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The Surgeon : Journal of the Royal... Dec 2022A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the role of thromboprophylaxis in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to determine the role of thromboprophylaxis in the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing varicose vein interventions.
METHODS
PUBMED, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched for comparative studies of patients undergoing varicose vein interventions and received either thromboprophylaxis or no thromboprophylaxis. Data were collected on the number of thrombotic events including deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and endothermal heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) as well as bleeding events. The primary outcomes for the meta-analysis were the risk of all thrombotic events, risk of DVT and risk of bleeding. Pooled risk ratios were calculated using random effects modelling.
RESULTS
Eight studies (6479 participants) were included. The use of thromboprophylaxis reduces the risk of all thrombotic events (Pooled risk ratio = 0.63, 95% Confidence interval [CI], 0.04-10.43) and the risk of DVT (Pooled risk ratio = 0.59, 95% CI, 0.08-4.60) with no increased risk of bleeding (Pooled risk ratio = 0.66, 95% CI, 0.06-7.21]. Rivaroxaban has similar efficacy in the prevention of DVT compared to Fondaparinux in patients undergoing endovenous ablation of varicose veins (Pooled risk ratio = 0.68, 95% CI, 0.06-7.41). An extended course of thromboprophylaxis reduces the risk of developing DVT compared to a short course (Pooled risk ratio = 1.40, 95% CI, 0.44-4.46). However, the two studies reporting on the duration of thromboprophylaxis did not stratify patients according to their risk of developing venous thromboembolism.
CONCLUSION
The use of thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing varicose vein interventions reduces the risk of venous thromboembolism with no significant increase in the risk of bleeding. However, the included studies were underpowered with high to moderate risk of bias. Therefore, more randomised controlled trials with a large sample size are needed in order to provide high quality evidence for clinical practice.
Topics: Humans; Venous Thromboembolism; Varicose Veins; Rivaroxaban; Pulmonary Embolism
PubMed: 35589498
DOI: 10.1016/j.surge.2022.04.002 -
Annals of Surgery Aug 2023The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to elucidate the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after endovenous interventions for varicose... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to elucidate the rate of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after endovenous interventions for varicose veins in the presence of pharmacological and mechanical thromboprophylaxis versus mechanical thromboprophylaxis alone.
BACKGROUND
The VTE rate after endovenous procedures for varicose veins is higher than other day-case procedures and could be reduced with pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.
METHODS
The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines with a registered protocol (PROSPERO: CRD42021274963). Studies of endovenous intervention for superficial venous incompetence reporting the predefined outcomes with at least 30 patients were eligible. Data were pooled with a fixed effects model.
RESULTS
There were 221 trials included in the review (47 randomized trial arms, 105 prospective cohort studies, and 69 retrospective studies). In randomized trial arms, the rate of deep venous thrombosis with additional pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was 0.52% (95% CI, 0.23%-1.19%) (9 studies, 1095 patients, 2 events) versus 2.26% (95% CI, 1.81%-2.82%) (38 studies, 6951 patients, 69 events) with mechanical thromboprophylaxis alone. The rate of pulmonary embolism in randomized trial arms with additional pharmacological thromboprophylaxis was 0.45% (95% CI, 0.09-2.35) (5 studies, 460 participants, 1 event) versus 0.23% (95% CI, 0.1%-0.52%) (28 studies, 4834 participants, 3 events) for mechanical measures alone. The rate of EHIT grade III to IV was 0.35% (95% CI, 0.09-1.40) versus 0.88% (95% CI, 0.28%-2.70%). There was 1 VTE-related mortality and 1 instance of major bleeding, with low rates of minor bleeding.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a significant reduction in the rate of DVT with additional pharmacological thromboprophylaxis and routine prescription of anticoagulation after endovenous varicose vein intervention should be considered. VTE risk for individual study participants is heterogeneous and risk stratification in future randomized interventional studies is critical to establish the clinical effectiveness and safety of additional pharmacological thromboprophylaxis.
Topics: Humans; Anticoagulants; Venous Thromboembolism; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 36205129
DOI: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000005709 -
Annals of Medicine and Surgery (2012) Sep 2023The great saphenous varicose vein was managed with high ligation and stripping conventionally, but with the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques like... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The great saphenous varicose vein was managed with high ligation and stripping conventionally, but with the development of minimally invasive surgical techniques like endovascular laser ablation (EVLA), they have become popular. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials aim to compare the short-term and long-term outcomes of these two modalities on headings like procedural time, technical success, recovery time, recurrences, cost-effectiveness, and complications.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The protocol followed in this study was registered prospectively in the Registry of Systematic Reviews/Meta-analyses. Electronic databases were searched with appropriate search terms for relevant studies, and after their screening, data was extracted. The odds ratio was used for dichotomous data, and the mean difference or standardized mean difference was used for continuous variables.
