University of Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Germany

Efficacy of topic carbondixide in venous ulcer haling with low frquency ultrasound: results of a controlled trial Hartmann b., Drews b., hartmann-Unger M.

Efficacy of  topic carbondixide in venous ulcer haling with low frquency ultrasound: results of a controlled trial

Hartmann b., Drews b., hartmann-Unger M.

University of Freiburg, Bad Krozingen, Germany

Objective

30 Chronic venous leg ulcers randomly assigned to low frequency ultrasound application (30kHz, 0.1 W/cm2) either in tap water or in CO2 water (1400+- 60mg/l) of 32C for 20 min, 5 days/wk, for 8 wk, in addition to a strongly standardized therapy with long-term compression and topical wound moist dressings. The application was blinded for patients and investigators.

Area measurements were performed without knowledge of intervention. Ulcer dimensions were compared between groups.

Results

The treatment without negative side effects could be performed as intended. The tap water group showed a decreased of 49% (from 16.1 to 8.0 cm2, mean) in he ulcerate area and healing of two ulcers compared with the carbon dioxide group of 79% (from 16.8 to 3.1) with healing of five ulcers (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

CO” water has proven to be effective to accelerate healing of chronic ulcers without negative side effects in non-healing venous skin ulcers in addition to a comprehensive physical therapy regimen. For patients chronically disable by venous skin ulcers this is a safe and feasible therapy.