[Wound networks in Germany: structure, functions and objectives 2014]. / Wundnetze in Deutschland: Struktur, Funktionen und Ziele 2014.

BACKGROUND: Wound networks are structured collaborations between various professions and medical disciplines in the field of treatment of patients with chronic wounds. In view of the complex chronic courses of such wounds with many relevant underlying diseases, comorbidities and a multitude of possible therapy options, the evidence-based structured treatment of patients with wound problems is of particular importance. However, this treatment is very heterogeneous and often uncoordinated. OBJECTIVE: This article describes a stocktaking of the active regional wound networks in Germany with characterization of their structures, activities and objectives. METHODS: A nationwide survey was carried out targeting wound specialists and wound societies as well as already established wound networks for which an updating was carried out. All identified networks were issued with a standardized questionnaire about the size of the network, extent of regional coverage, participating medical disciplines and professional groups and activities. In addition to the preformulated questions, free text information was also encouraged. RESULTS: A total of 35 wound networks could be identified. The majority of networks consisted of representatives of hospitals as well as physicians in private practice and nursing personnel. The most frequently represented medical disciplines were vascular surgeons (74%), general physicians (63%), diabetologists (60%), general surgeons (60%) and dermatologists (57%). The most frequent activities were informal meetings on further education (77%), exchange of experiences and second opinions (both 71%) and consultation on patient treatment (69%). Selective contracts were only implemented in very few cases. CONCLUSION: The wound networks established in Germany on self-initiatives represent strong interdisciplinary and interprofessional-oriented specialist platforms with a high potential for structured and efficient treatment. Incentives for systematic utilization of these structures in the course of improvements in quality and remuneration of treatment of patients with chronic wounds would be desirable.

C2 therapeutic drug monitoring of cyclosporine is a safe and feasible method in de novo heart transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: The narrow therapeutic window of cyclosporine (CsA) requires close therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). While C2-TDM has been established after renal and liver transplantations, clinical experience is limited for patients after de novo heart transplantation (HTX). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, we investigated 40 patients undergoing HTX; 34 patients received induction therapy using antithymocyte globulin (ATG Mérieux). Immunosuppression was administered with CsA (Sandimmun-Optoral), with dosages adjusted according to C2 levels (800-1100 ng/mL during the first 6 months and reduced to 400-600 ng/mL from the beginning of the first year). At different times TI (months 1-3). TII (months 12-14) TIII (months 24-26), and TIV (months 34-36), we obtained measures of acute cellular rejections (ARs), cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, creatinine, and safety laboratory parameters. RESULTS: The cumulative survival was 95% after 1 year, and 88% after 3.8 years. Eight ARs were diagnosed at a mean of 7.6 months after HTX in 7 patients. Twenty-four CMV infections/reactivations were verified. In 10 cases, treatment was started because of clinical symptoms. The mean creatinine values significantly rose in the early postoperative phase (TI: 1.23+/-0.47 mg/dL, TII: 1.49+/-0.41 mg/dL; P<.0001). Thereafter the creatinine values declined; however, this was not statistically significant (TIII: 1.38+/-0.57 mg/dL, TIV: 1.15+/-0.30 mg/dL). All other safety parameters showed no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: C2 allows individualization of immunosuppression with reduced CsA toxicity, but without loss in safety among de novo patients after HTX. We obtained freedom from severe AR, a low number of CMV infections, and excellent patient survival.