Longer-term changes in quality of life in chronic leg ulceration

Franks, P.J., Moffatt, C.J., Doherty, D.C., Smithdale, R. and Martin, R. (2006) Longer-term changes in quality of life in chronic leg ulceration. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 14(5), pp. 536-541. (doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00160.x)

Abstract

Studies that have examined patients' health-related quality of life have consistently shown improvements following intensive and effective treatments over relatively short follow-ups. However, little is known of the longer-term effects of treatment on patients. As part of a study in southwest London, United Kingdom, all patients having a current leg ulcer were examined (n = 113) and those who were able completed the Nottingham Health Profile (n = 95) and were then followed up at 24 and 48 weeks. The patients had a mean age of 76 +/- 13 (SD) years, with 60 (63.2%) being women. Before the study, the ulcer had been present for a median of 8 months (range 0.5-144), and a median area of ulceration of 4.0 cm2 (range 0.5-171.5 cm2). After 24 weeks, there was a significant improvement in pain (mean difference [d] = 9.6, p = 0.002), which was true for both the 41 patients with ulcers present (d=10.07, p = 0.013) and the 43 patients whose ulcers had healed (d = 11.46, p = 0.047). However, after 48 weeks, these improvements had been reduced in both groups (healed ulceration d = 5.76, unhealed patients d = 6.41). Energy, which had improved after 24 weeks in the patients whose ulcers, had healed (d = 11.46), deteriorated in both patient groups after 48 weeks (healed = -5.67, unhealed = -13.43). Mobility status was maintained with healed ulceration (d = 1.05) but deteriorated with unhealed ulceration (d = -13.19). The positive effects of treatment on health-related quality of life may not be sustained over time. This may be a consequence of the general deterioration in the health status of these elderly patients as they age.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Franks, Professor Peter
• Authors: Franks, P.J., Moffatt, C.J., Doherty, D.C., Smithdale, R., and Martin, R.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RD Surgery; R Medicine > RL Dermatology; R Medicine > RT Nursing
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Nursing and Health Care
• Journal Name: Wound Repair and Regeneration
• ISSN: 1067-1927
• ISSN (Online): 1524-475X
• Published Online: 29 September 2006