An Evaluation of Skin and Immunological Responses after Using a Novel Cross-Linked Porcine-Based Dermal Injectable Collagen with Lidocaine for Nasolabial Fold Correction.

Background: Hypersensitivity to the new dermal injectable porcine-based collagen with lidocaine featuring a novel cross-linking technology (test filler) for nasolabial fold correction was compared to the commercially available traditional cross-linked dermal injectable porcine-based collagen with lidocaine (control filler). Methods: Recruited participants (n = 279) received a single 0.1 mL intradermal injection of either test filler or control filler in the left forearm as a screening skin allergy test. Injection sites were assessed clinically at 24 h post-implant. Treatment was given to 252 successfully screened participants, and injection sites were monitored for 21 days. Immunological examinations were performed at screening and then at 4 and 24 weeks post-treatment. Observations for adverse events continued until the 52nd week. Results: Intradermal allergy testing results were negative for all the test recipients (0/124) and positive for two control recipients (2/132, 1.5%). Most of the participants exhibited no changes in serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM) and complement (C3, C4) levels. No serious adverse events related to the device were recorded. Most adverse events were common complications of dermal filler treatment and were related to the injection site. Most adverse effects were resolved or under control by 52 weeks. Conclusions: Hypersensitivity reactions with the test filler were lower than those with the control filler, validating the safe use of test filler for nasolabial fold correction without the need for pretreatment skin testing.

Evaluation of Collagen Dermal Filler with Lidocaine for the Correction of Nasolabial Folds: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Multicenter Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Porcine-based dermal injectable collagen is effective for nasolabial fold correction. In the present study, a new dermal injectable collagen, incorporating a novel cross-linking technology and premixed with lidocaine, was introduced. The study aimed to determine the efficacy of the new dermal injectable collagen in improving bilateral nasolabial fold wrinkles, and reducing pain during injection. Patients and Methods: This prospective, double-blind, multicenter, parallel-group, randomized trial enrolled participants with moderate-to-severe bilateral nasolabial fold wrinkles from February 2019 to March 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to the test group (new dermal injectable collagen with lidocaine featuring a novel cross-linking technology) or control group (traditionally cross-linked dermal injectable collagen with lidocaine). Participants were monitored for adverse events (AEs), and for pain using the Thermometer Pain Scale (TPS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Efficacy was measured using the Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) and the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Results: On the poor or better sides, the 2 groups exhibited a significant decrease in WSRS scores at 4, 12, 24, and 36 weeks after treatment, compared to baseline WSRS scores (all, p < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the test group had a greater decrease in WSRS score (poor or better sides) at 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks after treatment (all, p < 0.05). A similar observation was also found in the WSRS response rate and GAIS score of the 2 groups. VAS and TPS scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups (p > 0.05), indicating that pain reduction was similar in the 2 groups. All AEs were anticipated AEs associated with facial aesthetic injections, and most recovered within 0 to 30 days without sequelae. There were no differences in AEs between the 2 groups (all, p > 0.05). Conclusion: The new dermal injectable collagen with lidocaine exhibited better efficacy for correcting nasolabial fold wrinkles compared to the control group. Both relieved pain and produced only transient and tolerable AEs.

ENERGI-F703 gel, as a new topical treatment for diabetic foot and leg ulcers: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, phase II trial.

