Risk Factors For Ulcer Recurrence Research Articles

Analysis of factors influencing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and provide guidance for reducing the recurrence rate. A total of 211 patients diagnosed with DFU who were hospitalized and discharged from the hospital from October 2015 to January 2020 were included as the study cohort. Participants were divided into two groups according to whether the foot ulcer recurred during the 2-year follow-up period: a recurrence group (n=84) and a non-recurrence group (n=127). The following data were collected and analyzed for the two groups of patients: general information, foot information, laboratory indicators, diabetes comorbidities, and complications. (1) The overall recurrence rate of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) within 2 years was 39.8%, indicating a high recurrence rate. (2) Significant differences were observed between the two patient groups in terms of BMI, HbA1c, TBIL, CRP, financial situation, foot deformity, first ulcer on the sole of the foot, previous amputation history, Wagner grade of the first ulcer, osteomyelitis, DFU duration(>60 days), lower limb vascular reconstruction, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (t=2.455; Z=-1.988, -3.731, -3.618; χ2=7.88, 5.004, 3.906, 17.178, 16.237, 5.007, 24.642, 4.782, 29.334, 10.253). No significant differences were found for the other indicators. (3) Logistic regression analysis revealed that TBIL (OR=0.886, p=0.036) was a protective factor against ulcer recurrence. In contrast, PAD, previous amputation history, DPN, and the first ulcer on the sole of the foot (OR=3.987, 6.758, 4.681, 2.405; p<0.05 or p<0.01) were identified as risk factors for ulcer recurrence. Early screening and preventive education targeting high-risk factors such as DPN, PAD and the initial ulcer location on the sole of the foot are essential to mitigate the high long-term recurrence rate of DFU. Furthermore, the protective role of TBIL in preventing ulcer recurrence underscores the importance of monitoring bilirubin levels as part of a comprehensive management strategy for DFU patients.

Risk Factors for Ulcer Recurrence in Diabetic Patients Managed by an Integrated Foot Care Protocol.

The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in a selected population of patients in secondary prevention treated, according to International Guidelines, with an integrated foot care protocol by a referral diabetic foot clinic. A retrospective study was performed with the inclusion of selected outpatients with diabetes at higher risk for ulceration with a history of previous ulcer and/or amputation followed in our diabetic foot clinic between January 2015 and December 2021. According to the presence or absence of recurrence, patients were divided into 2 groups: ulcer recurrence and without ulcer recurrence. One hundred twenty-seven (127) patients were included, 47 patients (37%) developed an ulcer recurrence while 80 patients (63%) did not. The mean age was 71.7 years; 65% were male; 97% were affected by type 2 diabetes with a mean duration of 21.1 years, the mean HbA1c was 63 + 21 mmol/mol. Both groups of patients had foot deformities, such as claw and hammertoes; hallux valgus, and prominent metatarsal heads (MTHs). The presence of deformity was significantly associated with ulceration. The group with ulcer recurrence showed a higher rate of prominence MTHs in comparison to a group without ulcer recurrence. The MTHs resulted as the only independent predictor for recurrence. This study shows that the presence of the prominent MTH is a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence in a selected population of diabetic foot patients treated in the best way with integrated foot care.

Effect of Scar Deformation on Long-Term Outcomes of Suturing Perforated Pylorobulbar Ulcers