RESULTS
This study identified 18 publications (10 randomized controlled trials) with a total of 1936 patients. There was no difference in procedural time, recovery time, recurrences at 1, 2, and 5 years, or clinical severity score. The surgery group had 4.35 times higher statistically significant odds of being technically successful at 2 years, while pooling data on bruising, hematoma, sensory disturbance, infection, and phlebitis showed that the EVLA group was less likely to develop postoperative complications.
CONCLUSION
Technical failures were more common in the EVLA, whereas postoperative complications were more common in the surgery group. Both have comparable clinical effectiveness, and neither modality has clear superiority over the other. Parameters like cost-effectiveness must be assessed at the hospital level before choosing the right procedure for the patients.
PubMed: 37663729
DOI: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001095 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery May 2011Several treatment options exist for varicose veins. In this review we summarize the available evidence derived from comparative studies about the relative safety and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Several treatment options exist for varicose veins. In this review we summarize the available evidence derived from comparative studies about the relative safety and efficacy of these treatments.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Current Contents, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) expert files, and the reference section of included articles. Eligible studies compared two or more of the available treatments (surgery, liquid or foam sclerotherapy, laser, radiofrequency ablations, or conservative therapy with compression stockings). Two independent reviewers determined study eligibility and extracted descriptive, methodologic, and outcome data. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) across studies.
RESULTS
We found 39 eligible studies (30 were randomized trials) enrolling 8285 participants. Surgery was associated with a nonsignificant reduction in the risk of varicose vein recurrence compared with liquid sclerotherapy (RR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.29-1.06) and all endoluminal interventions (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.37-1.07). Studies of laser and radiofrequency ablation and foam sclerotherapy demonstrated short-term effectiveness and safety. The quality of evidence presented in this review was limited by imprecision (small number of events), short-term follow-up, and indirectness (use of surrogate outcomes).
CONCLUSION
Low-quality evidence supports long-term safety and efficacy of surgery for the treatment of varicose veins. Short-term studies support the efficacy of less invasive treatments, which are associated with less periprocedural disability and pain.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Compression Bandages; Endovascular Procedures; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Recurrence; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Sclerotherapy; Severity of Illness Index; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Veins; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Young Adult
PubMed: 21536173
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2011.02.031 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jul 2021Leg ulcers are open skin wounds on the lower leg that can last weeks, months or even years. Most leg ulcers are the result of venous diseases. First-line treatment... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Leg ulcers are open skin wounds on the lower leg that can last weeks, months or even years. Most leg ulcers are the result of venous diseases. First-line treatment options often include the use of compression bandages or stockings.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of using compression bandages or stockings, compared with no compression, on the healing of venous leg ulcers in any setting and population.
SEARCH METHODS
In June 2020 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations), Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions by language, date of publication or study setting.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials that compared any types of compression bandages or stockings with no compression in participants with venous leg ulcers in any setting.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
At least two review authors independently assessed studies using predetermined inclusion criteria. We carried out data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We assessed the certainty of the evidence according to GRADE methodology.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 14 studies (1391 participants) in the review. Most studies were small (median study sample size: 51 participants). Participants were recruited from acute-care settings, outpatient settings and community settings, and a large proportion (65.9%; 917/1391) of participants had a confirmed history or clinical evidence of chronic venous disease, a confirmed cause of chronic venous insufficiency, or an ankle pressure/brachial pressure ratio of greater than 0.8 or 0.9. The average age of participants ranged from 58.0 to 76.5 years (median: 70.1 years). The average duration of their leg ulcers ranged from 9.0 weeks to 31.6 months (median: 22.0 months), and a large proportion of participants (64.8%; 901/1391) had ulcers with an area between 5 and 20 cm. Studies had a median follow-up of 12 weeks. Compression bandages or stockings applied included short-stretch bandage, four-layer compression bandage, and Unna's boot (a type of inelastic gauze bandage impregnated with zinc oxide), and comparator groups used included 'usual care', pharmacological treatment, a variety of dressings, and a variety of treatments where some