Wound fluid under occlusive dressings from diabetic patients show an increased angiogenic response and fibroblast migration.

INTRODUCTION: Metabolic diseases like diabetes mellitus often show prolonged healing and chronic wounds. Occlusive wound dressings are known to support wound closure by creating a moist environment which supports collagen synthesis, epithelialization and angiogenesis. We aimed to assess the effect of occlusion on diabetic wound fluid on the cellular level regarding fibroblast activity and angiogenetic response. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 22 split skin donor sites from 22 patients (11 patients with diabetes mellitus) were treated with occlusive dressings intraoperatively. On day 3, fluid and blood serum samples were harvested while changing the dressings. The influence of wound fluid on fibroblasts was assessed by measuring metabolic activity (Alamar Blue assay, Casey Counter), cell stress/death (LDH assay) and migration (in vitro wound healing assay) of fibroblasts. Angiogenesis of endothelial cells (HUVEC) was analyzed with the tube formation assay. Furthermore, a Magnetic Luminex Assay for multi-cytokines detection was performed focusing on inflammatory and pro-angiogenetic cytokines. RESULTS: The influence of wound fluid under occlusive dressings from diabetic patients showed a significantly increased angiogenic response and fibroblast migration compared to the non-diabetic patient group. Additionally, cell stress was increased in the diabetic group. Cytokine analysis showed an increase in VEGF-A in the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Occlusive dressings may stimulate regenerative effects in diabetic wounds. Our in-vitro study shows the influence of wound fluid under occlusive dressings from diabetic patients on angiogenesis, migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, which are essential modulators of wound healing and scar modulation.

Custo-minimização de curativos para cateter venoso central: gaze estéril versus filme transparente / Cost-minimization of bandage for central venous catheter: sterile gauze versus transparent film / Minimización de costes del vendage para catéter venoso central: gasa estéril versus película transparente

Objetivo: comparar o custo entre coberturas com filme transparente versus gaze estéril e fita adesiva microporosa em curativos de acesso venoso central. Método: estudo estatístico, prospectivo, observacional, com abordagem quantitativa à luz da avaliação econômica de saúde. Foram avaliadas 109 coberturas com filme e 168 com gaze, durante 27 dias. Na análise utilizouse o Software Tree Age para se calcular a probabilidade de cada decisão. Resultado: a média de uso das coberturas por dia foi de 2,22 inserções cobertas com filme e 3,43 com gaze. Houve necessidade de troca extra em 38 (23%) das coberturas com gaze e em 16 (15%) das coberturas com filme transparente. Observou-se custo final médio para gaze (R$389,44) 3,7 vezes maior que o filme transparente (R$104,95) durante o período estudado. Conclusão: cobertura com filme transparente tem menor custo quando comparado com cobertura com gaze estéril.

Objective: to compare the cost of transparent film and sterile gauze fixed by microporous adhesive tape in central venous access dressings. Method: quantitative, prospective, observational, statistical study in the light of health economics. A total of 109 film and 168 gauze covers were evaluated for 27 days. Tree Age software was used to calculate the probability of each decision. Results: coverings used per day averaged 2.22 with transparent film-covered inserts and 3.43 with gauze. Additional changes were necessary in 38 (23%) coverings with gauze and 16 (15%) with transparent film. During the study period, the average final cost of gauze (R$ 389.44) was 3.7 times higher than transparent film (R$104.95). Conclusion: transparent film dressing is less expensive than sterile gauze covering.

Objetivo: comparar el costo de la película transparente y la gasa estéril fijada con cinta adhesiva microporosa en apósitos de acceso venoso central. Método: estudio cuantitativo, prospectivo, observacional, estadístico a la luz de la economía de la salud. Se evaluaron un total de 109 películas y 168 cubiertas de gasa durante 27 días. Se utilizó el software Tree Age para calcular la probabilidad de cada decisión. Resultados: los recubrimientos utilizados por día promediaron 2,22 con inserciones transparentes recubiertas con película y 3,43 con gasas. Fueron necesarios cambios adicionales en 38 (23%) revestimientos con gasa y 16 (15%) con película transparente. Durante el período de estudio, el costo final promedio de la gasa (R $ 389,44) fue 3,7 veces superior al de la película transparente (R $ 104,95). Conclusión: el apósito de película transparente es menos costoso que el recubrimiento de gasa estéril.