Despite the use of modern anti-ulcer therapy, the percentage of unsatisfactory results after suturing perforated ulcers ranges from 4.8 to 57% [1, 2, 3]. It is necessary to search for reasons explaining such significantly different values in the long-term treatment outcomes of patients with perforated ulcers. Cicatricial changes in the pylorobulbar area leading to a violation of the motor-evacuation function and, as a consequence, ulcer recurrence may be one of the causes.The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a suture row and a type of suture material on the long-term outcomes in suturing perforated ulcer. Materials and methods. The study involved results of suturing perforated ulcers in 280 patients. When suturing, a single-row and double-row sutures, absorbable and non-absorbable suture materials were used. In the immediate postoperative period, the main attention was paid to the suture failure. In the long-term period, the results were evaluated in 106 patients, which accounted for 37.8% of the operated patients. The results were analysed according to the Visick score modified by M.Y. Pantsyrev [4]. Fibrogastroduodenoscopy findings in the long-term period were also analyzed in 56 patients; 31 of them were performed suturing with a single-row suture technique using absorbable threads, 25 patients were performed suturing with a double-row suture technique using dacron or silk threads. The severity of cicatricial deformation of the pylorobular area was evaluated based on B.P. Dergachev classification (1982) [5].Results. Evaluating the immediate results of suturing, no significant increase in the percentage of suture failure was registered when using a single-row suture technique and absorbable suture material (p=0.2). In the long-term postoperative period, the number of patients with excellent results according to the Visick score was significantly higher in the group where a single-row suture was performed (p=0.023). Analyzing endoscopic examination findings, the authors obtained the following results: no pronounced scar deformation was detected under fibrogastroduodenoscopy in patients who were performed a single-row suturing. In three cases (9.7%), no signs of scarring were found. Endoscopic signs of scar deformation were detected in all cases in patients of the second group, who were performed a double-row suturing. Of these, 6 (24.0%) patients had pronounced scar deformity. After performing a double-row suturing with non-absorbable suture material, an ulcerative defect with the ligature at the bottom was detected in the duodenum under fibrogastroduodenoscopy in two cases.Conclusion. Application of a single-row suture and absorbable suture materials is a reliable option to close perforation without increased suture failures; it results in improved long-term treatment outcomes. The use of a double-row suture and non-absorbable suture materials results in a more severe deformation of the suturing area and is one of the risk factors for ulcer recurrence.

Analysis of risk factors for ulcer recurrence and upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children with peptic ulcer treated with Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.

The incidence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has been increasing yearly, especially in the adolescent population. The eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) may reduce recurrence and bleeding to some extent, but it does not completely change the clinical status of PUD. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the risk factors for ulcer recurrence and upper gastrointestinal bleeding after H. pylori eradication therapy in order to provide a reference for reducing the risk of PUD and improving the quality of life of patients. We retrospectively analyzed 536 adolescent patients who developed peptic ulcer and received H. pylori eradication therapy from June 2016 to July 2021. The relationship between the clinical characteristics of the patients and gastrointestinal bleeding and recurrence was analyzed using the t-test and chi-squared test. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors for the occurrence of bleeding and recurrence. A total of 536 patients were included in this retrospective study. Gender, history of ulcers, number, size, location and staging of ulcers, and application of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and other characteristics were significantly different between the bleeding and nonbleeding groups (P<0.05); family history of upper gastrointestinal ulcer, history of ulcers, number and size of ulcers and application of NSAIDs, and other characteristics were significantly different between the recurrent and nonrecurrent groups (P<0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that history of ulcers, number and location of ulcers, coagulation abnormalities, and other characteristics were independent risk factors for the occurrence of bleeding; the occurrence of previous bleeding, number and size of ulcers, and other characteristics were independent risk factors for recurrence. In the clinical treatment of adolescent patients, it is important to pay high attention to clinical characteristics, such as the patient's previous ulcer history, the size, number and location of ulcers, and coagulation function, so as to adopt individualized treatment methods to effectively reduce the harmfulness of the disease in response to the risk factors of ulcer bleeding and recurrence after H. pylori eradication therapy. This can decrease the occurrence of complications and improve the prognosis of patients.

Predictors of Outcomes of Foot Ulcers among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in an Outpatient Foot Clinic.

