Author/Editor		Jemec, GBE; Karlsmark, T; Brink-Kjaer, T; Wulf, HC
Title		Prediction of healing in patients with venous leg ulcers
Type		članek
Source		Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannon Adriat
Vol. and No.		Letnik 8, št. 1
Publication year		1999
Volume		str. 19-23
Language		eng
Abstract		The treatment of venous leg ulcers is often prolonged. This is perceived as unsatisfactory by patients who desire more precise information about the prognosis. There is a need for predictive information about the most likely expected outcome of treatment. This information may not only aid the counseling of patients but also the allocation of resources. A predictive score system based on clinical aspects of leg ulcers has been suggested, but not independently tested. Methods. This study was conducted as a prospective study of patients referred to a hospital to assess the predictive value and accuracy of a previously proposed predictive test (scores 0 -10). A score of 5 or less in the proposed predictive index was associated with complete or partial healing (P= 0.04). Results. No significant correlation was found between any of the general biochemical factors at first presentation and ultimate wound healing. Initial wound size correlated significantly with final wound size and rate of healing. The study confirmed that ulcer area and duration as well as patients age can be combined in a predictive score for the rate of wound healing. The variation of outcomes for a given score was, however, widely suggesting that the proposed test might be of a rather limited use as a guide to the prognosis of individual patients. Routine examination of general biochemical factors in patients with venous leg ulcers does not appear to have a significant predictive value with regard to the outcome of ulcer treatment.
Descriptors		LEG ULCER VARICOSE ULCER TREATMENT OUTCOME PREDICTIVE VALUE OF TESTS