The beneficial effect of traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine, Hochu-ekki-to (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang), for patients with chronic wounds refractory to conventional therapies: A prospective, randomized trial.

Hochu-ekki-to (HET) is a traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine for the treatment of severe weakness, loss of appetite, and indigestion in elderly patients and for the prevention of opportunistic infections. The impact of HET on patients with chronic wounds refractory to conventional therapies was investigated in a prospective, randomized trial, including 18 patients divided into medication (7.5 g oral HET per day, n = 9) and control (n = 9) groups. Wound healing during the 12-week study period was scored based on depth, exudate, size, inflammation/infection, granulation tissue, necrotic tissue, and pocket size. At 12 weeks, wound healing progressed in all nine patients in the medication group, whereas wound healing progressed in only three patients in the control group (significant difference, p < 0.01; relative risk: 3.00). In the medication group, the total score decreased significantly at 8 weeks and later. To the best of our knowledge, this study was the first to show that HET promoted the healing of chronic wounds resistant to conventional treatments. HET may be a choice as an adjunctive therapy for chronic wounds, particularly for patients with malnutrition. This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000031620).

Úlceras plantares verdes / Green foot ulcers

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Implications of Antimicrobial Combinations in Complex Wound Biofilms Containing Fungi.

Diabetic foot ulcer treatment currently focuses on targeting bacterial biofilms, while dismissing fungi. To investigate this, we used an in vitro biofilm model containing bacteria and fungi, reflective of the wound environment, to test the impact of antimicrobials. Here we showed that while monotreatment approaches influenced biofilm composition, this had no discernible effect on overall quantity. Only by combining bacterium- and fungus-specific antibiotics were we able to decrease the biofilm bioburden, irrespective of composition.

Ozone therapy effectiveness in patients with ulcerous lesions due to diabetes mellitus.

INTRODUCTION: Development of purulo-necrotic foot lesions is one of the most dangerous surgical complications of diabetes mellitus, it causes high lethality, early disability, considerable economical expenses on treatment and rehabilitation. Mentioned above determine substantial actuality of diabetic foot problem and condition the necessity of further search of new ways and effective methods of lower extremities lesions complex treatment. THE AIM: of our research was to study the effectiveness of ozone use in complex therapy among patients with diabetic foot. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Under our observation were 47 patients with I and II stages of diabetic foot that correspond to superficial and deep ulcers without involving of subcutaneous tissue, ligaments, tendons and muscles into the process, without bone lesion, phlegmons and abscess forming according to Meggit-Wagner (1978) classification. Depending on treatment every group of patients was divided into subgroups. B group composed patients that received traditional therapy.A group composed patients that along with traditional therapy course received course of systemic and regional ozone therapy for 12-14 days, one session per day. Cytological examination of discharge from wounds was carried, lipid peroxidation state and antioxidant protection state was assessed. RESULTS: Ozone use has more evident clinical effect, significantly affects the phase course of wound process, promotes the improvement of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant protection indexes, reduces the length of hospital stay and term of treatment of patients with diabetic foot. СONCLUSIONS: Studies conducted showed that including of ozone therapy into complex surgical treatment has positive effect on wound process.

Successful Treatment With Bosentan for Digital Ulcers Related to Mixed Cryoglobulinemia: A Case Report.

A 49-year-old man diagnosed with genotype 1 hepatitis C, CD5-positive marginal zone lymphoma, and mixed cryoglobulinemia type II developed skin ulcers and necrosis in his right foot. He was treated with amlodipine, corticosteroids, plasmapheresis, alprostadil, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide without a satisfactory response. For this reason, he required a partial amputation of the second, third, and fifth fingers of the right foot. To prevent ulcer deterioration of the first finger, bosentan was initiated. After 10 months of treatment, the ulcer completely healed and no adverse effects were experienced by the patient.

Changes in Bacterial Profiles and Antibiotic Sensitivity Before and After Wound Bed Preparation for Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

