Methods
The algorithm is based on information obtained from multiple sources including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology (CEAP) classification system, and large VLU cohort studies. In reviewing literature for this algorithm, the Cochrane Database and PubMed were searched. Specific key words included in the search were "VLU algorithm," "history of venous ulcers," "treatment of venous ulcers," "factors affecting VLUs," "CEAP classification," and "VLU dressings." Literature from 1990 to present were included. Cochrane Database revealed 27 publications and the most relevant articles were reviewed. The opinions of clinicians knowledgable in the treatment of VLUs and the most common treatment modalities were used to determine relevance of the modalities chosen. Minimal and low randomized control trials were excluded from the review.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews is an independent and collaborative source of information about the effects of health care interventions, prepared by > 28,000 independent contributors working in > 100 countries.