Main results Seven RCTs of skin grafts for venous leg ulcers were identified. In six trials, patients also received compression bandaging. The trials comparing artificial skin with a dressing reported a significantly higher proportion of ulcers healing with artificial skin. There was insufficient evidence from the remaining trials to determine whether other types of skin grafting increased the healing of venous ulcers. Reviewers' conclusions There is limited evidence that artificial skin used in conjunction with compression bandaging, increases the chance of healing a venous ulcer compared to compression alone.
Further research is needed to assess whether other forms of skin grafts increase ulcer healing.
Pentoxifylline for treating venous leg ulcers. We hand searched relevant journals and conference proceedings, and contacted the manufacturer of the drug and experts in the field. Selection criteria Randomised trials comparing pentoxifylline with placebo or other therapy with or without compression, in patients with venous leg ulcers. Main results Nine trials involving 572 adults were included. This means that for every seven people treated with pentoxifylline, an additional ulcer will heal.