ORIGINAL ARTICLES   

Acta Phlebologica 2013 December;14(3):93-7

Copyright © 2014 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Transcutaneous oximetry and measurement of pain as predictors of wound healing response

Failla G. ¹, Palumbo F. P. ², Majani A. ¹, Di Salvo M. M. ¹

¹ Unit of Angiology Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital, Catania, Italy; ² Centro Vulnologico, Palermo, Italy

Aim: Transcutaneous oximetry is a non-invasive diagnostic technique, but its role in the assessment of ulcers has not yet been defined. This study aims to determine whether, following a proper treatment, it is possible to demonstrate an improvement in partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressure in the periwound area of the skin. Enhanced cutaneous oxygenation is known to be correlated with less pain.
Methods: 10 patients took part in the study. Transcutaneous oximetry of the dorsum of foot was performed at baseline and it was carried out in the periwound area at least twice, 1 week apart, after local and pharmacologic therapy according to good clinical practice. The measurement of pain was rated using a verbal numeric pain scale at baseline and after 1 week of treatment.
Results: Combined treatment (pharmacologic, compressive, and local) proved to be useful in the management of ulcers of various etiology (grade A scientific evidence).
Conclusion: The oximetric data were used for the interpretation of treatment response, and aided in monitoring, reassessing and adjusting the therapy. The reduction in pain scores indicated clinical improvement, which is also correlated with good clinical practice.