Detection of microbial pathogens colonizing foot ulcers of diabetic patients in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) which is associated with high morbidity and mortality. There is high rate of bacteria colonization especially in those with tendencies for poor wound dressing. This is accompanied by high rate of inappropriate antibiotic usage. The aim of this study is to characterize microbial pathogens colonizing foot ulcers of diabetic patients in Enugu, Nigeria, and to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of these isolates. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of consecutively enrolled diabetic patients with foot ulcers in two tertiary healthcare facilities in Enugu, Nigeria, between May 2021 and February 2022. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic and clinical data of the patients. Pus samples and/or tissues were collected from the ulcer lesion of each patient for aerobic and anaerobic microbial cultures and biochemical identification using standard conventional techniques. Results: A total of 310 diabetic patients with foot ulcers were recruited into the study, with 62.3% (193/310) males and 37.7% (117/310) females, and mean age of 56.0±13.9 years. Bacteria and yeast were isolated from samples of 280 (90.3%) patients while samples of 30 (9.7%) patients had no microbial growth. Males had higher frequency of microbial isolates (90.7%, 175/193) than females (89.7%, 105/117), while the age group ≤ 40 years had higher frequency of microbial isolates (100%, 43/43) compared to other age groups, although the differences are not statistically significant (p>0.05). The distribution of the isolates showed that 15.7% (44/280) were monomicrobial while 84.3% (236/280) were polymicrobial. The highest single isolate was Bacteroides fragilis with 5.0% (14/280), followed by Staphylococcus aureus with 3.2% (9/280). Bacteroides fragilis and S. aureus occurred as the highest combined bacteria isolates with 5.7% (16/280). Most of the patients were colonized by combination of bacterial isolates. The susceptibility indicates that most of the anaerobic bacteria were sensitive to metronidazole while S. aureus isolates were resistant to ofloxacin at a rate of 65.0%. Conclusion: The findings in this study showed that there is high bacteria and fungi colonization of foot ulcers of diabetic patients in Enugu, Nigeria. Routine care of wounds especially frequent changes of dressing materials and the use of potent antiseptics, are recommended.

Serological and molecular detection of hepatitis C virus among students in a tertiary educational institution in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem and continues to be a major disease burden in the world, associated with serious health challenges including liver cirrhosis, cancer, lymphomas and death. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among students of the University of Calabar. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study, 200 students were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies using a rapid immunochromatographic (ICT) assay (CTK Biotech, Inc. USA). Seropositive samples were confirmed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for detection of HCV RNA. Structured questionnaires were used to collect subjects' socio-demographic data and risk factors of infection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of the 200 students screened, the seroprevalence of HCV was 15.0% (n=30) and 9.5% (n=19) was positive for HCV RNA by RT-PCR assay. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was significantly higher in females (18.8%, 12/64) than males (13.2%, 18/136) (x2=3.84, p=0.036). Alcohol consumption (OR=4.67, 95% CI=2.04-10.67, p=0.002), skin piercing (OR=32.99, 95% CI=5.95-72.37, p<0.0001), multiple sexual partners (OR=4.03, 95% CI=1.7-9.6, p=0.0018), and history of blood transfusion (OR=8.00, 95% CI=2.97-21.58, p<0.001) were risk factors significantly associated with HCV infection in the study participants. Conclusion: The findings of 15.0% and 9.5% prevalence of HCV infection by anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA, respectively in this study, showed that there is relatively high prevalence of HCV infection among the students' population in University of Calabar, Nigeria. Hence, routine medical screening of students for HCV infection using rapid ICT and RT-PCR techniques is hereby recommended.

Contexte: L'infection par le virus de l'hépatite C (VHC) est un problème de santé mondial et continue de représenter un fardeau de morbidité majeur dans le monde, associé à de graves problèmes de santé, notamment la cirrhose du foie, le cancer, les lymphomes et la mort. Cette étude a été réalisée pour déterminer la prévalence de l'infection par le VHC parmi les étudiants de l'Université de Calabar. Méthodologie: Dans une étude transversale, 200 étudiants ont été testés pour la présence d'anticorps anti-VHC à l'aide d'un test immunochromatographique rapide (ICT) (CTK Biotech, Inc., USA). Les échantillons séropositifs ont été confirmés à l'aide d'un test de réaction en chaîne par transcriptase inverse-polymérase (RT-PCR) pour la détection de l'ARN du VHC. Des questionnaires structurés ont été utilisés pour collecter les données sociodémographiques des sujets et les facteurs de risque d'infection. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 16.0, avec le niveau de signification fixé à p <0,05 Résultats: Parmi les 200 étudiants dépistés, la séroprévalence du VHC était de 15,0% (n=30) et 9,5% (n=19) étaient positifs à l'ARN du VHC par test RT-PCR. La prévalence des anticorps anti-VHC était significativement plus élevée chez les femmes (18,8%, 12/64) que chez les hommes (13,2%, 18/136) (x 2=3,84, p=0,036). Consommation d'alcool (OR=4,67, IC 95%=2,04-10,67, p=0,002), perçage cutané (OR=32,99, IC 95%=5,95- 72,37, p <0,001) Conclusion: Les résultats de 15,0 % et 9,5 % de prévalence de l'infection par le VHC par les anticorps anti-VHC et l'ARN du VHC, respectivement dans cette étude, ont montré qu'il existe une prévalence relativement élevée de l'infection par le VHC parmi la population étudiante de l'Université de Calabar, au Nigéria. Par conséquent, un dépistage médical de routine des étudiants pour l'infection par le VHC à l'aide de techniques rapides de TIC et de RT-PCR est recommandé.