Background: Diabetic foot and leg ulcers are a major cause of disability among patients with diabetes mellitus. A topical gel called ENERGI-F703, applied twice daily and with adenine as its active pharmaceutical ingredient, accelerated wound healing in diabetic mice. The current study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ENERGI-F703 for patients with diabetic foot and leg ulcers. Methods: This randomized, double-blind, multicenter, phase II trial recruited patients from eight medical centers in Taiwan. Patients with intractable diabetic foot and leg ulcers (Wagner Grade 1-3 without active osteomyelitis) were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive topical ENERGI-F703 gel or vehicle gel twice daily for 12 weeks or until complete ulcer closure. The investigator, enrolled patients and site personnel were masked to treatment allocation. Intention to treat (ITT) population and safety population were patient to primary analyses and safety analyses, respectively. Primary outcome was complete ulcer closure rate at the end of treatment. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02672436. Findings: Starting from March 15th, 2017 to December 26th, 2019, 141 patients were enrolled as safety population and randomized into ENERGI-F703 gel (n = 95) group or vehicle gel (n = 46) group. In ITT population, ENERGI-F703 (n = 90) and vehicle group showed ulcer closure rates of 36.7% (95% CI = 26.75% - 47.49%) and 26.2% (95% CI = 13.86% - 42.04%) with difference of 9.74 % (95 % CI = -6.74% - 26.23%) and 25% quartiles of the time to complete ulcer closure of 69 days and 84 days, respectively. There were 25 (26.3%) patients in ENERGI-F703 group and 11 (23.9%) patients in vehicle group experiencing serious adverse events and five deaths occurred during the study period, none of them related to the treatment. Interpretation: Our study suggests that ENERGI-F703 gel is a safe and well-tolerated treatment for chronic diabetic foot and leg ulcers. Further studies are needed to corroborate our findings in light of limitations. Funding: Energenesis Biomedical Co., Ltd.

Is sequential free flap safe in oral cancer reconstruction in the same patient? An outcome and complication analysis.

BACKGROUND: Sequential free flap reconstruction in patient with head and neck cancer can provide reliable and effective wound coverage. Only a few studies have reported on the outcome and complications analysis but without consensus on the recipient vessels and flap chosen. Herein, we presented the outcome and analysed the risk factors for complications in sequential free flap reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who had sequential free tissue transfers due to cancer recurrence, second primary cancer, or secondary correction of the soft tissue contractures and volume deficits were all included. Variables extracted included demographics, comorbidities, free flap characteristics, infection, dehiscence and flap necrosis rates. RESULTS: In total, 40 patients with 92 free flaps were analyzed; 42 initial and 50 sequential free flaps. The most common recipient vessels for sequential flap were contralateral superficial thyroid vessels (68%). The most common flap for both initial and sequential free flap was anterolateral thigh flap (64.3 and 62%). The success rate of sequential free flap was 92.0 compared to 92.9% for initial free flap, which showed no significant difference. Female was independently associated with delayed wound healing with an odds ratio of 90.91 (95% confidence interval 0.001-0.17, P = 0.001), as well as diabetes with an odds ratio of 31.14 (95% confidence interval 2.60-373.19, P = 0.007). Sequential free flap was not a risk factor for any complication. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential free flap is a reliable method for head and neck surgery without more complication rate comparing to initial free flap reconstruction. More attentions should be paid on patients with preferential risk for certain complications.

A Descriptive, Retrospective Study of Using an Oblique Downward-design Gluteus Maximus Myocutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Ischial Pressure Ulcers.

Despite advances in reconstruction techniques, ischial pressure ulcers continue to present a challenge for the plastic surgeon. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate outcomes of using an oblique downward gluteus maximus myocutaneous (GMM) flap for coverage of grade IV ischial ulcers. Data regarding defect size, flap size, operation time, duration of wound healing, and surgical outcome were abstracted from the medical records of patients whose ischial pressure ulcers had been reconstructed using GMM island flaps between January 2010 and December 2015. The 22 patients comprised 15 men and 7 women with a mean age of 52 (range 16-81) years. Twenty (20) had paraplegia, 6 had a recurrent ischial ulcer, 2 were bedridden following a cerebrovascular accident, 1 had a myelomeningocele status post operation, and 19 were spinal cord injury patients. Follow-up time ranged from 6 to 40 months. Pressure ulcer size ranged from 3 cm x 2 cm to 10 cm x 5 cm (average 22.3 cm2). The average flap size was 158 cm2 (15.9 cm x 9.7 cm); the largest was 286 cm2 (22 cm x 13 cm). The operating time ranged from 52 minutes to 110 minutes (average, 80 minutes). In 2 cases, wound dehiscence occurred but completely healed after resuturing. One (1) ischial pressure ulcer recurred 6 months following surgery and was successfully covered with a pedicled anterolateral thigh flap. No recurrences or problems were observed in the remaining 20 patients. Time to complete wound healing ranged from 14 to 24 days (average 17.8 days). Treatment of ischial pressure ulcers with GMM flaps allowed for an easy, simple procedure that provided the adequate thickness of soft tissue needed to cover the bony prominence, fill dead space, and cover the lesion. This technique was a reliable and safe reconstructive modality for the management of ischial pressure ulcers, even in recurrent cases.

