3 layer paste bandages were more effective than 4 layer bandages for healing venous leg ulcers
Q Are 3 layer paste bandages as effective as 4 layer bandages for healing of venous leg ulcers?
METHODS
Design:
randomised controlled trial.
Allocation:
{concealed}*.
Blinding:
unblinded.
Follow up period:
1 year.
Setting:
a hospital leg ulcer outpatient clinic in London, UK.
Patients:
133 patients (56% men) with venous leg ulcers. Exclusion criteria: arterial disease, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus, positive sickle cell test, HIV infection, ulcer area <0.25 cm2 or >100 cm2, known sensitivity to paste, or ulcer not of venous aetiology.
Interventions:
3 layer paste bandages (a Steripaste® hypoallergenic paste bandage, a Setopress® compression bandage, and a Tubigrip® bandage to hold everything in place) (n = 64) or 4 layer bandages (Velband® orthopaedic wool, a crepe bandage, an Elset® compression bandage, and a Coban® bandage to secure preceding layers) (n = 69). Fully trained ulcer clinic nurses applied the bandages. Patients were initially seen weekly in …
