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Pulse oximetry: a new tool to assess patients with leg ulcers

J Bianchi1, W S Douglas, R S Dawe

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Lanarkshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, (Monklands Hospital), Airdrie, Lanarkshire, UK.

Journal of Wound Care
|April 6, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Pulse oximetry aids in selecting patients for compression therapy for leg ulcers. This method shows fair correlation with ankle branchial pressure index (ABPI) and helps identify suitable candidates for treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Medicine
  • Dermatology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Graduated elastic compression is standard for venous leg ulcers.
  • Significant arterial disease contraindicates compression therapy.
  • Ankle branchial pressure index (ABPI) via Doppler ultrasound has limitations in assessing arterial insufficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate pulse oximetry as a tool for assessing leg ulcer patients before treatment.
  • Evaluate pulse oximetry as an alternative or additional method to ABPI for arterial assessment.
  • Determine if pulse oximetry can aid in selecting patients for compression therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective controlled study on patients in hospital leg ulcer clinics.
  • Evaluation of pulse oximetry (toe-finger oximetry index - TFOI) and Doppler ABPI.
  • Selection for compression therapy based on pulse oximetry criteria.
  • Monitoring ulcer healing time and rate in selected patient groups.

Main Results:

  • A fair correlation was observed between the toe-finger oximetry index (TFOI) and Doppler ABPI.
  • No significant difference in ulcer healing rates was found between patients with reduced and normal ABPI when selected by pulse oximetry.
  • Pulse oximetry identified patients who would benefit from compression therapy but might be excluded by Doppler ABPI.

Conclusions:

  • Pulse oximetry serves as a valuable aid in selecting patients for compression therapy for leg ulcers.
  • It can help identify suitable candidates who might otherwise be excluded based on traditional ABPI assessment.
  • Further investigation into pulse oximetry's role in managing leg ulcers is warranted.

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