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Sanchez DP, Tookes H, Pastar I, Lev-Tov H. Wounds and Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in People Who Inject Drugs and the Utility of Syringe Service Programs in Their Management. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2021; 10:571-582. [PMID: 33913781 PMCID: PMC8312019 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2020.1243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Significance: Opioid use disorder and transition to injection drug use (IDU) are an urgent, nationwide public health crisis. Wounds and skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are common complications of IDU that disproportionately affect people who inject drugs (PWID) and are a major source of morbidity and mortality for this population. Critical Issues: Injections in a nonsterile environment and reusing or sharing needles facilitates bacterial inoculation, with subsequent risk of serious complications such as sepsis, gangrene, amputation, and death. PWID are susceptible to infections with a wide spectrum of organisms beyond common culprits of SSTI, including Clostridium and Bacillus spp., as well as Candida. Recent Advances: Syringe services programs (SSPs) are cost-effective and successful in reducing harms associated with IDU. SSPs provide new equipment to PWID and aid in discarding used equipment. SSPs aim to reduce the risks of unhygienic injecting practices, which are associated with transmission of infections and blood-borne pathogens. Future Directions: Concurrently run SSPs and wound care clinics are uniquely positioned to facilitate care to PWID. Providing new, sterile equipment as well as early wound care intervention can reduce morbidity and mortality as well as health care expenditures by reducing the number of SSTI and injection-related wounds that require hospital admission. Establishment of wound care clinics as part of an SSP represents an untapped potential to reduce harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela P. Sanchez
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hansel Tookes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Irena Pastar
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hadar Lev-Tov
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Coull AF, Kyle RG, Hanson CL, Watterson AE. Risk factors for leg ulceration in people who inject drugs: A cross-sectional study. J Clin Nurs 2021; 30:1623-1632. [PMID: 33590564 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to assess, for the first time in a hard-to-reach population, the risk factors for leg ulceration among PWID, with the objective of making improvements to prevention and care. BACKGROUND An estimated 4.8 million people globally inject drugs with potential for injecting-related harm. Skin and vein damage associated with drug injecting is increasing. Leg ulceration is a chronic condition which in the UK has a prevalence of 15% among people who have injected drugs (PWID) compared with 1% in the general population. Glasgow has the highest rate of problematic drug use in Scotland with approximately 13,900 individuals, about 50% of whom are thought to inject. However, the reasons for high prevalence of leg ulceration among PWID are unknown. To support improvements in prevention and care, the dearth of evidence around risk factors for leg ulceration in PWID needs to be addressed. DESIGN A cross-sectional survey of 200 current and former injectors recruited from drug services in Glasgow, Scotland, to measure skin problems, leg ulceration and injecting habits is reported following STROBE guidelines. Logistic regression modelling examined whether demographics and injecting habits predicted leg ulceration. RESULTS The likelihood of leg ulceration was increased for those who injected in the groin and the leg. Additionally, injecting in the groin and leg were associated with having a DVT. CONCLUSION The primary risk factors for leg ulceration in PWID are injecting in the groin and the legs and these are clinically linked to deep vein thrombosis. Injecting into the femoral vein is increasingly common practice for PWID and healthcare practitioners should advise injectors of the increased risk of leg ulceration and DVT and discourage injecting into these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard G Kyle
- Research & Evaluation Division, Knowledge Directorate, Public Health Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Coral L Hanson
- School of Health and Social Care, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Andrew E Watterson
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
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McCormack AR, Aitken CK, Burns LA, Cogger S, Dietze PM. Syringe Stockpiling by Persons Who Inject Drugs: An Evaluation of Current Measures for Needle and Syringe Program Coverage. Am J Epidemiol 2016; 183:852-60. [PMID: 27049004 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwv259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Needle and syringe program (NSP) coverage is commonly used to assess NSP effectiveness. However, existing measures don't capture whether persons who inject drugs (PWIDs) stockpile syringes, an important and novel aspect of NSP coverage. In this study, we determine the extent of stockpiling in a sample of Australian PWIDs and assess whether including stockpiling enhances NSP coverage measures. As part of the Illicit Drug Reporting System study, PWIDs reported syringes procured and given away, total injections in the last month, and syringes currently stockpiled in 2014. We calculated NSP coverage with and without stockpiling to determine proportional change in adequate NSP coverage. We conducted receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine whether inclusion of stockpiled syringes in the measure improved sensitivity in discriminating cases and noncases of risky behaviors. Three-quarters of the sample reported syringe stockpiling, and stockpiling was positively associated with nonindigenous background, stable accommodation, no prison history, longer injecting careers, and more frequent injecting. Compared with previous measures, our measure was significantly better at discriminating cases of risky behaviors. Our results could inform NSP policy to loosen restricted-exchange practice, allowing PWIDs greater flexibility in syringe procurement practices, promoting greater NSP coverage, and reducing PWIDs' engagement in risky behaviors.
