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  • Title: Rhythmic external compression of the limbs: a method for healing cutaneous ulcers in systemic sclerosis.
    Author: Filho JP, Sampaio-Barros PD, Parente JB, Menezes FH, Potério GB, Samara AM, Marques Neto JF.
    Journal: J Rheumatol; 1998 Aug; 25(8):1540-3. PubMed ID: 9712098.
    Abstract:
    OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of rhythmic external compression (REC) of the limbs on the healing of ischemic cutaneous ulcers in systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: A prospective study analyzing 17 patients with SSc with symptomatic ischemic cutaneous ulcers in the limbs of more than 4 weeks' duration, who submitted to 20 sessions of REC, each session of one hour duration, 3 times a week. Patients were assessed at study entry, at the end of REC sessions, and at 30, 60, and 90 days after treatment. We also conducted a retrospective analysis of the outcome of ischemic vascular ulcers in a group of 20 patients with SSc who did not undergo REC. RESULTS: Twenty-eight ischemic vascular ulcers were submitted to REC. There was complete healing of 20 ulcers (71%) at the end of REC sessions. The healing was statistically more frequent in the distal ulcers (fingers and toes) (p = 0.0289), independent of SSc variant. There was a statistically significant correlation between pain resolution until the 15th session of REC and future ulcer healing (p < 0.0001). At followup, there were relapses in 2 ulcers 30 days after treatment. In the 20 patients with SSc who did not undergo REC, at followup, after 90 days of conventional treatment, there was healing of 7 ulcers (35%). CONCLUSION: REC could represent a therapeutic option in the treatment of ischemic cutaneous ulcers in SSc.
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