The occurrence of leg ulcers in Auckland: results of a population-based study

To estimate the cumulative incidence rate and prevalence of leg ulcers in Auckland.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to identify all individuals who had or developed a leg ulcer in the North Auckland and Central Auckland health districts between 1997 and 1998. Cases were identified through multiple sources, including community-based and hospital-based health professionals and by self-notification. All ulcer types were investigated.

611 individuals with healed or current leg ulcers were identified during the study period, of whom 426 had current leg ulcers. The annual cumulative incidence rate was 32 per 100,000. The point prevalence of current leg ulcers was 39 per 100,000, with a period prevalence of 79 per 100,000 per year. Men had lower age-adjusted incidence rates than women, but a higher age-adjusted point prevalence of leg ulceration, indicating that ulcers take longer to heal in men. Annual cumulative incidence rates increased steeply with age (< 60 years = 4, 60-69 years = 62, 70-79 years = 191, 80+ years = 466 per 100,000 per year), as did point prevalence (< 60 years = 5, 60-69 years = 76, 70-79 years = 238, 80+ years = 564 per 100,000).

These data indicate that the risk of developing leg ulcers increases dramatically with age, with individuals aged 60 years and over particularly at risk. Given New Zealand's rapidly ageing population, the number of older people with leg ulcers each year is expected to double in the next 25 years.