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Falls, Balance Confidence, and Lower-Body Strength in Patients Seeking Outpatient Venous Ulcer Wound Care. Adv Skin Wound Care 2016; 29:85-93. [PMID: 26765161 DOI: 10.1097/01.asw.0000476071.11690.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE & ABSTRACT To provide information about a quality improvement project examining falls in persons seeking outpatient wound care. TARGET AUDIENCE This continuing education activity is intended for physicians and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. OBJECTIVES After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Describe the scope of the problem and the related quality improvement project. 2. Delineate the results of the project and their implications for treatment of patients with venous ulcers. OBJECTIVE The authors aim to examine fall occurrence and fall injuries in persons seeking outpatient wound care and to compare falls, balance confidence, and lower-body strength in persons with injection-related venous ulcers (IRVUs) versus persons with venous ulcers (VUs) related to other risk factors besides injection drugs (VUs-other). DESIGN This quality improvement project used a cross-sectional, comparative design. Participants responded to demographic questions, the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, fear of falling, fall numbers, and injuries and performed the 30-second chair-rise test. SETTING Outpatient wound service. PATIENTS Patients (N = 106; mean age, 59.94 years) included men (66%) and women. RESULTS Sixty patients reported falling; 47 were recurrent fallers. Twenty patients stated they were injured, but did not go to an emergency department. A higher number of total falls was significantly related to more comorbidities. Total falls were significantly related to fear of falling and ABC Scale scores. Those with VUs-other had significantly more comorbidities and higher body mass index values than those with IRVUs. Those with IRVUs were comparable to those VUs-other on number of falls and fear of falling, respectively. Those with IRVUs (7.30) performed significantly more chair rises than those with VUs-other (4.72). Persons with IRVUs had significantly higher ABC Scale scores (63.24%) than those with VUs-other (49.38%). CONCLUSIONS Falls are a common occurrence in persons seeking outpatient wound care. Despite greater strength sufficient to perform more chair rises among those with IRVUs, fall rates were comparable to those of weaker individuals with other types of VUs. With the high occurrence of falls during the project, long-term risk for fall injury would be high. Further research is needed to clarify interactions between VU risk and patient factors such as strength, age, agility, and impaired cognition.
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Wright NMJ, Allgar V, Tompkins CNE. Associations between injecting illicit drugs into the femoral vein and deep vein thrombosis: A case control study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2015; 35:605-10. [DOI: 10.1111/dar.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Coull A. The role of intravenous drug use in venous leg ulceration. BRITISH JOURNAL OF NURSING (MARK ALLEN PUBLISHING) 2015; 24 Suppl 20:S17. [PMID: 26559231 DOI: 10.12968/bjon.2015.24.sup20.s17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Coull
- Specialist Nurse in the Harm Reduction Team, NHS Lothian
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Hope VD, Scott J, Cullen KJ, Parry JV, Ncube F, Hickman M. Going into the groin: Injection into the femoral vein among people who inject drugs in three urban areas of England. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 152:239-45. [PMID: 25913887 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been increasing concerns about injection into the femoral vein - groin injecting - among people who inject drugs in a number of countries, though most studies have been small. The extent, reasons and harms associated with groin injecting are examined. METHOD Participants were recruited using respondent driven sampling (2006-2009). Weighted data was examined using bivariate analyses and logistic regression. RESULTS The mean age was 32 years; 25% were women (N=855). During the preceding 28 days, 94% had injected heroin and 13% shared needles/syringes. Overall, 53% reported ever groin injecting, with 9.8% first doing so at the same age as starting to inject. Common reasons given for groin injecting included: "Can't get a vein elsewhere" (68%); "It is discreet" (18%); and "It is quicker" (14%). During the preceding 28 days, 41% had groin injected, for 77% this was the only body area used (for these "It is discreet" was more frequently given as a reason). In the multivariable analysis, groin injection was associated with: swabbing injection sites; saving filters for reuse; and receiving opiate substitution therapy. It was less common among those injecting into two body areas, and when other people (rather than services) were the main source of needles. Groin injection was more common among those with hepatitis C and reporting ever having deep vein thrombosis or septicaemia. CONCLUSIONS Groin injection was common, often due to poor vascular access, but for some it was out of choice. Interventions are required to reduce injecting risk and this practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- V D Hope
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, UK; Centre for Research on Drugs & Health Behaviour, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - J Scott
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - K J Cullen
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - J V Parry
- Microbiology Services, Public Health England, London, UK; Centre for Research on Drugs & Health Behaviour, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - F Ncube
- Centre for Infectious Disease Surveillance and Control, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - M Hickman
