Decreased mobility, lack of social support, haemosiderosis and use of antidepressant medications may predict recurrent venous leg ulcers within 12 months of healing: A prospective longitudinal study

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Finlayson, KJ
Parker, CN
Miller, C
Edwards, HE
Campbell, J
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2021
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Abstract

Aim: To identify clinical, medical and psychosocial predictors of venous leg ulcer recurrence within 12 months of healing. Methods: A multi-site study was conducted in Australia in community and hospital outpatient settings. Adults with venous leg ulcers were recruited within 4 weeks of healing and data were collected on preventative treatments and health, medical, clinical and psychosocial factors. Follow-up data on recurrences were collected every 3 months until ulcer recurrence, or until 12 months after healing pending which occurred first. Factors associated with time to recurrence were analysed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Design: Secondary data analysis of a multi-site, prospective longitudinal study to validate a risk assessment tool for recurrence. Results: A sample of 143 participants was recruited (51% male, M age = 73 years, SD 13.6). Almost half (49.6%) had an ulcer recurrence within 12 months, with a mean time to ulcer recurrence of 37 weeks (SE 1.63, 95% CI 33.7–40.1). Factors measured at the time of healing that were significant independent predictors of recurrence were: prescribed antidepressant medications (p =.035), presence of haemosiderosis (p =.006), decreased mobility (longer sitting times) (p =.007) and lower social support scale scores (p =.002). Participants who wore compression systems providing 20 mmHg or higher for at least 5 days/week were less likely to recur, although not reaching statistical significance (p =.06). Conclusion: Results provide evidence that antidepressant medications, haemosiderosis, decreased mobility and lack of social support are risk factors associated with ulcer recurrence; therefore, these variables are modifiable and could guide early intervention.

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Phlebology: The Journal of Venous Disease

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This publication has been entered as an advanced online version in Griffith Research Online.

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Cardiovascular medicine and haematology not elsewhere classified

Science & Technology

Life Sciences & Biomedicine

Surgery

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Cardiovascular System & Cardiology

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Finlayson, KJ; Parker, CN; Miller, C; Edwards, HE; Campbell, J, Decreased mobility, lack of social support, haemosiderosis and use of antidepressant medications may predict recurrent venous leg ulcers within 12 months of healing: A prospective longitudinal study, Phlebology: The Journal of Venous Disease, 2021

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