Efectividad de diferentes métodos de planimetría aritmética para la mensuración de úlceras del pie diabético / Effectiveness of different arithmetic planimetry methods for the measurement of diabetic foot ulcers

Introducción: Uno de los aspectos más importantes de la evaluación de una úlcera del pie diabético lo constituye la medición de su tamaño, que permite predecir, a su vez, el tiempo de cicatrización. No hay consenso claro sobre cuál resulta el mejor método para esto, que sea rápido, práctico, barato y sencillo para la práctica habitual. Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad de diferentes métodos de planimetría aritmética para la mensuración de úlceras del pie diabético. Métodos: Estudio correlacional, longitudinal y prospectivo. Se trabajó con una muestra de 51 diabéticos con 53 úlceras a nivel de los pies, que fueron evaluados por los cuatro sistemas de medición propuestos en la misma fecha y lugar. Resultados: El análisis de las diferencias estableció que la menor dispersión se hallaba en el método de Kundin. Asimismo, las diferencias absolutas fueron menores en el referido procedimiento, mientras que las porcentuales establecieron que el 43,4 por ciento de las mediciones realizadas a través de Kundin concordaban con las del sistema ImageJ, por lo que estas resultaron estadísticamente significativas. Conclusiones: La determinación de la superficie de la herida por el método de Kundin es el más efectivo entre todos los de planimetría sin contacto físico(AU)

Introduction: One of the most important aspects of the evaluation of a diabetic foot ulcer is the measurement of its size, which in turn predicts healing time. There is no clear consensus on what is the best method for this; one which can be fast, practical, cheap and simple for regular practice. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of different methods of arithmetic planimetry for the measurement of diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: Correlational, longitudinal and prospective study. It was used a sample of 51 diabetic patients with 53 ulcers at foot level, who were evaluated by the four measurement systems proposed on the same date and place. Results: The analysis of the differences established that the lowest dispersion was found in the Kundin method. Likewise, the absolute differences were smaller in the aforementioned procedure, while the percentages established that 43.4 percent of the measurements made through Kundin agreed with those of the ImageJ system, so these were statistically significant. Conclusions: The determination of the wound surface by the Kundin method is the most effective without physical contact among all planimetry ones(AU)

Hancornia speciosa serum latex fraction: a non-allergenic biomaterial / Fração soro do látex de Hancornia speciosa: um biomaterial não alergênico

Plant-derived products can assist in the healing process of dermal wounds. It has been demonstrated that Hancornia speciosa latex present angiogenic, osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Then, it could contribute to the wound healing process. However, natural products in contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The objective of this work was to evaluate the allergic and irritant potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex using in vitro assays. The obtained results showed that the H. speciosa serum fraction latex has a slightly irritant potential and is not cytotoxic neither allergenic for human cells. Moreover, we identified a remarkable low amount of proteins in this material in comparison to Hevea brasiliensis latex. This result could explain the non-allergenic potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex because proteins present in latex are the main responsible for allergy. This biomaterial could be used as a non-allergenic source for development of new medicines.

Produtos derivados de plantas podem auxiliar no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Foi demonstrado que o látex de Hancornia speciosa apresenta atividades angiogênicas, osteogênicas, antiinflamatórias e antioxidantes. Então, este biomaterial pode contribuir para o processo de cicatrização de feridas. No entanto, produtos naturais em contato com a pele podem causar dermatites. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial alérgico e irritante do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa por meio de ensaios in vitro. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o látex da fração do soro de H. speciosa possui um potencial pouco irritante e não é citotóxico nem alergênico para células humanas. Além disso, foi identificado uma notável baixa quantidade de proteínas neste material em comparação ao látex de Hevea brasiliensis. Esse resultado poderia explicar o potencial não alergênico do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa, pois as proteínas presentes no látex são as principais responsáveis pela alergia. Este biomaterial pode ser utilizado como fonte não alergênica para desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos.

