bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of the leg and foot ulcer treatment provided in Oslo
Authors: Haram R.B. , Ribu E. , Rustøen T. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: This study set out to gather more information about the treatment of leg and foot ulcers in the community in Oslo, Norway. Method: A structured questionnaire on leg and foot ulcer treatment was sent to 173 community nurses in Oslo, of whom 102 responded with data on 145 patients. Results: Of the sample, 55.9% had leg ulcers, 32.2% had foot ulcers and 11.9% both; 26.2% had diabetes. Thirty-four per cent of the patients had not had a diagnosis of leg ulceration. Saline was the preferred cleansing solution. Compression therapy was used on all types of ulcer. Pain was a problem for 52.9% of the patients, of whom 9% did not receive analgesia. Conclusion: Nurses and doctors working in this community need to update their knowledge of wound treatments. Declaration of interest: None.
Use of Allevyn Heel in the management of heel ulcers
Authors: Kammerlander G. , Eberlein T. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: This small uncontrolled study examined the effectiveness of Allevyn Heel. Method: Twenty-two patients were recruited: 13 with heel pressure ulcers, four with diabetic heel ulcers, four with arterial heel ulcers and one ‘other’. Ulcers were assessed before treatment and after the start of the dressing regimen at weeks two and four and at the end of the study. Results: Patients were treated with Allevyn Heel for a mean of 47.2 days, and dressings were left in place for an average of 2.2 days before being changed. By the end of treatment, 32% of the ulcers had completely or almost healed, and a further 27% were showing evidence of granulation. Application was considered easy in 98% of instances, and 91% of the patients reported that Allevyn Heel was comfortable to wear. Conclusion: Allevyn Heel was found to be effective and easy to use. This extends the range of wounds that are suitable for management with Allevyn, although a larger-scale study is needed to confirm the utility of Allevyn Heel for these type of heel wounds. Declaration of interest: This study was supported by Smith and Nephew, Germany.
Effects of ultrasound delivered through a mist of saline to wounds in mice with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Thawer H.A. , Houghton P.E. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To examine the effects of ultrasound administered through a fine mist of saline on surgically placed full-thickness excisional wounds in mice with experimental diabetes mellitus. Method: Fifty male CD-1 mice received alloxan monohydrate (100mg/kg), a drug known to induce diabetes mellitus. The animals received five ultrasound (n=27) or sham (n=23) treatments for 1.5 minutes, on alternate days, for 10 days, and were then sacrificed. Following sacrifice, each animal’s wound was excised and the tissues prepared for qualitative and quantitative histological analysis. Results: No difference in wound-surface area was found between the groups after the treatment period. However, blinded assessment of tissue sections revealed significantly increased deposition of collagen and blood vessels in the granulation tissue of animals treated with ultrasound compared with those that received sham therapy. Conclusion: Ultrasound delivered through a fine mist of saline significantly altered the composition of newly formed granulation tissue in animals with experimental diabetes mellitus. Further research needs to be completed to determine other effects of this novel ultrasound therapy and to examine its clinical effectiveness. Declaration of interest: Equipment and grant were supplied by Celleration (Eden Prairie, USA).
Is Vacuum Assisted Closure a valid technique for debriding chronic leg ulcers?
Authors: Lorée S. , Dompmartin A. , Penven K. , Harel D. , Leroy D. 
Published: May 2014

Objective:Between May 2001 and October 2002 a prospective controlled open non-comparative study was performed to assess the effectiveness of topical negative pressure in the fibrinous debridement of chronic leg ulcers.Method:Fifteen leg ulcers that had not responded to several other treatment modalities were treated with the Vacuum Assisted Closure system (KCI) for six days.Results:The median percentage reduction in fibrinous tissue was 28% on day three and 40% on day six. Between days one and three the percentage change was ≥50% in four patients and ≥25% in six patients. Between days three and six percentages of fibrin in the wound were lower in all patients, except for two who had higher percentages and two who had the same percentage.Conclusion:VAC therapy was rapidly efficacious, promoting angiogenesis and the formation of healthy tissue.Declaration of interest:None.
