Eficacia comparativa de los apósitos quirúrgicos Micropore™, Tegaderm™ y Lockit plus® para la fijación del catéter epidural lumbar en niños: ensayo controlado aleatorizado de grupo paralelo prospectivo / Comparative efficacy of MicroporeTM surgical dressing, TegadermTM and Lockit plus® for lumbar epidural catheter fixation in children: a prospective parallel group randomized controlled trial

Antecedentes: La fijación adecuada del catéter epidural es necesaria para evitar su desplazamiento y lograr el efecto deseado del fármaco. Se han utilizado diferentes técnicas para la fijación del catéter epidural. El objetivo del estudio fue comparar la eficacia relativa de los apósitos quirúrgicos Micropore™, Tegaderm™ y Lockit plus® en la prevención de la migración del catéter epidural lumbar en niños. Métodos Se estudiaron 167 pacientes de 5 a 16 años, hasta un periodo de 48h después de la cirugía electiva abdominal o de miembros inferiores. Los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a uno de tres grupos: 1) apósito quirúrgico Micropore™ (grupo M); 2) Tegaderm™ (grupo T), o 3) Lockit plus® (grupo L). Se compararon la incidencia y la extensión de la migración del catéter epidural en centímetros (cm) transcurridas 24 y 48 horas de la fijación epidural. También se analizó la correlación entre la migración del catéter epidural y las características de los pacientes, así como la incidencia relativa de complicaciones en los tres grupos. Resultados La incidencia media de migración del catéter fue de 9,6% a las 24 horas (grupo M: 7,1%; grupo T: 21,1%; grupo L: 0%) y del 45,5% a las 48 horas (grupo M: 66,1%; grupo T: 45,6%; grupo L: 24,1%). Después de 48 horas, la migración absoluta (migración media redondeada al valor más cercano a 0,5cm) fue menor en los pacientes del grupo L: 0,34cm (1,39) en comparación con el grupo M: 1,22cm (SD: 1,85) y el grupo T: 0,94cm (1,94) (p=<0,001). Conclusión Hasta 48 horas después de la cirugía, el dispositivo Lockit plus® demostró una menor migración del catéter epidural en comparación con el apósito quirúrgico Micropore™ o Tegaderm™ en niños sometidos a cirugía electiva abdominal o de extremidades inferiores. (AU)

Background: Proper fixation of an epidural catheter is necessary for desired drug effect and to prevent catheter displacement. Different techniques have been used for epidural catheter fixation. The aim of the study was to compare the relative efficacy of Micropore™ surgical dressing, Tegaderm™, and Lockit plus® in preventing lumbar epidural catheter migration in children. Methods We studied 167 patients aged 5-16 years, for up to 48hrs. after the elective abdominal or lower limb surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) Micropore™ surgical dressing (group M), 2) Tegaderm™ (group T), or 3) Lockit plus® (group L). Incidence and extent of epidural catheter migration in centimetres (cm); was compared at 24 and 48hours post epidural fixation. Correlation between epidural catheter migration and patient characteristics, and relative incidence of complications in three groups was also analysed. Results Incidence of catheter migration was 9.6% at 24hours (group M: 7.1%, group T: 21.1% and group L: 0%) and 45.5% at 48hours (group M: 66.1%, group T: 45.6% and group L: 24.1%). After 48hours, absolute migration (mean migration rounded off to the nearest 0.5cm) was least in patients in group L: 0.34cm (1.39) compared to group M 1.22cm (SD: 1.85) group T: 0.94cm (1.94) (p = <0.001). Conclusion Up to 48 hours after surgery, the Lockit plus® device demonstrated the less epidural catheter migration when compared to micropore surgical dressing or tegaderm in children undergoing elective abdominal or lower limb surgery. (AU)