ObjectivesTo determine the risk factors for recurrence and persistence of non-healing foot ulcers resulting in minor and major amputations.MethodologyThis was an ambispective cohort analysis of persons with diabetic foot ulcers consulting at the diabetic foot clinic of East Avenue Medical Center. Data were analyzed through multiple logistic regression.ResultTwo hundred sixteen patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and diabetic foot ulcers were included in the analysis; 50.9% were males and the mean age of the cohort was 55.8 ± 9.9 years. Outcomes of foot ulcers were: healed 44.5% (healed with no recurrence 30%, healed but with recurrence 14.5%) and not healed 55.5% (major amputation 11%, minor amputation, 21.5%, and persistently non-healing 23%). Multivariate logistic regression showed the following were independent risk factors for persistent non-healing ulcer: osteomyelitis (OR 66.5; CI 19.7, 217.8), smoking (OR 28.9; CI 6.8, 129.3, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (OR 56.8; CI 2.5, 877.2). Independent risk factors for ulcer recurrence were: plantar location of ulcer (OR 16.8; CI 6.8, 89.4), presence of more than one ulcer (OR 7.8; CI 3.6,31.6), and neuropathy (OR 11.2; CI 7.2, 19.9). For healed foot ulcers, mean healing time was 14 ± 3 weeks. Healing time was significantly reduced from 12 weeks to 4.5 weeks (p<0.001) if patients consulted earlier (within 4 weeks from sustaining an ulcer).ConclusionOnly half (55%) of patients with diabetic foot ulcers consulting in a dedicated outpatient foot clinic had an adverse outcome of foot ulcers (major amputation 11%, minor amputation, 21.5%, and persistently non-healing ulcer 23%) while a small portion (14.5%) of patients had recurrent foot ulcers. Arterial obstruction, smoking, low hemoglobin, neuropathy, and osteomyelitis increase the likelihood of healing failure while the presence of multiple ulcers, plantar location of ulcers, and neuropathy increase the risk of ulcer recurrence.

Comparison of combined compression and surgery with high ligation-endovenous laser ablation-foam sclerotherapy with compression alone for active venous leg ulcers

We aimed to assess the ulcer healing time and recurrence rates after treatment with compression therapy (CT) with or without high ligation-endovenous laser ablation-foam sclerotherapy (HL-EVLA-FS) in people with active venous leg ulcers (VLUs). A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 350 patients with active VLUs treated by compression with or without HL-EVLA-FS in our hospital from 2013 to 2017. The primary outcome was the ulcer healing time; secondary outcomes were the 12-month recurrence rates, the relationship between recurrence and venous reflux, and the complications of the two treatments. In total, 193 patients (200 limbs) underwent compression plus HL-EVLA-FS, and 157 patients (177 limbs) underwent CT alone. The ulcer healing time was shorter in the compression plus HL-EVLA-FS group than in the CT alone group (Hazard Ratio [HR] for ulcer healing, 1.845 [95% CI, 1.474–2.309], P = 0.0001). The 12-month ulcer recurrence rates were significantly reduced in the compression plus HL-EVLA-FS group (HR for ulcer recurrence, 0.418 [95% CI, 0.258–0.677], P = 0.0001). Calf perforator vein reflux (CPVR) and isolated superficial venous reflux (ISVR) were risk factors for ulcer recurrence. The combined operation with CT resulted in faster healing of VLUs, a lower ulcer recurrence rate and lower VCSS values after intervention than CT alone.

Le ulcere flebostatiche recidive degli arti inferiori: analisi di un’esperienza/Recurrent venous leg ulcers: clinical analysis of an experience

