ABSTRACT
Venous ulcers are a more severe complication of chronic venous insufficiency, significantly compromising patient quality of life (QoL). Compressive stockings are still the gold standard treatment method with alternative therapies currently being evaluated. In this perspective, we investigate the influence of compressive stockings impregnated with hesperetin-based nanocapsules in the healing process of venous ulcers. Compressive stockings impregnated with hesperetin-based nanocapsules were applied to a consenting patient for 6 months following all relevant ethical principles for patient studies. The patient was evaluated at baseline (T0), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T6), using photographic register (healing) probes to measure skin melanin, erythema and hydration parameters, and venous diameters, followed by questionnaires regarding QoL and pain perception. Healing was observed at the 3-month time point and with 91.6% and 93.1% of retraction area in larger ulcers of the right leg and lateral portion of the left leg, respectively. The deepest ulcer in a medial portion of the left leg healed 47.3%. A reduction of all measured skin parameters was observed, indicating a possible hesperetin effect. The scores of QoL and pain were, respectively, in the ranges of 91.6 to 31.2 and 7 to 0. Reduction in venous diameters also indicates healing function. These preliminary findings suggest that compressive stockings impregnated with hesperetin nanocapsules enhance venous ulcer healing. Further clinical trial controlled by placebo, involving a greater number of patients, is required to confirm the findings of this case report.
