Volume 21 - Issue 8 - August, 2009
A Novel Concept for Treating Large Necrotizing Fasciitis Wounds With Bilayer Dermal Matrix, Split-thickness Skin Grafts and NPWT
- Wed, 8/12/09 - 3:21pm
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Abstract: Treatment of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) includes radical surgical debridement often resulting in large wounds that need to be closed with methods including split-thickness skin grafts (STSG), local flaps, or guided tissue regeneration procedures. In this case report, a 45 year-old Caucasian male was surgically treated for a benign left groin hernia, developed NF, and was transferred to the authors’ burn unit. The wound was treated initially with wide debridement and with a brief delay before finally closing the wound. A collagen matrix such as Integra® Dermal Regeneration Template
Effectiveness of Inflammatory Cytokines Induced by Sericin Compared to Sericin in Combination with Silver Sulfadiazine Cream
- Fri, 8/14/09 - 11:52am
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Abstract: Silk sericin (SS) has been shown to promote collagen synthesis during wound healing, but it lacks antimicrobial activity. We investigated the effectiveness and the induction of the inflammatory mediators IL-1bβ and TNF-aα by SS, silver sulfadiazine (SSD) cream, and SS in combination with SSD cream on wound healing in rats. The results show that SS at 8% w/w partially inhibits SSD antibacterial activity. Treating wounds with a combination of SS and SSD did not induce significant wound size reduction when compared to other treatments. However, SS can promote collagen production in wo
The Effect of Suppressing Discoidin Domain Receptor Expression on Keloid Formation and Proliferation
- Fri, 8/14/09 - 3:12pm
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Abstract: Background. Discoidin domain receptors (DDR) with tyrosine kinase activity have been identified as novel receptors for modulating collagen production and organization in scar tissue. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of blocking discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), signaling of keloid fibroblast cells on the inhibition of keloid formation, and proliferation, by means of gene therapy. Methods. The expression of DDR1 in keloid tissues was investigated by immunohistology and the expression of DDR1 protein in keloid fibroblasts was examined by Western blot analysis. Kelo
Use of Negative Pressure Therapy on Closed Surgical Incisions: A Case Series
- Thu, 8/20/09 - 10:33am
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Abstract: Multiple patient comorbidities and environmental factors increase the risk of incisional wound complications. The literature suggests that negative pressure therapy (NPT) on clean closed surgical incisions may help reduce the risk of wound infections and other complications. In this case study, NPT was applied in the operating room to clean closed surgical wounds in four high-risk patients (two men, two women) following coronary artery bypass grafting using bilateral internal mammary arteries, transmetatarsal amputation, and abdominal hysterectomy. All wounds healed well. These resul
Self Care
- Mon, 8/17/09 - 9:14am
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Dear Readers,
Have you ever considered operating on yourself? I have a patient who develops occasional abscesses on a below-knee amputation stump. Usually they aren’t too serious but do require drainage, packing, and antibiotics. The patient came to the wound center recently after an absence of a few months. I congratulated him on having a long abscess-free period. He quickly informed me that he had developed about one abscess every month since I last saw him, but that he had “taken care” of them himself. Following the confession, I inquired further regarding the p
August 2009
- Mon, 8/17/09 - 9:17am
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Dear Editor:
I recently noticed an oversight in the article (Lountzis et al. Percutaneous flexor tenotomy—office procedure for diabetic toe ulcerations. WOUNDS. 2007;19[3]:64–68), which does not contain results on follow-up. The authors stated the procedure was “never described in an instructive fashion in the literature.” This author had previously published the technique and results on follow-up of this procedure in Wounds and elsewhere.1–3 The editor, authors, and readers may find the excellent results on follow-up of interest.
&
Condition: Keloid Scarring
- Mon, 8/17/09 - 9:23am
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A Randomized Comparative Study Evaluating the Tolerability and Efficacy of Two Topical Therapies for the Treatment of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
This study has been completed.
Summary: This study is currently being undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of vitamin E lotion (HSE) versus onion extract gel (OE) versus placebo (Cetearyl alcohol [CEA]) in subjects with hypertrophic scars and keloids. While 0.5% hydrocortisone, silicone, HSE, and OE are widely used medicinal over the counter treatments for keloids and hypertrophic s
Support Surfaces To Prevent Pressure Ulcers
- Mon, 8/17/09 - 9:40am
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Dear Readers:
One of the best ways to manage pressure ulcers (PU) across the continuum of care is to prevent them. Interventions that work include repositioning at least every 4 hours, when combined with an appropriate pressure redistribution surface,1 optimizing support surfaces and nutritional status, and moisturizing at-risk skin sites.2 Pressure redistribution is integral to any approach for preventing PU development. In an effort to clarify which support surfaces are effective, Cochrane reviews3,4 have reported “high-specification
Industry News August 2009
- Mon, 8/17/09 - 9:59am
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Report Indicates Major Concerns Regarding CMS Guidelines
According to a report released by DM Systems (Evanston, IL), approximately one third of survey respondents revealed their facilities did not have an official heel pressure ulcer prevention program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced last year that it would no longer reimburse for hospital-acquired conditions such as pressure ulcers. DM Systems conducted a series of surveys in 2008 designed to gauge the effect of the CMS guidelines on healthcare facilities. Survey results found th
Product News 2009
- Mon, 8/17/09 - 10:03am
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ConvaTec Launches New Website Designed for Clinicians
ConvaTec (Skillman, NJ) recently launched a new website, www.Hydrofiber.com, which demonstrates how the company’s proprietary Hydrofiber® Technology is transforming wound care. The technology enables the company’s dressings to gel on contact with fluid, providing clinicians and patients with substantial wound care benefits. Designed for clinicians managing chronic and acute wounds, the website illustrates the unique features and benefits of the
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