Decreased mobility, lack of social support, haemosiderosis and use of antidepressant medications may predict recurrent venous leg ulcers within 12 months of healing: A prospective longitudinal study

• Published in: Phlebology Vol. 37; no. 3; p. 206
• Main Authors: Finlayson, K J, Parker, C N, Miller, C, Edwards, H E, Campbell, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.04.2022
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Antidepressive Agents; Female; Hemosiderosis; Humans; Leg Ulcer; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Prospective Studies; Recurrence; Social Support; Varicose Ulcer - drug therapy; predictors; Recurrence; prospective longitudinal study; venous leg ulcers
• ISSN: 1758-1125
• DOI: 10.1177/02683555211063986

To identify clinical, medical and psychosocial predictors of venous leg ulcer recurrence within 12 months of healing. A multi-site study was conducted in Australia in community and hospital outpatient settings. Adults with venous leg ulcers were recruited within 4 weeks of healing and data were collected on preventative treatments and health, medical, clinical and psychosocial factors. Follow-up data on recurrences were collected every 3 months until ulcer recurrence, or until 12 months after healing pending which occurred first. Factors associated with time to recurrence were analysed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model. Secondary data analysis of a multi-site, prospective longitudinal study to validate a risk assessment tool for recurrence. A sample of 143 participants was recruited (51% male, = 73 years, 13.6). Almost half (49.6%) had an ulcer recurrence within 12 months, with a mean time to ulcer recurrence of 37 weeks ( 1.63, 95% 33.7-40.1). Factors measured at the time of healing that were significant independent predictors of recurrence were: prescribed antidepressant medications ( = .035), presence of haemosiderosis ( = .006), decreased mobility (longer sitting times) ( = .007) and lower social support scale scores ( = .002). Participants who wore compression systems providing 20 mmHg or higher for at least 5 days/week were less likely to recur, although not reaching statistical significance ( = .06). Results provide evidence that antidepressant medications, haemosiderosis, decreased mobility and lack of social support are risk factors associated with ulcer recurrence; therefore, these variables are modifiable and could guide early intervention.