Randomized clinical trial and economic analysis of four-layer compression bandaging for venous ulcers

J. F. O'Brien, P. A. Grace, I. J. Perry, A. Hannigan, M. Clarke Moloney, P. E. Burke

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of four-layer compression bandaging for venous leg ulcers with that of other available treatments. Methods: In this pragmatic trial, 200 patients with a venous leg ulcer were randomized either to four-layer bandaging (intervention group; n = 100) or to continue their usual system of care (control group; n = 100). The follow-up for each patient was 12 weeks. Analysis was by intention to treat; the main outcome measures were time to healing and cost to the health board per leg healed. Results: Baseline characteristics were well matched in the two groups. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the healing rate at 3 months was 54 per cent with four-layer bandaging and 34 per cent in the control group. Throughout the 3 months, four-layer bandaging healed leg ulcers significantly earlier (P = 0.006). There was a significant reduction in the median cost per leg healed with four-layer bandaging (€210 versus €234; P = 0.040). Conclusion: Four-layer bandaging is currently the most effective method of treating venous leg ulcers in a community setting.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)794-798
Number of pages5
JournalBritish Journal of Surgery
Volume90
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2003

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Randomized clinical trial and economic analysis of four-layer compression bandaging for venous ulcers'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this