We aimed to investigate the characteristics of bacterial profiles and antibiotic sensitivity in diabetic foot ulcers before and after wound bed preparation. This study involved 423 diabetic patients with Wagner grades 1 to 4 foot ulcers. Secretion culture was performed before wound bed preparation. The observation endpoint was when the wound showed a tendency toward healing and a specialist determined that stopping antibiotic treatment would not affect wound healing. A second secretion culture was performed after the observation endpoint. We obtained results from both secretion cultures from 411 patients. The proportion of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) gram-positive bacteria was 22.0% and 47.8% before and after treatment, respectively; that for gram-negative bacteria was 3.5% and 19.2%, respectively (P < .05). Pretreatment antibiotic sensitivity of staphylococci and other gram-positive bacteria was 48.7% and 44.8%, respectively; the rates decreased significantly after treatment to 36.8% (P = .031) and 34.8% (P = .027), respectively. Pretreatment antibiotic sensitivity of common and nonfermenting rare gram-negative bacteria was 55.4% and 54.6%, respectively, which decreased substantially after treatment to 33.2% (P = .002) and 32.9% (P = .003), respectively. Wound healing was achieved in 92.7% of patients. Pretreatment and posttreatment C-reactive protein levels were 124.759 ± 71.58 mg/dL and 82.8 ± 53.61 mg/dL, respectively (P < .05). In conclusion, following wound bed preparation for diabetic foot ulcers, MDR bacteria numbers were increased and antibiotic sensitivity was decreased; inflammation was decreased. These findings warrant future studies for confirmation.

A pilot study on the effects of a polyherbal formulation cream on diabetic foot ulcers.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Diabetic foot ulcers are the most common cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in developing countries. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the safety of using a polyherbal formulation in healing diabetic foot ulcers in comparison with standard silver sulphadiazine cream among patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A total of 40 (M:F=29:14) consecutive type 2 diabetes patients with foot ulcers were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to two groups of 20 each; Group 1 was treated with polyherbal formulation and group 2 with silver sulphadiazine cream. All the patients were followed up for a period of 5 months. The baseline ulcer size was noted and photograph of the wound was taken at the baseline and at each follow up visit. Number of days taken for healing of the wound was recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of patients, duration of diabetes and HbA1c% were similar in both the study groups. The mean length and width of the ulcers was also similar in both the groups at baseline visit. There was a significant decrease in the size of the wound (length and width) in both the study groups (P<0.001). The mean time taken for the healing of the ulcer was around 43 days in both groups. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic wound cream prepared by using polyherbal formulation was found to be effective as well as safe in healing diabetic foot ulcers like the standard silver sulphadiazine cream.

The case for evidence in wound care: investigating advanced treatment modalities in healing chronic diabetic lower extremity wounds.

BACKGROUND: Major complications of diabetes mellitus include lower leg and foot ulcers, which can result in amputation. Further study is needed to determine optimal treatments for these challenging wounds. Growth factor therapy and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatments are 2 advanced therapeutic modalities that hold promise. PURPOSE: This descriptive, retrospective review investigated healing rates of patients with diabetes mellitus and lower- extremity ulcers managed by growth factor therapy and HBO as compared to standard wound care. DESIGN: Retrospective review of medical records. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: We reviewed medical records of 89 patients with diabetes and lower-extremity wounds treated at a major outpatient wound care program in the southwestern United States. METHODS: Patients were categorized according to 4 treatment modalities: (1) standard wound care, (2) growth factor therapy, (3) standard wound care plus HBO, and (4) growth factor therapy plus HBO. Wounds were measured at the start of the analysis and then weekly for a total of 8 weeks. The change in wound volume from the first to the eighth week was recorded. RESULTS: All patient groups demonstrated healing with the patients who received growth factor therapy alone and those who received growth factor therapy and the HBO treatments demonstrating the greatest decrease in wound volume over the 8 weeks. A 2-by-2 factorial analysis of covariance demonstrated that patients who received HBO as part of their wound care regimen demonstrated significantly greater healing than patients who received only standard wound care or growth factor therapy (P < .0001). Although the combination of hyperbaric and growth factor therapy did not show significant synergistic effects for wound healing in this study, it should be noted that the mean size of the wounds in this group was 2.8 times larger than the mean size of the wounds in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Patients managed in a state-of-the-art wound care center experienced progress toward wound healing, regardless of the treatment modality selected. Those who received HBO as part of their wound care regimen healed faster than those who received standard treatment or growth factor therapy.

[Treatment of trophic ulcers of lower limbs with Myliacile and magnetolaserotherapy].

Overall 73 patients with trophic ulcers of lower limbs were treated with wound-healing medication Myliacile and magnetolaserotherapy. The results of clinical, histological and microbiological examinations demonstrate higher efficacy of this therapy compared with combination of Myliacile and laser or Myliacile application only.

A systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions to enhance the healing of chronic ulcers of the foot in diabetes.

