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Dege T, Glatzel B, Borst V, Grän F, Goller S, Glatzel C, Goebeler M, Schmieder A. Patient-Centered Chronic Wound Care Mobile Apps: Systematic Identification, Analysis, and Assessment. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2024; 12:e51592. [PMID: 38533818 PMCID: PMC11004612 DOI: 10.2196/51592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of chronic wounds is predicted to increase within the aging populations in industrialized countries. Patients experience significant distress due to pain, wound secretions, and the resulting immobilization. As the number of wounds continues to rise, their adequate care becomes increasingly costly in terms of health care resources worldwide. eHealth support systems are being increasingly integrated into patient care. However, to date, no systematic analysis of such apps for chronic wounds has been published. Objective The aims of this study were to systematically identify and subjectively assess publicly available German- or English-language mobile apps for patients with chronic wounds, with quality assessments performed by both patients and physicians. Methods Two reviewers independently conducted a systematic search and assessment of German- or English-language mobile apps for patients with chronic wounds that were available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store from April 2022 to May 2022. In total, 3 apps met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were reviewed independently by 10 physicians using the German Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the System Usability Scale (SUS). The app with the highest mean MARS score was subsequently reviewed by 11 patients with chronic wounds using the German user version of the MARS (uMARS) and the SUS. Additionally, Affinity for Technology Interaction (ATI) scale scores were collected from both patients and physicians. Results This study assessed mobile apps for patients with chronic wounds that were selected from a pool of 118 identified apps. Of the 73 apps available in both app stores, 10 were patient oriented. After excluding apps with advertisements or costs, 3 apps were evaluated by 10 physicians. Mean MARS scores ranged from 2.64 (SD 0.65) to 3.88 (SD 0.65) out of 5, and mean SUS scores ranged from 50.75 (SD 27) to 80.5 (SD 17.7) out of 100. WUND APP received the highest mean MARS score (mean 3.88, SD 0.65 out of 5) among physicians. Hence, it was subsequently assessed by 11 patients and achieved a similar rating (uMARS score: mean 3.89, SD 0.4 out of 5). Technical affinity, as measured with the ATI scale, was slightly lower in patients (score: mean 3.62, SD 1.35 out of 6) compared to physicians (score: mean 3.88, SD 1.03 out 6). Conclusions The quality ratings from physicians and patients were comparable and indicated mediocre app quality. Technical affinity, as assessed by using the ATI scale, was slightly lower for patients. Adequate apps for patients with chronic wounds remain limited, emphasizing the need for improved app development to meet patient needs. The ATI scale proved valuable for assessing technical affinity among different user groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tassilo Dege
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bernadette Glatzel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Borst
- Department of Computer Science, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Grän
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Simon Goller
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Glatzel
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Goebeler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Astrid Schmieder
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Huang C, Cheng Y, Zheng W, Bing RW, Zhang H, Komornicki I, Harris LM, Arany PR, Chakraborty S, Zhou Q, Xu W, Xia J. Dual-Scan Photoacoustic Tomography for the Imaging of Vascular Structure on Foot. IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control 2023; 70:1703-1713. [PMID: 37276111 PMCID: PMC10809222 DOI: 10.1109/tuffc.2023.3283139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic leg ulcers are affecting approximately 6.5 million Americans, and they are associated with significant mortality, reduced quality of life, and high treatment costs. Since many chronic ulcers have underlying vascular insufficiency, accurate assessment of tissue perfusion is critical to treatment planning and monitoring. This study introduces a dual-scan photoacoustic (PA) tomography (PAT) system that can simultaneously image the dorsal and plantar sides of the foot to reduce imaging time. To account for the unique shape of the foot, the system employs height-adjustable and articulating baseball stages that can scan along the foot's contour. In vivo results from healthy volunteers demonstrate the system's ability to acquire clear images of foot vasculature, and results from patients indicate that the system can image patients with various ulcer conditions. We also investigated various PA features and examined their correlation with the foot condition. Our preliminary results indicate that vessel sharpness, occupancy, intensity, and density could all be used to assess tissue perfusion. This research demonstrated the potential of PAT for routine clinical tissue perfusion assessment.
