EFECTOS SOBRE LA CALIDAD DE VIDA DE LOS PACIENTES CON ÚLCERAS DE MIEMBROS INFERIORES TRATADOS CON AUTOINJERTO DE PIEL EN UN CENTRO FLEBOLÓGICO PRIVADO

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate, through the application of the Hyland leg and foot ulcer questionnaire, the changes in the quality of life of patients with lower limb ulcers treated with skin autograft. Materials and methods: This is a prospective, observational and descriptive study, in patients with lower limb ulcers and skin autografting, whose quality of life was assessed using the Hyland Leg and Foot Ulcer Questionnaire (LFUQ). Results: We included 102 patients, 70 women and 32 men, whose average age was 65 years. A high percentage of patients presented alterations in quality of life indicators prior to skin grafting, which coincides with findings in other studies, in which ulcers produce pain, depression, as well as alterations in gait and personal relationships. In contrast, the quality of life improved after autografting, evidencing that the surgical treatment was effective. Conclusion: The results allow establishing the psychosocial impact of lower limb ulcers and highlight the importance of performing an integral evaluation of the patients' symptomatology. A multicenter study is suggested to corroborate the data obtained in the present study.