Nonostante i recenti progressi in tema di wound care, le ulcere varicose degli arti inferiori restano un problema frequente, con un alto tasso di recidiva. In questo lavoro abbiamo esaminato la storia clinica, la storia chirurgica e le patologie associate di 133 pazienti affetti da ulcera varicosa degli arti inferiori, di cui 56 da ulcera recidiva o plurirecidiva. L’analisi dei fattori di rischio potenziale per recidiva ha evidenziato come la presenza di varici recidive, una pregressa trombosi venosa profonda, problemi ortopedici, interventi ortopedici, l’obesità e un’età inferiore a 60 anni siano fattori di rischio potenziale per una recidiva dell’ulcera. La combinazione di uno più fattori di rischio assume significatività per la possibilità di una recidiva; si passa dal 22,7% in assenza di fattori di rischio al 33% per i pazienti che ne presentano due, fino al 57,5% in presenza di tre fattori di rischio e all’81,3% per quattro o più. L’ulcera varicosa richiede un follow-up stretto del paziente e una terapia elastocompressiva continua, che deve vedere una stretta collaborazione del paziente e un’attenzione specifica ai fattori di rischio.&#x0D; Despite recent advances in wound care, varicose ulcers of lower limbs remain frequent and display a high rate of recurrence. In this paper, we examined the clinical, surgical histories and associated diseases of 133 patients with venous ulcers of the lower limbs, which were recurrent in 56 cases. The analysis of potential risk factors for recurrence showed that the presence of recurrent varicose veins, a previous deep venous thrombosis, orthopedic problems, previous orthopedic procedures, obesity and age lower than 60 are potential risk factors for ulcer recurrence. Furthermore, the association of one or more risk factors increased the likelihood of relapse, from 22.7% with no risk factors to 33% with 2 risk factors, up to 57.5% with 3 risk factors, and up to 81.3% with 4 risk factors or more. Venous ulcers require close follow-up and continuous elastic compression, close collaboration by the patient and specific focus on risk factors.

Risk Factors, Clinical Features, and Treatment Outcomes of Recurrent Mooren Ulcers in China.

To investigate risk factors, clinical features, and treatment outcomes of recurrent Mooren ulcers in China. Medical records of 139 patients (173 eyes) with Mooren ulcers, including 37 patients (38 eyes) with recurrence, were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical features and treatment outcomes were evaluated. The risk factors for ulcer recurrence were analyzed with logistic regression; the cumulative risk of recurrence was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis. The ratio of males to females with Mooren ulcers was 1.62:1. As to age, 32 of 106 patients aged >35 years and 5 of 33 younger patients (28 males and 9 females) had recurrence. Forty-one patients had bilateral disease (7 eyes removed before their visit to our hospital were excluded) and 98 patients had unilateral disease, with recurrence in 10 and 27 patients, respectively. Thirty eyes had recurrence around the primary lesion; 27 eyes had recurrence within 12 months after treatment. Of all eyes, 97.7% were saved and 81.5% retained vision better than 0.05. The cumulative risk of first recurrence at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months was 10.4%, 17.1%, 22.5%, 27.2%, and 28.6%, respectively. Male sex (P = 0.043) and surgical treatment (P = 0.035) were significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence. This study provided the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with recurrent Mooren ulcers in China. The cumulative risk of first recurrence at 4 years after treatment was 28.6%. Male patients and patients with severe ulcers that required surgery had an increased risk of recurrence.

Surgical treatment of large vascular leg ulcers: a retrospective review evaluating risk factors for healing and recurrence.

Superficial reflux ablation and revascularization improve the long-term prognosis of venous and arterial leg ulcers but do not solve the problem of protracted healing of large chronic wounds. Skin grafting has been shown to successfully heal chronic leg ulcers. To identify risk factors for ulcer healing and recurrence after shave therapy and split-skin grafting in patients with large ulcers treated surgically for venous insufficiency. Single-center retrospective cohort study involving 72 chronic leg ulcers with a mean area of 77 ± 132 cm. Healing and recurrence rates were determined using life-table analysis. Clinical, demographic, and hemodynamic parameters were correlated with healing and recurrence using Cox regression analysis. Sixty ulcers (83%) healed after a mean of 1.9 months and 15 ulcers (25%) recurred after a mean of 12.7 months. Healing was positively associated with compression treatment (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-3.59) and negatively associated with ulcer duration (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.98-1.0). Male sex, ulcer duration, and deep venous reflux were identified as significant risk factors for ulcer recurrence (HR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.03-0.73; HR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.0-1.04; and HR: 5.4, 95% CI: 1.30-22.31). Early surgical intervention improves healing and reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence.