Amplicon-based skin microbiome profiles collected by tape stripping with different adhesive film dressings: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Medical film dressings have been used to obtain skin microbiota for skin microbiome studies, although their adhesive force may be so strong that the skin could be injured when applied to those who have fragile skin, such as older people. Several products with less adhesive force are available, although their applicability for skin microbiome studies remains unknown. This study aimed to test whether the dressings with less adhesive force could be used for amplicon-based skin microbiome studies. A set of three different film dressings, with acrylic, urethane, or silicone adhesive, was applied to the back skin of nine healthy young participants. The copy number of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, microbial compositions, and alpha and beta diversity indices were analyzed by amplicon analysis of the 16S rRNA gene using next-generation sequencing and were compared among the three film dressings. RESULTS: The dressing with acrylic adhesive yielded the highest copy number of 16S rRNA genes, followed by that with urethane adhesive. The silicone-adhesive dressing yielded a significantly lower copy number of the 16S rRNA gene. The microbial composition of skin microbiota was similar among the three film dressings, although significant differences in the relative abundance of Pseudomonas species and alpha diversity indices were found in the silicone-adhesive dressing. The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity was significantly higher between the acrylic- and silicone-adhesive dressings than between the acrylic- and urethane-adhesive dressings. No adverse effects related to tape stripping were observed for any of the film dressings. CONCLUSION: We recommend dressings with acrylic or urethane adhesive for amplicon-based skin microbiome studies. An acrylic adhesive has an advantage in the yield of skin microbiota, and a urethane adhesive should be chosen when applied to fragile skin. The adhesive force of the dressing with silicone adhesive was too weak to be used for collecting skin microbiota.

[Clinical application value of liquid dressing after circumcision].

OBJECTIVE: To explore and analyze the effect of liquid dressing in relieving pain and preventing incision adhesion after circumcision and its clinical application value. METHODS: Ninety male patients underwent circumcision in Hangzhou Third People's Hospital from September to November 2019, with the incision covered with liquid dressing + vaseline gauze (group A, n = 30), liquid dressing alone (group B, n = 30) or vaseline gauze only (group C, n = 30). At 2, 4 and 6 days after surgery, we compared the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain intensity at dressing change, incision bleeding after dressing removal and incidence of postoperative complications among the three groups of patients. RESULTS: At 2, 4 and 6 days after surgery, the VAS pain score and incidence of incision bleeding were significantly lower in groups A and B than in C (P < 0.05). At 2 days, both the VAS pain score and incidence of incision bleeding were markedly decreased in group A as compared with those in group B (P < 0.05). At 4 and 6 days, the VAS pain score remained lower in group A than in B (P < 0.05), but the incidence rate of incision bleeding showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in the incidence of postoperative complications among the three groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Liquid dressing can reduce pain intensity at dressing change, prevent incision adhesion and consequent dressing change-induced tearing and bleeding, and therefore promote incision healing after circumcision. Its combination with vaseline gauze can achieve an even better effect.

Novel use of XSTAT 30 for mitigation of lethal non-compressible torso hemorrhage in swine.

BACKGROUND: Management of Non-Compressible Torso Hemorrhage (NCTH) consists primarily of aortic occlusion which has significant adverse outcomes, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, in prolonged field care paradigms. One promising avenue for treatment is through use of RevMedx XSTAT 30™ (an FDA approved sponge-based dressing utilized for extremity wounds). We hypothesized that XSTAT 30™ would effectively mitigate NCTH during a prolonged pre-hospital period with correctable metabolic and physiologic derangements. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Twenty-four male swine (53±2kg) were anesthetized, underwent line placement, and splenectomy. Animals then underwent laparoscopic transection of 70% of the left lobe of the liver with hemorrhage for a period of 10min. They were randomized into three groups: No intevention (CON), XSTAT 30™-Free Pellets (FP), and XSTAT 30™-Bagged Pellets (BP). Animals were observed for a pre-hospital period of 180min. At 180min, animals underwent damage control surgery (DCS), balanced blood product resuscitation and removal of pellets followed by an ICU period of 5 hours. Postoperative fluoroscopy was performed to identify remaining pellets or bags. Baseline physiologic and injury characteristics were similar. Survival rates were significantly higher in FP and BP (p<0.01) vs CON. DCS was significantly longer in FP in comparison to BP (p = 0.001). Two animals in the FP group had pellets discovered on fluoroscopy following DCS. There was no significant difference in blood product or pressor requirements between groups. End-ICU lactates trended to baseline in both FP and BP groups. CONCLUSIONS: While these results are promising, further study will be required to better understand the role for XSTAT in the management of NCTH.