Using a new lipidocolloid dressing in paediatric wounds: results of French and German clinical studies
Authors: Letouze A. , Voinchet V. , Hoecht B. , Muenter K.C. , Vives F. , Bohbot S. 
Published: May 2014

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy, tolerance and acceptability of a lipidocolloid dressing, Urgotul (Laboratoires Urgo), in the local treatment of acute and chronic paediatric wounds.Method:Two non-comparative multicentre prospective clinical studies were conducted using the same protocol in France and Germany. A total of 100 patients were recruited from 16 centres (11 in France and five in Germany), and followed up for four weeks. Seventy wounds (55 burns and 15 other wounds) from France and 30 from Germany (22 burns and eight other wounds) were evaluated by nursing staff at every dressing change and by the medical investigator on a weekly basis.Results:In the French study population, 86% of the burns (superficial and deep partial-thickness) and 53% of the other wounds healed completely within the four weeks. Figures for the German study population were 100% and 88% respectively. Pain was evaluated using pain scales adapted to the patient’s age (objective pain scale, faces scale for pain and a visual analogue scale) at each dressing change. Dressing removal was non-traumatic, inducing very limited pain. Minor local adverse events were reported in four children.Conclusion:Urgotul is not only efficacious, but also well-tolerated and accepted by children with acute and chronic wounds. The dressing, therefore, might be an appropriate and highly promising alternative to conventional dressings.Declaration of interest:This study was sponsored by Laboratoires Urgo.
The effectiveness of a hydrogel dressing compared with standard management of pressure ulcers
Authors: Kaya A.Z. , Turani N. , Akyüz M. 
Published: May 2014

Objective:To compare a hydrogel dressing with a conservative topical wound-care regimen (gauze with povidone-iodine) for the treatment of pressure ulcers.Method:A prospective study comprising 27 (24 male and three female) spinal-cord injury patients with a total of 49 pressure ulcers. Wounds were randomised into a treatment group (n=25) or control group (n=24). The primary outcome measure was the rate of wound healing (cm2/days).Results:Healing rates in the treatment group were higher than in the control group, although this was not statistically significant. Some 84% of the wounds in the treatment group and 54% in the control group epithelialised, which was statistically significant (p=0.04). The mean healing time in the treatment group was 48 days compared with 45 days for the controls.Conclusion:Our results suggest that hydrogel occlusive wound dressings facilitate healing by promoting more rapid epithelialisation of pressure ulcers, when compared with conservative wound care.Declaration of interest:None.
Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of a new regimen for malignant wounds in women with advanced breast cancer
Authors: Lund-Nielsen B. , Müller K. , Adamsen L. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To determine if UlcerCare, a specialised self-securing static magnetic device, can promote the healing of chronic leg ulcers. Method: This double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study involved 26 patients with chronic leg ulcers, receiving care consistent with RCN guidelines, who were randomly allocated to receive either UlcerCare leg wrap (treatment) or an identical sham non-magnetic device (control). Wounds were assessed for 12 weeks at four weekly intervals using digital photography, Verge Videometer analysis and patient questionnaires to determine changes in ulcer size, level of pain and function. Results: Statistically significant reductions in ulcer measurement were noted in the treatment group when compared with the placebo group. Conclusion: The results demonstrate a significant healing effect in the treatment group. A larger randomised controlled study is recommended to investigate the effects on ulcer-associated pain and quality of life. Declaration of interest: The study was supported by Magnopulse, Bristol, UK.
Use of porcine renal capsule matrix as a full-thickness dermal wound-healing material in rats
Authors: Suckow M.A. , Hodde J.P. , Wolters W.R. , Hiles M.C. 
