Impact of body mass reduction on the treatment process of chronic venous leg ulcers

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic venous leg ulcers are a common disease with the prevalence in the general population of up to 2%. Obesity is identified as one of the risk factors for chronic venous leg ulcers. Objective: To describe the impact of body mass reduction on the efficacy of venous leg ulcer treatment. Case report: A women with chronic venous leg ulcers for 23 years was admitted to the Department of Dermatology. Because of grade 3 obesity (BMI = 40.5 kg/m2) the patient was transferred to the Department of Surgery for a bariatric procedure. Following body mass reduction (BMI = 29 kg/m2) venous leg ulcers, previously resistant to many therapies, began a rapid improvement process. Conclusions: In obese patients with concomitant venous leg ulcers, the achievement of the desired body mass index value may be a key agent in the effectiveness of venous leg ulcer therapy.