The experience of using photodynamic therapy in the complex treatment of venous ulcers

Introduction. A promising direction in the management of venous leg ulcers is photodynamic therapy (PDT), which is based on the use of photosensitizers that selectively accumulate in pathological tissues. Upon exposure tolight of a specific wavelength, reactive oxygen species are generated,leading to the destruction of damaged cells, stimulation of tissue regeneration, and exerting an antimicrobial effect.

Aim. To evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients with venous ulcers using PDT.

Materials and methods. An analysis was conducted on the treatment outcomes of 49 patients, including 33 men (67.3%). The patients were aged between 51 and 76 years. All 49 individuals had a history of post-thrombotic syndrome, and the duration of the ulcerative defect exceeded six months. In 23 patients, treatment was carried out using conventional therapeutic methods. In 26 cases,locallaser exposure was added to the treatment regimen, following the application of the photosensitizing agent Photoditazine to the wound surface.

Results. During treatment, the level of microbial contamination decreased in both groups. However, patients in the study group showed a more rapid decrease starting as early as the 4th day of hospitalization. By the 8th day, this indicator was significantlylower in patients in the study group. Similar trends were also recorded on the 12th day of the study. An earlier transition to the regenerative type of cytogram was observed in patients receiving PDT, along with the formation of new granulation tissue by day 12.

Conclusions. The obtained results confirm the clinical feasibility of using PDT in the treatment of patients with venous ulcers.

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