Uso de apósitos en quemaduras / Dressing options in burns

Además de la naturaleza y el alcance de las lesiones que influyen en las infecciones, el tipo y la cantidad de microorganismos que colonizan la herida por quemadura parecen influir en el riesgo futuro de infección invasiva de la misma. Por esta razón, en el presente artículo analizamos algunas de las diferentes opciones de apósitos utilizados más frecuentemente en el manejo de la lesión por quemadura, con mayor énfasis en los empleados personalmente y considerando que el conocimiento adecuado de estos productos favorece el manejo ambulatorio de los pacientes que sufren quemaduras, puesto que son herramientas efectivas siempre y cuando se utilicen en la manera y tiempo adecuados

In addition to the nature and extent of the lesions influencing infections, the type and number of microorganisms that colonize the burn wound appear to influence the future risk of invasive wound infection. For this reason, this article discusses some of the different dressing options most frequently used in the management of burn injury, more emphatically in those used personally, considering that the appropriate knowledge of these products promote the outpatient management of patients suffering burns; dressings provide effective tools as long as they are used in an appropriate manner and time

Antibacterial biohybrid nanofibers for wound dressings.

Globally, chronic wounds impose a notable burden to patients and healthcare systems. Such skin wounds are readily subjected to bacteria that provoke inflammation and hence challenge the healing process. Furthermore, bacteria induce infection impeding re-epithelialization and collagen synthesis. With an estimated global market of $20.4 billion by 2021, appropriate wound dressing materials e.g. those composed of biopolymers originating from nature, are capable of alleviating the infection incidence and of accelerating the healing process. Particularly, biopolymeric nanofibrous dressings are biocompatible and mostly biodegradable and biomimic the extracellular matrix structure. Such nanofibrous dressings provide a high surface area and the ability to deliver antibiotics and antibacterial agents locally into the wound milieu to control infection. In this regard, with the dangerous evolution of antibiotic resistant bacteria, antibiotic delivery systems are being gradually replaced with antibacterial biohybrid nanofibrous wound dressings. This emerging class of wound dressings comprises biopolymeric nanofibers containing antibacterial nanoparticles, nature-derived compounds and biofunctional agents. Here, the most recent (since 2015) developments of antibacterial biopolymeric nanofibrous wound dressings, particularly those made of biohybrids, are reviewed and their antibacterial efficiency is evaluated based on a comprehensive literature analysis. Lastly, the prospects and challenges are discussed to draw a roadmap for further progresses and to open up future research avenues in this area. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: With a global market of $20.4 billion by 2021, skin wound dressings are a crucial segment of the wound care industry. As an advanced class of bioactive wound dressing materials, natural polymeric nanofibers loaded with antibacterial agents, e.g. antimicrobial nanoparticles/ions, nature-derived compounds and biofunctional agents, have shown a remarkable potential for replacement of their classic counterparts. Also, given the expanding concern regarding antibiotic resistant bacteria, such biohybrid nanofibrous wound dressings can outperform classical drug delivery systems. Here, an updated overview of the most recent (since 2015) developments of antibacterial biopolymeric nanofibrous wound dressings is presented. In this review, while discussing about the antibacterial efficiency of such systems, the prospects and challenges are highlighted to draw a roadmap for further progresses in this area.