Risk Factors for Plantar Foot Ulcer Recurrence in Neuropathic Diabetic Patients

Recurrence of plantar foot ulcers is a common and major problem in diabetes but not well understood. Foot biomechanics and patient behavior may be important. The aim was to identify risk factors for ulcer recurrence and to establish targets for ulcer prevention. As part of a footwear trial, 171 neuropathic diabetic patients with a recently healed plantar foot ulcer and custom-made footwear were followed for 18 months or until ulceration. Demographic data, disease-related parameters, presence of minor lesions, barefoot and in-shoe plantar peak pressures, footwear adherence, and daily stride count were entered in a multivariate multilevel logistic regression model of plantar foot ulcer recurrence. A total of 71 patients had a recurrent ulcer. Significant independent predictors were presence of minor lesions (odds ratio 9.06 [95% CI 2.98-27.57]), day-to-day variation in stride count (0.93 [0.89-0.99]), and cumulative duration of past foot ulcers (1.03 [1.00-1.06]). Significant independent predictors for those 41 recurrences suggested to be the result of unrecognized repetitive trauma were presence of minor lesions (10.95 [5.01-23.96]), in-shoe peak pressure <200 kPa with footwear adherence >80% (0.43 [0.20-0.94]), barefoot peak pressure (1.11 [1.00-1.22]), and day-to-day variation in stride count (0.91 [0.86-0.96]). The presence of a minor lesion was clearly the strongest predictor, while recommended use of adequately offloading footwear was a strong protector against ulcer recurrence from unrecognized repetitive trauma. These outcomes define clear targets for diabetic foot screening and ulcer prevention.

High Recurrence Rate of Idiopathic Peptic Ulcers in Long-Term Follow-up

Background/AimsOur aim was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes of idiopathic peptic ulcer disease (IPUD) with those of Helicobacter pylori-positive and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced peptic ulcer disease (PUD).MethodsPatients with endoscopically diagnosed PUD were retrospectively reviewed. According to their H. pylori-infection status and history of NSAIDs use, patients were categorized into three groups: H. pylori-positive PUD, NSAID-induced PUD, and IPUD. Clinical outcomes were analyzed, and the recurrence rate of PUD was compared among the three groups.ResultsA total of 238 patients were enrolled. Those with IPUD, NSAID-induced PUD, and H. pylori-positive PUD comprised of 56, 60, and 122 patients, respectively. The 5-year cumulative incidences of recurrent ulcers were 24.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.6% to 37.0%) in IPUD, 10.9% (95% CI, 2.6% to 19.2%) in NSAID-induced PUD, and 3.8% (95% CI, 0.1% to 7.5%) in H. pylori-positive PUD (IPUD vs NSAID-induced PUD/H. pylori-positive PUD, p=0.43/p<0.001 by log-rank test). In the Cox-proportional hazards model, only IPUD remained as an independent risk factor associated with recurrent ulcers (hazard ratio, 5.97; 95% CI, 1.94 to 18.34; p=0.002).ConclusionsIPUD exhibited a higher recurrence rate than H. pylori-positive and NSAID-induced PUD in long-term follow-up and was an independent risk factor for ulcer recurrence.

True Long-term Healing and Recurrence of Venous Leg Ulcers Following SEPS Combined with Superficial Venous Surgery: A Prospective Study

Background: The role of perforator surgery remains unclear in the management of patients with leg ulcers. The aim of this study was to assess long-term healing and recurrence rates of leg ulcers following surgical intervention with combined Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery (SEPS) and superficial venous surgery. Method: Case series with prospective long-term follow-up of 90 consecutive patients operated on with open (CEAP C6) or healed (CEAP C5) venous ulcers in 97 legs. Popliteal vein reflux was present in 21 legs. All 97 legs were treated with SEPS and 87% had additional superficial venous surgery. Patients were follow-up for a median of 77 months (range 60-112 months) with a minimum of 5 years. Results: 87% of all ulcerated legs healed. The three and five year recurrence rates were 8% and 18% respectively among survivors. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis previous vein surgery was the only factor significantly associated with recurrent ulceration (p=.004). Conclusion: SEPS combined with superficial venous surgery leads to healing with a low recurrence rate in patients with open and healed venous ulcers. Previous venous surgery was found to be a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence. This result emphasizes the importance of assiduous technique for varicose vein surgery and suggests a continuing role for perforator surgery in leg ulcer patients.