Efficacy and Safety of Pirfenidone in Patients with Second-Degree Burns: A Proof-of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies suggest that pirfenidone may have a potential off-label use for wound healing. However, the effectiveness of this medication in patients with burns remains uncertain. Accordingly, investigators sought to assess wound re-epithelialization in patients with second-degree burns after adding pirfenidone to usual care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Single-center pilot, proof-of-concept, single-blind randomized controlled trial. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Eight patients with second-degree burns were treated with occlusive hydrocolloid dressings and were randomly allocated to receive either no additional treatment or pirfenidone. OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome of the study was to evaluate wound healing between groups based on the thickness of the re-epithelialized epidermis at day 7. Secondary outcomes were to qualitatively assess the development of fibrotic tissue in the dermis, anomalies in the basal membrane, and the development of collagen fibers by histologic analysis. Liver and renal functions were measured daily to assess the overall safety of oral pirfenidone. MAIN RESULTS: Patients treated with pirfenidone showed a remarkable improvement in wound re-epithelialization at day 7 (148.98 ± 13.64 vs 119.27 ± 15.55 µm; P = .029; 95% confidence interval, 4.14-55.29). Histologic evaluations showed less wound fibrosis in the pirfenidone group. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in wound healing time by enhancing wound re-epithelialization was observed with pirfenidone. Larger clinical trials are needed to reach more reliable conclusions.

A Comparison of Three Dressing Methods for Pilonidal Sinus Surgery Wound Healing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of different dressing methods on the wound healing process after pilonidal sinus surgery. METHODS: In this clinical trial, 60 patients undergoing pilonidal sinus surgery were randomly assigned to one of three groups. In the first group, hydrogel or alginate and hydrocolloid compounds were used as a standard occlusive dressing method. A modified dressing method was used for the second group, in which transparent hydrocolloid films were replaced by Vaseline gauze. The third group was treated using gauze swabs soaked in normal saline. The length and depth of the studied wounds were recorded once a week for a month. During dressing changes, patient pain was recorded using an 11-point numeric rating scale. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistical methods. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in wound length after 2 weeks in all three groups (P < .05), and the pain experienced by the first and second groups was significantly lower than the third group. However, the modified method used for the second group was associated with a lower cost. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the beneficial results of using modern dressings for wound healing and reducing the severity of associated pain, providers may want to consider using modified wound dressings after pilonidal sinus surgery. Study authors recommend that providers receive training on how to use these products.

Incisional wound VAC and risk-adjusted SSI rates in colorectal surgery: A tertiary centre experience.

BACKGROUND: In colorectal surgery, indications for incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iVAC) remain unclear. We sought to compare rates of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients who received iVAC or standard sterile dressing (SSD). METHODS: Institutional colorectal NSQIP data between 2014 and 2018 was reviewed. SSI rates were compared between iVAC and SSD cohorts using the NSQIP surgical risk calculator (NSQIP SRC) for risk-adjusted analysis. Secondary outcomes included other wound complications, morbidity, mortality, disposition destination and overall length of stay. RESULTS: 145 patients received iVAC while 544 received SSD. SSI was greater in iVAC than SSD (17% vs 9%, p = 0.009). iVAC was independently associated with SSI (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3-3.9). The presence of a colostomy strengthened this relationship. There was no difference in secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: iVAC was independently associated with SSI with risk-adjusted analysis. This relationship was stronger in patients with a colostomy.

The Use of a Self-Occluding Topical Anasthetic in Daily Practice: A Non-Interventional Study.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of topical anesthetic creams are available to reduce pain associated with dermatological procedures. Pliaglis is a self-occluding eutectic mixture of lidocaine and tetracaine. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the post-marketing safety profile of Pliaglis and efficacy in terms of pain reduction, product satisfaction, and daily practice use prior to pre-defined dermatological procedures. METHODS: A prospective, non-interventional study conducted at 44 sites in four European countries; 581 patients were treated prior to dermatological procedures such as pulsed-dye laser therapy, laser-assisted hair removal, non-ablative laser resurfacing, dermal filler injections, and vascular access. Efficacy was assessed by patients and investigators and included pain intensity (visual analogue scale [VAS]), satisfaction, and adequacy of pain relief. Safety was evaluated by adverse event (AE) reporting. RESULTS: In 75% of the performed procedures, patients scored the pain experienced during the procedure as ≤30 mm on the VAS and most were very satisfied or satisfied with the pain reduction. The investigators assessed the product as providing adequate anesthesia in 97% of the performed procedures and were mostly very satisfied or satisfied with the convenience of use (79%) and tolerability (95%). Twenty-four AEs were reported in 18 (3%) patients. DISCUSSION: Most patients experienced mild pain only as evident by the ≤ 30 mm VAS scores. Patients and investigators were aligned with regards to both product satisfaction and their opinion on adequacy of pain reduction. The AE frequency was low compared to previous studies, possibly relating to different ways of collecting AEs. CONCLUSION: Pliaglis was well-tolerated and provided adequate pain reduction prior to dermatological procedures. www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01800474).