Hancornia speciosa serum latex fraction: a non-allergenic biomaterial

Abstract Plant-derived products can assist in the healing process of dermal wounds. It has been demonstrated that Hancornia speciosa latex present angiogenic, osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Then, it could contribute to the wound healing process. However, natural products in contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The objective of this work was to evaluate the allergic and irritant potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex using in vitro assays. The obtained results showed that the H. speciosa serum fraction latex has a slightly irritant potential and is not cytotoxic neither allergenic for human cells. Moreover, we identified a remarkable low amount of proteins in this material in comparison to Hevea brasiliensis latex. This result could explain the non-allergenic potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex because proteins present in latex are the main responsible for allergy. This biomaterial could be used as a non-allergenic source for development of new medicines.

Resumo Produtos derivados de plantas podem auxiliar no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Foi demonstrado que o látex de Hancornia speciosa apresenta atividades angiogênicas, osteogênicas, antiinflamatórias e antioxidantes. Então, este biomaterial pode contribuir para o processo de cicatrização de feridas. No entanto, produtos naturais em contato com a pele podem causar dermatites. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial alérgico e irritante do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa por meio de ensaios in vitro. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o látex da fração do soro de H. speciosa possui um potencial pouco irritante e não é citotóxico nem alergênico para células humanas. Além disso, foi identificado uma notável baixa quantidade de proteínas neste material em comparação ao látex de Hevea brasiliensis. Esse resultado poderia explicar o potencial não alergênico do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa, pois as proteínas presentes no látex são as principais responsáveis pela alergia. Este biomaterial pode ser utilizado como fonte não alergênica para desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos.

Hancornia speciosa serum latex fraction: a non-allergenic biomaterial / Fração soro do látex de Hancornia speciosa: um biomaterial não alergênico

Abstract Plant-derived products can assist in the healing process of dermal wounds. It has been demonstrated that Hancornia speciosa latex present angiogenic, osteogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. Then, it could contribute to the wound healing process. However, natural products in contact with skin may cause dermatitis. The objective of this work was to evaluate the allergic and irritant potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex using in vitro assays. The obtained results showed that the H. speciosa serum fraction latex has a slightly irritant potential and is not cytotoxic neither allergenic for human cells. Moreover, we identified a remarkable low amount of proteins in this material in comparison to Hevea brasiliensis latex. This result could explain the non-allergenic potential of H. speciosa serum fraction latex because proteins present in latex are the main responsible for allergy. This biomaterial could be used as a non-allergenic source for development of new medicines.

Resumo Produtos derivados de plantas podem auxiliar no processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Foi demonstrado que o látex de Hancornia speciosa apresenta atividades angiogênicas, osteogênicas, antiinflamatórias e antioxidantes. Então, este biomaterial pode contribuir para o processo de cicatrização de feridas. No entanto, produtos naturais em contato com a pele podem causar dermatites. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o potencial alérgico e irritante do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa por meio de ensaios in vitro. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que o látex da fração do soro de H. speciosa possui um potencial pouco irritante e não é citotóxico nem alergênico para células humanas. Além disso, foi identificado uma notável baixa quantidade de proteínas neste material em comparação ao látex de Hevea brasiliensis. Esse resultado poderia explicar o potencial não alergênico do látex da fração soro de H. speciosa, pois as proteínas presentes no látex são as principais responsáveis ​​pela alergia. Este biomaterial pode ser utilizado como fonte não alergênica para desenvolvimento de novos medicamentos.

Os desafios na conduta terapêutica em pacientes acometidos com feridas crônicas / Challenges in the therapeutic conduct in patients affected with chronic wounds / Retos en la conducta terapéutica en pacientes afectados de heridas crónicas

Considerado um grave problema em saúde pública, as feridas crônicas são patologias que desafiam o manejo terapêutico e infelizmente acometem milhares de pessoas em todo o mundo. Essa doença apresenta altos índices de morbidade impactando negativamente na qualidade de vida dos seus portadores, além de influenciar negativamente no domínio "bem-estar", principalmente quando associado aos fatores clínicos podendo estar relacionado há anos de tratamento sem cura da ferida. As feridas crônicas são caracterizadas por demora ou dificuldade nos processos de cicatrização e reparação ordenada da integridade anatômica e funcional da pele durante um período de no mínimo três meses. Porém, algumas lesões permanecem por anos e até décadas sem cicatrizar. Objetivo: O escopo dessa revisão é mostrar o limitado arsenal terapêutico bem como a dificuldade no manejo clínico e dessa forma proporcionar uma reflexão sobre sua fisiopatologia e a urgente necessidade de novas opções e condutas terapêuticas que possam auxiliar no tratamento desses pacientes. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura sobre feridas crônicas, cujo critérios de inclusão foram artigos publicados no período de janeiro de 2005 a fevereiro de 2023. Conclusão: A problemática acerca dessa patologia é vasta, tratando de uma doença de difícil cura, com uma gama de fatores associados que dificultam a cura da lesão, estendendo essa doença a altos índices de morbidade. Novas condutas terapêuticas e novos fármacos, precisam ser desenvolvidos urgentemente. Destaca-se que o uso de probióticos e o emprego da nanotecnologia tem mostrado um grande potencial inovador no tratamento de pacientes portadores de feridas crônicas.