participants received compression (but it was not the norm). Of the 14 included studies, 10 (71.4%) presented findings which we consider to be at high overall risk of bias. Primary outcomes There is moderate-certainty evidence (downgraded once for risk of bias) (1) that there is probably a shorter time to complete healing of venous leg ulcers in people wearing compression bandages or stockings compared with those not wearing compression (pooled hazard ratio for time-to-complete healing 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.52 to 3.10; I = 59%; 5 studies, 733 participants); and (2) that people treated using compression bandages or stockings are more likely to experience complete ulcer healing within 12 months compared with people with no compression (10 studies, 1215 participants): risk ratio for complete healing 1.77, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.21; I = 65% (8 studies with analysable data, 1120 participants); synthesis without meta-analysis suggests more completely-healed ulcers in compression bandages or stockings than in no compression (2 studies without analysable data, 95 participants). It is uncertain whether there is any difference in rates of adverse events between using compression bandages or stockings and no compression (very low-certainty evidence; 3 studies, 585 participants). Secondary outcomes Moderate-certainty evidence suggests that people using compression bandages or stockings probably have a lower mean pain score than those not using compression (four studies with 859 participants and another study with 69 ulcers): pooled mean difference -1.39, 95% CI -1.79 to -0.98; I = 65% (two studies with 426 participants and another study with 69 ulcers having analysable data); synthesis without meta-analysis suggests a reduction in leg ulcer pain in compression bandages or stockings, compared with no compression (two studies without analysable data, 433 participants). Compression bandages or stockings versus no compression may improve disease-specific quality of life, but not all aspects of general health status during the follow-up of 12 weeks to 12 months (four studies with 859 participants; low-certainty evidence). It is uncertain if the use of compression bandages or stockings is more cost-effective than not using them (three studies with 486 participants; very low-certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
If using compression bandages or stockings, people with venous leg ulcers probably experience complete wound healing more quickly, and more people have wounds completely healed. The use of compression bandages or stockings probably reduces pain and may improve disease-specific quality of life. There is uncertainty about adverse effects, and cost effectiveness. Future research should focus on comparing alternative bandages and stockings with the primary endpoint of time to complete wound healing alongside adverse events including pain score, and health-related quality of life, and should incorporate cost-effectiveness analysis where possible. Future studies should adhere to international standards of trial conduct and reporting.
Topics: Aged; Bandages, Hydrocolloid; Bias; Compression Bandages; Dermatologic Agents; Humans; Middle Aged; Pain Management; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stockings, Compression; Time Factors; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Healing; Zinc Oxide
PubMed: 34308565
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013397.pub2 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2021Leg ulcers are open skin wounds that occur below the knee but above the foot. The majority of leg ulcers are venous in origin, occurring as a result of venous... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Leg ulcers are open skin wounds that occur below the knee but above the foot. The majority of leg ulcers are venous in origin, occurring as a result of venous insufficiency, where the flow of blood through the veins is impaired; they commonly arise due to blood clots and varicose veins. Compression therapy, using bandages or stockings, is the primary treatment for venous leg ulcers. Wound cleansing can be used to remove surface contaminants, bacteria, dead tissue and excess wound fluid from the wound bed and surrounding skin, however, there is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of cleansing and the best method or solution to use.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of wound cleansing, wound cleansing solutions and wound cleansing techniques for treating venous leg ulcers.
SEARCH METHODS
In September 2019 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing wound cleansing with no wound cleansing, or RCTs comparing different wound cleansing solutions, or different wound cleansing techniques.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We screened studies for their appropriateness for inclusion, assessed their risk of bias using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool, and used GRADE methodology to determine the certainty of evidence. Two review authors undertook these tasks independently, using predetermined criteria. We contacted study authors for missing data where possible.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four studies with a total of 254 participants. All studies included comparisons between different types of cleansing solutions, and three of these reported our primary outcomes of complete wound healing or change in ulcer size over time, or both. Two studies reported the secondary outcome, pain. One study (27 participants), which compared polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) solution with saline solution for cleansing venous leg ulcers, did not report any of the review's primary or secondary outcomes. We did not identify any studies that compared cleansing with no cleansing, or that explored comparisons between different cleansing techniques. One study (61 participants) compared aqueous oxygen peroxide with sterile water. We are uncertain whether aqueous oxygen peroxide makes any difference to the number of wounds completely healed after 12 months of follow-up (risk ratio (RR) 1.