Electrostimulation in Patients with Leg Ulcers

Abstract Evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on proinflammatory cytokines, angiogenic and growth factors in subjects with venous ulcers of the lower extremities. Material and Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-groups clinical trial was carried out in 32 adults (18-75 years of age) with venous ulcers of the lower extremities according to CEAP classification with duple Doppler ultrasound. After random allocation of intervention 16 patients received continuous and intermittent transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or placebo during 30 minutes three times per week for 60 days. Proinflammatory cytokines, angiogenic and growth factors were measured before and after intervention. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test were performed to statistical analyses.