Margolis et al developed a simple score for evaluating a patient with a chronic venous ulcer who is likely to show healing with compression bandages. This can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from the University of Pennsylvania.
Patient selection: older adult with chronic venous leg ulcer
Outcome: healing at 24 weeks (6 months)
Parameters:
(1) area of ulcer at baseline in square cm
(2) duration in months at baseline
Parameter
Finding
Points
ulcer area
<= 5 square cm
0
> 5 square cm
1
duration
<= 6 months
0
> 6 months
where:
• An area of 5 square cm corresponds to a circular ulcer 1 inch in diameter.
total scor =
= SUM(points for both parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 2
• The higher the score the lower the chances of the venous ulcer healing.
Score
Healing at 24 Weeks
0
93-95% (very good)
1
65-73% (fair)
2
13-37% (poor)
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