Topical application of a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel integrated with secretome of human mesenchymal stromal cells for diabetic ulcer repair.

This preclinical proof-of-concept study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of secretome therapy in diabetic mice with pressure ulcers. We utilized a custom-made hyaluronic acid (HA)-based porous sponge, which was rehydrated either with normal culture medium or secretome derived from human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to achieve a hydrogel consistency. Following application onto skin ulcers, both the hydrogel-only and the hydrogel + secretome combination accelerated wound closure compared to the vehicle group. Notably, the presence of secretome significantly enhanced the healing effect of the hydrogel, as evidenced by a thicker epidermis and increased revascularization of the healed area compared to the vehicle group. Notably, molecular analysis of healed skin revealed significant downregulation of genes involved in delayed wound healing and abnormal inflammatory response in ulcers treated with the hydrogel + secretome combination, compared to those treated with the hydrogel only. Additionally, we found no significant differences in therapeutic outcomes when comparing the use of secretome from fetal dermal MSCs to that from umbilical cord MSCs. This observation is supported by the proteomic profile of the two secretomes, which suggests a shared molecular signature responsible of the observed therapeutic effects.

Recurrent Skin Ulcers with Facial Dysmorphism and Sinopulmonary Infections: Thinking Beyond Hyper-IgE Syndrome.

Prolidase deficiency (PD) is a rare inborn error of metabolism causing ulcers and other skin disorders, splenomegaly, developmental delay, and recurrent infections. Most of the literature is constituted of isolated case reports. It occurs due to the mutations in the prolidase gene ( PEPD ) that result in loss of prolidase activity. We reported here a child who had presented with features compatible with hyper-immunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) like recurrent skin ulcers, recurrent infections, facial dysmorphism, retained primary teeth, and elevated levels of immunoglobulin E levels but with normal flow cytometric assays, which was later diagnosed as PD.

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing-assisted diagnosis of a rare case of primary cutaneous acanthamoebiasis in an HIV patient: a case report.

Pathogenic and free-living Acanthamoeba are widely distributed in the environment and have been reported to cause keratitis and universally fatal encephalitis. Primary cutaneous acanthamoebiasis caused by Acanthamoeba is exceedingly rare and presents as isolated necrotic cutaneous lesions without involvement of the cornea or central nervous system. Cutaneous acanthamoebiasis often occurs in immunocompromised patients and is likely overlooked or even misdiagnosed only by cutaneous biopsy tissue histopathological analysis. Here, we report a HIV-infected 63-year-old female with oral leukoplakia for 4 months and scattered large skin ulcers all over the body for 2 months. The cause of the cutaneous lesions was unclear through cutaneous specimens histopathological analysis, and subsequently Acanthamoeba were detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), which may be the cause of cutaneous lesions. Based on the mNGS results, a pathologist subsequently reviewed the previous pathological slides and found trophozoites of Acanthamoeba so that the cause was identified, and the skin ulcers improved significantly after treatment with multi-drug combination therapy. Acanthamoeba is also a host of pathogenic microorganisms. The presence of endosymbionts enhances the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba, and no other pathogens were reported in this case. mNGS is helpful for rapidly diagnosing the etiology of rare skin diseases and can indicate the presence or absence of commensal microorganisms.

Tratamento de infecções localizadas em feridas de difícil cicatrização: uma revisão integrativa / Treatment of Localized Infections in Hard-to-Heal Wounds: An Integrative Review / Tratamiento de infecciones localizadas en heridas de difícil cicatrización: una revisión integrativa

