bota de Unna em relação à bandagem de curto estiramento. A análise de sensibilidade mostrou que a bandagem multicamadas permanece como alternativa mais custo-efetiva, dentro do limiar de disposição para pagar. Conclusão: a alternativa com maior custo-efetividade foi a bandagem multicamadas, considerada padrão ouro na literatura. A segunda alternativa mais custo-efetiva foi a bota de Unna, terapia mais utilizada no Brasil.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the treatment with compressive therapy in the healing of venous ulcers

Objective: to analyze the cost-effectiveness and calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of multilayer compressive treatment in relation to inelastic (Unna boot and short stretch) therapy according to the current literature. Method: quantitative study about cost-effectiveness through modeling with the aid of TreeAge® software for construction of the decision tree. The anticipated assumptions were obtained by using secondary literature data to estimate the cost and effectiveness of the assumed parameters. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis was performed for this end. Results: the decision tree after Roll Back showed that the multilayer therapy dominated the alternatives in the base case, representing an intermediate cost per application, although with the highest effectiveness. The cost-effectiveness analysis graph also showed extended dominance of the Unna boot in relation to the short stretch bandage. The sensitivity analysis showed that multilayer bandage remains a more cost-effective alternative, within the threshold of willingness to pay. Conclusion: the most cost-effective alternative was multilayer bandage, considered the gold standard in the literature. The second most cost-effective alternative was the Unna boot, the most used therapy in Brazil.

The influence of different sub-bandage pressure values in the prevention of recurrence of venous ulceration-A ten year follow-up

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to establish the efficacy of three different strengths of compression systems in the prevention of venous leg ulcer (VLU) recurrences during a 10-year follow up period.

METHODS

An open, prospective, randomized, single-center study included 477 patients (240 men, 237 women; mean age 59 years). Patients were randomized into three groups: Group A) 149 patients (allocated to wear elastic stocking 18-25 mmHg). Group B) 167 patients (wearing compression device exerting 25-35 mmHg), and Group C) 161 patients (treated with multilayer compression system exerting 35-50 mmHg).

RESULTS

Overall, 65% (234/360) of patients had recurrent VLU within 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 120 (96%) of 125 in group A, in 89 (66.9%) of 133 patients in group B and in 25 (24.5%) of 102 patients in group C (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compression systems with the higher compression class provide lower recurrence rate.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the treatment with compressive therapy in the healing of venous ulcers

OBJECTIVE

to analyze the cost-effectiveness and calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of multilayer compressive treatment in relation to inelastic (Unna boot and short stretch) therapy according to the current literature.

METHOD

quantitative study about cost-effectiveness through modeling with the aid of TreeAge® software for construction of the decision tree. The anticipated assumptions were obtained by using secondary literature data to estimate the cost and effectiveness of the assumed parameters. A systematic literature review with meta-analysis was performed for this end.

RESULTS

the decision tree after Roll Back showed that the multilayer therapy dominated the alternatives in the base case, representing an intermediate cost per application, although with the highest effectiveness. The cost-effectiveness analysis graph also showed extended dominance of the Unna boot in relation to the short stretch bandage. The sensitivity analysis showed that multilayer bandage remains a more cost-effective alternative, within the threshold of willingness to pay.

CONCLUSION

the most cost-effective alternative was multilayer bandage, considered the gold standard in the literature. The second most cost-effective alternative was the Unna boot, the most used therapy in Brazil.

[Medical compression stockings for chronic venous diseases and lymphedema : Scientific evidence and results of a patient survey on quality of care]

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Medical compression stockings (MCS) are indicated for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) of all stages and are an indispensable component in lymphedema therapy. In all, 8% of the German population has been prescribed MCS by a physician-more women than men (12% vs. 5%), and especially persons aged 60 years and older (17%). Patient adherence is relevant for successful treatment with MCS. We examined MCS use from the patient's perspective.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study examined the quality of care through structured interviews with 414 representative users in 2019. Findings are discussed taking into consideration scientific evidence on the efficacy of MCS.

RESULTS

Venous conditions are the most common reason for prescription (44%), followed by lymphedema (22%) or multiple indications (27%). Patients generally wear MCS daily and on average 11 h/day. In all, 89% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with MCS, whereby efficacy was dependent on the indication. This reflects the extensive scientific evidence on the clinical efficacy of MCS. An important factor for patient adherence is physician training and education.

