CHART 2.

Hierarchical structure of study covariates for multivariate analysis. First level, patient-related/ulcer-related variables; second level, treatment-related variables

First level: Patient-related / ulcer-related variables

Sex, age, active ulcer duration, ulcer location and area; episodes of critical colonization or infection; post-thrombotic etiology, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus.

Second level: Treatment-related variables

Compliance with rest, occlusive dressings, and compression therapy; duration of use of debriding dressings, topical antibiotics, and systemic antibiotic use.