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Senbanjo R, Strang J. Evaluation of Femoral Ultrasonography as a Tool for Promoting Cessation of Groin-Injecting Behaviour. Eur Addict Res 2015; 21:204-10. [PMID: 25896872 DOI: 10.1159/000375260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the impact of femoral ultrasonography accompanied by explanation of the findings (UFV) on groin-injecting behaviour. METHODS 348 heroin-addicted groin injectors (GIs) on opioid substitution treatment (OST) were included in the study: 174 received UFV (cases), 174 did not (controls). Injecting behaviour among cases and matched controls were compared for both 'persistent GIs' (patients who had injected via the femoral vein in the 28-day period preceding the baseline) and 'former GIs' (patients with a history of previous groin injecting). FINDINGS There were no significant between-group differences in gender, mean age, time in treatment, substitute medication and mean dose at baseline or injecting behaviour prior to baseline. After baseline, reduction by a third in the proportion still groin injecting was immediately evident among UFV cases versus controls (number needed to treat: 3, 95% CI: 2, 8; p < 0.001). Marked reduction in groin-injecting behaviour among UFV cases was maintained over 12 months, including fewer relapses among 'former GIs' (number needed to treat: 5, 95% CI: 4, 9; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Single-session UFV may promote cessation of groin-injecting behaviour among patients receiving OST. This benefit appears to be evident 12 months later. Further evaluation of this novel approach to the management of groin injecting, a particularly harmful behaviour, is now warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Senbanjo
- East Kent Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service, Turning Point, Ashford, UK
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Coull AF, Atherton I, Taylor A, Watterson AE. Prevalence of skin problems and leg ulceration in a sample of young injecting drug users. Harm Reduct J 2014; 11:22. [PMID: 25119472 PMCID: PMC4136408 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-11-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug users suffer harm from the injecting process, and clinical services are reporting increasing numbers presenting with skin-related problems such as abscesses and leg ulcers. Skin breakdown can lead to long-term health problems and increased service costs and is often the first indication of serious systemic ill health. The extent of skin problems in injecting drug users has not previously been quantified empirically, and there is a dearth of robust topical literature. Where skin problems have been reported, this is often without clear definition and generic terms such as ‘soft tissue infection’ are used which lack specificity. The aim of this study was to identify the range and extent of skin problems including leg ulceration in a sample of injecting drug users. Definitions of skin problems were developed and applied to descriptions from drug users to improve rigour. Methods Data were collected in needle exchanges and methadone clinics across Glasgow, Scotland, from both current and former drug injectors using face-to-face interviews. Results Two hundred participants were recruited, of which 74% (n = 148) were males and 26% (n = 52) were females. The age range was 21–44 years (mean 35 years). Just under two thirds (64%, n = 127) were currently injecting or had injected within the last 6 months, and 36% (n = 73) had previously injected and had not injected for more than 6 months. Sixty per cent (n = 120) of the sample had experienced a skin problem, and the majority reported more than one problem. Most common were abscesses, lumps, track marks and leg ulcers. Fifteen per cent (n = 30) of all participants reported having had a leg ulcer. Conclusions This is an original empirical study which demonstrated unique findings of a high prevalence of skin disease (60%) and surprisingly high rates of leg ulceration (15%). Skin disease in injecting drug users is clearly widespread. Leg ulceration in particular is a chronic recurring condition that is costly to treat and has long-term implications for drug users and services caring for current or former injectors long after illicit drug use has ceased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison F Coull
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Health, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK.
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Ti L, Hayashi K, Kaplan K, Suwannawong P, Wood E, Kerr T. Groin injecting among a community-recruited sample of people who inject drugs in Thailand. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2014; 9:4. [PMID: 24433435 PMCID: PMC3904698 DOI: 10.1186/1747-597x-9-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Use of the femoral vein for the injection of illicit drugs (i.e. groin injecting) has been linked to various health-related harms, including deep vein thrombosis. However, little is known about the prevalence of groin injecting and factors that predict this practice among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Thailand. We sought to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with groin injecting in Bangkok, Thailand. Methods Data were derived from the Mitsampan Community Research Project in Bangkok between July and October 2011. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with groin injecting in the last six months. Results Among 437 participants, 34.3% reported groin injecting in the last six months. In multivariate analyses, factors positively associated with groin injecting included: having higher than secondary education (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00 – 2.56), weekly midazolam injection (AOR = 8.26; 95% CI: 5.04 – 14.06), and reports of having had drugs planted on oneself by police (AOR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.37 – 3.36). Conclusions Over one-third of our sample of Thai PWID reported recent groin injecting. Frequent midazolam injection and higher education were found to be associated with groin injecting. That high intensity PWID were more likely to inject in the groin is concerning given the known negative consequences associated with the groin as a site of injection. Additionally, PWID who reported drug planting by police were more likely to inject in the groin, suggesting that reliance on law enforcement approaches may undermine safe injection practices in this setting. These findings highlight the need for evidence-based interventions to address the harms associated with groin injecting, including efforts to alert PWID to risks of groin injecting, the distribution of appropriate injecting equipment, and efforts to encourage use of other injecting sites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St, Paul's Hospital, 1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6, Canada.
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