A randomised controlled study of four-layer compression versus Unna's Boot for venous ulcers.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study set out to compare healing rates, handling properties and patient comfort of a four-layer bandage system (Profore) and Unna's Boot in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

METHOD:

This was a prospective randomised parallel-group trial. Patients with venous leg ulcers from four centres in Italy were randomised to receive treatment with either Unna's Boot or Profore. Time to healing was recorded for a maximum of 24 weeks. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Staff assessed ease of application, while patients rated comfort.

RESULTS:

Data were available for 68 patients with 68 wounds. At 24 weeks complete healing was seen in 74% of the Profore group compared with 66% of the Unna's Boot group. The median time spent in the study was 50 days (range: 7-175 days), corresponding to 51 days (range: 7-175 days) for Profore patients and 49 days (range: 7-168 days) for Unna's Boot patients. There was no difference (p = 0.13) between the groups in time to closure. Overall, more Profore than Unna's Boot applications were rated as excellent. There was a significant difference, in favour of Profore, in ease of application at the final application (p = 0.013). At the initial application, there was a significant difference in bandage appearance (p = 0.04), again favouring Profore, but this was not sustained at the final application (p = 0.18).

CONCLUSION:

Profore is as effective as Unna's Boot in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.

• Authors: R Polignano, P Bonadeo, S Gasbarro, C Allegra
• Journal: Journal of wound care (J Wound Care) Vol. 13 Issue 1 Pg. 21-4 (Jan 2004) ISSN: 0969-0700 [Print] England
• PMID: 14969023 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Bandages
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Patient Satisfaction
• Prospective Studies
• Risk
• Treatment Outcome
• Varicose Ulcer (nursing, physiopathology)
• Wound Healing (physiology)