J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(4):413-418.

Partial study data have been presented at the Anti-Aging Medicine European Congress (AMEC), Paris; October, 24-25, 2014, and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV), Istanbul; October 2-6, 2013.

The Effectiveness of EMLA as a Primary Dressing on Painful Chronic Leg Ulcers: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA; Aspen Pharmacare, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia) as a primary dressing on painful chronic leg ulcers. DESIGN: A pilot randomized controlled trial. SETTING: The study was conducted across 6 community nursing procedure clinics located in a community nursing service in New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty participants with painful chronic leg ulcers of varied etiology were recruited into the study. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (daily EMLA use for 4 weeks as a primary dressing) or a standard wound care group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The effectiveness of EMLA on wound-related pain intensity before, during, and after dressing change. MAIN RESULTS: Mean pain scores were similar between the 2 groups at baseline (P = .84). During dressing change, mean pain scores across the 4-week intervention period were significantly lower in the intervention compared with the control group (intervention group: mean, 3.39 [SD, 2.16]; control group: mean, 4.82 [SD, 2.27]; P = .02). Mean pain scores after dressing change were also significantly lower for the intervention group over the 4-week intervention period (intervention group: mean, 2.71 [SD, 1.94]; control group: mean, 3.92 [SD, 2.03]; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Data from this pilot study suggest that EMLA as a primary dressing may be effective in reducing chronic leg ulcer pain during and after dressing change and warrant further evaluation.

Wet Wrap Therapy in Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

National and international guidelines address stepwise atopic dermatitis (AD) management. Wet wrap therapy (WWT) is important as an acute therapeutic intervention for treatment of moderate to severe AD. Using clothing instead of bandages makes this intervention simpler, less time intensive, and less expensive. Education of patients and caregivers is critical to success; methodology must be standardized. Future studies must carefully describe all procedure components. Incorporation of validated outcomes tools would help with interpretation. WWT should be considered as a potential treatment option ahead of systemic immunosuppressive therapies for patients failing conventional therapy.

Silver-Impregnated Occlusive Dressing Reduces Rates of Acute Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Total Joint Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Commercial silver-impregnated occlusive dressings (such as AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing) have been touted as antimicrobial dressings to be used following total joint arthroplasty. Given the increased cost of an AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing over a standard dressing for total joint arthroplasty, the objective of this study was to determine whether AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing is effective in reducing the rates of acute periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) compared to standard sterile dressing. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 1173 consecutive patients who underwent a total knee or total hip arthroplasty between 2007 and 2015 by 1 surgeon. The surgeon switched from using a standard xeroform/gauze dressing to an AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing in June 2011, with no other major changes in antimicrobial management. Charts were reviewed for evidence of acute PJI (within 3 months of surgery). RESULTS: There were a total of 11 cases of acute PJI in this patient cohort (0.94%). The incidence of acute PJI for patients managed with a sterile xeroform dressing was 1.58% (9 of 568 patients), compared to 0.33% (2 of 605 patients) with the use of AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing. Univariate analysis showed this to be statistically significant (P = .03), and a multiple logistic regression model supported AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing as a protective factor with an odds ratio of 0.092 (95% confidence interval, 0.017-0.490; P = .005). CONCLUSION: This 4-fold decrease in acute PJI with the use of AQUACEL® Ag SURGICAL Cover Dressing supports the use of silver-impregnated occlusive dressings for the reduction of acute PJI.

Adherence evaluation of vented chest seals in a swine skin model.