Goal-Directed Fluid Resuscitation Protocol Based on Arterial Waveform Analysis of Major Burn Patients in a Mass Burn Casualty.

BACKGROUND: Adequate fluid titration during the initial resuscitation period of major burn patients is crucial. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a goal-directed fluid resuscitation protocol that used hourly urine output plus the arterial waveform analysis FloTrac (Edwards LifeSciences, Irvine, Calif) system for major burns to avoid fluid overload. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 43 major burn patients at the Tri-Service General Hospital after the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion on June 27, 2015. Because of the limited capacity of intensive care units (ICUs), 23 intubated patients were transferred from the burn wards or emergency department to the ICU within 24 hours. Fluid administration was adjusted to achieve a urine output of 30 to 50 mL/h, cardiac index greater than 2.5 L/min/m, and stroke volume variation (SVV) less than 12%. The hourly crystalloid fluid infusion rate was titrated based on SVV and hourly urine output. RESULTS: Of the 23 critically burned patients admitted to the ICU, 13 patients who followed the goal-directed fluid resuscitation protocol within 12 hours postburn were included in the analysis. The mean age (years) was 21.8, and the mean total body surface area (TBSA) burned (%) was 68.0. The mean Revised Baux score was 106.8. All patients sustained inhalation injury. The fluid volumes administered to patients in the first 24 hours and the second 24 hours (mL/kg/% total body surface area) were 3.62 ± 1.23 and 2.89 ± 0.79, respectively. The urine outputs in the first 24 hours and the second 24 hours (mL/kg/h) were 1.13 ± 0.66 and 1.53 ± 0.87, respectively. All patients achieved the established goals within 32 hours postburn. In-hospital mortality rate was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: The SVV-based goal-directed fluid resuscitation protocol leads to less unnecessary fluid administration during the early resuscitation phase. Clinicians can efficaciously manage the dynamic body fluid changes in major burn patients under the guidance of the protocol.

Reconstruction of a Sacral Pressure Ulcer With an Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap After Failed Reconstruction Using Bilateral V-Y Advancement Flaps.

Many types of flaps are available if surgical reconstruction of a pressure ulcer is indicated, including a gluteus maximus flap, V-Y advancement flap, and superior gluteal artery perforator flap. Regional flap failure can complicate treatment, requiring additional flap surgery. An 80-year old woman with a 2-year history of being unconscious following a cerebrovascular accident presented with a Stage 4 sacral pressure ulcer of 2 months' duration with eschar and abscess formation. Because the wound measured 15 × 10 cm2, bilateral V-Y advancement flaps were used for surgical closure. However, 1 week later, ischemic change of the wound edges and wound dehiscence were observed. The wound was subsequently closed with an artery perforator (IGAP) flap, an approach that took into consideration religious preference of keeping the body intact. The patient was discharged with a healed wound 6 weeks postoperatively; long-term postoperative surveillance was hindered by the patient's distance from the care facility (she lived on an outlying island). This is the first case report to describe IGAP flap application in a patient with a sacral pressure ulcer after failed reconstruction using bilateral V-Y advancement flaps.

Intraoperative Assessment of the Relationship Between Nipple Circulation and Incision Site in Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy With Implant Breast Reconstruction Using the SPY Imaging System.

INTRODUCTION: Nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) and immediate breast reconstruction with gel implants have grown in popularity because of superior aesthetic outcomes. One risk of this procedure is overexcision of the flap leading to inadequate circulation in the breast envelope. METHODS: We investigated 17 cases of NSM and gel implant breast reconstruction. Patients were divided into an infra-areolar incision group and a supra-areolar incision group. Nipple-areolar complex perfusion was evaluated using the SPY imaging system after NSM and gel implant breast reconstruction. We aimed to discover any relationships between the incision method and nipple-areolar complex (NAC) circulation in NSM and gel implant breast reconstruction. RESULTS: For successful breast surgery, awareness of the blood supply to the breast, especially the NAC, is very important. In our study, with the indocyanine green SPY imaging system, most ingress (arterial inflow) and egress (venous outflow) rates in the infra-areolar incision group were better than those in the supra-areolar incision group (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that an infra-areolar incision provides better blood flow following NSM and gel implant breast reconstruction. In our experience, in order to prevent the possible ischemia of NAC, we used the smaller gel implants, which is approximately 10 to 20 mL smaller than the original implant size measured by the sizer, if the egress rate of NAC is lower than 0.2. These findings have implications in the clinical setting as surgeons have a choice to provide a better outcome for patients.