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10 to 3.20). Similarly, we are uncertain whether aqueous oxygen peroxide makes any difference to change in ulcer size after eight weeks of follow-up (mean difference (MD) -1.38 cm, 95% CI -4.35 to 1.59 cm). Finally, we are uncertain whether aqueous oxygen peroxide makes any difference to pain reduction, assessed after eight weeks of follow-up using a 0 to 100 pain rating, (MD 3.80, 95% CI -10.83 to 18.43). The evidence for these outcomes is of very low certainty (we downgraded for study limitations and imprecision; for the pain outcome we also downgraded for indirectness). Another study (40 participants) compared propyl betaine and polihexanide with a saline solution. The authors did not present the raw data in the study report so we were unable to conduct independent statistical analysis of the data. We are uncertain whether propyl betaine and polihexanide make any difference to the number of wounds completely healed, change in ulcer size over time, or wound pain reduction. The evidence is of very low certainty (we downgraded for study limitations and imprecision). The final study (126 participants) compared octenidine dihydrochloride/phenoxyethanol (OHP) with Ringer's solution. We are uncertain whether OHP makes any difference to the number of wounds healed (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.72) or to the change in ulcer size over time (we were unable to conduct independent statistical analysis of available data). The evidence is of very low certainty (we downgraded for study limitations and imprecision). None of the studies reported patient preference, ease of use of the method of cleansing, cost or health-related quality of life. In one study comparing propyl betaine and polihexanide with saline solution the authors do not report any adverse events occurring. We are uncertain whether OHP makes any difference to the number of adverse events compared with Ringer's solution (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.14). The evidence is of very low certainty (we downgraded for study limitations and imprecision).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is currently a lack of RCT evidence to guide decision making about the effectiveness of wound cleansing compared with no cleansing and the optimal approaches to cleansing of venous leg ulcers. From the four studies identified, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate whether the use of PHMB solution compared with saline solution; aqueous oxygen peroxide compared with sterile water; propyl betaine and polihexanide compared with a saline solution; or OHP compared with Ringer's solution makes any difference in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Evidence from three of the studies is of very low certainty, due to study limitations and imprecision. One study did not present data for the primary or secondary outcomes. Further well-designed studies that address important clinical, quality of life and economic outcomes may be important, based on the clinical and patient priority of this uncertainty.
Topics: Aged; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Betaine; Bias; Biguanides; Confidence Intervals; Detergents; Disinfectants; Ethylene Glycols; Female; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Imines; Male; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Pyridines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Ringer's Solution; Saline Solution; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Healing
PubMed: 33734426
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011675.pub2 -
Journal of Endovascular Therapy : An... Feb 2016To investigate and compare the anatomical success rates and complications of the treatment modalities for small saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To investigate and compare the anatomical success rates and complications of the treatment modalities for small saphenous vein (SSV) incompetence.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library on the following therapies for incompetence of SSVs: surgery, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS), steam ablation, and mechanochemical endovenous ablation (MOCA). The search found 49 articles (5 randomized controlled trials, 44 cohort studies) reporting on the different treatment modalities: surgery (n=9), EVLA (n=28), RFA (n=9), UGFS (n=6), and MOCA (n=1). A random-effects model was used to estimate the primary outcome of anatomical success, which was defined as closure of the treated vein on follow-up duplex ultrasound imaging. The estimate is reported with the 95% confidence interval (CI). Secondary outcomes were technical success and major complications [paresthesia and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)], given as the weighted means.
RESULTS
The pooled anatomical success rate was 58.0% (95% CI 40.9% to 75.0%) for surgery in 798 SSVs, 98.5% (95% CI 97.7% to 99.2%) for EVLA in 2950 SSVs, 97.1% (95% CI 94.3% to 99.9%) for RFA in 386 SSVs, and 63.6% (95% CI 47.1% to 80.1%) for UGFS in 494 SSVs. One study reported results of MOCA, with an anatomical success rate of 94%. Neurologic complications were most frequently reported after surgery (mean 19.6%) and thermal ablation (EVLA: mean 4.8%; RFA: mean 9.7%). Deep venous thrombosis was a rare complication (0% to 1.2%).
CONCLUSION
Endovenous thermal ablation (EVLA/RFA) should be preferred to surgery and foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of SSV incompetence. Although data on nonthermal techniques in SSV are still sparse, the potential benefits, especially the reduced risk of nerve injury, might be of considerable clinical importance.