Three wound-dressing strategies to reduce surgical site infection after abdominal surgery: the Bluebelle feasibility study and pilot RCT.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) affects up to 20% of people with a primary closed wound after surgery. Wound dressings may reduce SSI. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of dressing types or no dressing to reduce SSI in primary surgical wounds. DESIGN: Phase A - semistructured interviews, outcome measure development, practice survey, literature reviews and value-of-information analysis. Phase B - pilot RCT with qualitative research and questionnaire validation. Patients and the public were involved. SETTING: Usual NHS care. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing elective/non-elective abdominal surgery, including caesarean section. INTERVENTIONS: Phase A - none. Phase B - simple dressing, glue-as-a-dressing (tissue adhesive) or 'no dressing'. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Phase A - pilot RCT design; SSI, patient experience and wound management questionnaires; dressing practices; and value-of-information of a RCT. Phase B - participants screened, proportions consented/randomised; acceptability of interventions; adherence; retention; validity and reliability of SSI measure; and cost drivers. DATA SOURCES: Phase A - interviews with patients and health-care professionals (HCPs), narrative data from published RCTs and data about dressing practices. Phase B - participants and HCPs in five hospitals. RESULTS: Phase A - we interviewed 102 participants. HCPs interpreted 'dressing' variably and reported using available products. HCPs suggested practical/clinical reasons for dressing use, acknowledged the weak evidence base and felt that a RCT including a 'no dressing' group was acceptable. A survey showed that 68% of 1769 wounds (727 participants) had simple dressings and 27% had glue-as-a-dressing. Dressings were used similarly in elective and non-elective surgery. The SSI questionnaire was developed from a content analysis of existing SSI tools and interviews, yielding 19 domains and 16 items. A main RCT would be valuable to the NHS at a willingness to pay of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year. Phase B - from 4 March 2016 to 30 November 2016, we approached 862 patients for the pilot RCT; 81.1% were eligible, 59.4% consented and 394 were randomised (simple, n = 133; glue, n = 129; no dressing, n = 132); non-adherence was 3 out of 133, 8 out of 129 and 20 out of 132, respectively. SSI occurred in 51 out of 281 participants. We interviewed 55 participants. All dressing strategies were acceptable to stakeholders, with no indication that adherence was problematic. Adherence aids and patients' understanding of their allocated dressing appeared to be key. The SSI questionnaire response rate overall was 67.2%. Items in the SSI questionnaire fitted a single scale, which had good reliability (test-retest and Cronbach's alpha of > 0.7) and diagnostic accuracy (c-statistic = 0.906). The key cost drivers were hospital appointments, dressings and redressings, use of new medicines and primary care appointments. LIMITATIONS: Multiple activities, often in parallel, were challenging to co-ordinate. An amendment took 4 months, restricting recruitment to the pilot RCT. Only 67% of participants completed the SSI questionnaire. We could not implement photography in theatres. CONCLUSIONS: A main RCT of dressing strategies is feasible and would be valuable to the NHS. The SSI questionnaire is sufficiently accurate to be used as the primary outcome. A main trial with three groups (as in the pilot) would be valuable to the NHS, using a primary outcome of SSI at discharge and patient-reported SSI symptoms at 4-8 weeks. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Phase A - Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN06792113; Phase B - Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN49328913. FUNDING: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 39. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Funding was also provided by the Medical Research Council ConDuCT-II Hub (reference number MR/K025643/1).

Wound infections are common after surgery. Some are cured with simple treatment, but others may lead to serious problems. Reducing the risk of a wound infection is important. We do not know if the type of dressing, or not using a dressing, influences the risk of infection. A study that allocated patients to receive different dressings (or no dressing) would answer this question. We did preliminary research to explore whether or not such a study is possible. We interviewed doctors, nurses and patients about their views on dressings and a future study. We also described dressings currently being used in the NHS and found that simple dressings and tissue adhesive (glue) 'as-a-dressing' are used most frequently. We studied existing evidence and interviewed experts to develop a questionnaire, completed by patients, to identify wound infections after patients leave hospital and tested its accuracy. We also explored taking photographs of wounds. We investigated whether or not a major study would be worth the cost and designed a pilot study to test its feasibility. The pilot study recruited 394 patients undergoing abdominal operations in five NHS hospitals. These patients were allocated to have a simple dressing, glue-as-a-dressing or no dressing, and 92% received the allocated dressing method. Patients and their doctors and nurses found the dressing methods to be acceptable. We showed that the new patient questionnaire accurately identified infections. Patients or their carers also found it acceptable to photograph their wounds. Our research suggests that a future large study would be worth the investment and is possible.

Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy of salicylic acid paste with a polyurethane wound dressing for the treatment of digital dermatitis lesions in dairy cows.

There is little evidence of the efficacy of artificial polymers for controlling bovine digital dermatitis (BDD) as a major problem of intensive dairy productions worldwide. We therefore aimed to compare salicylic acid (SA)-based paste with a polyurethane (PU) wound dressing on a German Holstein dairy farm over a maximum 56-d period. On d 0, 109 ft with active BDD lesions from 109 cows were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: (1) SA group received a topical SA-containing paste and (2) PU group was treated with a PU wound dressing. Dressing changes were performed according to manufacturer's instructions until clinical cure (transition from active M1 or M2 to non-active M4 or healed M0 stages), whereby a clinical scoring of lesions was additionally conducted. Data from 100 ft could be analyzed (nSA = 54; nPU = 46). There was a significant reduction of the lesion score over time within each group (SA: d 0-d 14; PU: d 0-d 28, p < .05). Score differences between first (d 0) and second (SA: d 7; PU: d 14) as well as between first and third (SA: d 14; PU: d 28) evaluation did not differ significantly (p > .05). The proportion of clinically cured cows was higher in SA than in PU on d 14 (96.3 vs. 32.6%) as well as on d 28 (100 vs. 54.3%) after initial treatment (p < .05). Analysis of survival to cure in a Cox regression model showed that hazard ratio (HR) was higher for SA with PU as baseline (HR: 6.324, 95% CI: 3.625-11.033, p < .05). However, while BDD scores at enrollment did not differ between treatments (p > .05), PU had a significantly lower final BDD score (p < .05). In conclusion, evidence on the efficacy of PU bandages to treat BDD lesions is provided and further studies on bacteriological cure as well as recurrence rates are needed.

