Objective To investigate the treatment effect of Ulmus, which has been traditionally used for the treatment of the pressure ulcers in Korea. Method Thirteen cases with stage IV pressure ulcers (according to the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel, 1989) were enrolled for the study. Seven cases were treated with Ulmus and 6 cases were treated with wet gauze as a control group. The sizes and stages of pressure ulcers were evaluated every 2 week for 12 weeks.
Results After 12 weeks, the size of pressure ulcers decreased from 78.17⁑47.77 cm3 to 8.14⁑13.17 cm3 (mean⁑S.D., n=7) in Ulmus treated group, whereas from 62.10⁑40.89 cm3 to 36.69⁑36.23 cm3 (mean⁑S.D., n=6) in wet gauze treated group. The size of pressure ulcers decreased more significantly (p<0.05) in Ulmus treated group than wet gauze dressed group. Among seven cases treated by Ulmus, 2 cases completely healed, 3 cases improved to stage II, and 2 cases remained to stage IV, whereas among 6 cases treated by wet gauze, 1 cases improved to stage II, 1 case to stage III, and 4 cases remained to stage IV.
Conclusion Ulmus was more effective in management of pressure ulcers than wet gauze. We suggest that Ulmus can be used as a useful method of conservative treatment for the stage IV pressure ulcers. (J Korean Acad Rehab Med 2003; 27: 899-905)
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