Published: May 2014

Objective:To compare the utility of porcine renal capsule matrix (RCM) with porcine small intestinal mucosa (SIS) in a rat full-thickness skin wound model.Method:Groups of rats had surgically-created wounds filled with either SIS or RCM. On each rat a contralateral wound was left unfilled (RCM-U or SIS-U). Wound diameter was measured 3, 7, 12, 17, 26 and 30 days after creation. Wound sites sampled 3, 7, 14, 28, 42 and 56 days after wound creation were numerically graded for degree of histologic change and for collagen content, based on intensity of trichrome staining.Results:Wounds in all groups rapidly contracted to less than 50% of the original diameter within 12 days. There were no differences in wound diameter between RCM- and SIS-treated wounds at any time point, but these wounds had significantly greater (p<0.001) diameters than their unfilled counterparts on days 7, 12 and 17. There were no differences in histologic scores or trichrome-staining scores between RCM- and SIS-treated wounds and their unfilled counterparts at any time point, except for a greater (p<0.05) histologic score in SIS-treated wounds compared with unfilled controls on day 14. In both treatment groups an acute inflammatory response at the wound site was soon replaced by an influx of macrophages and fibroblasts.Conclusion:The results show that RCM is equivalent to SIS for the treatment of full-thickness wounds and that these materials may enhance wound healing in terms of wound-tissue collagenisation and maturation. These materials therefore merit further study in other wound-care models.Declaration of interest:Cook Biotech provided a research grant and supplied the SIS and RCM.
Comparison of two peri-wound skin protectants in venous leg ulcers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cameron J. , Hoffman D. , Wilson J. , Cherry G. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: A randomised controlled trial was designed to determine whether or not early intervention with a suitable skin barrier preparation could prevent skin breakdown. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy and cost-effectivenss of two skin protectants, Cavilon No Sting Barrier Film (NSBF) (3M Health Care) and zinc paste compound, in the management of maceration and irritation of the peri-wound area of venous leg ulcers. Method: Thirty-five patients with venous leg ulcers and surrounding skin problems were randomised to receive either NSBF or zinc paste compound. The preparation was then applied at each dressing change for 12 weeks. All patients had been receiving compression bandaging before entering the study and continued wearing it throughout the 12-week study period. Results: The decrease in wound area was 5.11 ± 8.39cm2 in the NSBF group and 4.59 ± 5.83cm2 in the zinc paste group. The healing rate was 0.046cm per week with NSBF and 0.039cm per week with zinc paste. There was a significant difference in the time required to remove and re-apply the skin protectants: an average of 0.19 (± 0.17) minutes in the NSBF group and 5.53 (± 2.10) minutes in the zinc paste group (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Both products were effective barrier preparations. However, NSBF was easy to apply and transparent. The zinc paste was messy to apply and difficult to remove, and thus took up considerably more nursing time than NSBF. Declaration of interest: This study was supported by 3M Health Care.
Leg wound infections following cardiac surgery: a scoring system for assessment and management
Authors: Elahi M.M. , Haesey A.M. , Graham K.C. , Battula N.R. , Manketlow B. , Dhannapuneni R.R.V. , St Hickey M. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Well-defined criteria are needed to provide guidance for the appropriate management of leg wounds following saphenous vein harvest in coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). Method: A score named DISINFECT was devised to carefully define the variables to be considered for assessing saphenous vein harvest wounds. Results: This preliminary study included 100 consecutive patients undergoing first-time isolated CABG requiring the saphenous vein as a conduit. Wounds were assessed and the points combined to create a daily score (D) according to the presence of increased C-reactive protein/white blood cells (I), surrounding tissue (S), quality of the incision (I), new skin (N), foreign material (F), exudate (E), positive cultures (C) and temperature (T). Conclusion: Taking into account the stages of wound healing, severity of infection and appropriate use of antibiotics, this method of wound management would improve the consistency with which leg wounds are managed, reduce hospital stays and increase resistance to hospital-acquired infection. Declaration of interest: None.