OBJECTIVES: Perforation of the chest (open pneumothorax) with and without lung injury can cause air accumulation in the chest, positive intrapleural pressure and lead to tension pneumothorax if untreated. The performance of chest seals to prevent tension physiology depends partially on their ability to adhere to the skin and seal the chest wound. Novel non-occlusive vented chest seals were assessed for their adhesiveness on skin of live swine under normal and extreme environmental conditions to simulate austere battlefield conditions. METHODS: Chest seals were applied on the back of the swine on skin that was soiled by various environmental contaminants to represent battlefield situations. A peeling (horizontal rim peeling) and detachment and breaching (vertical pulling) techniques were used to quantify the adhesive performance of vented chest seals. Among eight initially selected vented seals, five (Bolin, Russell, Fast breathe, Hyfin and SAM) were further down-selected based on their superior adherence scores at ambient temperatures. The adherence of these seals was then assessed after approximately 17h storage at extreme cold (-19.5°C) and hot (71.5°C) temperatures. RESULTS: Adherence scores for peeling (above 90%) and detachment scores (less than 25%) were comparable for four vented chest seals when tested at ambient temperature, except for the Bolin seal which had higher breaching. Under extreme storage temperatures, adherence peeling scores were comparable to those at ambient temperatures for four chest seals. Scores were significantly lower for the Bolin seal at extreme temperatures. This seal also had the highest detachment and breaching scores. In contrast, the Russell, Fast breathe, Hyfin and SAM seals showed similar ability to stay air tight without breaching after hot storage. CONCLUSION: No significant difference was found in skin adherence of the five vented chest seals at ambient temperature and the four seals (Russell, Fast breathe, Hyfin and SAM) maintained superior adherence even after exposure to extreme temperatures compared to the Bolin. To select the most effective product from the 5 selected vented chest seals, further functional evaluation of the valve of these chest seals on a chest wound with the potential for tension in the pneumothorax or hemopneumothorax is warranted.

Electrocauterization and no packing may be comparable with nasal packing for postoperative hemorrhage after endoscopic sinus surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nasal packing is commonly performed after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). However, nasal packing is associated with higher cost (owing to the cost of packing materials), patient discomfort, delayed wound healing, and concern about toxic shock syndrome. Some surgeons have been performing FESS without packing, but there are few studies that show its safety. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of electrocauterization and no packing. METHODS: A total of 490 patients who underwent bilateral FESS for chronic rhinosinusitis were included in this retrospective study, 242 in the nasal packing group and 248 in the electrocauterization and no-packing group. Electrocauterization was performed by using a suction coagulator. Rates of immediate (first 24 hours after surgery) and delayed postoperative bleeding were compared. Patient characteristics, including concomitant disease and medication history, and Lund-Mackay computed tomography score were also assessed Results: There were no significant differences in age; sex; Lund-Mackay score; use of anticoagulant drugs; or prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, or asthma between the two groups. In the electrocauterization and no-packing group, there were fewer patients with allergic rhinitis and more smokers. Primary bleeding did not occur in the nasal packing group, but 11 patients (4.4%) had delayed bleeding. Primary bleeding occurred in four patients (1.7%) in the electrocauterization and no-packing group, and five patients (2.1%) had delayed bleeding. There were no significant differences in primary (p = 0.058) and secondary bleeding (p = 0.142) between the two groups. All bleeding was minor and easily controlled. Multivariate logistic regression analysis ruled out significant correlation between no packing and postoperative bleeding. CONCLUSION: This study provided evidence that, in terms of postoperative hemorrhage, the safety of the electrocauterization and no-packing technique after FESS was comparable with that of nasal packing.

A cost and clinical effectiveness analysis among moist wound healing dressings versus traditional methods in home care patients with pressure ulcers.