Successful Treatment of Plantar Hyperkeratosis in the Form of Recurrent Corns With Split-Thickness Sole Skin Graft.

INTRODUCTION: Plantar hyperkeratosis, such as corns and calluses, is common in older people and associated with pain, mobility impairment, and functional limitations. It usually develops on the palms, knees, or soles of feet, especially under the heels or balls. There are several treatment methods for plantar hyperkeratosis, such as salicylic acid plaster and scalpel debridement, and conservative modalities, such as using a shoe insert and properly fitting shoes. METHODS: We present an effective method of reconstructing the wound after corn excision using a split-thickness sole skin graft (STSSG). We harvested the skin graft from the arch of the sole using the dermatome with a skin thickness of 14/1000th inches. RESULTS: Because the split-thickness skin graft, harvested from the sole arch near the distal sole, is much thicker than the split-thickness skin graft from the thigh, it is more resistant to weight and friction. The healed wound with STSSG coverage over the distal sole was intact, and the donor site over the sole arch had healed without complication during the outpatient follow-up, 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The recovery time of STSSG for corn excision is shorter than that with traditional treatment. Therefore, STSSG can be a reliable alternative treatment for recurrent palmoplantar hyperkeratosis.

Functional results of free tissue transfer for complex heel-calcaneal defects.

BACKGROUND: Loss of soft tissue in heel-calcaneal region is frequently caused by trauma, infection, or tumors. Limited availability of similar tissue becomes challenging, therefore, the use of free tissue transfer offers a solution. Our aim is to describe long term functional outcome of different free tissue transfers for these defects. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 24 consecutive cases of the heel-calcaneal defect between January 2009 and December 2014. The free fasciocutaneous perforator (FCP) flaps were performed in 14 cases and free muscle flaps with skin graft in 10 cases. The postoperative complications, range of motion and ability of ambulation or exercise were administered to evaluate functional results. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 26.5 months. The survival of free flap was 100%. Early complication included venous thrombosis, infection and edge dehiscence was noted in 8 cases. Late complication with insensate ulcers developed in 3 cases (1 cases in FCP flap, 2 cases in muscle flap). All ulcers healed spontaneously without surgical intervention. The postoperative average range of motion of ankle regained 52.79 degree in FCP flap group and 56.4 degree in muscle flap group. The ability of ambulation or exercise returned in 13 cases in FCP group (13/14) and 9 cases in muscle flap group (9/10). No differences of complication rate (P = .403), ROM (P = .363) or functional evaluation (P = .803) could be found between these two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both FCP flap and muscle flaps provided the similar and excellent functional results in resurfacing of heel-calcaneal defects after long term follow up.

Intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescent angiography-assisted modified superior gluteal artery perforator flap for reconstruction of sacral pressure sores.

Pressure sores are often observed in patients who are bedridden. They can be a severe problem not only for patients and their caregivers but also for plastic surgeons. Here, we describe a new method of superior gluteal artery perforator flap harvesting and anchoring with the assistance of intraoperative indocyanine green fluorescent angiography. In this report, we describe the procedure and outcomes for 19 patients with grades III and IV sacral pressure sores who underwent the operation between September 2015 and November 2016. All flaps survived, and two experienced wound-edge partial dehiscence. With the assistance of this imaging device, we were able to acquire a reliable superior gluteal artery perforator flap and perform modified operations with it that are safe, easy to learn and associated with fewer complications than are traditional.

Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction Combined With Contralateral Breast Augmentation for Taiwanese Women With Small Breasts.

