The aetiology and healing rates of chronic leg ulcers

Data from published studies of leg ulcer aetiology concentrate on venous and arterial disease as the main aetiological factors. The records of 490 patients attending leg ulcer clinics over a two-year period in 1992 and 1993 were reviewed. Although 58% of the ulcers studied resulted from venous disease, the remainder were caused by a wide range of factors. Our venous ulcer healing rate of 53% at six months was not as impressive as other published data, although this can be accounted for. By comparing the management and outcome for ulcers of various aetiologies, it was shown that they require different methods of treatment, often including referral to another specialty. Ulcers also exhibit differential healing rates depending on the underlying aetiology. Some ulcer aetiologies, particularly vasculitis, present particular problems and have very poor healing rates.