Authors' objectives: To systematically review whether the use of advanced wound dressings, systemic antibiotics, or venous surgery enhanced the healing of venous ulcers over the use of adequate venous compression.

Authors' recommendations: These findings do not mean that the interventions do not have value. Rather, the risk of bias and lack of adequate sample size prevented us from establishing statistically valid conclusions. Many of the studies did not report statistical analyses beyond simple healing rates, stratification or adjustment to account for potential confounding variables, or sample size calculations. Many of the studies reviewed were small and therefore had limited power. The absence of these critical design elements limited our ability to draw conclusions. We suggest that there be consensus to frame a series of commonly agreed-upon definitions, develop model clinical research approaches, consider mutually agreed-upon schemes to classify patients, quantify healing parameters, and consider the development of research wound healing networks to collect sufficient number of patients to produce valid conclusions.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2013

URL for published report: http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/367/1737/venous-ulcers-treatment-report-erratum-140127.pdf

URL for additional information: http://www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/search-for-guides-reviews-and-reports/?pageaction=displayproduct&productID=1737

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)