BACKGROUND: Although autogenous tissue-based breast reconstruction has been widely used in the past decade, implant-based breast reconstruction is more often used in Taiwan because Asian women are generally slender with small breasts. For patients with very small breasts, it is hard to achieve the goal of reconstructing a similar breast to the contralateral one, even with the smallest size implant available commercially. Therefore, these patients need not only breast reconstruction but also contralateral breast augmentation. Here we report the surgical outcomes and cosmetic results of breast reconstruction using cohesive gel implants combined with simultaneous contralateral breast augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify all patients with AA-sized to B-sized breast cups undergoing expander-implant reconstruction combined with contralateral breast augmentation between 2002 and 2015. Thirty patients were included. For each patient, patient profile (age, body mass index, and initial breast size), type and stage of breast cancer, surgical information (including implant sizes and the type of reconstruction and augmentation), and postoperative subjective pain scales were recorded. Outcomes were analyzed by identifying complications, the need for surgical revision, the presence of local or distant metastases, and patient satisfaction ratings. RESULTS: At a mean 2.3-year follow-up (range, 4 months to 12 years), problems occurred in 7 of the 30 patients, with 9 complications in 8 reconstructed breasts and in 1 augmented breast. Complications were mostly capsule contracture. Aesthetic satisfaction was rated as "excellent" or "good" by most of the patients, and only 1 commented "poor" on both overall and reconstructed results because of postoperative radiotherapy-associated skin necrosis. The total mean subjective pain scale was 1.9/10; a higher mean pain scale of 3.08 was noted in those patients undergoing augmentation with no extra incision. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of implant-based breast reconstruction with simultaneous contralateral augmentation in Taiwan, showing its efficacy, safety, and good cosmetic outcomes with relatively low complication and revision rates.

Breast Reconstruction Using Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flaps in Asian Patients With Small Breasts.

BACKGROUND: The use of implants is still the most common procedure for breast reconstruction because they are easy, less painful than tissue transplants, and do not need a donor site. However, it is challenging to find a suitable implant for patients with small breasts, and some women fear foreign bodies and possible complications or reoperations. Autologous breast reconstruction using the pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap without an implant provides a good option for Asian women with small breasts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 1992 and December 2015, 31 patients underwent breast reconstruction with 33 LD flaps (29 unilateral and 2 bilateral). The skin paddle of the flap was designed with an oblique or transverse pattern depending on the mastectomy defect and the elasticity of skin. The thoracodorsal nerve was divided during flap harvesting to prevent a "twitching breast" postoperatively. Patients refused to have contralateral breast augmentation except for 2 with bilateral simultaneous augmentation after mastectomy bilaterally. Outcome measures were flap survival, shape and contour, symmetry of breast, complication of flap and donor site, patient satisfaction, and any local tumor recurrence or metastasis. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 46.7 years (range, 27-72), and the mean body mass index was 22.5 kg/m (range, 18.6-30). The mean size of the harvested skin paddle was 11.9 × 5.0 cm (range, 10 × 3 cm to 15 × 9 cm). Mean operative times were 200.8 minutes (range, 112-230 minutes) and 305 minutes (range, 300-310 minutes) for unilateral and bilateral reconstructions, respectively. Pathology reports showed a negative safety margin in all cases. Most cases were of invasive duct carcinoma (58%). All LD flaps survived, and the wounds healed satisfactorily over a mean follow-up of 49.9 months (range, 3-161 months). Donor sites were closed primarily with a hidden linear scar under the dorsal bra strap. Donor site morbidities were mainly seromas (15%), which were treated conservatively in most patients. CONCLUSIONS: The LD flap produced good autologous tissue for reconstruction, and no implants were needed for Asian women with small breasts. The reconstructed breasts showed good shape, contour, and symmetry. The results of donor site were acceptable and no significant functional loss. There were no major complications, and patient satisfaction was high.

Successful salvage and reconstruction of a finger threatened by Vibrio vulnificus necrotising fasciitis using fenestrated-type artificial dermis and three steps of topical negative pressure wound therapy.

Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI). The pathogen is an opportunistic marine bacterium that is likely to infect patients with chronic liver disease, patients in an immunocompromised state, and those in end-stage renal disease. V. vulnificus gains entry through soft tissues by direct penetration of a wound by infected marine organisms, such as raw oysters, shellfish and other seafood, or by exposing a wound to contaminated water. Despite its ease of entry, V. vulnificus necrotising fasciitis with compartment syndrome has rarely been described. We report a case of an elderly patient with end-stage renal disease undergoing haemodialysis, who developed necrotising fasciitis following infection by V. vulnificus through a puncture injury while cleaning fish. A successful salvage and reconstruction surgery was performed using fenestrated-type artificial dermis followed by negative pressure wound therapy. This case presents a reasonable treatment option for threatening V. vulnificus necrotising fasciitis with compartment syndrome.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for the Adjunctive Treatment of Pyoderma Gangrenosum: A Case Report.

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a neutrophilic dermatosis of unknown etiology characterized by an ulcerative skin condition and confirmed through a diagnosis of exclusion. Management usually consists of systemic drug therapy, such as corticosteroids, sulfones, or immunosuppressants, either alone or in combination. Long-term use of these medications often has untold side effects. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been shown effective in the treatment of PG, reducing pain and tempering the need for medication. A case is presented of a 54-year-old woman with diabetes, hypertension, and a peptic ulcer who presented with painful, purulent ulcers on her buttocks, hands, and lower extremities of 2 weeks' duration. She was ultimately diagnosed with PG and provided 20 mg/day of oral prednisone for 1 week, tapered to 10 mg/day in the next week and then stopped. In addition, she received 12 sessions of HBOT - she breathed in 100% oxygen under 2.5 atmospheres absolute pressure for 90 minutes over 2 weeks. Her wounds healed without scarring. This excellent outcome including good wound healing, decreased pain, and reduced doses of systemic corticosteroids warrants additional study of the adjunctive use of HBOT for PG.

Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flap for Sacral Pressure Ulcer Reconstruction: A Retrospective Case Study of 11 Patients.

Despite advances in reconstruction techniques, sacral pressure ulcers continue to present a challenge to the plastic surgeon. The flap from the gluteal crease derives blood supply from the inferior gluteal artery perforator (IGAP) and reliably preserves the entire contralateral side as a donor site. To incorporate the IGAP in the reconstruction of sacral pressure ulcers, a skin paddle over the gluteal crease was created and implemented by the authors. Data from 11 patients (8 men, 3 women; mean age 67 [range 44-85] years old) whose sacral ulcers were closed with an IGAP flap between June 2006 and May 2012 were retrieved and reviewed. All patients were bedridden; 1 patient in a vegetative state with a diagnosis of carbon monoxide intoxication was referred from a local clinic, 2 patients had Parkinson's disease, and 8 patients had a history of stroke. The average defect size was 120 cm(2) (range 88-144 cm(2)). The average flap size was 85.8 cm(2) (range 56-121 cm(2)). Only 1 flap failure occurred during surgery and was converted into V-Y advancement flap; 10 of the 11 flaps survived. After surgery, the patients' position was changed every 2 hours; patients remained prone or on their side for approximately 2 weeks until the flap was healed. After healing was confirmed, patients were discharged. Complications were relatively minor and included 1 donor site wound dehiscence that required wound reapproximation. No surgery-related mortality was noted; the longest follow-up period was 24 months. In this case series, flaps from the gluteal crease were successfully used for surgical closure of sacral pressure ulcers. This flap design should be used with caution in patients with hip contractures. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed to ascertain which type of flap is best suited to surgically manage extensive pressure ulcers in a variety of patient populations.

Successful Pedicled Anterolateral Thigh Flap Reconstruction for a Recurrent Ischial Pressure Ulcer: A Case With Multiple Recurrences Over a 7-year Follow-up.