Considered a serious public health problem, chronic wounds are pathologies that defy therapeutic management and unfortunately affect thousands of people around the world. This disease has high morbidity rates, negatively impacting the quality of life of its patients, in addition to negatively influencing the "well-being" domain, especially when associated with clinical factors, which may be related to years of treatment without healing of the wound. Chronic wounds are characterized by delay or difficulty in healing processes and orderly repair of the anatomical and functional integrity of the skin over a period of at least three months. However, some injuries remain for years and even decades without healing. Objective: The scope of this review is to show the limited therapeutic arsenal as well as the difficulty in clinical management and thus provide a reflection on its pathophysiology and the urgent need for new options and therapeutic approaches that can help in the treatment of these patients. Methodology: This is an integrative review of the literature on chronic wounds, whose inclusion criteria were articles published from January 2005 to February 2023. Conclusion: The problem surrounding this pathology is vast, dealing with a difficult-to-cure disease, with a range of associated factors that make healing of the lesion difficult, extending this disease to high morbidity rates. New therapeutic approaches and new drugs need to be developed urgently. It is noteworthy that the use of probiotics and the use of nanotechnology have shown great innovative potential in the treatment of patients with chronic wounds.

Consideradas un grave problema de salud pública, las heridas crónicas son patologías que desafían el manejo terapéutico y que, lamentablemente, afectan a miles de personas en todo el mundo. Esta enfermedad presenta altas tasas de morbilidad, impactando negativamente en la calidad de vida de sus pacientes, además de influir negativamente en el dominio "bienestar", especialmente cuando se asocia a factores clínicos, que pueden estar relacionados con años de tratamiento sin curación de la herida. Las heridas crónicas se caracterizan por un retraso o dificultad en los procesos de cicatrización y reparación ordenada de la integridad anatómica y funcional de la piel durante un periodo de al menos tres meses. Sin embargo, algunas heridas permanecen durante años e incluso décadas sin cicatrizar. Objetivo: El alcance de esta revisión es mostrar el limitado arsenal terapéutico así como la dificultad en el manejo clínico y así aportar una reflexión sobre su fisiopatología y la urgente necesidad de nuevas opciones y enfoques terapéuticos que puedan ayudar en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Metodología: Se trata de una revisión integradora de la literatura sobre heridas crónicas, cuyos criterios de inclusión fueron artículos publicados desde enero de 2005 hasta febrero de 2023. Conclusiones: La problemática que rodea a esta patología es amplia, tratándose de una enfermedad de difícil curación, con una serie de factores asociados que dificultan la cicatrización de la lesión, extendiendo esta enfermedad a altas tasas de morbilidad. Es urgente desarrollar nuevos enfoques terapéuticos y nuevos fármacos. Cabe destacar que el uso de probióticos y el empleo de nanotecnología han mostrado un gran potencial innovador en el tratamiento de pacientes con heridas crónicas.

Maintenance of chronicity signatures in fibroblasts isolated from recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa chronic wound dressings under culture conditions

BACKGROUND: Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (RDEB) is a rare inherited skin disease caused by variants in the COL7A1 gene, coding for type VII collagen (C7), an important component of anchoring fibrils in the basement membrane of the epidermis. RDEB patients suffer from skin fragility starting with blister formation and evolving into chronic wounds, inflammation and skin fibrosis, with a high risk of developing aggressive skin carcinomas. Restricted therapeutic options are limited by the lack of in vitro models of defective wound healing in RDEB patients. RESULTS: In order to explore a more efficient, non-invasive in vitro model for RDEB studies, we obtained patient fibroblasts derived from discarded dressings) and examined their phenotypic features compared with fibroblasts derived from non-injured skin of RDEB and healthy-donor skin biopsies. Our results demonstrate that fibroblasts derived from RDEB chronic wounds (RDEB-CW) displayed characteristics of senescent cells, increased myofibroblast differentiation, and augmented levels of TGF-ß1 signaling components compared to fibroblasts derived from RDEB acute wounds and unaffected RDEB skin as well as skin from healthy-donors. Furthermore, RDEB-CW fibroblasts exhibited an increased pattern of inflammatory cytokine secretion (IL-1ß and IL-6) when compared with RDEB and control fibroblasts. Interestingly, these aberrant patterns were found specifically in RDEB-CW fibroblasts independent of the culturing method, since fibroblasts obtained from dressing of acute wounds displayed a phenotype more similar to fibroblasts obtained from RDEB normal skin biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that in vitro cultured RDEB-CW fibroblasts maintain distinctive cellular and molecular characteristics resembling the inflammatory and fibrotic microenvironment observed in RDEB patients' chronic wounds. This work describes a novel, non-invasive and painless strategy to obtain human fibroblasts chronically subjected to an inflammatory and fibrotic environment, supporting their use as an accessible model for in vitro studies of RDEB wound healing pathogenesis. As such, this approach is well suited to testing new therapeutic strategies under controlled laboratory conditions.