The aim of the study was a cost and clinical effectiveness analysis between moist wound healing dressings and gauze in a homecare set up for the treatment of stage III and IV pressure ulcers up to complete healing. In addition, we assessed the overall economic burden on the Healthcare System. Treatment method for each patient was chosen randomly by using sealed opaque envelopes. The authors monitored the healing progress and recorded treatment costs without interfering with the treatment process. The healing progress was estimated by using surface measurement transparent films. To estimate treatment costs, the authors took into account labor costs, cost of dressings, as well the cost of other materials such as cleansing gauzes, normal saline, syringes, examination gloves, antiseptics and adhesive tape. The patient group under treatment with moist wound healing dressings consisted of 27 men and 20 women aged 75.1 ± 8,6 and had an average ulcer surface of 43.5 ± 30.70 cm(2) ; the patient group under treatment with gauze comprised 25 men and 23 women aged 77.02 ± 8.02 and had an average ulcer surface 41.52 ± 29.41 cm(2) (p = 0.25, 95% CI, Student's t test). The average healing time for the moist wound healing dressings group' was 85.56 ± 52.09 days, while 121.4 ± 52.21 days for the "gauze group" (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, Student's t test). The dressing change frequency per patient was reduced in the "moist wound healing dressings group," 49.5 ± 29.61, compared with a dressing change frequency per patient of 222.6 ± 101.86 for the "gauze group" (p = 0.0001, 95% CI, Student's t test). The use of moist wound healing dressings had a lower total treatment cost of 1,351 € per patient compared with, the use of gauzes (3,888 €).

Wound dressing following primary total hip arthroplasty: a prospective randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared three methods of surgical wound dressing in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty to determine their effect on wound leakage. METHOD: Total hip arthroplasties were randomised to 3 groups: 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (Dermabond-Ethicon Inc, G) with Opsite (Smith & Nephew; O) [G+O], 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with Tegaderm (3M; T) [G+T], and Opsite without 2-octyl cyanoacrylate [O]. Postoperative wound leakage was assessed and graded daily until discharge, the frequency of the dressing changes was also recorded. Patients were clinically reviewed at three months to assess cosmesis of their surgical scar and wound complications. RESULTS: In all 211 total hip arthoplasties were included. A greater proportion of patients' dressings remained dry on day 1 postoperatively in the two groups using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (G+O and G+T) compared to the no glue group (O; p=0.0001). The G+T group had a significantly lower proportion of patients with increased leakage of wounds on days 2 and 3 postoperatively compared with both G+O and O groups (p=0.0043). The overall rate of dressing change for G+O was 8%, G+T 5%, and O 13%. Overall wound cosmesis was similar in all groups (p=0.690). CONCLUSION: The reduction in frequency of dressing changes coupled with low levels of wound leakage observed using the combination of the glue and nonabsorbent dressings (O+T), makes this combination of wound closing products ideal for facilitating enhanced recovery and early discharge programmes in elective hip arthroplasty.

Wound healing, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition, and collagen-containing products: a case study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of multiple medications may impair or enhance wound healing. A review of the literature for drug side effects identified cell culture and case studies of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) impairing collagen deposition in cutaneous wounds; these medications have also been used to prevent or minimize keloid formation. CASE: A 71-year-old male patient presented with a venous leg ulcer (VLU), having incurred a crushing injury and fracture requiring surgical repair 16 years earlier. The patient's history was significant for obesity, smoking 1 cigar daily, hypertension, and lower extremity venous insufficiency; medications included amlodipine and lisinopril. The wound initially responded well to advanced wound products and compression, but wound healing subsequently stalled. A collagen-containing alginate dressing was added to the treatment regimen and the wound closed within 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: We postulate that lisinopril may have contributed to the observed delayed healing and targeted this potential impediment to wound healing with a readily available topical collagen-containing product resulting in a rapid wound closure after a significant delay in progress toward wound healing.

The effect of an absorbable gelatin dressing impregnated with triamcinolone within the olfactory cleft on polypoid rhinosinusitis smell disorders.

BACKGROUND: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory process that causes different clinical symptoms: nasal blockage and congestion, posterior and anterior nasal drip, and smell disorder ranging from reduced olfaction (hyposmia) to complete loss of smell (anosmia). It has been suggested that mechanical blockage of olfactory clef after polypectomy is responsible for the persistent impairment of olfaction in some cases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of application of steroids at the olfactory cleft in improving olfactory function in patients who underwent sinus surgery. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Yazd, Iran, between March and December 2012. Eligible patients who had CRS with polyposis and underwent functional endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. An absorbable gelatin dressing combined with triamcinolone (case) or normal saline (control) was applied at the site of surgery. Olfaction was assessed by butanol threshold tests before and 8 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were enrolled into the study and were equally divided into triamcinolone and control groups. Subjects in both arms of trial experienced augmentation of smell function throughout the study; however, patients who received triamcinolone had better improvement after 8 weeks (p = 0.007). Complete remission rate was 100% in the triamcinolone group and the corresponding figure was 76% in the control group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that application of triamcinolone at the olfactory cleft can boost the effect of surgery in restoring olfactory function.