Use of a hydrocapillary dressing in the management of highly exuding ulcers: a comparative study
Authors: Norkus A. , Dargis V. , Thomsen J.K. , Harding K.G. , Ivins N. , Serra N. , Torres de Castro O.G. , Galindo A. , Andersen K.E. , Roed-Petersen J. , Gottrup F. , Blanco J.L. , Mena de , Hauschild A. , Moll I. , Svensson, Å. , Carter K. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To evaluate the safety and performance of Alione Hydrocapillary dressing (Coloplast A/S) in the management of highly exuding chronic venous leg ulcers and compare it with two hydropolymer dressings, Tielle and Tielle Plus (Johnson & Johnson). Method: A comparative clinical trial was conducted on 97 patients with an ankle brachial pressure index ≥0.8 and a highly exuding leg ulcer. Ulcer duration was at least four weeks. Treatment continued until healing or for a maximum of 12 months. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in healing time or wound area reduction between the two treatment protocols. The test dressing (Alione Hydrocapillary) had better absorption capacity and was more comfortable for the patients than the comparator dressings (Tielle/Tielle Plus) and adhered less to the wound bed. Also, more patients preferred the test dressing to their previous treatment. Although severe leakage and maceration were observed more frequently in the comparator group compared with the test group, this was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Both treatment protocols were safe and effective in treating highly exuding chronic venous leg ulcers. The test dressing performed as well as or better than the comparator dressings for all study parameters and more patients preferred the test dressing to their previous dressing compared with the comparator dressings. Declaration of interest: The study was funded by Coloplast A/S, Humlebaek, Denmark.
Bacterial and fungal absorption properties of a hydrogel dressing with a superabsorbent polymer core
Authors: Bruggisser R. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To study in vitro the micro-organism absorption properties of a hydrogel wound dressing, TenderWet. Method: Microbial films on agar plates and suspensions with common wound bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and a fungal strain (Candida albicans) were studied. Results: The hydrogel dressing reduced the number of micro-organisms significantly, both on the agar plate and in suspension. The in vitro data show that the hydrogel dressing absorbed the micro-organisms from the environment. Electron microscopic imaging clearly demonstrated that the germs were attached to the surface of the dressing’s superabsorbent polymer core. Conclusion: In vitro data show that the hydrogel dressing TenderWet attracts and retains micro-organisms and reduces the number of viable germs. Clinical experience underlines this fast cleansing and debriding effect of the hydrogel wound dressing. Declaration of interest: This study was supported by IVF HARTMANN AG, Neuhausen, Switzerland.
Efficacy of a skin-protection powder for use as a dressing for intractable ulcers
Authors: Ohura N. , Kurita T. , Takushima A. , Shibata M. , Harii K. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: Stomahesive skin-protection powder has been reported to be useful as a skin-care and skin-barrier product for the management of stomas. This study aimed to evaluate its efficacy, in terms of wound healing, moisture retention and pain management, as an alternative to conventional dressing materials. Both clinical and animal studies were undertaken. Method: The efficacy of the Stomahesive powder was tested by measuring the thickness of granulation tissue formed in a total skin defect in a db/db mouse model. We then compared the healing process using either the skin-protection powder or a conventional film dressing material. In the clinical study 17 patients with various intractable ulcers were treated with Stomahesive powder, and healing was evaluated. Results: In the mouse model, granulation tissue in the wounds treated with the powder was 2.86 times thicker than that of the wounds treated with the film dressing. In the clinical study, 16 out of 17 wounds healed completely. Conclusion: The Stomahesive powder could be an effective treatment modality for contact ulceration, superficial ulcers with complex contours and morphology, and superficial ulcers contaminated by liquid faeces or vaginal discharge that have not responded to conventional dressings. Declaration of interest: None.
Can near infrared spectroscopy measure the effect of pressure on oxygenation of sacral soft tissue?
Authors: Keller B.P.J.A. , Schuurman J.P. , van der Werken C. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To test whether near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is applicable for the examination of the influence of external pressure on oxygenation of the soft tissues in the sacral area. Method: Tissue oxygenation was measured in 33 healthy volunteers in the prone position. A NIRS probe was positioned over the sacrum and external pressure was applied in 10mmHg increments, from 20mmHg to 200mmHg and then decreased. At each level, tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) was measured. To test reproducibility, the protocol was repeated in six volunteers, in whom the thickness of the soft-tissue envelope at different levels of external pressure was assessed using ultrasound. Results: There was wide variability in StO2 courses between the 33 subjects, with a non-linear relationship between pressure and StO2. The only consistent finding was that the StO2 was significantly higher after decreasing pressure than at the initial pressure of 20mmHg, which is indicative of reactive hyperaemia. Despite the application of high external pressures, reasonable tissue oxygenation was maintained in 19 of 33 subjects. Reproducibility of the measurements was poor. Comparison of soft-tissue thickness with corresponding StO2 values showed that, with increasing pressure, the percentage decrease in tissue thickness was higher than the decrease in tissue oxygenation. Conclusion: This study confirms that NIRS is not useful for assessing tissue oxygenation in pressure ulcer research due to unacceptable inter-individual variability and poor reproducibility of measurements. Declaration of interest: The InSpectra Tissue Spectrometer was provided free charge by Hutchinson Technology (Arnhem, the Netherlands). None of the authors had a financial interest in or link with the company.