Prevalencia de lesiones por presión en pacientes del hospital Dr. José María Vargas 2021-2022. Estudio retrospectivo / Prevalence of pressure injuries in patients at Hospital Dr. Jose Maria Vargas 2021-2022. Retrospective study

Las lesiones por presión representan un problema de salud pública y de seguridad del paciente, debido a las elevadas tasas de prevalencia que condicionan y repercusiones en el ámbito sanitario y económico, tanto a nivel institucional como familiar y personal.Objetivo : analizar la prevalencia de las lesiones por presión en pacientes del Hospital Dr. José María Vargas, 2021-2022.Métodos : estudio retrospectivo, con enfoque cuantitativo, no experimental, descriptivo y de corte transversal, en el cual se efectuó revisión de historias clínicas. Con una población de 1838 pacientes que acudieron al Hospital José María Vargas de Cagua en el periodo de estudio, de los cuales se identificaron 25 casos con diagnóstico de lesión por presión; la muestra fue censal. Como instrumento de recolección de datos se empleó una ficha de registro. Resultados : las úlceras por presión tienen mayor prevalencia en pacientes con edad superior a 71 años, del sexo femenino, con antecedentes de diabetes mellitus, hipertensión arterial o accidente cerebrovascular. Con frecuencia se manifiesta clínicamente como una lesión única, grado II o III; mientras que las regiones anatómicas más afectadas son la región sacra, la región glútea y la cresta ilíaca. La prevalencia de la patología quedó asentada en 1,36%.Conclusión : las lesiones por presión tienen mayor prevalencia en pacientes de edad avanzada, sexo femenino y del entorno urbano, con antecedente de diabetes mellitus e hipertensión arterial. Se presentan como lesiones únicas, grado II-III, en la región sacra, habitualmente con evolución de hasta 7 días, y de origen comunitario(AU)

Pressure injuries represent a public health and patient safety problem, due to the high prevalence rates that condition and repercussions in the health and economic sphere, both at an institutional, family and personal level. Objective: to analyze the prevalence of pressure injuries in patients at the Dr. José María Vargas Hospital, 2021-2022. Methods: retrospective study, with a quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive and cross-sectional approach, in which medical records were reviewed. With a population of 1838 patients who attended the José María Vargas de Cagua Hospital in the study period, of which 25 cases diagnosed with pressure injury were identified; the sample was census. As a data collection instrument, a registration form was used. Results: pressure ulcers are more prevalent in patients older than 71 years, female, with a history of diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension or stroke. It frequently manifests clinically as a single lesion, grade II or III; while the most affected anatomical regions are the sacral region, the gluteal region and the iliac crest. The prevalence of the pathology was established at 1.36%. Conclusion: pressure injuries are more prevalent in elderly, female and urban patients with a history of diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension. They present as single lesions, grade II-III, in the sacral region, usually with evolution of up to 7 days, and of community origin(AU)

A Clinical Study of Haridradi Malhar (Ointment) in the Management of Nija Vrana

The Vrana (ulcer) is considered the core subject of Shalya tantra. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are aggravated by their respective causative factors that get lodged in the exterior of the body to give rise to Nija vrana (endogenous ulcer). Nija vrana are frequently encountered problem in present era produced commonly by the morbid Doshas of the body. In the present study, Haridradi taila (ointment) is selected which is mentioned by Acharya Sushruta in the context of Vrana. It contains Kasis, Kutaki, Jati, Haridra, Tagar, Agaru, Daruharidra, Deodaru, Priyangu and Lodhra. These ten ingredients possess the properties of both Shodhan and Ropan (cleaning and healing). It was used topically in the type of chronic wounds daily one time for 30 days or till the healing of the wound, whichever is earlier. It is a single-blind clinical study where 20 patients were selected and divided into two groups 10 patients each. Experimental group patients wounds were treated with a dressing having Haridradi ointment and control group patients' wounds were treated with Framycetin ointment and dry gauze bandaging. It reduces pain, burning sensation, itching, decreases discharge, oedema and helps in gradual improvement in floor and granulation tissues as compared to control group. Nija vrana (chronic wounds) management with Ayurvedic remedies is one of the major areas of research, hence it can be speculated that Haridradi ointment possesses sufficient efficacy in Vrana shodhan and Vrana ropan (cleaning and healing of the wound) without creating any adverse effect