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Mayrovitz HN, Wong S, Mancuso C. Venous, Arterial, and Neuropathic Leg Ulcers With Emphasis on the Geriatric Population. Cureus 2023; 15:e38123. [PMID: 37252574 PMCID: PMC10212749 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.38123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Leg ulcers are a common and often serious problem in older adults. Underlying conditions that increase risk include age-related increases in chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral artery disease, connective tissue and autoimmune conditions, reduced mobility, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Geriatric patients have a higher risk of multiple wound-related complications including infection, cellulitis, ischemia, and gangrene, any of which may lead to further complications including amputation. The very presence of these lower extremity ulcers in the elderly negatively impacts their quality of life and ability to function. Understanding and early identification of the underlying conditions and wound features are important for effective ulcer healing and complication mitigation. This targeted review focuses on the three most common types of lower extremity ulcers: venous, arterial, and neuropathic. The goal of this paper is to characterize and discuss the general and specific aspects of these lower extremity ulcers and their relevancy and impact on the geriatric population. The top five main results of this study can be summarized as follows. (1) Venous ulcers, caused by inflammatory processes secondary to venous reflux and hypertension, are the most common chronic leg ulcer in the geriatric population. (2) Arterial-ischemic ulcers are mainly due to lower extremity vascular disease, which itself tends to increase with increasing age setting the stage for an age-related increase in leg ulcers. (3) Persons with DM are at increased risk of developing foot ulcers mainly due to neuropathy and localized ischemia, both of which tend to increase with advancing age. (4) In geriatric patients with leg ulcers, it is important to rule out vasculitis or malignancy as causes. (5) Treatment is best made on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's underlying condition, comorbidities, overall health status, and life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey N Mayrovitz
- Medical Education, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| | - Summer Wong
- Dermatology, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
| | - Camilla Mancuso
- Dermatology, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Davie, USA
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Demurtas S, Pareti E, Madanchi M. Ignatzschineria larvae Bacteremia in a Patient With Chronic Leg Ulcer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Cureus 2023; 15:e36612. [PMID: 37102037 PMCID: PMC10123227 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Ignatzschineria larvae (I. larvae) is a bacterium found in the digestive tract of some flies. A few cases of bacteremia by I. larvae are described in the literature. We present the case of a patient with chronic leg ulcer and poor hygienic and social conditions, who presented with bacteremia from I. larvae. As there are few cases described in the literature, there are no guidelines yet for the treatment of this bacteremia. We report a short review of the literature below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saudina Demurtas
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Locarno, CHE
| | - Emmanuela Pareti
- Department of Emergency, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Locarno, CHE
| | - Matiar Madanchi
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, CHE
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Leren L, Eide H, Johansen EA, Jelnes R, Ljoså TM. Background pain in persons with chronic leg ulcers: An exploratory study of symptom characteristics and management. Int Wound J 2021; 19:1357-1369. [PMID: 34897978 PMCID: PMC9493215 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This exploratory descriptive study aimed to describe characteristics and management of background pain related to chronic leg ulcers. A total of 121 participants were recruited from two wound care clinics using a consecutive sampling method. Data were obtained through screening interview, clinical examination, and questionnaires. The mean average background pain intensity was 4.5 (SD 2.56) (CI 95% 4.0-5.0). Pain interfered mostly with general activity (mean 4.3), sleep (mean 4.1), and walking ability (mean 4.0) (0-10 NRS). The most frequently reported descriptors of background pain were 'tender', 'stabbing', 'aching', and 'hot-burning'. Most of the participants stated that the pain was intermittent. Less than 60% had analgesics prescribed specifically for ulcer related pain, and the respondents reported that pain management provided a mean pain relief of 45.9% (SD 33.9, range 0-100). The findings indicate that ulcer related background pain is a significant problem that interferes with daily function, and that pain management in wound care is still inadequate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Leren
- Centre for Health and Technology, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Hilde Eide
- Centre for Health and Technology, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Edda Aslaug Johansen
- Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
| | - Rolf Jelnes
- Medical Department, Hospital of Southern, Sonderborg, Denmark
| | - Tone Marte Ljoså
- Centre for Health and Technology, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Drammen, Norway
