Supervised short-stretch compression therapy in mixed leg ulcers

Summary Objectives This study was conducted to determine hemodynamic and clinical tolerance under short-stretch compression therapy in elderly patients suffering from mixed-etiology leg ulcers. Design Transversal observational study conducted in 25 hospitalized patients with a moderate peripheral arterial occlusive disease defined as an ankle-brachial pressure index > 0.5, an ankle pressure of > 70 mmHg and a toe cuff pressure (TP) > 50 mmHg. Material and Methods Short-stretch bandages were applied daily with pressures from 20 to 30 mmHg. Ankle-brachial pressure, great toe laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) on dorsum of the foot were measured at baseline and after its removal at 24 hours. Great toe LDF was also measured at 10 minutes after bandage application. Compression pressure (CP) was measured with a sub-bandage device at baseline, at 10 minutes and before bandage removal at 24 hours. Clinical tolerance was evaluated taking into account the patient's pain and skin tolerance. Results Mean age of patients was 80 ± 15 years. Median duration of ulcers was 18 months. Hypertension was highly prevalent. One third of patients had diabetes. Toe pressure index and TcPO2 values did not significantly change under compression therapy ( P  = 0.51 and P  = 0.09, respectively) whereas CP decreased significantly during 24 hours. The loss of CP was significant 10 minutes after bandage application ( P Conclusions In elderly patients with mixed leg ulcers and with an absolute TP > 50 mmHg, short-stretch compression of up to 30 mmHg does not adversely affect arterial flow and appears clinically well tolerated. Such bandages with appropriate levels of compression may aid ulcer healing by treating the venous part of the disease.