CONCLUSION

MCS are well accepted by patients. When prescribing them, practical aspects such as donning and doffing, recommended wearing time and frequency, and the mechanism of action of MCS should be clearly communicated.

Compression for Lower Extremity Venous Disease and Lymphedema (CLEVDAL): Update of the VLU Algorithm

The Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society charged a task force with updating the venous leg ulcer (VLU) algorithm to include the addition of lymphedema with the new title of "Compression for Lower Extremity Venous Disease and Lymphedema (CLEVDAL)." As part of the process, the task force was charged to develop consensus-based statements to serve as clinical guidance related to CLEVDAL. The 3-member task force assisted by a moderator completed a scoping literature review to identify recommendations supported by research to qualify as evidence-based and to identify areas where guidance is needed to provide CLEVDAL. Based on the findings of the scoping review, the WOCN Society convened a panel of experts to develop consensus statements to direct care for those with lower extremity venous disease and lymphedema. These consensus statements underwent a second round of content validation with a different panel of clinicians with expertise in venous disease and lymphedema management. This article reports on the scoping review and subsequent evidence-based statements, along with the generation and validation of consensus-based statements to assist clinical decision-making in the CLEVDAL algorithm.

Impact of Educational Nursing Intervention on Compression Therapy Adherence and Recurrence of Venous Leg Ulcers: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Following the healing of venous leg ulcers, the primary problems for nursing and patients are adhering to compression therapy and preventing ulcer recurrence. As a result, it is important that patients comprehend their situation. The purpose of this study is to see how an educational nursing intervention affected compression therapy adherence and recurrence of venous leg ulcers in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. A quasi-experimental design was used, including an intervention, a control group, and before and after assessments. This study was conducted in one of Egypt's largest teaching hospitals associated with Menoufia University. The 20-month study included 80 adult patients with healed venous leg ulcers. Each participant was randomized to either a control (got regular leg ulcer information) or study (received educational interventions) group. The following tools were used in the study: bio-sociodemographic variables, knowledge evaluation, compression therapy adherence scale, and recurrence follow-up, after 3, 6, and 12 months of implementation. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant difference between the study groups during the pretest (r = 0.885, 0.774, and 0.477, p = 0.002). The use of nursing education increased patients' understanding and adherence to compression treatment substantially. As a consequence, those with chronic venous leg ulcers may be able to avoid recurrent venous leg ulcers.

Decreased mobility, lack of social support, haemosiderosis and use of antidepressant medications may predict recurrent venous leg ulcers within 12 months of healing: A prospective longitudinal study

AIM

To identify clinical, medical and psychosocial predictors of venous leg ulcer recurrence within 12 months of healing.

METHODS

A multi-site study was conducted in Australia in community and hospital outpatient settings. Adults with venous leg ulcers were recruited within 4 weeks of healing and data were collected on preventative treatments and health, medical, clinical and psychosocial factors. Follow-up data on recurrences were collected every 3 months until ulcer recurrence, or until 12 months after healing pending which occurred first. Factors associated with time to recurrence were analysed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

DESIGN

Secondary data analysis of a multi-site, prospective longitudinal study to validate a risk assessment tool for recurrence.

RESULTS

A sample of 143 participants was recruited (51% male, M^age = 73 years, SD 13.6). Almost half (49.6%) had an ulcer recurrence within 12 months, with a mean time to ulcer recurrence of 37 weeks (SE 1.63, 95% CI 33.7-40.1). Factors measured at the time of healing that were significant independent predictors of recurrence were: prescribed antidepressant medications (p = .035), presence of haemosiderosis (p = .006), decreased mobility (longer sitting times) (p = .007) and lower social support scale scores (p = .002). Participants who wore compression systems providing 20 mmHg or higher for at least 5 days/week were less likely to recur, although not reaching statistical significance (p = .06).

CONCLUSION

Results provide evidence that antidepressant medications, haemosiderosis, decreased mobility and lack of social support are risk factors associated with ulcer recurrence; therefore, these variables are modifiable and could guide early intervention.

