Abstract: Systemic vasculitis is a group of heterogeneous diseases characterized by inflammation and blood vessel walls necrosis. Usually the skin is one of the first organs involved, especially with damage of small to medium size vessels. The cutaneous patterns may help clinicians to diagnose these diseases at the beginning of their course, preventing complications due to internal organ involvement. The following case presents a patient with a microscopic polyangiitis that started with several skin ulcerations localized on the inferior limbs.

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Abstract: A case of infected wounds with lymphedema (non-pitting with skin changes) on the left leg showed maggots in the wounds that were covered by slough that extended under the skin edge. The patient had diabetes mellitus and hypertension (on treatment). Removal of the maggots with our routinely practiced method using turpentine oil and closed gauge dressing was tried but failed. After 3 days, closed dressing limited access dressing (LAD) technique was applied, which cleared the wound without allowing the maggots to escape from the dressing.

Abstract: The beneficial wound healing effect of the systemic growth hormone (GH) mediated by insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) has been widely reported. Recent studies have suggested that GH facilitates wound healing not by circulating IGF-1, but by local IGF-1 produced in the wound itself. The aim of this study was to define whether the locally administered GH could accelerate the wound-healing rate. Full-thickness skin defects (diameter 4 cm) were made in the back of micropigs, and GH (2.5 IU/L) was applied every other day for 3 weeks (11 times total).

Dear Readers:

     Within 5 years after experiencing a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), 1 in 3 individuals will develop swelling and skin changes associated with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS).¹ Graduated, high-compression bandages and stockings are effective at healing venous leg ulcers, preventing progression of PTS and managing lymphedema,² but are most effective in ambulatory individuals. How much does walking help, and could increased calf muscle activity enhance the benefits of recognized compression therapies?

KCI’s ABThera™ Open Abdomen Dressing Receives FDA Clearance

     Kinetic Concepts Inc ([KCI] San Antonio, Tex) recently received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its ABThera™ Open Abdomen Dressing. Earlier this year, the FDA cleared the ABThera™ Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy Unit. Together, the ABThera Open Abdomen Negative Pressure Therapy System will be indicated for temporary bridging of abdominal wall openings where primary closure is not possible or where repeat abdominal entries are necessary.