The use of indocyanine green fluorescence angiography to assess perfusion of chronic wounds undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the utility of using indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (IGFA) in assessing perfusion of chronic wounds after hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. METHODS: From May 2016 to January 2018, 26 patients underwent both HBO2 and IGFA. A near-infrared charge-coupled camera measured the flow of intravenous indocyanine green into the wound. IGFA was done pre-HBO2, after approximately 10 HBO2 sessions, and upon completion of HBO2. The ingress rate at baseline, mid-therapy and post-HBO2 values were compared using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: A total of 26 chronic wounds were identified. Baseline median ingress rate was 0.90 units/second (IQR: 0.28 to 6.10). Median ingress rate after approximately of 10 HBO2 sessions was 2.45 units/sec (IQR: 0.48 to 6.35). Six of 11 patients, however, exhibited a decrease in ingress rate from baseline to mid-therapy. Finally, median ingress rate post-HBO2 was 3.70 units/second (IQR: 0.30 to 9.90). Median increase in ingress and rate from baseline to mid-HBO2 treatment 0.30 units/second (IQR: -0.25 to 3.10) and from mid- to post-HBO2 was -0.40 units/second (IQR: -1.50 to 2.60). CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study shows capability of IGFA to detect changes in blood flow to wounds following HBO2 therapy. Results support the use of IGFA to evaluate the changes in perfusion of patients undergoing HBO2 for chronic wounds. A larger sample size may help clarify the benefit of IGFA to predict potential for wound healing.

Beliefs and attitudes towards participating in genetic research - a population based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Biobanks have the potential to offer a venue for chronic disease biomarker discovery, which would allow for disease early detection and for identification of carriers of a certain predictor biomarker. To assess the general attitudes towards genetic research and participation in biobanks in the Long Island/Queens area of New York, and what factors would predict a positive view of such research, participants from the NSLIJ hospital system were surveyed. METHODS: Participants were recruited at six hospital centers in the NSLIJ system during the summers of 2009 and again in 2011 (n = 1,041). Those who opted to participate were given a questionnaire containing 22 questions assessing demographics, lifestyle and attitudes towards genetic research. These questions addressed individual participant's beliefs about the importance of genetic research, willingness to participate in genetic research themselves, and their views on informed consent issues. RESULTS: Respondents took a generally positive view of genetic research in general, as well as their own participation in such research. Those with reservations were most likely to cite concerns over the privacy of their medical and genetic information. Those who were married tended to view genetic research as important, while those in the younger age group viewed it as less important. Prior blood donation of respondents was found to be a predictor of their approval for genetic research. Demographic factors were not found to be predictive of personal willingness to participate in genetic research, or of approval for the opt-out approach to consent. CONCLUSIONS: While respondents were generally inclined to approve of genetic research, and those who disapproved did not do so based on an underlying moral objection to such research, there is a disconnect between the belief in the importance of genetic research and the willingness of individuals to participate themselves. This indicates a continued concern for the ways in which genetic materials are safeguarded once they are collected. Also indicated was a general lack of understanding about the various consent processes that go along with genetic research, which should be addressed further to ensure the successful continuation of biobanks.