Objetivo: Identificar la producción de conocimiento sobre el tratamiento de infecciones localizadas en heridas de difícil cicatrización. Método: Revisión integrativa de la literatura realizada en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud; Base de datos de enfermería; Scientific Electronic Library; Web of Science; Biblioteca Cochrane; Catálogo de Tesis y Disertaciones de la Coordinación para el Perfeccionamiento del Personal de Educación Superior; y PubMed. Los artículos seleccionados no tienen límite de tiempo. Los estudios fueron exportados a la aplicación Rayyan y sometidos a evaluación doble ciego mediante la lectura del título y el resumen, según los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. La información fue analizada y sintetizada según el nivel de evidencia. Resultados: 19 estudios fueron incluidos para lectura completa. Se encontró como evidencia la higiene de la herida; la limpieza con ácido acético al 1%; la identificación y el tratamiento de biopelículas; el uso de cobertores y soluciones con acción antimicrobiana. Conclusión: La infección localizada de la herida ha sido objeto de varias investigaciones y las prácticas recomendadas se refieren a tratamientos tópicos. (AU)

Objective: To identify the knowledge production on the treatment of localized infections in hard-to-heal wounds. Method: An integrative literature review was conducted in the Virtual Health Library, Nursing Database, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Catalog of Theses and Dissertations of the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel, and PubMed. The selected articles had no time limit. The studies were exported to the Rayyan application and subjected to double-blind evaluation through title and abstract reading, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The information was analyzed and synthesized according to the level of evidence. Results: A total of 19 publications were fully analyzed. The evidence obtained on the topic includes wound hygiene, cleaning with 1% acetic acid, identification and treatment of biofilms, the use of dressings, and solutions with antimicrobial action. Conclusion: Localized wound infections have been the subject of various research studies, and the recommended practices refer to topical treatments. (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar a produção de conhecimento sobre o tratamento de infecções localizadas em feridas de difícil cicatrização. Método: Revisão integrativa da literatura realizada na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Base de Dados de Enfermagem, Scientific Electronic Library Online, Web of Science, Biblioteca Cochrane, Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior e Public Medline. Os artigos selecionados não possuem limite temporal. Os estudos foram exportados para o aplicativo Rayyan e submetidos à avaliação duplo-cega por meio da leitura do título e do resumo, com base nos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. As informações foram analisadas e sintetizadas de acordo com o nível de evidência. Resultados: Foram analisadas 19 publicações em sua totalidade. Obteve-se como evidências acerca do tema a higienização da ferida, a limpeza com ácido acético 1%, a identificação e o tratamento de biofilmes, o uso de coberturas e as soluções com ação antimicrobiana. Conclusão: A infecção localizada de feridas tem sido objeto de várias pesquisas e as práticas recomendadas referem-se a tratamentos tópicos. (AU)

From Skin to Blood: Ulcerative Pyoderma Gangrenosum Unveiling Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

While Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is commonly associated with hematological disorders such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), it typically presents concurrently with the hemopathy, mostly in its bullous form, among middle-aged individuals. Here, we report the unusual case of a young female patient who presented with PG in its ulcerative form, three weeks before the onset of AML. A 31-year-old female presented with a one-week history of painful perianal papulopustule that evolved into an irregular ulceration with violaceous borders, mucopurulent serosity, and erythematous surrounding skin. Laboratory work-up demonstrated elevated inflammatory markers and hyperleukocytosis, with no cytopenia, and normal peripheral blood smear. Two weeks later, the ulcer growth was noted with a similar ulceration at a venipuncture site. A complete blood count revealed pancytopenia, with 45% blasts on the peripheral blood smear. Skin biopsies showed an aseptic neutrophilic infiltrate in favor of PG. Intravenous methylprednisolone was administered with rapid resolution of the lesions. However, the patient died shortly after. The post-mortem results of bone marrow aspirate revealed AML, with immunohistochemistry of the skin lesions confirming the clonality of neutrophils derived from the leukemic clone.  This case highlights a distinctive clinical presentation, illustrating the manifestation of PG three weeks before the onset of AML in its ulcerative rather than bullous form, in a young female patient.

STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI) presenting with skin lesions.

STING-associated vasculopathy with onset in infancy (SAVI) is caused by pathogenic gain-of-function variants in the gene TMEM173 (also named stimulator of interferon genes, STING1). This report details the case of an 11-year-old girl with SAVI who presented with skin-limited symptoms and discusses the phenotype-genotype correlations of the TMEM173 variant present in our patient. Treatment of SAVI focuses on preventing the development or progression of organ damage by reducing systemic inflammation. We summarize the available treatments for this syndrome.

