Tratamiento crónico ambulatorio con sevoflurano tópico en pacientes con úlceras vasculares / Chronic outpatient treatment with topical sevoflurane in patients with vascular ulcers

Objetivo mostrar la efectividad y seguridad del sevoflurano tópico tras la administración ambulatoria y prolongada en los pacientes con úlceras vasculares refractarias. Métodos estudio observacional retrospectivo de pacientes con úlceras vasculares dolorosas refractarias a terapias habituales y que fueron tratados con sevoflurano tópico durante al menos 36 meses. Se recogieron las variables: edad, sexo, antecedentes médicos, comorbilidad asociada, etiología de úlcera y tratamiento médico. Se analizó la mejoría clínica y la variación de la superficie de las úlceras vasculares. Para cuantificar la intensidad del dolor basal e irruptivo antes y después del tratamiento se utilizó la escala visual analógica. Resultados del total de pacientes tratados, 9 cumplían los criterios de inclusión. La edad media fue de 74,8 ± 7,5 años. Los casos 2 y 9 fallecieron durante el seguimiento. La acción analgésica del sevoflurano tópico fue rápida (3,1 ± 2,1 min), intensa (escala visual analógica: 7 ± 1,1 a 1,4 ± 1,1 puntos) y duradera (de 6 a 24 h). Salvo el caso 4, todos experimentaron una reducción de la superficie (15,1 ± 5,0 a 2,7 ± 4,2) de las úlceras vasculares y no se observó tolerancia a lo largo del tiempo. Conclusión la aplicación de sevoflurano tópico es una estrategia analgésica y reepitelizante para las úlceras vasculares que presenta un perfil correcto de seguridad (AU)

Objective To show the effectiveness and safety of topical sevoflurane after ambulatory and prolonged administration in patients with refractory vascular ulcers. Methods Retrospective observational study analyzing clinical improvement and vascular ulcers surface area variation after topical application of sevoflurane. Inclusion criteria were patients with painful vascular ulcers refractory to usual therapies and who were treated with topical sevoflurane for at least 36 months. The following variables were collected: age, sex, medical history, associated comorbidity, ulcer etiology and medical treatment. The visual analog scale was used to measure baseline and break through pain intensity before and after treatment. Results Nine patients met the inclusion criteria of the total number of patients treated whose median age was 74.8 ± 7.5 years. Cases 2 and 9 died during follow-up. In all cases, the analgesic action of topical sevoflurane was rapid (3.1 ± 2.1 minutes), intense (visual analog scale: 7 ± 1.1 to 1.4 ± 1.1 points) and long-lasting (6 to 24 h). With the exception of case 4, all patients experienced a large reduction in vascular ulcers surface area (15.1 ± 5.0 a 2.7 ± 4.2) and tolerance was not observed over time. Conclusion Topical application of sevoflurane is an analgesic and re-epithelializing strategy for vascular ulcers with a successful safety profile (AU)

Ayudando a la toma de decisiones en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento de úlceras de etiología vascular mediante el empleo de una aplicación móvil / A mobile decision support system for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of vascular ulcers

Introducción y objetivo: los sistemas de ayuda a la decisión médica (SADM) son sistemas computacionales que utilizan dispositivos inteligentes, lo que facilita el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de múltiples patologías, transformando la atención sanitaria en un sistema dinámico y de precisión. Las úlceras de etiología vascular representan un importante problema de salud que suponen un gran consumo de recursos. La transformación digital puede mejorarla calidad de los diagnósticos, de los tratamientos y de los seguimiento de los pacientes, mejorando la eficacia y la eficiencia de la asistencia sanitaria. El objetivo es desarrollar una aplicación móvil que facilite el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de úlceras de etiología vascular. Métodos: para desarrollar este SADM se elaboraron algoritmos para los diagnósticos y los tratamientos capaces de generar una respuesta correcta, guiando al usuario hacia un diagnóstico más probable o a la aplicación del tratamiento específico. En Android se empleó el entorno de programación Android Studio y el lenguaje de programación JAVA, y para el desarrollo en iOS se empleó XCode y el lenguaje de programación Swift. El diagnóstico de úlceras de etiología vascular incluye: úlcera neuropática, isquémica, neuroisquémica, venosa o flebostática, úlceramixta y úlcera hipertensiva o de Martorell. Resultados: UlcerAPP es visual e intuitiva. Orientará en el diagnóstico en respuesta a los algoritmos desarrollados. Además, podrá accederse al tratamiento específico de cada una de ellas. Incluirá recomendaciones de seguimiento y criterios de derivación. Conclusiones: UlcerAPP es un proyecto desarrollado para mejorar el manejo clínico de las úlceras en el entorno de la Atención Primaria y potenciar el conocimiento de la patología vascular y del tratamiento de las úlceras de dicha etiología. (AU)