True Long-term Healing and Recurrence of Venous Leg Ulcers Following SEPS Combined with Superficial Venous Surgery: A Prospective Study

The role of perforator surgery remains unclear in the management of patients with leg ulcers. The aim of this study was to assess long-term healing and recurrence rates of leg ulcers following surgical intervention with combined Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery (SEPS) and superficial venous surgery. Case series with prospective long-term follow-up of 90 consecutive patients operated on with open (CEAP C6) or healed (CEAP C5) venous ulcers in 97 legs. Popliteal vein reflux was present in 21 legs. All 97 legs were treated with SEPS and 87% had additional superficial venous surgery. Patients were follow-up for a median of 77 months (range 60-112 months) with a minimum of 5 years. 87% of all ulcerated legs healed. The three and five year recurrence rates were 8% and 18% respectively among survivors. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis previous vein surgery was the only factor significantly associated with recurrent ulceration (p=.004). SEPS combined with superficial venous surgery leads to healing with a low recurrence rate in patients with open and healed venous ulcers. Previous venous surgery was found to be a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence. This result emphasizes the importance of assiduous technique for varicose vein surgery and suggests a continuing role for perforator surgery in leg ulcer patients.

Residual Venous Reflux after Superficial Venous Surgery Does Not Predict Ulcer Recurrence

The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of venous reflux in ulcer recurrence following saphenous surgery. Ulcerated legs (CEAP 5 and 6) with saphenous reflux were treated with superficial venous surgery plus compression as part of a clinical trial. Patients unfit for general anaesthesia (GA) underwent limited surgery under local anaesthesia (LA). Reflux in superficial and deep segments and venous refill times (VRTs) were assessed before surgery and 3-12 months post-operatively using duplex and digital photoplethysmography respectively. Of 185 patients treated with surgery, 15 failed to heal and 26 did not have a follow-up duplex. Within 3 years, 25 of the remaining 144 patients (17%) developed ulcer recurrence. Using a Cox regression model, the presence of residual venous reflux and change in reflux pattern were not found to be risk factors for ulcer recurrence (p=ns). LA was used in 4/25 patients who recurred compared to 28/119 who did not (p=0.60; Chi-square test). For legs with recurrence, median VRT before surgery was 10.5s (range 5-29) compared to 11s (range 6-36) after surgery (p=0.097, Wilcoxon Signed Rank test). However, in legs without recurrence, median VRT increased from 10s (range 3-48) to 15s (range 4-48) after surgery (p<0.001). Residual reflux following saphenous surgery is not the most important predictor of venous ulcer recurrence. Poor venous function as demonstrated by VRT may be a better predictor of recurrence in these patients.

Leg Ulcer Recurrence and its Risk Factors: A Duplex Ultrasound Study before and after Vein Surgery

Assessment of risk factors for ulcer recurrence in chronic leg ulcer patients treated by varicose vein surgery. Retrospective follow-up study. 62 patients, 43 women and 19 men (Median=56.5 years, range 24-77) with the CEAP classifications of C(5)-C(6) and E(P) (primary venous insufficiency). Patients underwent colour duplex ultrasound (CDU) investigation before varicose vein surgery. Post-operatively CDU, ambulatory venous pressure (AVP) and an interview were performed. The median clinical follow-up was 5.5 years (range 2-11 years). The estimated 5-year ulcer recurrence rate was 19% in all patients. The risk of ulcer recurrence was significantly lower (p<0.05) in legs without residual varices or recurrence. The five year risk of ulcer recurrence depended on the time interval between ulcer appearance and the surgical intervention (index operation), post-operative venous axial reflux and AVP (mmHg). More than 50% of the patients had a calculated probability of ulcer recurrence of less than 3%, but 13% had a probability of more than 23% based on our analysis. A long history of venous ulcer is a pre- and post-operative risk factor for recurrent ulceration. Total elimination of incompetent superficial and perforator veins lowers the risk of ulcer recurrence, whereas residual axial reflux increases the risk. Postoperative CDU is effective in identifying patients at risk of ulcer recurrence.

