CSMed® wound dressing for prophylaxis and management of radiation dermatitis in breast and head-neck cancer patients: a single hospital prospective clinical trial.

PURPOSE: CSMed® wound dressing, a dressing with various herb extracts, was tested for its therapeutic effect in radiation dermatitis of breast and head-and-neck cancer patients. METHODS: This study included 20 breast cancer patients and 10 head-and-neck cancer patients. Half of the irradiated area was covered with CSMed® and the other half was under routine treatment. The severity of radiation dermatitis was evaluated with radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) grade throughout the treatment and the follow-up period. The RTOG grade between the dressed and undressed area were compared to illustrate the therapeutic effect of CSMed® dressing. RESULTS: The results showed that CSMed® dressed area had significant lower RTOG score at 3-7 weeks and final record during the treatment, and 1-3 weeks during follow-up than undressed area. CONCLUSIONS: This indicated that CSMed® can delay the onset, reduce the severity, and enhance healing of radiation dermatitis. CSMed® can be used for prophylaxis and management of radiation dermatitis.

[The Experience of Caring for a Child Suffering From Incontinent Dermatitis].

This paper describes the experience of caring for a child with incontinent dermatitis that was caused by improper family care. From March 27, 2015 to April 2, 2015, the authors used Gordon's 11 functional health parameters to collect subjective and objective data on the physical, mental and social conditions of the care recipient. To understand the nursing-related problems, including impaired skin integrity, acute pain, and caregiver anxiety, the data for this case and his mother were conducted by observation, physical assessment, the process of caring, and communication. For the three nursing problems, we established a good relationship with the family by providing individual care, continuously active care, listening, and companionship. In order to reduce the pain during wound dressing, we used game therapy and an attention-transfer technique that was based on the case's preferences. We encouraged family members to participate in treatment in order to ensure that the case continued to receive proper and continuous care after returning home. The authors taught the family members the correct information for treating incontinent dermatitis in order to reduce their concerns and to enhance their confidence and care abilities. We hope that this nursing experience may provide a reference for other nursing staffs when caring for similar cases in order to ensure appropriate quality of care.

Beneficial effects of LK-4, an analog of dextromethorphan on lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis in rats.

Dextromethorphan (DM), an anti-tussive agent, has been claimed to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in vitro. In our preliminary screening test, LK-4, an analog of DM, can afford more protection against circulatory failure induced by LPS than that of DM. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LK-4 on sepsis induced by intravenous (i.v.) administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 10 mg/kg) in anesthetized Wistar rats and survival rate by intraperitoneal administration of LPS (70 mg/kg) in conscious ICR mice. Results demonstrated that posttreatment with LK-4 (3 and 5 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly attenuated the deleterious hemodynamic changes (e.g., hypotension and tachycardia) in rats treated with LPS. Meanwhile, LK-4 (3 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the elevation of plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha, as well as values of GOT and GPT, and BUN and creatinine caused by LPS. The induction of inducible NO synthase and the overproduction of NO and superoxide anions by LPS were also reduced by LK-4. Moreover, infiltration of neutrophils into the lungs and liver of rats 8 h after treatment with LPS was also reduced by LK-4. Furthermore, LK-4 increased the survival rate of mice insulted by toxic dose of LPS. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of LK-4 on LPS-induced sepsis result from its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Thus, LK-4 can be potentially used as a therapeutic agent for sepsis in the future.