Introduction and objective: decision support systems (DSS) are computer systems that use computer devicesor smartphones, facilitating the diagnosis and properly treatment of multiple pathologies, transforming healthcare into a dynamic, preventive and precision system. Vascular ulcers represent an important health problem, witha great consumption of resources. Digital transformation can improve the quality of diagnoses, treatments andpatient follow-up, and therefore improve the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare. This paper aims to develop UlcerApp, a totally new mobile DSS for vascular ulcers management, which facilitates the diagnosis, treatment andmonitoring of ulcers of vascular etiology, in the primary health care. Methods: for achieving the main purpose of this research work, a decision algorithm will be developed and implemented by an Android (Android Studio- JAVA) and iOS (XCode- Switf ) mobile applications. Results: the App developed which implements the algorithms UlcerApp is capable of diagnose 6 kind of vascularulcers: neuropathic, ischemic, neuroischemic, venous ulcer, mixed ulcer and hypertensive or Martorell ulcer. UlcerAPP is a visual and intuitive application that will guide the user to correct diagnosis. After them, users will be able to access the specific treatment. It will include follow-up recommendations as well as referral criteria. Conclusions: UlcerAPP is a project developed to improve the clinical management of vascular ulcers in the primary health care, enhance knowledge of vascular pathology and treatment of ulcers of said etiology. (AU)

Chronic outpatient treatment with topical sevoflurane in patients with vascular ulcers. / Tratamiento crónico ambulatorio con sevoflurano tópico en pacientes con úlceras vasculares.

OBJECTIVE: To show the effectiveness and safety of topical sevoflurane after ambulatory and prolonged administration in patients with refractory vascular ulcers. METHODS: Retrospective observational study analyzing clinical improvement and vascular ulcers surface area variation after topical application of sevoflurane. Inclusion criteria were patients with painful vascular ulcers refractory to usual therapies and who were treated with topical sevoflurane for at least 36 months. The following variables were collected: age, sex, medical history, associated comorbidity, ulcer etiology and medical treatment. The visual analog scale was used to measure baseline and break through pain intensity before and after treatment. RESULTS: Nine patients met the inclusion criteria of the total number of patients treated whose median age was 74.8 ± 7.5 years. Cases 2 and 9 died during follow-up. In all cases, the analgesic action of topical sevoflurane was rapid (3.1 ± 2.1 minutes), intense (visual analog scale: 7 ± 1.1 to 1.4 ± 1.1 points) and long-lasting (6 to 24 h). With the exception of case 4, all patients experienced a large reduction in vascular ulcers surface area (15.1 ± 5.0 a 2.7 ± 4.2) and tolerance was not observed over time. CONCLUSION: Topical application of sevoflurane is an analgesic and re-epithelializing strategy for vascular ulcers with a successful safety profile.

Consenso de expertos sobre la eficacia clínica y directrices sobre la terapia de oxígeno transdérmico continuo para la cicatrización de las heridas complejas o difíciles de cicatrizar.

INTRODUCTION: Oxygen is pivotal for wound healing. Its lack or hypoxia can delay this process, especially in individuals with comorbidities, potentially resulting in complex or hard-to-heal wounds. The Colombian Association of Diabetes (ACD) and the Colombian Association of Internal Medicine (ACMI) collaborated with a diverse group of experts to provide recommendations on the efficacy and best practices of continuous transdermal oxygen therapy (TOTc) in the care of such wounds. METHOD: A modified Delphi technique was employed to obtain controlled feedback and responses. Experts from various disciplines engaged in reviewing and discussing numerous relevant scientific studies, focusing on the role of TOTc in treating chronic ulcers. RESULTS: Continuous transdermal oxygen therapy has proven to be an effective and safe treatment for chronic and/or hard-to-heal ulcers. This therapy directly addresses the wound's oxygen deficiency, providing an environment conducive to healing. Significant benefits were observed, including the acceleration of the healing process, wound size reduction, and an enhancement in patient quality of life. Its efficacy was found across various ulcer etiologies, underscoring its therapeutic versatility. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous transdermal oxygen therapy is effective and safe for treating chronic and hard-to-heal ulcers. It's crucial to address each case individually and through a multidisciplinary approach to maximize this therapy's benefits. Both evidence and clinical experience back its utility across a variety of ulcer etiologies.

RESUMEN: Introducción: El oxígeno es esencial en la cicatrización de heridas. Su ausencia o hipoxia puede retrasar este proceso, especialmente en individuos con comorbilidades, lo que podría resultar en heridas complejas o de difícil cicatrización. La Asociación Colombiana de Diabetes (ACD) y la Asociación Colombiana de Medicina Interna (ACMI) se unieron con un grupo diverso de expertos para brindar recomendaciones sobre la eficacia y práctica de la terapia de oxígeno transdérmico continuo (TOTc) en el cuidado de estas heridas. Método: Se utilizó la técnica Delphi modificada para obtener respuestas y retroalimentación controlada. Expertos de diversas disciplinas participaron en la revisión y discusión de numerosos estudios científicos relevantes, centrados en el papel de la TOTc en el tratamiento de úlceras crónicas. Resultados: El oxígeno transdérmico continuo ha demostrado ser una terapia eficaz y segura en el tratamiento de úlceras crónicas y/o de difícil cicatrización. Esta terapia aborda directamente la deficiencia de oxígeno en la herida, proporcionando un entorno propicio para la curación. Se observaron beneficios significativos, incluyendo aceleración del proceso de cicatrización, reducción del tamaño de la herida y mejora en la calidad de vida del paciente. Se encontró eficacia en diversas etiologías de úlceras, subrayando su versatilidad terapéutica. Conclusiones: La terapia de oxígeno transdérmico continuo es eficaz y segura para tratar úlceras crónicas y de difícil cicatrización. Es vital abordar cada caso de manera individualizada y mediante un enfoque multidisciplinario para maximizar los beneficios de esta terapia. La evidencia y experiencia clínica respaldan su utilidad en diversas etiologías de úlceras. Palabras clave: Terapia de oxígeno transdérmico continuo, Oxígeno, Pie diabético, Cicatrización de heridas, Cuidado de heridas, Úlceras vasculares, Lesiones por presión, Hipoxia, Infección.

Efecto de una Intervención Educativa en la presencia de ulceras vasculares en pacientes con Diabetes Mellitus / Effect of an Educational Intervention on the presence of Vascular Ulcers in patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus se está convirtiendo en un problema de magnitud global, afectando la vida de las personas que la padecen, en específico cuando no se logra un control adecuado de la misma, bajo esta premisa, se ha considerado que la educación en diabetes es una buena herramienta para favorecer el cambio de conducta de las personas que la padecen y con esto establecer estilos de vida saludables.Objetivo: Identificar el efecto de una intervención educativa en el autocuidado de la diabetes mellitus y sus complicaciones, a través de la revisión de evidencia bibliográfica.Material y métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura actual sobre las intervenciones en educación tanto en México como en las Américas, que han logrado tener efecto en el conocimiento de la misma enfermedad, en las complicaciones de la misma, en el autocontrol y automonitoreo, así como en el cambio de estilos de vida y la adherencia al tratamiento. Se eligieron estudios en buscadores como Crossref Metadata, revistas CONACYT, PubMed, Latindex y Elsevier.Resultados: Se comprobó que existe un efecto en los participantes de las intervenciones educativas, porque han logrado disminuir sus niveles de glucosa plasmática, así como conocer las características de la enfermedad y con ello conocen sobre el tratamiento y las condiciones físicas para evitar complicaciones de la enfermedad como lo son las ulceras vasculares, por lo que modifican sus estilos de vida.Conclusiones: Una intervención educativa es necesaria porque con ella se logró mayor conocimiento sobre los factores de riesgo, un mejor control metabólico, lo que conllevara a un efecto directo en la calidad de vida de las personas que padecen la enfermedad, esto significa que los resultados no son negativos.(AU)

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is becoming into a global magnitude problem, affecting the life of people who suffer it, especially when a suitable control is not achieved, diabetes education has been considered a good tool to change persons conduct and establish healthy life styles.Objective: Identify the effect of an educational intervention about self-care in diabetes mellitus and its complications, through the review of bibliographic evidence.Material and methods: A bibliographic review of the current literature on educational interventions in Mexico and the Americas was carried out which provide information on the effect that they achieved in the management , knowledge effect in people with the disease, complications, self-control and self-monitoring impact of the disease, the people lifestyles changes and adherence to treatment. Search engine studies such as Crossref Metadata, CONACyT magazines, PubMed, Latindex and Elsevier were chosen.Results: a change has been demonstrated in people who participated in educational interventions, because they have been reduce their plasma glucose levels, get more information about the characteristics of the disease, treatment and physical conditions to avoid complications of the disease such as vascular ulcers, so they modify their lifestyles.Conclusions: A diabetes educational intervention is necessary because increase knowledge about risk factors of the disease and favors a better metabolic control, which lead a direct effect on the people with diabetes lifestyles. This means that the results are not negative.(AU)

CGF Treatment of Leg Ulcers: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) is a concentration of second generation autologous growth factors compared to platelet rich plasma (PRP) and represents a multifactorial stimulation system that can be used for the management and treatment of chronic skin ulcers. AIM: The aim of this work is to evaluate the additional benefits of the CGF compared to the standard of dressing and its effects on the dynamics of the healing process. METHODS: Autologous CGFs were obtained from 100 patients with chronic mixed ulcers (venous ulcers in patients with II stage claudication) of the lower limbs in a multicentric controlled randomized study. RESULTS: The results showed a significant advantage in the use of CGF in association with cleansing and selective compression in the healing time and stabilization of mixed ulcers of the lower extremities. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the CGF's clinical use for improving clinical outcomes in mixed ulcers of the legs.

Photodynamic therapy in infected venous and mixed leg ulcers: a pilot experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the tolerability and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with RLP068, a novel phthalocyanine-derived photosensitiser, in controlling the bacterial load in different leg ulcers, due to vascular pathophysiology. METHOD: An observational study of patients with infected leg ulcers of different pathophysiology, admitted to the hospital for a skin grafting procedure, were included. All patients underwent two sessions of PDT at time zero and after 72 hours. A semi-quantitative swab was taken before and 30 minutes after both sessions of PTD. During the time interval between the two treatments the ulcer was covered with foam dressing and compression therapy was applied to all patients. No systemic or topical antibiotics were administered. Statistical analysis of results was performed. RESULTS: A total of 36 patients (13 males, 23 females; aged 72.4±8.6 years, range: 55-85 years) were recruited; two had ulcers on both legs. PDT was shown to be effective in reducing bacterial load after the first treatment. Before the second PDT treatment (72 hours after first PDT treatment), a slight increase of the bacterial load was observed in all ulcers. However, after the second PDT session, bacterial swab results were negative in all but two ulcers. The procedure was well tolerated in all but four patients, who reported a very severe pain at baseline, which increased during treatment. CONCLUSION: In this study, PDT was effective in reducing bacterial load in patients with infected vascular leg ulcers, and allowed successful skin grafting to take place in all patients. The treatment was generally well tolerated. Studies with a greater number of patients and a control group are planned to confirm these results.

Implementing clinical process management of vascular wounds in a tertiary facility: impact evaluation of a performance improvement project.

BACKGROUND: Chronic vascular wounds have a significant economic and social impact on our society calling for allocation of a great deal of attention and resources. Efforts should be oriented toward the achievement of the most effective and efficient clinical management. The Angiology Unit at the University Hospital of Padova, Italy, developed a performance improvement project to enhance the quality of practice for vascular ulcers. METHODS: The project consisted in a multistep process comprising a critical revision of the previous clinical process management, staff education, tightening connections between operators and services, and creation of a position for a wound care nurse. The previous standard of practice was modified according to the results of revision and the current evidence-based practice. RESULTS: The new standard of practice reached its full application in September 2015. The number of patients treated and the number of visits in 2015 remained almost unvaried from 2014. However, the total annual expenditure for treating vascular ulcers was reduced by ~60% from the previous year. CONCLUSION: Standardization of guidelines and practice is effective in creating an efficient clinical management and in reducing the economic burden of vascular ulcers.

Wound care in the geriatric client.

With our aging population, chronic diseases that compromise skin integrity such as diabetes, peripheral vascular disease (venous hypertension, arterial insufficiency) are becoming increasingly common. Skin breakdown with ulcer and chronic wound formation is a frequent consequence of these diseases. Types of ulcers include pressure ulcers, vascular ulcers (arterial and venous hypertension), and neuropathic ulcers. Treatment of these ulcers involves recognizing the four stages of healing: coagulation, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. Chronic wounds are frequently stalled in the inflammatory stage. Moving past the inflammation stage requires considering the bacterial burden, necrotic tissue, and moisture balance of the wound being treated. Bacterial overgrowth or infection needs to be treated with topical or systemic agents. In most cases, necrotic tissue needs to be debrided and moisture balance needs to be addressed by wetting dry tissue and drying wet tissue. Special dressings have been developed to accomplish these tasks. They include films, hydrocolloids, hydrogel dressings, foams, hydrofibers, composite and alginate dressings.