Open AccessRandomised controlled trial comparing European standard class 1 to class 2 compression stockings for ulcer recurrence and patient compliance
Author(s) -
ClarkeMoloney Mary,
Keane Niamh,
O'Connor Veronica,
Ryan Mary Anna,
Meagher Helen,
Grace Pierce A,
Kavanagh Eamon,
Walsh Stewart R,
Burke Paul E
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
international wound journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1742-481X
pISSN - 1742-4801
DOI - 10.1111/j.1742-481x.2012.01108.x
Subject(s) - medicine , compression stockings , surgery , varicose ulcer , randomized controlled trial , thrombosis
The aim of this study was to determine the rate of venous ulcer recurrence and the level of compliance in patients wearing European class 1 or class 2 compression stockings. A total of 100 patients with healed venous leg ulcers were recruited, and were randomised to either class 1 ( n = 50) or class 2 ( n = 50) compression stockings. Follow‐up was at 1 week, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months to monitor ulcer recurrence and compliance. Patients had a duplex scan to identify the source of venous incompetence. The rate of ulcer recurrence after 12 months was 16·1%, and the difference in recurrence rate between classes was not statistically significant ( P = 0·287) although greater numbers in class 1 developed a recurrence. Participants (88·9%) were compliant; non‐compliant patients were at a significantly greater risk of recurrence ( P ≤ 0·0001). Thirteen patients had both superficial and deep incompetence; those randomised to class 1 stockings ( n = 4) developed ulcer recurrence. Patients with a history of multiple episodes of ulceration were more likely to develop a recurrence ( P = 0·001). The lowest venous ulcer recurrence rates were seen in patients who were compliant with hosiery regardless of the compression level. Patients with both superficial and deep incompetence had a lower rate of recurrence with class 2 compression.