Results of a comprehensive hospital-based wound survey
Authors: Mahé E. , Langlois G. , Baron G. , Girard L. , Macrez A. , Fargeot C. , Crickx B. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence, clinical aspects and management of wounds in a hospital. Method: A one-day survey was undertaken in our university hospital. All hospitalised patients (n=624) were examined. The clinical aspects, aetiology and management (pain, cleansing and primary dressing) of wounds were systematically evaluated. Results: A total of 327 patients (52%) had 933 wounds (mean 2.8 per patient). The prevalence was higher in surgical departments (82%) than medical departments (37%), although wounds in the latter departments were larger, deeper, more painful and less numerous per patient. Pain at wound dressing changes was treated in 89% of cases; antiseptics were used for wound cleansing in 14% of cases; the primary dressing used was appropriate in fewer than 50% of cases in the medical departments. Conclusion: This study highlights the high prevalence of wounds in this hospital setting. Many problems with their management have been identified and measures will be taken to optimise care. Declaration of interest: None.
Bacterial profiling using skin grafting, standard culture and molecular bacteriological methods
Authors: Andersen, A. , Hill K.E. , Stephens P. , Thomas D.W. , Jorgensen B. , Krogfelt K.A. 
Published: May 2014

Objective:Wound healing can be delayed by the presence of colonising bacteria, and in polymicrobial wounds they may act synergistically to the further detriment of wound healing. In this pilot investigation, biopsy and swab samples were obtained as part of skin-graft operations performed on a chronic venous leg ulcer in order to study the spatial microbial diversity and to compare standard bacteriological and molecular biological techniques.Method:The wound was sampled before excision, and sampling was undertaken at multiple locations across the wound. Swab samples and biopsies were subjected to culture analysis and 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE).Results:Within the wound samples, DGGE identified the major wound microflora components and established the extent of local differences in bacterial diversity.Conclusion:This ongoing investigation has verified DGGE as a powerful tool for elucidating the clinical microbiology of a chronic disease state. It also suggests that skin graft operations are a novel way of obtaining multiple samples for in vivo bacteriology and for establishing the spatial distribution of bacteria in the complex micro-environment of chronic wounds.Declaration of interest:None.
The endotoxin binding and antioxidative properties of ceramic granules
Authors: Opoku A.R. , Sithole S.S. , Mthimkhulu N.P. , Nel W. 
Published: May 2014

Objective: To investigate the possible antimicrobial activities and the detoxification (endotoxin binding and free radical scavenging) properties of Cerdak. Method: In order to measure the antimicrobial activity of Cerdak, microorganisms were separately inoculated into nutrient agar in the presence of Cerdak, and growth was observed over 48 hours. Cerdak was incubated with 4000EU/ml endotoxin, and the residual endotoxin was determined over 24 hours. The decrease in the colour of ABTS and DPPH (inorganic free radicals) in the presence of Cerdak was colourimetrically monitored as a measure of Cerdax’s free radical scavenging ability. DNA was exposed to hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet irradiation in the presence and absence of Cerdak. The DNA strand break was then observed through electrophoresis. Results: While Cerdak had little or no antibacterial activities, it demonstrated a high water and endotoxin-binding capacity. It also protected DNA from damage by reactive oxygen species. Conclusion: The detoxification properties of Cerdak could contribute to its healing abilities. Declaration of interest: None.