The Sigvaris ULCER X kit is highly effective in the treatment of venous leg ulcers.
This One-Pager reviews the effects of the Sigvaris ULCER X kit in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. It is published in English, German, French, Italian and Polish.
Study aim & design
The aim of this study (1) was to assess the efficacy of a specifically designed compression stocking kit (Sigvaris ULCER X kit, “ULCER X”) in the treatment of venous leg ulcers in comparison to standard treatment with short stretch bandages.
The ULCER X consists of an understocking* worn during all times and an overstocking** worn only during the day. The short stretch bandages were worn day and night.
Participants
26 patients with ULCER X and 30 patients with short stretch bandages completed the study.
Product information
*Understocking: 15–20 mmHg
**Overstocking: 23–32 mmHg
Worn together, under- and overstocking exert a pressure of ~ 45 mmHg.
Patient randomization
Group 1: ULCER X
Group 1 wore the ULCER X kit for 4 months or until the ulcer healed.
- Eligible: n = 30
- Dropout: n = 4 (3 patients with donning difficulties, 1 patient refused to continue)
- Final evaluation: n = 26
Group 2: BANDAGES
Group 2 wore bandages for 4 months or until the ulcer healed.
- Eligible: n = 30
- Dropout: n = 0
- Final evaluation: n = 30
Both groups did regular clinic visits (tracking of ulcer healing, wound dressing & patient survey).
Results
Primary outcomes = ulcer healing and subjective appraisal by patients
Complete skin closure was better within the ULCER X group (96.2%) compared to the BANDAGES group (70%).
Healing time of ulcers <4 cm was twice as fast with ULCER X compared to bandages. In ulcers >4cm there was no difference in healing time between ULCER X and bandages.
ULCER X increased the quality of life for patients. It reduced pain and discomfort and it increased participation in activities.
Conclusion
Wearing the ULCER X kit is more effective in healing venous leg ulcers than conventional bandaging with faster healing of small ulcers <4 cm. This study demonstrates that the Sigvaris ULCER X kit can be effectively used for the treatment of venous leg ulcers.
In addition, the results show that participation in normal activities increases, while pain and discomfort are reduced in patients treated with the ULCER X kit.
Author's suggestion
Treatment of common venous leg ulcers with the SIGVARIS ULCER X kit is more effective than conventional bandaging and better perceived by patients.