Objectives The aim of the study is to compare proportions of venous leg ulcers healed in patients treated with two different sub-bandage pressure values in relation to age. Methods The study included 102 outpatients with venous leg ulcers, one group with moderate compression pressure of 35-40 mmHg and the second with high pressure >45 mmHg. Each group was divided into two subgroups according to the age (≥65 vs. <65 years). Computerized planimetry was used to measure the size of the ulcers at 6, 12, 18 and 24 weeks. Results Kaplan-Maier analysis showed high pressure leads to higher proportion of healed venous leg ulcers, compared to moderate pressure, in patients aged ≥65 years (57.6% vs. 28%) and in patients <65 years (53.8% vs. 36%) (p < 0.05). Conclusion The study showed that higher compression pressure leads to higher proportions of venous leg ulcers healed, independent of age and could be safely preferred in older patients.
Keywords: Venous ulcers; compressive therapy; elderly; healing rate; sub-bandage pressure.