Risk Factors for Delayed Healing and Recurrence of Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers—An Analysis of 1324 Legs

Objective Despite similar disease patterns and treatment, there is great variation in clinical outcome between venous ulcer patients. The aim of this study was to identify independent risk factors for venous ulcer healing and recurrence. Methods Consecutive patients assessed by a specialist nurse-led leg ulcer service between January 1998 and July 2003 with an ABPI>0.85 were included in this study. Independent risk factors for healing and recurrence were identified from routinely assessed variables using a Cox regression proportional hazards model. Results A total of 1324 legs in 1186 patients were studied. The 24-week healing rate was 76% and 1 year recurrence rate was 17% (Kaplan–Meier life table analysis). Patient age ( p<0.001, HR per year 0.989, 95% CI 0.984–0.995) and ulcer chronicity ( p=0.019, HR per month 0.996, 95% CI 0.993–0.999) were independent risk factors for delayed ulcer healing. Ulcer healing time ( p<0.001, HR per week 1.016, 95% CI 1.007–1.026) and superficial venous reflux not treated with surgery ( p=0.015, HR 2.218, 95% CI 1.166–4.218) were independent risk factors for ulcer recurrence. Conclusions Elderly patients with longstanding ulcers should be targeted for further research and may benefit from adjunctive treatments to improve clinical outcomes. Patients not treated with superficial venous surgery were at increased risk of leg ulcer recurrence.

Correlation of duplex ultrasound scanning–derived valve closure time and clinical classification in patients with small saphenous vein reflux: is lesser saphenous vein truly lesser?

Objective We recently identified small saphenous vein (SSV) reflux as a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) undergoing perforator vein ligation. In this study we examined the role of SSV reflux in patients across the spectrum of CVI. Methods From March 15, 1997, to December 24, 2002, clinical and duplex ultrasound (US) scanning data from all valve closure time studies performed in our vascular laboratory were prospectively recorded. Valve closure time in the deep and superficial leg veins was assessed with the rapid cuff deflation technique; reflux time greater than 0.5 seconds was considered abnormal. SSV reflux was correlated with the CEAP classification system and eventual surgical procedure. Data were analyzed with Pearson χ 2 analysis. Results We analyzed 722 limbs in 422 patients, 265 (63%) female patients and 157 (37%) male patients, with a mean age of 48 ± 12.8 years (range, 16-85 years). In the entire cohort the cause was congenital (Ec) in 5 patients, primary (Ep) in 606 patients, and secondary (Es) in 112 patients. SSV reflux was present in 206 limbs (28.5%) evaluated. Among limbs with SSV reflux, Ec = 4 (2%), Ep = 162 (79%), and Es = 40 (19%). SSV reflux did not correlate with gender, side, or age. The prevalence of SSV reflux increases with increasing severity of clinical class: C1-C3, 25.8% versus C4-C6, 36.1% ( P = .006). SSV reflux is highly associated with deep venous reflux, 35.2% of femoral vein reflux ( P = .015), 35.8% of femoral vein plus popliteal vein reflux ( P = .001), and 40.5% of isolated popliteal vein reflux ( P < .001). Great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux was identified in 483 (67%) limbs studied with valve closure time, whereas SSV reflux was present in 206 (28%) limbs. In this cohort, 127 GSV or SSV surgical procedures were performed subsequent to valve closure time examination. Among these operations 107 (84%) were GSV procedures, and only 20 (16%) were SSV procedures. Conclusion SSV reflux is most common in patients demonstrating severe sequelae of CVI, such as lipodermatosclerosis or ulceration. The increasing prevalence of SSV reflux in more severe clinical classes and the strong association of SSV reflux and deep venous reflux suggest that SSV may have a significant role in CVI. Our data further show that, in our institution, a GSV with reflux is more than twice as likely to be surgically corrected as an SSV with reflux. It is time for the SSV to assume greater importance in the treatment of lower extremity venous disease. Future improvements in surgical techniques for access and visualization of the SSV may facilitate this method.

