Jenni E. Salenius, Minna Suntila, Tiina Ahti, Heini Huhtala, Annikki Vaalasti, Teea T. Salmi, Teija Kimpimäki
DOI: 10.2340/00015555-3803

Chronic ulcers cause a significant burden to patients and society. This study evaluated long-term mortality among patients with chronic ulcers diagnosed at a dermatology clinic between 1980 and 2010. The mortality risk and causes of death of 3,489 patients with ulcers were compared with a matched reference group of 10,399 individuals, and factors associated with increased mortality risk were examined. Long-term mortality was increased in patients with chronic ulcers (hazard ratio (HR) 1.74) and in both males and females (HR 1.99 and 1.62, respectively). Diabetes was the most relevant underlying cause of death (HR 8.98), and of the immediate causes of death, sepsis was strongly associated with mortality (HR 5.86). The mortality risk was highest among those with arterial ulcers (HR 2.85), but also increased in patients with atypical, mixed and venous leg ulcers. In conclusion, patients with chronic ulcers are at an increased mortality risk irrespective of age, sex and ulcer aetiology.

Chronic ulcers cause a significant burden to patients and society. In this study, long-term mortality and causes of death among 3,489 patients with chronic ulcers were compared with 10,399 matched individuals. Long-term mortality was increased in patients with chronic ulcers, in both sexes and all age groups. Diabetes was the most relevant underlying cause of death. The mortality risk was highest among those with arterial ulcers, but also increased in patients with atypical, mixed and venous leg ulcers. In conclusion, patients with chronic ulcers have increased mortality risk irrespective of age, sex and ulcer aetiology.