The outcome of management of diabetic foot ulcers is poor and there is uncertainty concerning optimal approaches to management. We have undertaken a systematic review to identify interventions for which there is evidence of effectiveness. A search was made for reports of the effectiveness of interventions assessed in terms of healing, ulcer area or amputation in controlled clinical studies published prior to December 2006. Methodological quality of selected studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) criteria. Selected studies fell into the following categories: sharp debridement and larvae; antiseptics and dressings; chronic wound resection; hyperbaric oxygen (HBO); reduction of tissue oedema; skin grafts; electrical and magnetic stimulation and ultrasound. Heterogeneity of studies prevented pooled analysis of results. Of the 2251 papers identified, 60 were selected for grading following full text review. Some evidence was found to support hydrogels as desloughing agents and to suggest that a systemic (HBO) therapy may be effective. Topical negative pressure (TNP) may promote healing of post-operative wounds, and resection of neuropathic plantar ulcers may be beneficial. More information was needed to confirm the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these and other interventions. No data were found to justify the use of any other topically applied product or dressing, including those with antiseptic properties. Further evidence to substantiate the effect of interventions designed to enhance the healing of chronic ulcers is urgently needed. Until such evidence is available from robust trials, there is limited justification for the use of more expensive treatments and dressings.

Immunomodulatory role of Tinospora cordifolia as an adjuvant in surgical treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic diabetic patients with wounds have deficient growth factors and impaired local and systemic cellular immunity. Treatment with growth factors is expensive with risk of infection transmission and these factors may not achieve optimum wound concentration. We evaluated the role of generalized immunomodulation in diabetic ulcers by using Tinospora cordifolia as an adjuvant therapy and studied its influence on parameters/determinants of healing, on bacterial eradication and on polymorphonuclear phagocytosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective double-blind randomized controlled study lasting for over 18 months in 50 patients. The ulcer was classified by wound morphology and severity with Wound Severity Score (Pecoraro-Reiber system). Mean ulcer area, depth and perimeter were measured and swabs taken for culture. Blood was collected to assess polymorphonuclear % phagocytosis (PMN function by Lehrer-Cline C. albicans method). Medical therapy, glycemic control, debridement, wound care were optimized. At 4 weeks, parameters were reassessed. PMN function was reviewed at 3 months. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS: Forty-five patients completed the trial: study group - 23 (M:F = 17:1; mean age = 56.3 years; mean ulcer duration = 21.1 days); control group 22 (M:F = 19:3; mean age = 56.3 years; mean ulcer duration = 30.4 days). Net improvement was seen in 17 patients (73.9%) in the study group; while in the control group, in 13 patients (59.1%); P = 0.292. Specific parameters included rate of change of ulcer area - cm(2) /day (study - 0.15; control - 0.07; P = 0.145); rate of change of ulcer perimeter - mm/day (study - 0.09; control = - 0.07; P = 0.089); change of depth - mm (study - 2.2; control - 1.4; P = 0.096); change of wound score (study - 14.4; control - 10.6; P = 0.149); total number of debridements (study - 1.9; control - 2.5; P = 0.03) and change in % phagocytosis (study - 3.9; control - 2.3; P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients with foot ulcers on T. cordifolia as an adjuvant therapy showed significantly better final outcome with improvement in wound healing. Reduced debridements and improved phagocytosis were statistically significant, indicating beneficial effects of immunomodulation for ulcer healing.

Changes in leukocyte population after ozonated autohemoadministration in cows with inflammatory diseases.

In this study, we investigated whether ozonated autohemoadministration (OAHA) influences leukocyte populations in cows with clinical inflammatory disease. Eleven cows with inflammatory disease (Inflammatory Group) and three healthy cows (Control Group) were used for this study. The CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio in the Inflammatory Group increased significantly compared to that in the Control Group 3 to 4 days after OAHA treatment. In the Inflammatory Group, the number of CD14(+) cells decreased gradually after OAHA, but CD14(+) levels remained stable in the Control Group. The number of MHC class-II(+) cells decreased gradually in the Inflammatory Group, but increased gradually in the Control Group, and the difference between the groups was significant on day 14 after OAHA. These findings suggest a possible difference in the activation of immune response after OAHA in infected cows compared to healthy cows.

[Bacterial colonization of chronic wounds. Studies on outpatients in a university dermatology clinic with special consideration of ORSA]. / Bakterielle Kolonisation chronischer Wunden. Untersuchungen in einer universitären dermatologischen Wundambulanz unter besonderer Berücksichtigung von ORSA.