Review article: management of peptic ulcer bleeding-the roles of proton pump inhibitors and Helicobacter pylori eradication.

Peptic ulcer bleeding is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The goals of management are to control any active bleeding and prevent re-bleeding and then to heal the ulcer and prevent its recurrence. Initial management strategies are guided by the patient's clinical condition and endoscopic findings. Thus, treatment may consist of endoscopic and medical therapy and, sometimes, surgery. Control of acid secretion, preferably with proton pump inhibitor therapy in the initial management continues to evolve; it has also been used as both an adjunct to endoscopic therapy and as primary treatment. These agents have been found to be effective in some trials in the reduction of re-bleeding and the need for surgery, although there is no clear benefit demonstrated for overall mortality. Proton pump inhibitors have been administered either intravenously or orally in different trials. The long-term management of patients with peptic ulcer, after the initial bleeding episode, should include patient stratification based upon risk factors for ulcer recurrence (i.e. Helicobacter pylori infection, use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Elimination or modification of these risk factors reduces the risk of ulcer recurrence and, hence, of recurrent ulcer bleeding.

Risk factors for delayed healing and long-term recurrence in chronic venous leg ulcers

Abstract Background This study aimed to identify risk factors for delayed healing and increased recurrence of chronic venous leg ulcers. Methods Some 669 patients with chronic leg ulcers were assessed at a one-stop clinic over the 4 years to July 1999. Possible risk factors and venous reflux patterns, assessed with colour duplex, were recorded prospectively for each patient. Some 633 legs with an ankle: brachial pressure index greater than 0·85 were treated with weekly four-layer bandaging until healed, followed by class 2 compression stockings and regular follow-up. Patients with isolated superficial venous reflux were offered surgery. Results Cox regression analyses of possible risk factors are summarized in the Table below. Conclusion Age, ulcer chronicity and reflux in the popliteal vein are independent risk factors for delayed ulcer healing. Delayed ulcer healing and rheumatoid arthritis are independent risk factors for ulcer recurrence. Legs with surgically corrected superficial venous reflux are relatively protected from ulcer recurrence.

Risk Factors For Duodenal Ulcer Recurrence: Three‐year Follow‐up during Famotidine Maintenance Therapy

Abstract:The recurrence‐free rate and factors related to recurrence after healing were investigated in duodenal ulcer patients on H2‐blocker maintenance therapy with famotidine. Famotidine maintenance therapy (20 or 40 mg once a day before bedtime) was performed in 488 evaluable patients after endoscopically‐proven healing of ulcers (S1 or S2). The cumulative recurrence‐free rates were 81.1%, 65.1% and 58.2%, respectively, after one, two and three years of maintenance therapy. Among various background factors, those which have been suggested to be closely associated with ulcer recurrence were compared on the basis of their relation to the recurrence‐free rate. These factors included a past history of duodenal ulcer, smoking, alcohol use, bulbar deformation, the endoscopic stage of ulcer healing, concomitant drugs and compliance with famotidine therapy. Recurrence correlated most significantly with a past history of duodenal ulcer and with compliance. Compliance was categorized as excellent, good, fair or poor. The recurrence‐free rate was significantly lower in patients with excellent compliance than in any other compliance group. A famotidine dose of 40 mg/day (the standard dose), versus the half dose of 20 mg/day, produced no significant difference in the cumulative recurrence‐free rate and it was therefore suggested that 20 mg/day of famotidine is comparable to 40 mg/day in its preventive effect on duodenal ulcer recurrence.In addition, because recurrence was more common in patients who had previously experienced recurrence, a past history of ulcer was suggested to be a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence.