The link between underactive thyroid and leg oedema.

There is an established link between hypothyroidism and leg oedema. This article presents a case study of a female known to have an underactive thyroid gland who developed symptoms and was referred to a local Lindsay Leg Club.

Graducheck®-a novel device to measure sub-bandage pressures during application of compression.

Graduated compression, using bandaging or compression stockings, is the gold-standard treatment for the management of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) and preventing recurrence. However, achieving the required pressures on different parts of the leg is extremely difficult, even for experienced practitioners. Inappropriately applied compression can result in delayed healing and poor compliance. Graducheck® is a pressure sensor system that ensures that the prescribed level of compression is being applied accurately. This study aimed to determine if two experienced tissue viability nurses (TVNs) could achieve accurate pressures using four commonly used bandage systems, as measured using Graducheck sensor strips. Ideal pressures were not achieved, but in two systems, once the application pressure was adjusted according to the sensor level, ideal compression was achieved. In the remaining two systems, ideal pressures could not be produced, even after adjustments to application. Clinically, the Graducheck system could improve the standard of compression therapy, as real-time feedback ensures that corrections can be made. However, further work is required to determine why ideal pressures were not achieved in two of the tested systems.

Use of a superabsorbent dressing in the management of exudate in hard-to-heal wounds.

With the shift in demographics towards an ageing population with multimorbidity, the number of hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds is increasing each year. This poses a challenge for both health professionals, for whom wound management is becoming more complex, and for patients, who have to cope with exudate production, malodour and pain. This article summarises understanding of healing in such wounds and how best to meet the challenge of exudate, which is a ubiquitous hallmark of hard-to-heal wounds. The role of superabsorbent dressings is considered, with particular reference to Kliniderm superabsorbent in the management of people with these challenging wounds.

Compression hosiery for venous disorders and oedema: a question of balance.

Compression therapy for venous and lymphatic conditions may be delivered via a range of treatment modalities using many different technologies, depending on the patient's condition and needs. Clinical decision-making relies on accurate assessment of the patient, their presenting and underlying clinical condition, skill and training of the applier and the available resources. However, changes in the patient's condition or lifestyle may necessitate re-evaluation of the treatment pathway. Generally, compression bandages and Velcro wraps are used in the intensive acute phase of treatment, with self-management using compression hosiery or wraps being used for long-term maintenance to prevent recurrence. Although guidelines recommend the highest class of compression hosiery for maximum effectiveness, clinical evidence shows practical challenges associated with application and tolerance of higher pressures and stiffness. An audit of a new type of compression garment was conducted, and it showed that incorporating stiffness into circular knitted hosiery helped overcome some of these challenges with improvements in limb size, skin softening and wound size. Additionally, self-management was facilitated by the ease of donning and doffing.