A study of the Unna Boot compared with the elastic bandage in venous ulcers: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

to analyze the process of tissue repair in patients with venous ulcers using inelastic compression therapy (the Unna Boot), in comparison with the use of the elastic bandage.

METHOD:

a controlled randomized clinical trial in which the patients (n=18) were allocated to two groups, those who used the Unna Boot (group B) and those who used the elastic bandage (group A). The study's follow-up period was 13 weeks.

RESULTS:

a significant reduction took place, at the level of 5%, in the area, in square centimeters, of the ulcers of group B (p<0.0001) throughout the treatment, and there was a tendency of group A for reduction in the area of the ulcer, in centimeters squared (p=0.06), only after the fifth week.

CONCLUSION:

the treatment with the Unna Boot presented better results in venous ulcers with areas over 10cm², and the elastic bandage with Petrolatum(r) gauze in venous ulcers below 10cm². Brazilian Clinical Trials Register: Trial (req: 195) and WHO UTN U1111-1122-5489.

• Authors: Alcione Matos de Abreu, Beatriz Guitton Renaud Baptista de Oliveira
• Journal: Revista latino-americana de enfermagem (Rev Lat Am Enfermagem) Vol. 23 Issue 4 Pg. 571-7 (Aug 2015) ISSN: 1518-8345 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 26444157 (Publication Type: Journal Article)