The application of moist dressings in wound care for tracheostomy patients: A meta-analysis.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical application of moist wound dressings in wound care for patients with the tracheostomy. BACKGROUND: Tracheostomy patients may suffer from many complications. Moist dressings have been proposed to lower complication rates for patients with the tracheostomy. DESIGN: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist-guided meta-analysis of randomised and controlled clinical trials. METHOD: In this meta-analysis, two reviewers independently searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang databases for controlled clinical trials (CCTs) comparing the use of moist dressings and gauze for tracheostomy patients. The reviewers screened studies according to the inclusion criteria and extracted data from published reports independently. The outcome of site infection and pressure ulcer incidence, the frequency of dressing changes and wound closing time were evaluated by random-effects or fixed-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: After the screening, ten studies including 1,220 participants were eligible for analysis. The result showed that the incidence of site infection and pressure ulcer was significantly reduced in the moist dressings group compared with the gauze group. Moist dressings were also associated with significant reductions in the frequency of dressing changes and wound closing time. These results were assessed as moderate- to low-quality evidence. CONCLUSION: Moist dressings seem to be beneficial to tracheostomy patients, giving a lower incidence of site infection and pressure ulcers as well as shorter wound closing times and lower dressing change frequency. More high-quality trials are needed to support this finding. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings offer clinicians an assessment of and evidence for the efficacy of moist dressings, which may be a superior option for patients with a tracheotomy.

A systematic review of foam dressings for partial thickness burns.

BACKGROUND: Partial thickness burns are the most common form of thermal burns. Traditionally, dressing for these burns is simple gauze with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) changed on a daily basis. Foam dressings have been proposed to offer the advantage of requiring less frequent dressing change and better absorption of exudates. OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of silver-containing foam dressing to traditional SSD with gauze dressing on wound healing of partial thickness burns. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library database and Google Scholar for trials comparing traditional SSD dressings to that of silver-containing foam dressing on wound healing in partial thickness burns <25% of the body surface area. We excluded studies that enrolled burns involving head, face, and genitals; burns older than or equal to 36 h, non-thermal burns, and immunocompromised patients. Quality of trials was assessed using the GRADE criteria. The main outcome, complete wound healing, is reported as percentages of wound with complete epithelialization after the follow up period. Relative risks of complete healing are also reported with respective 95% CI. Time to healing and pain score before, during, and after dressing change at each follow up visit are compared between the groups (means with standard deviation or medians with quartiles). RESULTS: We identified a total of 877 references, of which three randomized controlled trials (2 combined pediatric and adult trials and 1 adult trial) with a total of 346 patients met our inclusion criteria. All three trials compared silver-containing foam dressing to SSD and gauze on partial thickness burns. Moderate quality evidence indicated no significant difference in wound re-epithelialization between the groups across all three trials as confidence intervals for the relative risks all crossed 1. Although pain scores favored foam dressing at the first dressing change (7 days), there was no significant difference between the groups at the end of the treatment period at 28 days. Time to wound healing was also similar across the three trials with no statistical difference. Infection rates favored the foam-dressing group, but data were inconsistent. CONCLUSION: Moderate quality evidence indicates that there is no significant difference in wound healing between silver-containing foam dressing and SSD dressing. However, foam has the added benefit of reduced pain during the early treatment phase and potentially decreased infection rates.

A cross-sectional survey of patients with open surgical wounds in Slovenia.