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Krupka M, Bożek A, Bartusik-Aebisher D, Cieślar G, Kawczyk-Krupka A. Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Infected Leg Ulcers-A Pilot Study. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:506. [PMID: 33946775 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic and infected leg ulcers (LUs) are painful, debilitating, resistant to antibiotics, and immensely reduce a patient’s quality of life. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of infected chronic LUs. Patients were randomized into two experimental groups: the first group received 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) (10 patients), and the second group of 10 patients received local octenidine dihydrochloride (Octenilin gel) exposed to a placebo light source with an inserted filter that mimiced red light. In the PDT group, we used 20% ALA topically applied for 4 hrs and irradiation from a Diomed laser source with a wavelength of 630 nm at a fluency of 80 J/cm2. ALA-PDT was performed 10 times during a 14-day hospitalization in 10 patients of both sexes aged 40–85 years with chronic leg ulcers. Treatments were carried out at 3-week intervals for 3–5 cycles. At 8-month follow-up with the PDT group, complete remission (CR) was obtained in four patients (40%), partial response (>50% reduction in ulcer diameter) in four patients (40%), and no response in two patients (20%) who additionally developed deterioration of the local condition with swelling, erythema, and inflammation. To assess the degree of pain during the trials, we used a numeric rating scale (NRS). From the preliminary results obtained, we concluded that PDT can be used to treat leg ulcers as a minimally invasive and effective method with no serious side effects, although further studies on a larger group of patients with LUs are warranted.
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Bachar-Wikstrom E, Manchanda M, Bansal R, Karlsson M, Kelly-Pettersson P, Sköldenberg O, Wikstrom JD. Endoplasmic reticulum stress in human chronic wound healing: Rescue by 4-phenylbutyrate. Int Wound J 2020; 18:49-61. [PMID: 33225583 PMCID: PMC7949014 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During wound healing, cells have a high rate of protein synthesis and many proteins need to be folded post‐translationally to function, which occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). In addition to proliferation, several cellular stress conditions, such as hypoxia, in the wound micro‐environment lead to the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER, causing ER stress. Eukaryotic cells have a signalling system to manage ER stress called the unfolded protein response (UPR). Mild UPR activation has a beneficial homeostatic effect; however, excessive UPR induces cell death. Herein, we examined venous leg ulcer biopsies versus normal acute incisional wounds in age‐matched elderly subjects and found a large increase in ER stress markers. To study the underlying mechanism, we established several cell cultures from amputated legs from the elderly that showed inherent ER stress. While both keratinocytes and fibroblasts migration was impaired by ER stress, migration of elderly leg skin keratinocytes was markedly improved after treatment with the chemical chaperone and clinically established drug 4‐phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA) and demonstrated a reduction in ER stress markers. In a full‐thickness human skin wound healing model, 4‐PBA improved the reepithelialisation rate, which suggests it as a promising drug repurposing candidate for wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etty Bachar-Wikstrom
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mansi Manchanda
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ritu Bansal
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Paula Kelly-Pettersson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Division of Orthopaedics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Olof Sköldenberg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Danderyd Hospital, Division of Orthopaedics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jakob D Wikstrom
- Dermatology and Venereology Division, Department of Medicine (Solna), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Dermato-Venereology Clinic, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Moelleken M, Jockenhöfer F, Benson S, Dissemond J. Prospective clinical study on the efficacy of bacterial removal with mechanical debridement in and around chronic leg ulcers assessed with fluorescence imaging. Int Wound J 2020; 17:1011-1018. [PMID: 32289211 PMCID: PMC7948916 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial colonisation in wounds delays healing, mandating regular bacterial removal through cleaning and debridement. Real-time monitoring of the efficacy of mechanical debridement has recently become possible through fluorescence imaging. Red fluorescence, endogenously produced during bacterial metabolism, indicates regions contaminated with live bacteria (>104 CFU/g). In this prospective study, conventional and fluorescence photos were taken of 25 venous leg ulcers before and after mechanical debridement, without use of antiseptics. Images were digitally segmented into wound bed and the periwound regions (up to 1.5 cm outside bed) and pixel intensity of red fluorescence evaluated to compute bacterial area. Pre-debridement, bacterial fluorescence comprised 10.4% of wound beds and larger percentages of the periwound area (~25%). Average bacterial reduction observed in the wound bed after a single mechanical debridement was 99.4% (p<0.001), yet periwound bacterial reduction was only 64.3%. On average, across bed and periwound, a single mechanical debridement left behind 29% of bacterial fluorescence positive tissue regions. Our results show the substantial effect that safe, inexpensive, mechanical debridement can have on bacterial load of venous ulcers without antiseptic use. Fluorescence imaging can localise bacterial colonised areas and showed persistent periwound bacteria post-debridement. Fluorescence-targeted debridement can be used quickly and easily in daily practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurice Moelleken
