RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Compression therapy for venous leg ulcers
JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
JO Drug Ther Bull
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 28
OP 31
VO 38
IS 4
YR 2000
UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/38/4/28.abstract
AB Relevant BNF section: App.8 Venous (gravitational) leg ulcers are unsightly, sometimes painful and often difficult to heal. They are associated with incompetence of valves in the deep leg veins and venous hypertension. The main approaches in the management of venous leg ulcers have been to reduce the 'back pressure' in the veins by surgical removal of any varicose veins, postural drainage (elevation of the legs when the patient is lying or seated), and use of compression therapy with bandages, hosiery or intermittent pneumatic compression. In this article, we review the efficacy and discuss correct use of compression therapy.