Tibial cortex transverse transport for long-term chronic wounds after serious lower limb trauma / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the effects of tibial cortex transverse transport for long-term chronic wounds after serious lower limb trauma.Methods:From January 2016 to July 2021, 11 patients with long-term chronic wounds after lower limb trauma were treated at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 920 Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of PLA. They were 7 males and 4 females, aged from 19 to 57 years (average, 32.3 years). There were 7 lesions of the popliteal artery and 4 ones of the anterior and posterior tibial arteries. The wound was located at the distal leg in 5 cases and at the foot and ankle in 6 ones. The wound size ranged from 3.2 cm × 2.8 cm to 9.5 cm × 7.3 cm. An external fixator for transverse transport was installed after the cortical bone fenestration was performed on the medial tibia more than 10 cm away from the wound surface, with a fenestration area of 5.0 cm × 1.8 cm. The wound was limitedly debrided, irrigated thoroughly and bandaged. Transverse transport began on the postoperative day 7, with the wounds opened for care and dressing change. The transverse transport lasted 25 days and the external fixators were dismantled 2 months after surgery. The healing of the wounds and incisions for transverse transport was observed.Results:The 11 patients were followed up for 3 to 20 months (average, 5.6 months). The wounds healed after 35 to 277 days. By the last follow-up, all the wounds healed without recurrence. Incision infection occurred in 2 patients, whose transverse transport was continued and wounds healed after local debridement; another patient suffered from poor incision healing, which responded gradually to decreased speed of transverse transport.Conclusion:Tibial cortex transverse transport can significantly improve the local blood supply and promote granulation and healing of long-term chronic wounds after serious trauma at the lower leg, foot and ankle.

Effect of collaborative nursing intervention assisted with wet therapy on chronic wound healing / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective:To explore the effect of collaborative nursing intervention in moist therapy of patients with chronic wounds, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of chronic wounds.Methods:A total of 120 patients with chronic wounds in Wenchang People's Hospital, Hainan Province, from April 2018 to April 2020 were selected, and divided into two groups by random number table methods, each with 60 cases. The control group was given routine nursing of wet treatment, while the observation group was given collaborative nursing on the basis of the control group. The general data of patients were collected and the wound healing, quality of life, anxiety and depression were compared.Results:The wound healing time of the observation group was (14.36±3.68) d, which was shorter than that of the control group (17. 87±3.71) d, the difference was statistically significant( t value was 5.203, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the total score of pressure ulcer healing before treatment between the two groups( P>0.05). After treatment, the total score of pressure ulcer healing was (4.32± 1.15) points in the observation group and (6.75 ± 1.13) points in the control groups, the difference was statistically significant( t value was 11.675, P<0.01).There was no significant difference in the scores of each dimension in the short form of health survey before treatment between the two groups( P>0.05). After treatment, the scores of physiological function, physiological function, emotional function, physical pain, vitality, mental health, social function, overall health dimensions in the short form of health survey were (47.36 ± 12.48), (68.97 ± 12.46), (54.36 ± 19.48), (78.46 ± 10.12), (75.46 ± 12.54), (69.78 ± 15.64), (89.64 ± 10.14), (72.46±9.48) points in the observation group, and (42.48±12.57), (62.42±12.53), (46.34±20.35), (71.25±10.36), (66.32±12.37), (57.43±16.53), (72.48±11.48), (59.34±10.14) points in the control group, the differences were statistically significant( t values were 5.681-16.903, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the score of Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale before treatment between the two groups( P>0.05). The score of Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale were (38.15±4.32), (39.24±4.25) points in the observation group and (43.42±4.18), (45.17±4.16) points in the control group, the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 6.791, 7.724, P<0.01). Conclusions:Collaborative nursing model can effectively promote wound healing of patients with chronic wound moist therapy, and improve their quality of life.

Análisis del potencial de innovación en apósitos para tratar heridas crónicas en la ciudad de Lima, Perú / Analysis Of The Potential Of Innovation In Dressings To Treat Chronic Wounds In The City Of Lima, Peru

Objetivo: Analizar el potencial de innovación en apósitos para tratar heridas crónicas en la Ciudad de Lima. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo mediante una encuesta y análisis de las entrevistas realizadas a expertos médicos y gestores de compras en insumos para el tratamiento de heridas de difícil resolución en 8 instituciones representativas de salud pública con categorías 1 ­ 4 dentro de las 54 existentes solo en Lima Metropolitana, Perú - 2018. Resultados: Se determinó que en las instituciones de salud pública son atendidos un promedio 17 pacientes mensualmente (60% provenientes de hospitalización y 40% de consultorio externo). Equivale decir que 11,016 pacientes presentan heridas crónicas de difícil resolución al año, los cuales requerirán de tratamiento especializado y una demanda anual promedio de 110,160 apósitos en stock. Los apósitos con mayor demanda corresponden a los Hidrogeles e Hidrocoloides, respectivamente que son utilizados por los resultados positivos que ofrecen en la curación de las heridas, aunque en ocasiones la limitante es el aspecto económico. En el mercado, el precio unitario oscila entre los 20 y 90 soles, esto representa una inversión económica de 1500 soles en promedio por paciente, produciendo en algunos casos complicaciones o abandono del tratamiento cuando los recursos son escasos. Conclusiones: La demanda de pacientes con heridas crónicas de difícil resolución en las instituciones de salud públicas de Lima metropolitana es alta. Es importante promover e incentivar la investigación de nuevas alternativas terapéuticas y/o dispositivos biomédicos que favorezcan su curación.

