The characterization of patients with venous ulcer followed at the Outpatient Wound Repair Clinic

Abstract

ABCTRACT

Objectives: to characterize patients with venous ulcers who are seen at the outpatient clinic of a university hospital, evaluate the characteristics of venous ulcers and identify the products used for their treatment. This is an observational clinical study, approved by the Research Ethics Committee and performed at the Outpatient Wound Repair Clinic from January to December, 2008. The data collection instrument gathered clinical information regarding the patient and specific data about the lesion and the topical treatment used. The participants were 49 patients with chronic venous ulcer; 55% were women aged between 51-70 years. In total the participants presented 67 ulcers, most of which were located on the lower leg (68.6%), and present for less than five years (53.8%). The wound bed presented granulation tissue and slough areas (49%) and epithelialized edges (58%). The products available at the institution were the essential fatty acids and collagenases.

Descriptors: Health Profile; Varicose Ulcer; Nursing.