Abstract
Background: Chronic venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are costly to the healthcare system and a burden to patients, significantly reducing quality of life. Nitric oxide (NO) is important to wound healing, with a small study demonstrating a NO donor, topical glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), was effective for VLU healing. The aim of this study is to examine the application of topical GTN in relation to VLU healing. Methods: A pilot double-blinded randomised controlled clinical trial will be undertaken. Participants in the control group (n=20) will receive a placebo ointment (ointment base) and participants in the treatment group (n=20) will receive a NO donor (base ointment with 2% GTN) weekly for 4 weeks. The inclusion criteria will be adults >18 years of age with a chronic VLU. Rate of healing will be determined by planimetry (ulcer tracing) using the Gillman equation. Significance: This clinical trial aims to provide proof of concept of a novel treatment, topical GTN, which may accelerate wound healing through improvements to vasodilation and antimicrobial properties at the wound bed.
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