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and AllergologyUniversity of EssenEssenGermany
| | - Finja Jockenhöfer
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and AllergologyUniversity of EssenEssenGermany
| | - Sven Benson
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral ImmunobiologyUniversity of EssenEssenGermany
| | - Joachim Dissemond
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and AllergologyUniversity of EssenEssenGermany
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Bui UT, Finlayson K, Edwards H. Validation of predictive factors for infection in adults with chronic leg ulcers: A prospective longitudinal study. J Clin Nurs 2020; 29:1074-1084. [PMID: 31891202 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.15156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To validate the ability of factors to predict infection in adults with chronic leg ulcers over a 12-week period. BACKGROUND Leg ulcers affect ~3% of older adults and are often hard to heal. Infection is a leading contributor for delayed healing, causing delayed wound healing, increased hospitalisation, increased healthcare costs and reduced patient quality of life. The importance of early identification of infection has been highlighted for decades, yet little is known about factors that are associated with increased risk of infection in this specific population. DESIGN A longitudinal, prospective observational study in a single centre. METHODS Between August 2017 and May 2018, a total of 65 adults with chronic leg ulcers were prospectively observed for a 12-week period. Patients were recruited from an outpatient wound clinic at a tertiary hospital in Australia. Data were collected from recruitment (baseline) and each visit (weekly or fortnightly) up until 12 weeks. Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to identify predictive factors for infection. The TRIPOD guidelines for reporting were followed (See Data S1). RESULTS The sample consisted of 65 adults with chronic leg ulcers, and 9.2% of these had their ulcer infected at baseline. Two predictive factors, using walking aids and gout, were found to be significantly related to increased likelihood of developing infection within 12 weeks. CONCLUSION The present study showed that patients who either used walking aids or were diagnosed with gout were at greater risk of infection compared to those without these factors. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE These findings provide new information for clinicians in early identification of patients at risk of infection, and for patients in enhancing their awareness of their own risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ut T Bui
- School of Nursing, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kathleen Finlayson
- School of Nursing, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen Edwards
- School of Nursing, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia
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10
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Saka B, Abilogoun-Chokki AE, Akakpo S, Teclessou J, Soga GW, Mahamadou G, Gnassingbe W, Mouhari-Toure A, Kombate K, Dosseh ED, Pitche VP. Chronic leg ulcers in hospitalized patients in Lomé, Togo: 125 cases. Med Sante Trop 2018; 28:257-60. [PMID: 30095074 DOI: 10.1684/mst.2018.0804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to document the profile and causes of chronic leg ulcers (CLU) in patients hospitalized in Lomé, Togo. This retrospective study reviewed records from the dermatology departments (CHU Sylvanus Olympio and Campus, and the dermatology center of Gbossimé) from 2000 to 2017 and from the general surgery department of CHU Sylvanus Olympio from 2013 to 2017 to identify cases. In all, 125 cases of CLU were identified during the study period. The patients' mean age was 56.6 years and the sex ratio (M/F) was 0.89. The average time from CLU onset to consultation was 10.9 weeks (range : 7 weeks to 4 years). They were mainly associated with a history of diabetes (32 cases), arterial hypertension (16 cases), varicose veins (14 cases), and malnutrition (14 cases). The main causes were : ulcers of infectious origin in 49.6% of cases (including 38 with phagedenic ulcers), ulcers of vascular origin in 36% (including 21 cases with a venous ulcer) and diabetic ulcers in 8.8% of cases. The ulcer was unilateral in 122 patients (67 on the right and 55 on the left) and bilateral in 3 patients. The locations were the foot in 56 cases, the leg in 37 cases, and leg and foot in 32 cases. In addition to dressings, surgical debridement was performed in 23 patients, followed by skin autografts for 16. Amputation was performed for 31 patients. Sixteen (12.8%) of the 125 patients died. Our study observed a high rate of phagedenic ulcers among CLU in Togo. It also pointed to a problem explaining the very high mortality rate: delayed consultation by patients who arrive only after the onset of complications.
