Decreased mobility, lack of social support, haemosiderosis and use of antidepressant medications may predict recurrent venous leg ulcers within 12 months of healing: A prospective longitudinal study.

Aim: To identify clinical, medical and psychosocial predictors of venous leg ulcer recurrence within 12 months of healing.

Methods: A multi-site study was conducted in Australia in community and hospital outpatient settings. Adults with venous leg ulcers were recruited within 4 weeks of healing and data were collected on preventative treatments and health, medical, clinical and psychosocial factors. Follow-up data on recurrences were collected every 3 months until ulcer recurrence, or until 12 months after healing pending which occurred first. Factors associated with time to recurrence were analysed using a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Design: Secondary data analysis of a multi-site, prospective longitudinal study to validate a risk assessment tool for recurrence.

Results: A sample of 143 participants was recruited (51% male, = 73 years, 13.6). Almost half (49.6%) had an ulcer recurrence within 12 months, with a mean time to ulcer recurrence of 37 weeks ( 1.63, 95% 33.7-40.1). Factors measured at the time of healing that were significant independent predictors of recurrence were: prescribed antidepressant medications ( = .035), presence of haemosiderosis ( = .006), decreased mobility (longer sitting times) ( = .007) and lower social support scale scores ( = .002). Participants who wore compression systems providing 20 mmHg or higher for at least 5 days/week were less likely to recur, although not reaching statistical significance ( = .06).

Conclusion: Results provide evidence that antidepressant medications, haemosiderosis, decreased mobility and lack of social support are risk factors associated with ulcer recurrence; therefore, these variables are modifiable and could guide early intervention.