Venous ulcers: microcirculatory improvement and faster healing with local use of Pycnogenol

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) causes a well-defined microangiopathy described as venous hypertensive microangiopathy (VHM) leading to venous ulcerations. VHM is mainly observed in the distal part of the leg, in the perimalleolar region. In VHM edema is the consequence of increased capillary pre...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAngiology Vol. 56; no. 6; p. 699
Main Authors Belcaro, G, Cesarone, M R, Errichi, B M, Ledda, A, Di Renzo, A, Stuard, S, Dugall, M, Pellegrini, L, Rohdewald, P, Ippolito, E, Ricci, A, Cacchio, M, Ruffini, I, Fano, F, Hosoi, M
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.11.2005
Subjects
Administration, Cutaneous
Administration, Oral
Female
Flavonoids - administration & dosage
Humans
Male
Microcirculation - physiopathology
Middle Aged
Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors - administration & dosage
Time Factors
Varicose Ulcer - drug therapy
Varicose Ulcer - physiopathology
Wound Healing - physiology
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Summary:Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) causes a well-defined microangiopathy described as venous hypertensive microangiopathy (VHM) leading to venous ulcerations. VHM is mainly observed in the distal part of the leg, in the perimalleolar region. In VHM edema is the consequence of increased capillary pressure and reduced local clearance, and this affects local perfusion. The healing of venous ulcers is usually very slow. Many treatments are available, but there is still no standard. Oral Pycnogenol is effective in venous disease and particularly in controlling edema. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the local effects of Pycnogenol on ulcers healing associated with venous hypertension. The study lasted 6 weeks including 18 patients (16 completed the study) with venous ulcerations. The oral treatment with Pycnogenol was compared with a combination treatment including oral and local treatment. In subjects treated with the combination treatment (oral and local), venous ulcers healed better (there was a faster reduction in ulcerated area) in comparison with oral treatment only. According to this pilot study Pycnogenol appears to have an important role in local treatment of venous ulcers improving healing and signs/symptoms.
ISSN:0003-3197
DOI:10.1177/000331970505600607