Background: The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of pain severity and its predictors in a group of patients with chronic venous leg ulcers.
Methods: A 12-week longitudinal study included 754 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers. Subjective severity of pain was measured at weekly intervals with an 11-point visual analogue scale (VAS).
Results: A significant decrease in VAS scores has been observed throughout the entire analyzed period. Higher severity of pain during follow-up was independently predicted by the presence of pus and/or unpleasant smell from the ulceration during the first visit, as well as by the occurrence of posterior and/or circumferential ulcers. The presence of ulcer redness during the first visit was associated with lesser pain severity; also, a significant interaction effect between the ulceration redness and warmth was observed.
Conclusions: Implementation of complex holistic care may contribute to a substantial decrease in the occurrence and severity of pain in a patient with venous leg ulcers. Pain control seems to depend primarily on clinical parameters and topography of venous ulcers. The predictors of pain severity identified in this study might be considered during the planning of tailored care for patients with venous leg ulcers.
Keywords: VAS; healing; leg ulcers; pain; ulceration; venous insufficiency.