Topics: Catheter Ablation; Humans; Laser Therapy; Patient Selection; Postoperative Complications; Predictive Value of Tests; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Saphenous Vein; Sclerotherapy; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Doppler, Duplex; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Venous Insufficiency
PubMed: 26564912
DOI: 10.1177/1526602815616375 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery. Venous and... Oct 2016The association between pregnancy and the development of varicose veins is uncertain. We aimed to determine whether a history of pregnancy is associated with the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
The association between pregnancy and the development of varicose veins is uncertain. We aimed to determine whether a history of pregnancy is associated with the development of varicose veins.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search using the databases of PubMed, Embase, Robert Koch-Institut, and Cochrane Central and the references of included papers. Eligible studies were all epidemiologic observational studies in which the outcome "varicose veins" and pregnancy history were assessed. The quality of each study was evaluated on the basis of the Dutch Cochrane review checklist and by the STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) statement. For our meta-analysis, a random effects model was applied to pool odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals across studies.
RESULTS
We found nine eligible studies enrolling 17,109 women. Pregnancy was associated with a significant risk increase in developing varicose veins. The results of our meta-analysis suggest that the odds for women with a history of pregnancy in developing varicose veins significantly increases by 82% (odds ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.43-2.33) compared with women with no history of pregnancy. As expected for epidemiologic observational studies, the heterogeneity was considerably high (I(2) = 81%).
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis strongly supports the hypothesis that there is a significant and strong association between a history of pregnancy and varicose veins. However, qualitative and quantitative differences among studies were evident and were also reflected in a considerably high heterogeneity.
Topics: Female; Humans; Observational Studies as Topic; Odds Ratio; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Risk Factors; Varicose Veins
PubMed: 27639009
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvsv.2016.06.003 -
BMJ Clinical Evidence Jan 2011Varicose veins are caused by poorly functioning valves in the veins, and decreased elasticity of the vein wall, allowing pooling of blood within the veins, and their... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Varicose veins are caused by poorly functioning valves in the veins, and decreased elasticity of the vein wall, allowing pooling of blood within the veins, and their subsequent enlargement. Varicose veins affect up to 40% of adults, and are more common in obese people, and in women who have had more than two pregnancies.
METHODS AND OUTCOMES
We conducted a systematic review and aimed to answer the following clinical question: What are the effects of treatments in adults with varicose veins? We searched: Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library and other important databases up to January 2010 (Clinical Evidence reviews are updated periodically, please check our website for the most up-to-date version of this review). We included harms alerts from relevant organisations such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
RESULTS
We found 39 systematic reviews, RCTs, or observational studies that met our inclusion criteria. We performed a GRADE evaluation of the quality of evidence for interventions.
CONCLUSIONS
In this systematic review we present information relating to the effectiveness and safety of the following interventions: compression stockings, endovenous laser, injection sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, self-help (advice, avoidance of tight clothing, diet, elevation of legs, exercise), and surgery (stripping, avulsion, powered phlebectomy).
Topics: Humans; Sclerotherapy; Stockings, Compression; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Veins; Vascular Surgical Procedures
PubMed: 21477400
DOI: No ID Found -
Wound Repair and Regeneration :... Sep 2019Use of complementary and alternative medicine for wound healing is influencing mainstream medical practice. This systematic review evaluates the role of Calendula...
Use of complementary and alternative medicine for wound healing is influencing mainstream medical practice. This systematic review evaluates the role of Calendula officinalis flower extract as monotherapy compared to control for wound healing in vivo. Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, and Scopus (up to April 2018) with 14 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, comprising 7 animal experiments and 7 clinical trials. Findings from the review on acute wound healing showed faster resolution of the inflammation phase with increased production of granulation tissue in the test groups treated with extract. These findings were consistent in five animal studies and one randomized clinical trial. Chronic wound healing studies were varied. Two clinical control studies on venous ulcers demonstrated decreased ulcer surface area compared to controls. Another randomized clinical trial demonstrated no improvement for the calendula group in diabetic leg ulcer healing. Burn healing similarly showed mixed results. Two animal studies demonstrated a prophylactic effect for the administration of calendula extract prior to burn injury. A randomized clinical trial of patients suffering from partial to full thickness burns demonstrated no benefit for topical application of calendula extract compared to controls. Two randomized clinical trials assessed the potential for extract to prevent acute post radiation dermatitis, with one study showing improvements compared to trolamine, while the other found no improvement compared to aqua gel cream. Animal studies provide moderate evidence for improved recovery from the inflammation phase and increased production of granulation tissue in calendula extract treatment groups. This review identified some evidence for the beneficial effects of C. officinalis extract for wound healing, consistent with its role in traditional medicine. There is a need for larger, well-designed randomized control trials to assess the effect of calendula on wound healing including complications.
Topics: Administration, Topical; Animals; Calendula; Clinical Trials as Topic; Granulation Tissue; Humans; Models, Animal; Ointments; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Treatment Outcome; Varicose Ulcer; Wound Healing
PubMed: 31145533
DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12737