How to Measure Changes in Oedema in Patients with Chronic Venous Ulcers?

Abstract

objective:

To assess changes in limb volume and oedema in Patients admitted to hospital for treatment of venous ulceration.

Design:

Prospective study in thirteen patients.

Setting:

Health Service teaching hospital.

Patients:

Thirteen patients with venous ulceration for 2 years.

Interventions:

Patients were admitted to hospital for bed-rest and lower limb elevation for a period of 24 hours

Main outcome measures:

Limb volume was measured by water displacement and impedance plethysmography.

Results:

During limb elevation there was a mean reduction limb volume of 524 mls (95% CI 377–671 mls) after 24 hours of bedrest. This corresponded with a reduction in impedance measured by the impedance plethysmograph of 19–0 ohms (95% CI 24.3 to 15.6 ohms).

Conclusion:

Measurement of the lower limb volume by water displacement and by impedance plethysmography are likely to be useful methods in the investigation of Patients with chronic venous insufficiency.