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Venous Stasis Ulcers. PathophysiologyVenous ulcers result from damage to the valves in veins of the leg.This leads to increased venous pressureVenous hypertension, circulatory stasis and shear trauma in most superficial skin layers. Venous Stasis Ulcers. PathophysiologyThis stasis triggers an inflammatory reaction mediated by PMN'sRelease of cytokines, oxygen radicals and proteolytic enzymes results in fibrosclerotic remodelling of the skin and then ulceration.Swollen, edematous skin is p30341
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1. Treatment of Venous Stasis Ulcers Charles Cornell, MD
Geriatric Teaching Program
May 28, 2008
2. Venous Stasis Ulcers Pathophysiology
Venous ulcers result from damage to the valves in veins of the leg.
This leads to increased venous pressure
Venous hypertension, circulatory stasis and shear trauma in most superficial skin layers
3. Venous Stasis Ulcers Pathophysiology
This stasis triggers an inflammatory reaction mediated by PMN’s
Release of cytokines, oxygen radicals and proteolytic enzymes results in fibrosclerotic remodelling of the skin and then ulceration.
Swollen, edematous skin is prone to recurrent infection: cellulitis
4. Venous Stasis Ulcers Differential Diagnosis
Ischemic ulcers
Neuropathic ulcers
Erysipelas and cellulitis
Immune mediated ulcers e.g. eczema
N.B.: In spite of different etiology principles of treatment are very similiar
5. Venous Stasis UlcersClinical Presentation Chronic ulceration with necrosis and purulent exudate
Surrounding edema
Fibrotic skin
Pain
Surrounding cellulitis may be present
6. Venous Stasis UlcersClinical Management Most important aspect of treatment is reduction of edema achieved through the use of compression dressings
7. Venous Stasis UlcersClinical Management UNNA Boot
Medicopaste bandage: gauze plus zinc oxide and glycerine
Dries after application to form a compressive soft cast
Soothing, relieves pain and protects the wound
Extremely effective for edema reduction
8. Venous Stasis UlcersClinical Management Adjunctive Treatment
Systemic antibiotics for cellulitis
Surgical debridement to remove eschar
Dressings applied beneath the compressive bandage to provide a moist environment, reduce bacterial burden and ease pain
9. Venous Stasis UlcersDressing Choices Currently: No evidence of superiority of any one dressing type but some evidence favoring hydrocolloids/microfibers
Wet to Dry: don’t reduce bacterial burden
Calcium Alginate ( Kaltostat ) and microfiber/silver( aquacell)
VAC dressing: very effective
Flap Coverage: not successful due to recurrence!!
10. Venous Stasis UlcersClinical Management Treatment Summary
- Compression!!!
- Debridement
- Surface dressing
Average time to healing is 31 weeks
11. Case Example2 month old ulcer after iv antibiotics
12. Case Example2 month old ulcer after iv antibiotics
13. 6 weeks after initiation of UNNA boot and calcium alginate
14. Ulcer at 12 weeks