Ischial pressure ulcers are difficult ulcers to treat and have a low treatment success rate compared to sacral and trochanteric ulcers; regional flap failure further complicates the treatment. Reported here is a case of a 65-year-old man who experienced a spinal injury with paraplegia due to trauma 20 years ago. The patient experienced a recurrent ischial ulcer since 2007, and underwent several types of flap reconstruction with poor outcomes over a 7-year period. Therefore, the chosen intervention was a pedicled anterolateral thigh (pALT) fasciocutaneous flap reconstruction for the ischial ulcer via a subcutaneous route. Over the 10-month follow-up, the recurrent ischial ulcer healed without wound dehiscence. Island pALT reconstruction appears to be an alternative technique for treating recurrent ischial pressure ulcers. Though reconstruction of ischial ulcers via the pALT technique has been described previously, this may be the first case report to describe pALT flap in a patient with recurrent ischial ulcers after failed reconstructions using a gluteus maximus flap, V-Y advancement flap, and hatchet flap.Ischial pressure ulcers are difficult to treat and have a low treatment success rate1 compared to sacral and trochanteric ulcers. In addition, there are many different techniques that can be used to treat ischial pressure ulcers, including primary wound closure, gluteus maximus flaps, V-Y advancement flaps, or inferior gluteal artery perforator flaps. However, several experts have recently described using the pedicled anterolateral thigh (pALT) flap for reconstruction of recurrent ischial pressure ulcers.1,2 In the presented case, the authors followed a single patient with paraplegia with a recurrent ischial ulcer who had undergone several types of wound treatment over a 7-year period. The indurated ulcer was ultimately resolved by pALT reconstruction.

Components of Metabolic Syndrome as Risk Factors for Hearing Threshold Shifts.

BACKGROUND: Hearing loss was a common, chronically disabling condition in the general population and had been associated with several inflammatory diseases. Metabolic syndrome, which was associated with insulin resistance and visceral obesity, was considered a chronic inflammatory disease. To date, few attempts had been made to establish a direct relationship between hearing loss and metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and hearing loss by analyzing the data in the reports of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. METHODS: This study included 2100 participants aged ≤ 65 years who enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999-2004). We examined the relationship between the presence of different features of metabolic syndrome in the participants and their pure-tone air-conduction hearing thresholds, including low-frequency and high-frequency thresholds. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, such as age, medical conditions, and smoking status, the participants with more components of metabolic syndrome were found to have higher hearing thresholds than those with fewer components of metabolic syndrome (p < 0.05 for a trend). The low-frequency hearing threshold was associated with individual components of metabolic syndrome, such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, and a low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p < 0.05 for all parameters). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the presence of a greater number of components of metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with the hearing threshold in the US adult population. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, the most apparent association was observed between low HDL and hearing loss.

Squamous cell carcinoma arising from a recurrent ischial pressure ulcer: a case report.

Marjolin's ulcer is the malignant transformation of long-standing chronic pressure ulcers and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. A 46-year-old man with an 8-year history of traumatic spinal injury with paraplegia presented with a recurrent ischial pressure ulcer. The initial ulcer, which developed 6 years earlier, was a Stage IV sacral ulcer. The wound was debrided and pathology showed epithelial hyperplasia, acanthosis, hyperkatosis accompanied by mild inflammation, and fibrosis without any malignant transformation. The lesion was covered with a fasciocutaneous bipedicled flap. Four years later, the patient presented with a similar ulcer in the same location. Histology showed the presence of a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Following a wide excision, the lesion was covered with a gluteal maximal V-Y musculocutaneous advancement flap. At last follow-up 14 months postoperatively, there was no evidence of recurrence or metastatic disease. Clinicians must be aware of known risk factors for the development of SCC.

Interchangeable skin grafting to camouflage self-inflicted wound scars on the dorsal and volar forearm: a case report.

Scars from self-inflicted wounds to the upper extremities are the hallmark of self-mutilation. They are easy to recognize and difficult to hide. Camouflaging these scars can be an onerous task. In this case study, a 23-year-old woman who has major depressive disorder with comorbid borderline personality disorder presented for scar repair of self-inflicted wounds on the volar and dorsal forearm (each approximately 10 cm2 x 15 cm2). Following a psychological and physical evaluation, split-thickness skin grafts (10/1,000 inches in thickness) were obtained from both areas and switched. The grafts were fixed with staples, immobilized with a short arm splint, and dressed daily with gauze and neomycin ointment. Staples were removed after 10 days; at the 6-month follow up, the wounds resembled burn wound scars. The patient was satisfied with this more socially acceptable result. This method might offer a simple camouflage option in appropriately selected cases.