Surgical treatment and outcomes of acute and chronic ulcers on the penis following injection of foreign substances.

In this paper, we present our experience with acute and chronic penile ulcers resulting from injection of an exogenous substance and their surgical treatment.

A Tracheostomy Support Device to Reduce Tracheostomy-Related Pressure Injury.

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomies provide many advantages for the care of patients who are critically ill but may also result in complications, including tracheostomy-related pressure injuries. Research efforts into the prevention of these pressure injuries has resulted in specialized clinical care teams and pathways. These solutions are expensive and labor intensive, and fail to target the root cause of these injuries; namely, pressure at the device-skin interface. Here we measure that pressure directly and introduce a medical device, the tracheostomy support system, to reduce it. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 21 subjects in the ICU, each with a tracheostomy tube connected to a ventilator. A force-sensing resistor was used to measure baseline pressures at the device-skin interface along the inferior flange. This pressure was then measured again with the use of the tracheostomy support system in the inactive and active states. Resultant pressures and demographics were compared. RESULTS: Fifteen male and 6 female subjects, with an average age of 47 ± 14 (mean ± SD) years, were included in this study. Average pressures at the tracheostomy-skin interface at baseline in these 21 ICU subjects were 273 ± 115 (mean ± SD) mm Hg. Average pressures were reduced by 59% (median 62%, maximum 98%) with the active tracheostomy support system to 115 ± 83 mm Hg (P < .001). All the subjects tolerated the tracheostomy support system without issue. CONCLUSIONS: Despite best clinical practice, pressure at the tracheostomy-skin interface can remain quite high. Here we provide measures of this pressure directly and show that a tracheostomy support system can be effective at minimizing that pressure.

Features of apoptotic and proliferative processes in experimental infected radiation-induced skin ulcer under conditions of photodynamic therapy and the use of platelet-rich plasma.

OBJECTIVE: . Aim: The purpose of the study was to identify the features of apoptotic and proliferative processes in experimental Staphylococcus aureus-infected radiation skin ulcer under conditions of photodynamic therapy and the use of platelet-rich plasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted on 95 six-month-old male rats of the WAG population, which were divided into three groups. Group 1 included 25 animals that were simulated a radiation ulcer of the skin in the thigh area with subsequent application to its surface on the 7th day after irradiation with 0.2 ml of a suspension of the Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) reference strain (0.5 million microbial cells/cm2). Group 2 included 25 animals with Staphylococcus aureus-infected radiation skin ulcer, which were subjected to photodynamic therapy a day after infection. Group 3 included 45 animals with Staphylococcus aureus-infected radiation skin ulcers, which, 1 day after infection, received photodynamic therapy in the first half of the day, and in the second half of the day the periphery of the wound defect was injected with platelet-rich plasma. The material for the study was skin with underlying soft tissues from the area of radiation exposure. Histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric and statistical methods were used. RESULTS: Results: In cases of simultaneous use of photodynamic therapy and platelet-rich plasma, compared with photodynamic therapy alone, the processes ofapoptosis and proliferation were more balanced, active, with a shift in the proliferative-apoptotic ratio towards proliferation processes and met the needs of the regenerative process. From the 10th to the 22nd day of the experiment these processes increased, which indicated active healing processes, that, during survey microscopy on the 22nd day, were manifested by the complete filling of the wound cavity with granulation and connective tissues with the presence of an epithelial layer on the surface of the regenerate. From the 22nd to the 45th day of the experiment, a decrease in the rate of regeneration was recorded, as evidenced by a decrease in the intensity of apoptotic and proliferative processes. The intensity of the latter was sufficient, which led to the healing of Staphylococcus aureus-infected radiation skin ulcer on the 45th day with complete restoration of the original structure of the skin. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Photodynamic therapy in combination with the use of platelet-rich plasma balancedly activates apoptotic and proliferative processes with a predominance of the latter in granulation and connective tissues filling the lumen of Staphylococcus aureus-infected radiation skin ulcer, which on the 45th day of the experiment leads to wound healing with complete restoration of the original structure of the skin.

Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis associated with cutaneous ulcerations: a case-based review.

Introduction and importance: Dermatomyositis (DM) is an autoimmune myopathy primarily affecting both muscles and skin. When muscle weakness is not clinically apparent, but characteristic skin lesions are present, the condition is referred to as clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM). Case presentation: The authors present the case of a 52-year-old female with a typical DM rash, interstitial pneumonia, and multiple skin ulcers. The skin biopsy was consistent with DM, and there were no signs of muscle involvement. Myositis-related and myositis-specific autoantibodies were also negative. Significant improvement was not observed until the patient received successive monthly pulses of methylprednisolone and the introduction of methotrexate. This treatment regimen allowed for the complete tapering of prednisone and resulted in sustained disease control. Clinical discussion: In addition to the case presentation, a narrative literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE database, and an evidence-based treatment flowchart is proposed. CADM is a subtype of DM, related to higher incidences of interstitial lung disease, skin vasculopathy and malignancy. When ulcers or interstitial pneumonia are present, treatment should be early and aggressive. Active screening for neoplasms is recommended, particularly within the first 5 years. Conclusion: The authors presented a case of seronegative CADM featuring skin vasculopathy, successfully treated with consecutive methylprednisolone pulses. Our literature review emphasized the importance of focused CADM management trials, highlighting the need for further research.

Short-term effect of dressing with Dermaheal ointment in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background and Aims: Diabetic foot ulcers, a major cause of amputations in diabetics, could benefit from natural products as adjuncts to standard care, given the costs and adverse effects of typical therapies. This study aims to evaluate the short-term effects of dressing with Dermaheal ointment in the treatment of DFUs through a double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. Methods: This double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial included 50 patients with Wagner's ulcer grade I or II, randomly assigned to Dermaheal and placebo groups (received standard treatment and placebo ointment). The ulcer site was dressed daily for four consecutive weeks with either Dermaheal or placebo ointment. Ulcer healing score (using DFU healing checklist), ulcer size with transparent ruler and largest dimension of ulcer, and pain severity using numerical pain rating score (were recorded at five-time points, including baseline, and on weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4). Also, ulcer healing status was investigated at the trial ended in November 2021. Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in ulcer healing over 4 weeks (p time < 0.001), with more remarkable progress in the Dermaheal group (p group = 0.03). At the trial end, complete ulcer healing was also significantly higher in the Dermaheal group compared to the placebo group (56% vs. 12%, p = 0.002). Both groups exhibited a decrease in ulcer size (p time < 0.001). Considering the baseline ulcer size as a covariate, substantial changes in mean ulcer size were noted in the initial (p = 0.01), second (p = 0.001), third (p = 0.002), and fourth (p = 0.002) weeks of the intervention, showing a preference for the Dermaheal group. However, no significant between-group difference was observed in pain severity levels. Conclusion: Dressing with Dermaheal as a topical treatment shows promise in improving healing and reducing the size of diabetic foot ulcers. Further research is needed to confirm these findings' long-term efficacy.

Narrative Review: Pyoderma Gangrenosum.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a skin lesion, characteristically a neutrophilic dermatosis, that can be complicated by rapid progression, necrosis, and ulceration. This is an important pathology to be discussed given that there are no established criteria for diagnosis or treatment. This review aims to elucidate characteristics and variations of PG that distinguish it from other ulcerative skin lesions. Variability in presentation can lead to missed or incorrect diagnosis, and some of the currently proposed criteria for categorizing and diagnosing PG have been included here. These criteria distinguish PG in terms of the nature of the lesion, the location, etiology, responsiveness to immunosuppressive therapy, and patient history. The etiology and pathogenesis of PG remain unknown, but we summarize prominent theories and explanations. Furthermore, recent research indicates that the incidence of PG has a strong correlation with autoimmune conditions, particularly inflammatory bowel disease. Major treatments for PG coincide with these findings, as the majority involve targeted anti-inflammatories, immunosuppressants, and surgical interventions. These treatments are addressed in this review, with added context for local versus systemic disease.