Objective: To analyze the potential for innovation in dressings to treat chronic wounds in the City of Lima. Methods: A qualitative study was carried out by means of interviews to medical experts and purchasing managers of medical supplies for the treatment of difficult-to-resolve wounds in 8 representative public health institutions with categories 1-4 within the only 54 of Lima, Peru - 2018. Results: It was determined that an average of 17 patients is treated in public health institutions on a monthly basis (60% from hospitalization and 40% from an outpatient office). It is equivalent to say that 11,016 patients present chronic wounds of difficult resolution each year, which will require specialized treatment and an average annual demand of 110,160 dressings in stock. The dressings with the highest demand correspond to the Hydrogels and Hydrocolloids, respectively; used because of the positive results they offer in wound healing, despite economic limitations. The market price per unit ranges between 20 and 90 soles (S/.), representing an economic investment of 1500 soles on average per patient, in some cases causing complications or abandonment of treatment when resources are scarce. Conclusions: There is a high demand for patients with chronic wounds of difficult resolution in the public health institutions of Lima. It is important to promote and incentivize the investigation of new therapeutic alternatives and / or biomedical devices that favor its treatment.

Clasificación Sistemática de Apósitos: Una Revisión Bibliográfica / Systemic Classification of Wound Dressings: a Review

Resumen En la actualidad existe un gran número de apósitos dada la amplia disponibilidad de biomateriales y principios bioactivos, por lo cual se hace necesario un consenso acerca de la clasificación de estos, para no generar confusiones a la hora de entender su utilidad y su idóneo manejo en el ambiente clínico. Por este motivo, en el presente artículo se hace una revisión bibliográfica utilizando las bases de datos SCOPUS, ScienceDirect y Web of Science, con ecuaciones de búsqueda que incluían las palabras clave de los diferentes tipos de apósitos. Con esta información se encuentra que los apósitos pueden ser clasificados de acuerdo con su complejidad, la naturaleza del material polimérico, su permeabilidad, su interacción biológica con la herida y su acción terapéutica, lográndose tener una definición detallada con todos las características relevantes para hacer una adecuada elección de un apósito. Adicionalmente, se incluye una revisión acerca del proceso de cicatrización y los tipos de heridas, dado que de esto dependen los fines terapéuticos y la selección de un apósito u otro.

Abstract Nowadays, there is wide variety of dressings because availability of biomaterials and bioactive components, thus a consensus is needed on their classification, to avoid in understanding their usefulness and their proper handling in clinical practice. Therefore, in this paper a bibliographic review is made using the SCOPUS, ScienceDirect and Web of science databases, with search equations which include the keywords of different types of wound dressings. With this information, we found that dressings can be classified according to their complexity, the nature of the polymeric material, its permeability, its biological interaction with the wound and its therapeutic action, in order to have a detailed definition with all the relevant characteristics to make a proper choice of a dressing. Additionally, a review about the healing process and the types of wounds is included, since this have an important influence on the therapeutic purposes and the correct selection of dressings.

Advances in the research of cold atmosphere plasma in the treatment of chronic wounds / 中华烧伤杂志

Chronic wounds are characterized by complex pathogenesis, long course of disease, and occur mostly in middle-aged and elderly people. As the population ages, chronic wounds have gradually become significant burden on the affected patients and the healthcare system. In the past decade, cold atmosphere plasma (CAP) was found to have the effects of resisting infection and promoting wound healing. By reviewing recent researches on the treatment of chronic wounds and biological effects of CAP at home and abroad, this article summarizes the research progress of CAP in the treatment of chronic wounds, aiming at providing a reference for the treatment of chronic wounds.

Extended care for chronic wound ostomy by specialist nurses in a medical alliance / 中华医院管理杂志

Development of medical alliances can provide patients of wound ostomy with cost-effective, safe and effective continuing specialized care at their community, gradually homogenizing hospital-community specialized care. By means of establishing a nurse advice referral and specialist nurses consultation mechanism, Shenzhen Luohu Hospital Group has achieved to share specialist nursing resources between hospitals and social health centers.This practice can reduce re-hospitalization rate of these patients, reduced their economic burden, save medical resources and improve patient satisfaction as well.

