Varicose and Stasis Ulcer

Observation of Treatment with SORUSAL® and LEGIUS®

A Dual Step Treatment with Carbon Wound Dressings

The carbon dressings SORUSAL® and LEGIUS® are made from pine cellulose that is charcoaled in a special heating process, in which the cellular structures are not destroyed. The carbon content of SORUSAL® is 96%, LEGIUS® 99%. The dressings differ in their weaving structure. Compared to LEGIUS®, SORUSAL® has a higher porosity. 1 gram of SORUSAL® has a surface of 1200 - 1500 m² and accommodates a fluid absorption of 500%. For this reason, SORUSAL® is used for wounds which have a strong secretion. LEGIUS®, which aids granulation, can be used in all phases of wound healing. SORUSAL® and LEGIUS® reduce the build-up of odor from the wound, act bacteriostatic and, with proper usage, do not adhere to the wound.

154 statis and varicose ulcer patients in treatment in various dermatological clinics in Germany participated in the treatment observation.

The treatment with SORUSAL® and LEGIUS® was accomplished in two phases:

Phase 1 - Dry treatment with SORUSAL®

The first phase involved dry treatment with SORUSAL® for 2 - 4 days. The purpose of this dry treatment was the reduction of germs and bacteria, the build-up of a barrier against re-infection and the drainage and cleansing of the wound. The dressing was changed when fully soaked with wound secretions.

Phase 2 - Wet treatment with LEGIUS®

After the wound was fully cleansed (after 2 - 4 days), the second phase of treatment with the dressing LEGIUS® was begun. The wet treatment with LEGIUS® was carried out in combination with local antiseptics. The purpose of this second, wet phase of treatment was to aid granulation and epithelization of the wound. The frequency of the dressing changes was carried out as necessary; in the necrotic or infectious stage, every 1 - 3 days; in the regenerative stage every 5 - 7 days.

Patient Data

The treatment group consisted of 54 male and 100 female patients, with an average age of 68 years (min. 31 years, max. 94 years of age).

At the beginning of the observation, 26% of the participating patients had been in treatment for 1 - 5 years.

Ulcer Properties

To determine the size of the ulcer, the maximum length and the maximal diameter were documented. The effective area was then calculated using the form of an ellipse in combination with the proper mathematical formula. The average size of the wound at the begin of the observation was 21,3 cm² (median 8,9 cm²), at the close of observation 13,2 cm² (median 2,4 cm²).

Exudation A clearly visible decrease in exudation was determined as early as the control examination (Phase 1 - dry treatment with SORUSAL®). 87% of all patients had none or very little exudation at the end-examination after treatment with the LEGIUS® dressing (Phase 2 - wet treatment)
Granulation 84% of the patients had none or very little granulation at the begin of the treatment observation. After treatment with the LEGIUS® Dressing, 75% of the patients had a strong or moderate granulation.
Epithelization At the start of the treatment observation, 93% of the participating patients had no or very little epithelization. As early as the first phase of treatment (phase 1 - dry treatment with SORUSAL®), a strong or moderate ephithelization was documented in 17% of the patients. The end examination showed a strong epithelization in 33,8% of the patients, a moderate epithelization in 32,5% and little epithelisation in 18,8%.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Dressing by the Physician The effectiveness of the carbon dressings SORUSAL® and LEGIUS® was judged as "Very Good" by 39% and as "Good" by 45% of the physicians involved in the treatment observation.
The comparison of SORUSAL® and LEGIUS® to Other Dressings (by the physician) 46% of the physicians rated LEGIUS® and SORUSAL® as "Better", 24% as "Much Better" than other dressings used.
Assessment of the Agreeability through the Physician There were no side effects from use of the dressings noted. 58% of the physicians rated the dressings as "Very Good", 35% as "Good".

The treatment of varicose and stasis ulcers is usually very lengthy with unsatisfactory results. The use of carbon dressings consisting of pure carbon - carbo medicinalis - has proven itself, due to the properties of the dressings, as an effective treatment. The highly absorbant and cleansing properties of SORUSAL® combined with the granulation and ephitelization aiding properties of LEGIUS® made the positive results presented here possible (epithelization in 85% of the participating patients during the end-examination).

D-82319 Starnberg, Germany

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