Improving Adherence to Wearing Compression Stockings for Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Venous Leg Ulcers: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

Patient adherence to wearing compression stockings in the management of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and venous leg ulcers (VLUs) is low. Poor adherence with compression stockings contributes to recurrence and impaired healing of VLUs. As such, the purpose of this review was to report on the scientific evidence related to adherence and explore modifiable factors which impact adherence with compression stockings.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted from inception to 31 October 2019. Following the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, OT Seeker and Web of Science were explored using search terms: compression/compression stocking/compression garment/compression sock/stockings/garments and adherence/compliance/concordance.

RESULTS

We identified 2613 papers of which 125 full text papers were assessed for eligibility and 69 met inclusion criteria. Papers were grouped and charted by concepts relevant to the research questions and narratively synthesized. Several dominant themes emerged, and a conceptual framework was developed incorporating modifiable variables, adherence itself, and outcomes related to adherence. Specifically considering interventions to improve adherence, only five of 14 randomized controlled trials were able to demonstrate improvements in adherence through unidimensional approaches. All nine of the case studies/series demonstrated a positive impact on adherence, eight of which described a personalized multidimensional approach. A lack of consensus around defining, measuring, and quantifying adherence with compression stockings was identified, resulting in wide variation in reported adherence rates.

CONCLUSION

Inconsistency in the definition and measurement of adherence limits meaningful interpretation of the literature. No individual intervention has consistently demonstrated improved adherence. Multidimensional interventions show promise but require further investigation with high-quality trials. Improving adherence appears to improve health outcomes in VLU /CVI populations but there is a lack of information directly linking improved adherence with cost outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework: ACTRN12620000544976p.

Safety and feasibility report on nonimplantable endovenous valve formation for the treatment of deep vein reflux

OBJECTIVE

Definitive treatment techniques for symptomatic deep venous reflux have been relegated to complex and invasive open surgery which is rarely performed today. The BlueLeaf System provides an endovenous method for the formation of deep venous valves without an implant, avoiding the complications associated with permanent foreign materials. The system has the adaptability to form valves within the femoral and popliteal veins at multiple levels in a single procedure. The aim was to determine the midterm safety and efficacy of this novel device in an early feasibility study.

METHODS

Feasibility of endovenous deep venous valve formation was assessed in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, Pathophysiologic [CEAP] 4-6). Follow-up was completed through 1 year, assessing vein patency and reflux time (RT) with duplex ultrasound examination. Venous clinical improvement was evaluated using the revised Venous Clinical Severity Scale.

RESULTS

Of the 14 patients, 13 (93%) had successful formation of at least one monocuspid valve, with a mean number of 1.4 valves (range, 0-3 valves) per patient. There were no device-related serious adverse events during the index procedure. There were no deep venous thromboses reported at any time point, including 10 patients through the 1-year follow-up. In patients with at least one valve formed, site reported duplex ultrasound examination measured the average RT in the popliteal vein below valve formations, was 3.0 ± 1.0 seconds at baseline, 3.9 ± 3.1 seconds at 30 days, and 3.6 ± 2.1 seconds at 360 days. The revised Venous Clinical Severity Scale improved in all 13 successfully treated patients, decreasing from 15.0 ± 6.0 at baseline to 11.6 ± 5.5 at 30 days, 10.7 ± 5.3 at 210 days, and 9.4 ± 5.0 at 360 days (P = .0002; baseline to 360 days). Among the five patients with an ulcer who reached the 360-day follow-up visit, all (100%) healed at least one ulcer. Two patients (40%) healed all ulcers and three patients (60%) had a decrease in ulcers number but remained at C6 at 360 days. The five patients with a total of nine active ulcers at baseline had four active ulcers at 360 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The BlueLeaf System holds promise as a minimally invasive means to safely form fully autogenous deep venous valves. Reconstructed deep veins remained patent, without deep venous thrombosis and symptomatic improvement was consistently observed; however, a decrease in the RT was not. Incremental device design improvements have been undertaken to improve valve function. The results of these iterations await further clinical evaluation.

Theory and Practice of Compression Therapy for Treating and Preventing Venous Ulcers

Compression therapy is the basis for treating the cause of venous ulcers and preventing recurrence. Various systems are currently available for applying compression and adapting them to patients' needs can improve adherence to treatment. Understanding the principles that underlie compression therapy is essential for success. Although this paper focuses mainly on venous ulcers, compression has also proven beneficial for other conditions, such as lymphedema and wounds resulting from injury or inflammation.