BACKGROUND: To critically review the classification, epidemiology, outcomes, diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous disorders of the leg (CVDL), to issue evidence-based recommendations, and to identify areas requiring further research. METHODS: Articles identified by an extensive literature search were scored by members of an international task force. Only those articles with a moderate or strong rating for internal validity were retained. RESULTS: A scoring system weighing CVDL severity according to the probability of ulcer occurrence is proposed. Epidemiological data on the frequency of CVDL and its risk factors are reviewed. The following items are evaluated: costs associated with treatment; clinical outcomes related to CVDL and its treatment; available generic and disease-specific measures of quality of life; diagnostic procedures used to detect venous reflux; and efficacy of available treatments. CONCLUSIONS: CVDL is an important public health problem, based on its prevalence, cost and impact on quality of life. High-priority areas for research on CVDL are identified.
BACKGROUND: To critically review the classification, epidemiology, outcomes, diagnosis and treatment of chronic venous disorders of the leg (CVDL), to issue evidence-based recommendations, and to identify areas requiring further research. METHODS: Articles identified by an extensive literature search were scored by members of an international task force. Only those articles with a moderate or strong rating for internal validity were retained. RESULTS: A scoring system weighing CVDL severity according to the probability of ulcer occurrence is proposed. Epidemiological data on the frequency of CVDL and its risk factors are reviewed. The following items are evaluated: costs associated with treatment; clinical outcomes related to CVDL and its treatment; available generic and disease-specific measures of quality of life; diagnostic procedures used to detect venous reflux; and efficacy of available treatments. CONCLUSIONS: CVDL is an important public health problem, based on its prevalence, cost and impact on quality of life. High-priority areas for research on CVDL are identified.
Authors: Renate R van den Bos; Michael A Kockaert; H A Martino Neumann; Rolf H Bremmer; Tamar Nijsten; Martin J C van Gemert Journal: Lasers Med Sci Date: 2009-02-14 Impact factor: 3.161
Authors: Giovanni De Caridi; Mafalda Massara; Francesco Stilo; Francesco Spinelli; Raffaele Grande; Lucia Butrico; Stefano de Franciscis; Raffaele Serra Journal: Int Wound J Date: 2014-08-05 Impact factor: 3.315
Authors: Antonella Tufano; Claudia Arturo; Ernesto Cimino; Matteo Nicola Dario Di Minno; Mirko Di Capua; Anna Maria Cerbone; Giovanni Di Minno Journal: Int J Vasc Med Date: 2010-08-31