Nanocomposites used in the treatment of skin lesions: a scoping review / Nanocompuestos utilizados en el tratamiento de lesiones cutáneas: una revisión de alcance / Nanocompostos utilizados no tratamento de lesões cutâneas: revisão de escopo

ABSTRACT Objective: To map the nanocomposites used in the treatment of skin lesions. Method: A scoping review, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, carried out on eight databases, a list of references and Google Scholar to answer the question: "Which nanocomposites are used as a cover for the treatment of skin lesions?". Two independent reviewers selected the final sample using inclusion/exclusion criteria using the EndNote® and Rayyan programs. Data was extracted using an adapted form and reported using the PRISMA checklist extension, and the protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF). Results: 21 articles were selected, with nanofibers, nanogels and nanomembranes as the nanocomposites described in wound healing, alone or in association with other therapies: negative pressure and elastic. Silver nanomaterials stand out in accelerating healing due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory action, but caution should be exercised due to the risk of cytotoxicity and microbial resistance. Conclusion: Nanocomposites used in wound treatment are effective in accelerating healing and reducing costs, and the addition of bioactives to nanomaterials has added extra properties that contribute to healing.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Mapear los nanocompuestos utilizados en el tratamiento de lesiones cutáneas. Método: Revisión de alcance, según la metodología del Instituto Joanna Briggs, realizada sobre ocho bases de datos, una lista de referencias y Google Scholar para responder a la pregunta: "¿Qué nanocompuestos se utilizan como cobertura para el tratamiento de lesiones cutáneas?". Dos revisores independientes seleccionaron la muestra final mediante criterios de inclusión/exclusión utilizando los programas EndNote® y Rayyan. Los datos se extrajeron mediante un formulario adaptado y se notificaron utilizando la extensión de la lista de comprobación PRISMA, y el protocolo se registró en el Open Science Framework (OSF). Resultados: Se seleccionaron 21 artículos, con nanofibras, nanogeles y nanomembranas como los nanocompuestos descritos en la cicatrización de heridas, solos o en asociación con otras terapias: presión negativa y elástica. Los nanomateriales con plata destacan en la aceleración de la cicatrización por su acción antimicrobiana y antiinflamatoria, pero se recomienda precaución en su uso por el riesgo de citotoxicidad y resistencia microbiana. Conclusión: Los nanocompuestos utilizados en el tratamiento de heridas son eficaces para acelerar la cicatrización y reducir costes, y la adición de bioactivos a los nanomateriales ha añadido propiedades adicionales que contribuyen a la cicatrización.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mapear os nanocompostos utilizados no tratamento de lesões cutâneas. Método: Revisão de escopo, conforme metodologia Joanna Briggs Institute, realizada em oito bases de dados, lista de referências e Google Scholar para responder à pergunta: "Quais os nanocompostos utilizados como cobertura para o tratamento de lesões cutâneas?". Dois revisores independentes, selecionaram a amostra final mediante critérios de inclusão/exclusão usando os programas EndNote® e Rayyan. Os dados foram extraídos com formulário adaptado e reportados pela extensão do checklist PRISMA, o protocolo foi registrado na Open Science Framework (OSF). Resultados: 21 artigos selecionados, trouxeram nanofibras, nanogéis e nanomembranas como os nanocompostos descritos na cicatrização de feridas, isolados ou em associação a outras terapias: pressão negativa e elástica. Os nanomateriais com prata destacam-se em acelerar a cicatrização pela ação antimicrobiana e anti-inflamatória, recomenda-se cautela no uso pelo risco de citotoxicidade e resistência microbiana. Conclusão: Os nanocompostos utilizados no tratamento de feridas são eficientes em acelerar a cicatrização e reduzir custos, a adição de bioativos aos nanomateriais agregaram propriedades extras que contribuem com a cicatrização.

