The clinical feasibility of natural medicine, venotonic therapy and horsechestnut seed extract in the treatment of venous leg ulceration : a descriptive survey
Date
2004
Authors
Leach, M.J.
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Complementary therapies in nursing & midwifery, 2004; 10(2):97-109
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<h4>Background</h4>The primary treatment of choice for venous leg ulceration (VLU) is compression therapy; however, serious clinical issues demand the development of new treatments. An extract believed to promote VLU healing is Horsechestnut Seed Extract (HCSE).<h4>Methods</h4>The clinical feasibility of HCSE in VLU was explored in a two-stage design. The second stage presented here, was a descriptive survey exploring current opinion and utilisation of natural therapies, venotonics and HCSE in VLU. A questionnaire mailed to 122 district nurses, 73 medical practitioners (MPs) and 53 clients with VLU resulted in a response rate of 32, 31.5 and 81 per cent, respectively.<h4>Results</h4>Natural therapy and HCSE use for VLU was minimal in all groups. Half of all groups supported venotonics, with a similar proportion of nurses and clients utilising venotonics in practice. MPs were however less likely to utilise venotonics for VLU.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Whilst clinicians indicate that clinical evidence may influence the utilisation of HCSE in clinical practice, the evidence currently does not exist. Positive findings from well-designed trials may ameliorate the integration of natural medicine into mainstream practice.
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