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Purcell A, Buckley T, Fethney J, King J, Moyle W, Marshall AP. The Effectiveness of EMLA as a Primary Dressing on Painful Chronic Leg Ulcers: Effects on Wound Healing and Health-Related Quality of Life. INT J LOW EXTR WOUND 2017; 16:163-172. [PMID: 28836470 DOI: 10.1177/1534734617726678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of EMLA 5% cream applied to painful chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) as a primary dressing on wound healing and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A pilot, parallel-group, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 6 community nursing procedure clinics in New South Wales, Australia. A total of 60 participants with painful CLUs of varied etiology were randomly assigned to the intervention (EMLA daily for 4 weeks as a primary dressing, followed by usual care) or usual care only. Wound size and HRQoL were measured at baseline, end of the intervention period (week 4), and week 12. At baseline, wound sizes were similar for both the intervention and control groups. During the intervention period, there was no significant difference in wound sizes between groups (intervention group: median (cm2) = 2.4, IQR = 1.3-12.7; control group: median (cm2) = 5.0, IQR = 2.5-9.9; P = .05). Mean HRQoL scores for all subscales at baseline and weeks 4 and 12 were similar between groups except for Wellbeing, which was significantly higher in the intervention group at the end of the 4-week intervention period (intervention group: mean = 52.41, SD = 24.50; control group: mean = 38.15, SD = 21.25; P = .03; d = 0.62). The trial findings suggest that daily applications of EMLA as a primary dressing do not inhibit wound healing and may improve patient well-being. Studies with larger samples are required to more comprehensively evaluate the impact of this treatment on wound healing and HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Purcell
- 1 Griffith University, QLD, Australia.,2 Central Coast Local Health District, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Jennie King
- 2 Central Coast Local Health District, NSW, Australia.,3 University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Andrea P Marshall
- 1 Griffith University, QLD, Australia.,4 Gold Coast Health, QLD, Australia
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Serra R, Grande R, Butrico L, Rossi A, Settimio UF, Caroleo B, Amato B, Gallelli L, de Franciscis S. Chronic wound infections: the role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2015; 13:605-13. [PMID: 25746414 DOI: 10.1586/14787210.2015.1023291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 350] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic leg ulcers affect 1-2% of the general population and are related to increased morbidity and health costs. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the most common bacteria isolated from chronic wounds. They can express virulence factors and surface proteins affecting wound healing. The co-infection of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa is more virulent than single infection. In particular, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa have both intrinsic and acquired antibiotic resistance, making clinical management of infection a real challenge, particularly in patients with comorbidity. Therefore, a correct and prompt diagnosis of chronic wound infection requires a detailed knowledge of skin bacterial flora. This is a necessary prerequisite for tailored pharmacological treatment, improving symptoms, and reducing side effects and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Serra
- Interuniversity Center of Phlebolymphology (CIFL), International Research and Educational Program in Clinical and Experimental Biotechnology, Headquarters: University Magna Græcia of Catanzaro, Viale Europa 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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13
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Gjødsbøl K, Skindersoe ME, Skov RL, Krogfelt KA. Cross-contamination: Comparison of Nasal and Chronic Leg Ulcer Staphylococcus aureus Strains Isolated from the Same Patient. Open Microbiol J 2013; 7:6-8. [PMID: 23459213 PMCID: PMC3580757 DOI: 10.2174/1874285801307010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 11/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of bacterial cross-contamination between the nasal cavity and leg ulcers. Sixteen patients were included in the study. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the leg ulcer of 13 patients and 6 of these patients also harboured S. aureus in the nasal cavity. Klebsiella oxytoca was found in the ulcer and the nasal cavity of one patient. PFGE analysis revealed that patients harbouring S. aureus both in the nasal cavity and the leg ulcer had the same bacterial type at both sites. None of the S. aureus isolates were methicillin resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Gjødsbøl
- Microbiology and Infection Control, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark ; Coloplast A/S, Holtedam 1, DK-3050 Humlebaek, Denmark
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