Detection of Bartonella henselae DNA in the blood of patients with livedoid vasculopathy

Abstract Background: Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) manifests as ulcers and atrophic white scars on the lower extremities. The main known etiopathogenesis is hypercoagulability with thrombus formation, followed by inflammation. Thrombophilia, collagen and myeloproliferative diseases may induce LV, but the idiopathic (primary) form predominates. Bartonella spp. may cause intra-endothelial infection and skin manifestations caused by these bacteria may be diverse, including leukocytoclastic vasculitis and ulcers. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bacteremia by Bartonella spp. in patients with difficult-to-control chronic ulcers diagnosed as primary LV. Methods: Questionnaires and molecular tests (conventional PCR, nested PCR and real-time PCR) were applied and liquid and solid cultures were performed in the blood samples and blood clot of 16 LV patients and 32 healthy volunteers. Results: Bartonella henselae DNA was detected in 25% of LV patients and in 12.5% of control subjects but failed to reach statistically significant differences (p = 0.413). Study limitations: Due to the rarity of primary LV, the number of patients studied was small and there was greater exposure of the control group to risk factors for Bartonella spp. infection. Conclusion: Although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups, the DNA of B. henselae was detected in one of every four patients, which reinforces the need to investigate Bartonella spp. in patients with primary LV.

Marjolin ulcer: the importance of early diagnosis and excision / Úlcera de Marjolin: a importância do diagnóstico e excisão precoces

Introduction: Marjolin's ulcer is a rare disease characterized by the malignancy of chronic wounds that present healing disorders, often due to chronic irritation and repetitive trauma in this area. The diagnosis is made mainly through clinical history and histopathological examination. The differential diagnoses of other diseases that course with ulcers must always be researched and ruled out. Method: The present work presents a bibliographic review to elucidate the subject's relevance for medical students, physicians and nurses, to assist in early diagnosis. Results: Nine observational studies were selected to compose the discussion. Conclusion: The most effective treatment for this condition is surgery, and lymph node dissection is suggested in some cases. Chemotherapy has not shown satisfactory results, while radiotherapy is used in selected cases. Given the rapid evolution, tissue damage, and worse prognosis, diagnosis, and excision should be performed early for a better clinical outcome.

Introdução: A úlcera de Marjolin é uma doença rara, caracterizada pela malignização de feridas crônicas que apresentaram distúrbios cicatriciais, muitas vezes devido à irritação crônica e a traumas repetitivos nesta área. O diagnóstico é realizado sobretudo através da história clínica e de exame histopatológico. Os diagnósticos diferenciais de outras doenças que cursam com úlceras devem sempre ser pesquisados e afastados. Método: O presente trabalho apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica, a fim de elucidar a relevância do tema para acadêmicos de medicina, médicos e enfermeiros, com o propósito de auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce. Resultados: Foram selecionados 9 estudos observacionais para compor a discussão. Conclusão: O tratamento mais eficaz desta condição é o cirúrgico, e o esvaziamento linfonodal é sugerido em alguns casos. A quimioterapia não demonstrou resultados satisfatórios, enquanto a radioterapia é utilizada em casos selecionados. O diagnóstico e a excisão devem ser feitos precocemente para melhor desfecho clínico, visto a rapidez da evolução, o prejuízo tecidual e pior prognóstico.

Necrotizing fasciitis and fatal septic shock associated with Streptococcus constellatus.

Streptococcus constellatus is usually a benign, commensal bacteria but has increased incidence in blood cultures and abscesses. This pathogenic involvement is most prevalent in individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as solid tumors and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as in cases of community-acquired infections. We report a 43-year-old male with a right medial thigh ulcer and necrotic scrotal skin. The wound culture from surgical debridement grew Streptococcus constellatus, and histology was consistent with stage III necrotizing fasciitis. Regardless of etiology, the mortality rate of patients with necrotizing fasciitis is greatly decreased with early intervention and thorough surgical debridement.