This is not the most recent version of the article. View current version (14 APR 2010)
Intervention Review
Topical agents or dressings for pain in venous leg ulcers
Editorial Group: Cochrane Wounds Group
Published Online: 21 JAN 2009
Assessed as up-to-date: 6 NOV 2002
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001177
Copyright © 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Database Title
Additional Information
How to Cite
Briggs M, Nelson EA. Topical agents or dressings for pain in venous leg ulcers. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2003, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD001177. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001177.
Publication History
- Publication Status: Edited (no change to conclusions)
- Published Online: 21 JAN 2009
This is not the most recent version of the article.View current version (14 Apr 2010)
Abstract
Background
Venous leg ulcers affect up to 1 per cent of people at some time in their life. These ulcers are often painful and some clinicians choose dressings and topical treatments (analgesia/ local anaesthetic) to reduce the pain both during and between dressing changes.
Objectives
To assess the effectiveness of dressings, local anaesthetics or topical analgesia for pain relief in venous leg ulceration.
Search strategy
Cochrane Wounds Group Register and the Cochrane Collaboration Field in Complementary Medicine were searched in June 2002. Cochrane Pain Palliative and Supportive Care Group and Cochrane Wounds Group strategy were combined and used.
Selection criteria
All randomised controlled trials which evaluated local interventions used to relieve venous leg ulcer pain were considered. Pain was defined as either persistent pain or pain at dressing changes or debridement.
Data collection and analysis
Eligibility for inclusion was confirmed by two reviewers who independently assessed the potential trials. Details of eligible studies were summarised using a data extraction sheet which was checked by the second reviewer.
Main results
No trials evaluating interventions for persistent pain were identified for the initial review in 1999 nor the update in 2002. Three trials were included in the 1999 review comparing a eutectic mixture of local anaesthetic (EMLA) versus placebo for pain at debridement. In 2002 a further 3 trials were available (6 trials in total with 317 patients). The studies were considered sufficiently similar to pool and meta analysis found a statistically significant reduction in debridement pain scores with EMLA 5% cream. EMLA was associated with a reduction in pain scores (measured on a 100 mm scale) of 20.6 mm (95% Confidence Interval 29.11-12.19). One small trial measured healing as an outcome and found no difference in numbers of ulcers healed at the end of the study.
Authors' conclusions
EMLA provides effective pain relief for venous leg ulcer debridement however, the effect of the product on ulcer healing is unknown. Research is required to determine the impact of debridement and of EMLA on ulcer healing. There were no trials addressing the treatment of persistent pain (between and at dressing changes) and further research is warranted.
Plain language summary
Topical agents or dressings for reducing pain in venous leg ulcers
Venous leg ulcers are often painful, both during and between dressing changes, and during surgical removal of dead tissue (debridement). Dressings, local creams and lotions have been promoted to reduce the pain of ulcers. The review found no high quality trials that investigated whether a dressing or local preparation reduced the pain between dressing changes. There was evidence that a local anaesthetic cream (EMLA) reduced the pain of debriding leg ulcers but insufficient evidence of the impact of this cream on side effects and on healing.