In this retrospective investigation, we documented the bacterial colonization of 79 patients with chronic wounds, who had been treated between January 2002 and May 2003 in an outpatient wound healing clinic of a university dermatology program. We isolated 106 facultative pathogenic bacterial strains of which 56 were Staphylococcus aureus, 19 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 11 Escherichia coli, 4 Proteus mirabilis, 4 Enterobacter cloacae, 2 Serratia marcescens, 2 Streptococcus group G und 8 further species. 68 of these bacterial strains were gram-positive and 46 gram-negative. Moreover we identified one patient with Candida parapsilosis. Therefore, 70.8% of all patients showed Staphylococcus aureus in their chronic wounds. Determination of the specific resistances showed 17 patients to be colonized with oxacillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA) strain; this corresponds to 21.5% of all patients. Consequently, 30.4% of all Staphylococcus aureus isolates were ORSA strains. All of the ORSA isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. Sensitivity to tetracycline was documented in 15, to amikacin in 13, to clindamycin in 7, to gentamicin and erythromycin in 6 of the ORSA-positive patients. In the case of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 10 were sensitive and 3 were intermediate in sensitivity. Beside the obligate resistance to oxacillin, penicillin G, ampicillin, cefuroxime and imipenem, none of the ORSA was sensitive to ofloxacin. The results of our investigations demonstrate the actual spectrum of bacterial colonization in chronic wounds of patients in an university dermatologic wound clinic and underline the growing problem of ORSA.

[Isolated peripheral arterial ischaemia and medullary neurostimulation: case report]. / Ischemia arteriosa periferica isolata e neurostimolazione midollare: case report.

Isolated peripheral arterial ischaemia (IPAI) is an unusual pathology of dialysis and peritoneal patients which represents the first sign of a complication of uraemia known as calciphylaxis. Recent studies have revealed an increased incidence of this complication. Risk factors are known but there is no consensus on them: elevated CaxP product, female gender, elevated serum parathormone. We present here the case of a 65-year-old man with 21-year history of dialysis, distal isolated ulceration and without any signs of severe vasculopathy. Our clinical diagnosis was calciphylaxis. In this case, the role of early PTX is not clear and the use of steroids is recommended only in non-ulcerating cases. The therapy gives good results but not in all patients. Electrical stimulation of the posterior roots of the spinal cord is an alternative approach to this case. We hypothesised that the electrical action, through cutaneous vasodilatation of afferent dorsal fibres and release of calcitonin gene-releasing protein, determines the release of prostaglandin E sub 2 that may positively affect the proliferation and activity of epidermal fibroblasts.

Mercury vapor inhalation from Chinese red (Cinnabar).

INTRODUCTION: Acute inhalation of mercury fumes or vapors is a rare but frequently fatal cause of acute lung injury. This report describes a rare cause of mercury inhalation from Chinese red. CASE REPORT: An 87-year-old male inhaled the vapors from heating Chinese red (Cinnabar, mercury sulphide) intended to treat his foot ulceration. He subsequently developed acute lung injury (progressive dyspnea and acute respiratory failure) that was treated with mechanical ventilation. DMPS (2,3-Dimercapto-1-propanesulfonic acid) and penicillamine were used as chelating agents, and methylprednisolone pulse therapy was used to treat his pulmonary disease. Despite being extubated once, the patient eventually died from profound hypoxemia. CONCLUSION: A rare case of mercury intoxication was due to inappropriate use of an alternative medicine, Chinese red. This case serves as a reminder of the toxicity of the noxious gas from this substance and the importance of being familiar with alternative medicines.

[Structural and functional evaluation of combined local application of miliacylum and laser irradiation in the treatment of trophic ulcers]. / Strukturno-funktsional'naia ostenka vozdeistviia sochetannogo mestnogo primeneniia miliatsila i lazernogo izlucheniia pri lechenii troficheskikh iazv.

In 54 patients, suffering from trophic ulcers of lower extremities of different origin, the efficiency of local application of miliacylum and laser irradiation in combined in the treatment, was evaluated. As the result of clinical, histological, histochemical and histoautoradiographic studies, it was established that the process of trophic wound healing was more favorable in patients receiving a combined treatment by miliacylum and laser irradiation in comparison with that when only miliacylum or 1% dioxidine solution and oleum Hippophae were used. When the combination of miliacylum and laser irradiation was applied, the treatment periods were reduced 1.3 and 2 times, respectively, as compared to those ones when miliacylum or dioxidine and oleum Hippophae were used.

Two US practitioners' experience of using essential oils for wound care.

Though essential oils are a proven antiseptic, little work has investigated their use on chronic wounds. This article describes the progress and problems of a small study of five patients, who were treated with lavender and chamomile essential oils.