Compression bandaging for venous leg ulcers is the only proven effective therapy. A small group of patients with mixed disease can benefit from reduced compression bandages but these patients must be able to feel pain in their leg and who be able to take the bandage off if they feel pain. It is essential that this group of patients is closely monitored for ischaemic legs. If a patient has an arterial leg ulcer there are two options. Either consider referral to a vascular surgeon for surgery or manage the ulcer with a moist wound healing is probably the most effective treatment for an arterial leg.
Research shows that moist wounds heal faster than dry wounds.
Efficacy, Economy PreMeC and the Guidelines Group are now sharing premises in what promises to be a very beneficial move for both organisations. Both organisations retain their independence via separate governance structures, but the sharing of space and utilities means better use of resources. The first Annual General Meeting of the New Zealand Guidelines Group Incorporated will be held in Wellington on 23 November 2000. The location and time of the meeting will be notified to all members within the next two weeks. The current holder of the New Zealand Cochrane Fellowship, Tai Kake, will be leaving in early November 2000.