Franks, Peter J., Moffatt, Christine J., Doherty, Debra C., Smithdale, Rachael and Martin, Ruth (2006) Longer term changes in quality of life in chronic leg ulceration. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 14 (5). pp. 536-541. ISSN 1524-475X

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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:	Article
Identifier:	10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00160.x
Keywords:	Leg ulceration; Quality of life
Subjects:	Medicine and health > Clinical medicine
Depositing User:	Rod Pow
Date Deposited:	12 Jul 2012 15:17
Last Modified:	06 Feb 2024 15:39
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/100

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