Identifying the relationship between biochemical markers and wound healing in chronic venous leg ulcers treated with compression therapy: A randomized controlled trial. (2006 – 2009)
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Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council, NHMRC Project Grant
Prof Helen Edwards Head, School of Nursing, QUT
Prof Zee Upton, Tissue Repair and Regeneration Program, IHBI, QUT
Contact: Kathy Finlayson (Project Coordinator) Email: k.finlayson@qut.edu.au Phone: +61 7 31386105
Chronic venous leg ulcers are a significant cause of pain, immobility and poor quality of life. Although current evidence supports using multilayered compression systems for treatment, debate exists on the level and type of compression needed to promote optimal healing, contributing to inconsistent treatment decisions. In addition, little knowledge exists on the biological processes associated with healing during compression and relationships between wound fluid composition and healing in the clinical area. This project aims to gain a better understanding of the wound healing process where the biochemical information generated is related to validated, clinical measures of wound healing. The knowledge obtained will help develop improved techniques to increase healing rates of chronic leg ulcers. Specifically the project aimed:
- To determine the effect of compression therapies on wound fluid composition, wound healing and quality of life.
- To identify the relationship between biochemical markers in wound fluid and wound healing in response to compression therapy in the clinical environment.
- To obtain sound biological evidence for health professionals to inform their practice and treatment recommendations for patients with chronic leg ulcers.
A randomized controlled trial was undertaken with two compression treatment groups. It was hypothesised that changes in wound fluid composition are related to progress in healing of chronic leg ulcers and that different patterns of changes may be found in a high level compression group when compared to a moderate compression group. Expected outcomes include identification and mapping of biochemical markers associated with healing during compression; improved wound healing clinical techniques; potential for development of biotechnological tools to assess treatment effectiveness; and significant potential to improve healing rates and quality of life and reduce healthcare costs. Data collection and analysis has been completed for this study and outcomes are currently being prepared for publication.