[Modern wound dressings]. / Suvremena pokrivala za rane.

Chronic wounds are, due to the slow healing, a major clinical problem. In addition to classic materials, a great number of supportive wound dressings for chronic wound treatment, developed on the basis of new knowledge about the pathophysiological events in non-healing wounds, are available on the market. Today we know that modern wound dressings provide the best local environment for optimal healing (moisture, warmth, appropriate pH). Wound dressings control the amount of exudate from the wound and bacterial load, thus protecting local skin from the wound exudate and the wound from secondary infections from the environment. Using supportive wound dressings makes sense only when the wound has been properly assessed, the etiologic factors have been clarified and the obstacles making the wound chronic identified. The choice of dressing is correlated with the characteristics of the wound, the knowledge and experience of the medical staff, and the patient's needs. We believe that the main advantage of modern wound dressing versus conventional dressing is more effective wound cleaning, simple dressing application, painless bandaging owing to reduced adhesion to the wound, and increased absorption of the wound exudate. Faster wound granulation shortens the length of patient hospitalization, and eventually facilitates the work of medical staff. The overall cost of treatment is a minor issue due to faster wound healing despite the fact that modern supportive wound dressings are more expensive than conventional bandaging. The article describes different types of modern supportive wound dressings, as well as their characteristics and indications for use.

Clinical experiences derived from implementation of an easy to use concept for treatment of wound healing by secondary intention and guidance in selection of appropriate dressings.

The main objective of this case-cohort-type observational study conducted at different Surgical Departments of the Charité-Universitätsmedizin in Berlin was to evaluate the sequential use concept first described by Systagenix Wound Management in 2007. Fifty-two patients with different wound healing by secondary intention were treated for 7 weeks at the Charité-Universitätsmedizin in Berlin. A multidisciplinary team worked together to reach consensus in wound assessment; in classification of infection status according to the criteria described by European Wound Management Association (EWMA); in treatment protocol and on dressings to be used to 'cover' wounds. Before dressing application, all wounds were cleaned from debris. Following the sequential use concept, wounds classified as stages 2 and 3 were dressed with SILVERCEL(®) and TIELLE(®) or TIELLE PLUS(®) to 'clean' the wounds. After 2-3 weeks, treatment was changed to PROMOGRAN PRISMA(®) and TIELLE(®) to 'close and cover' wounds, thus providing optimal wound healing. Wounds classified as non infected were dressed with PROMOGRAN PRISMA(®) and TIELLE(®) during the complete treatment period. Patients were asked to evaluate the treatment using a simplified questionnaire developed at the Charité-Universitätsmedizin in Berlin. Wounds comprised 37 surgical procedures, 8 chronic mixed ulcer, 4 pressure sores, 1 diabetic foot ulcer, 1 venous leg ulcer, and 1 mixed arterial/venous ulcer. At baseline, 12 wounds were classified as stage 3, 38 wounds as stage 2 and 2 wounds as stage 1. After 7 weeks of treatment, all patients showed a positive clinical response to the sequential use treatment. Results of wound size showed a high significant progression of wound healing expressed with a profound reduction of wound area (P in all measurements <0·001, chi-square test) and improved granulation. This study summarises the clinical experiences derived from the evaluation of the sequential use concept in the daily clinical practice of wound treatment. On the basis of the wound healing results, patients' evaluation of treatment and the clinicians' and staff experiences, this concept was implemented at different Surgical Departments of the Charité-Universitätsmedizin in Berlin.

Use of gauze-based negative pressure wound therapy in a pediatric burn patient.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is described as it is used in the treatment of an infant burn victim. This case highlights the ability and techniques used to maintain an airtight dressing seal in the perirectal region. Use of this dressing type post-skin grafting allowed for 100% graft adhesion and no bacterial contamination despite close proximity to the rectum. Favorable experience and outcome with this patient are strong indicators that NPWT should be considered as a viable treatment in pediatric populations and that situations where body contour or fluids may make NPWT difficult to administer should not be a deterrent to therapy.