Advances in the research of application of maggot therapy in chronic wounds / 中华烧伤杂志

Maggot therapy is a kind of biological therapy that uses maggot to eat and remove the necrotic tissue of wounds, while it has no adverse effect on living tissue with blood supply. Besides, maggot therapy can promote wound healing through various mechanisms, which has been used for debridement and treatment of wounds as early as hundreds of years ago. With the discovery and application of antibiotics, maggot therapy faded out of the medical field once. However, with the abuse of antibiotics and increasing drug resistance of bacteria in recent years, maggot therapy attracts widespread attention of clinicians again. This article reviews the advances in the application of maggot therapy in chronic wounds.

Advances in the research of influence of pH value on healing of chronic wounds / 中华烧伤杂志

Chronic wounds are with characteristics of long last time and cannot heal in time, which is a problem in clinic. Wound pH value plays an important role in the process of healing of chronic wounds. In this paper, we review the relative researches on wound pH value and wound microenvironment, summarize the potential relationship between wound pH value and healing of chronic wounds, as well as the method to change pH value of chronic wounds, thereby to provide theoretical basis for the treatment of chronic wounds in clinic.

Clinical effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma gel in the repair of chronic wounds / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the clinical application effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma gel in the repair of various chronic wounds.@*Methods@#From January 2015 to January 2018, 76 patients with chronic wounds were admitted to our unit, with 39 men and 37 women, aged 28 to 75 (52±6) years. Before the operation, areas of wounds ranged from 2.0 cm×0.5 cm to 17.0 cm×5.0 cm, depths of wounds ranged from 1 to 6 cm, areas of wounds substrate ranged from 3 cm×3 cm to 17 cm×8 cm, and volumes of deep cavities ranged from 7 to 55 mL. All patients received operation 2 to 7 days after admission. Autologous platelet of 220-250 mL was collected from each patient by single extraction to make platelet-rich plasma of 10-50 mL. The cavity was filled completely by injection of platelet-rich plasma gel for 1-3 times. Wounds were sutured directly or covered by local flaps or other materials according to the conditions of wounds, and the unclosed wounds in primary stage were treated by continuous vacuum sealing drainage (VSD). Ultrasound, CT, or magnetic resonance imaging was performed to detect the healing of cavity after the operation. The healing of wound and repair of cavity after the operation and during follow-up were observed.@*Results@#Wounds in 39 patients were closed directly after primary operation. Among them, wounds of 36 patients were healed completely, and wounds of the other 3 patients were healed completely after second debridement and topical filling of platelet-rich plasma gel. The cavities in 35 patients were filled with granulation tissue after treatment of platelet-rich plasma gel for 1-3 times combined with VSD, and the wounds were healed after skin grafting or flap transplantation. The treatment of wounds discontinued in the other 2 patients after treatment of platelet-rich plasma gel for once. Postoperative follow-up was lost in 7 patients. During follow-up of 2 and/or 4 months after the primary operation, wounds were healed well with no recurrence, and cavities were filled with fibrous tissue.@*Conclusions@#Autologous platelet-rich plasma gel has advantages in treating chronic wounds, including a large amount by single extraction, flexible use mode, ability to fully fill the complex cavity, high surgical safety, and mild secondary injury. It′s a new choice for repair of chronic wounds in clinic.

Study on the clinical benefits of endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic wound with sinus tract adjacent to body cavity / 中华烧伤杂志

Objective@#To explore the advantages of endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of chronic wound with sinus tract adjacent to body cavity.@*Methods@#Thirty-two patients (14 males and 18 females, aged 17 to 87 years) of chronic wounds with sinus tracts adjacent to body cavity, who underwent endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography (CT or magnetic resonance imaging) for the diagnosis and treatment in the Outpatient Department of Wound Healing Center of our hospital from October 2017 to March 2019, were enrolled in the study. Their diagnosis and treatment results were retrospectively analyzed. The following data were calculated. (1) The incidence rates of sinus wound involving body cavity or fistula. (2) The detection rates of sinus wound involving body cavity detected by routine examination and by endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography. (3) The detection rate of pathological features at deep part of wound by routine examination and by endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography. (4) The proportion of patients who benefited from routine examination and from endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography. Data were processed with paired chi-square test and Fisher′s exact probability test.@*Results@#(1) The incidence rate of sinus wound involving body cavity was 43.75% (14/32); the incidence rate of fistula was 0. (2) The detection rate of sinus wound involving body cavity detected by endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography was 43.75% (14/32), which was obviously higher than that by routine examination [12.50% (4/32), χ2=32.0, P<0.01]. (3) The detection rate of pathological features at deep part of wound by endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography was 37.50% (12/32), which was obviously higher than that by routine examination (0, P<0.01). (4) The proportion of patients who benefited from endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography was 71.43% (20/28), which was obviously higher than that from routine examination [12.50% (4/32), χ2=21.6, P<0.01].@*Conclusions@#Compared with routine examination, endoscopy combined with contrast fistulography is more accurate in detecting chronic wound with sinus tract adjacent to body cavity. The diagnosis and treatment of chronic wound with sinus tract adjacent to the body cavity can benefit from this joint examination.