Most surgical wounds heal by primary intention, that is, the wound is closed with sutures, clips, or glue. However, some surgical wounds are either left open to heal from the bottom up ("healing by secondary intention") or break open partially or fully after primary closure. There is little basic knowledge about the occurrence and natural history of surgical wounds healing by secondary intention (SWHSI); therefore, the aim of this survey was to estimate the number of people with SWHSI in Slovenia, the nature of these wounds, and to investigate how they are managed. A multiservice, cross-sectional survey was carried out over a 2-week period in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia (population 288,919). Healthcare professionals across health and social care settings completed one anonymised form for each patient with a SWHSI. Forms were completed for 110 patients. The point prevalence of SWHSI was 0.38 per 1,000 of the population (95% CI: 0.33-0.44). Patients' mean age was 50.5 years. The majority of SWHSI were planned to heal by secondary intention before surgery (76/110, 69%). Of SWHSI, 83% (92/110) were treated with wound dressings, and 6% were treated with negative pressure wound therapy. Data were missing for 11 cases. This survey is the first to provide essential information about the extent, nature, and treatment of SWHSI in Slovenia. Furthermore, it is one of the latest of a very small number of studies to have contributed to knowledge about SWHSI globally. The results from the survey can be used for planning future research, health resources management, and policy development.

Potential Biomolecules and Current Treatment Technologies for Diabetic Foot Ulcer: An Overview.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulceration remains a major challenge and is one of the most expensive and leading causes of major and minor amputations among patients with diabetic foot ulcer. Hence the purpose of this review is to emphasize on potential molecular markers involved in diabetic foot ulcer physiology, the efficacy of different types of dressing materials, adjunct therapy and newer therapeutic approach like nanoparticles for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. METHODS: We conducted a systematic literature review search by using Pubmed and other web searches. The quality evidence of diabetic foot ulcer biomolecules and treatments was collected, summarized and compared with other studies. RESULTS: The present investigation suggested that impaired wound healing in diabetic patients is an influence of several factors. All the advanced therapies and foot ulcer dressing materials are not suitable for all types of diabetic foot ulcers, however more prospective follow ups and in vivo and in vitro studies are needed to draw certain conclusion. Several critical wound biomolecules have been identified and are in need to be investigated in diabetic foot ulcers. The application of biocompatible nanoparticles holds a promising approach for designing dressing materials for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. CONCLUSION: Understanding the cellular and molecular events and identifying the appropriate treatment strategies for different foot ulcer grades will reduce recurrence of foot ulcer and lower limb amputation.

Viewing dressing evaluation through a pragmatic lens: The application of Dewey's experimentalism in the development of evidence for dressing selection.

RATIONALE, AIMS, AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to (1) summarize the challenges with developing evidence for dressing selection in wound care, (2) discuss the limiting influence that the Evidence-Based Practice movement has had in this field, and (3) discuss the opportunities offered by Dewey's theory of experimentalism as a pragmatic solution to develop a structured body of evidence. FINDINGS: Whilst the number of dressings available on the market continue to proliferate, limited progress has taken place to develop a methodology for dressing evaluation that is relevant to clinical practice. It is proposed that experimentalism can be operationalized with a mixed-methods approach that may include the following: (1) medical histories and patient's stories; (2) participant observation and informal interviews; (3) a comparative study between a new dressing and standard care; (4) a patient's satisfaction survey; (5) a staff survey; (6) a cost examination; (7) an evaluation of the packaging and procurement route; and finally (8) a clinical meeting to triangulate the data and reach a consensus. CONCLUSION: Experimentalism offers a framework for the construction of evidence used for dressing selection. Central to this concept is the integration of experience to the data collected. The context of the evaluation has equal weight to the data thus collected.

Do Prophylactic Foam Dressings Reduce Heel Pressure Injuries?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this evidence-based report card is to examine the evidence and provide recommendations related to the effectiveness of prophylactic foam dressings in reducing heel pressure injuries. QUESTION: Do prophylactic foam dressings applied to the heel reduce heel pressure injuries for patients in the acute care setting? SEARCH STRATEGY: A search of the literature was performed by a trained university librarian that resulted in 56 articles that examined pressure injury, prevention, and prophylactic dressings. A systematic approach was used to review titles, abstracts, and text, yielding 13 studies that met inclusion criteria. Strength of the evidence was rated based on the methodology from Essential Evidence Plus: Levels of Evidence and Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine. FINDINGS: Thirteen studies were identified that met inclusion criteria; 1 was a randomized controlled trial, 2 were systematic reviews, 3 quasi-experimental cohort studies, 1 quality improvement study, 1 case series, 1 scoping review, 1 consensus panel, and 3 bench studies. All of the studies identified suggest that the use of prophylactic foam dressings reduces the development of pressure injuries on the heel when used in conjunction with a pressure injury prevention program. The strength of the evidence for the identified studies was level 1 (4 level A, 4 level B, and 5 level C). CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATION: The use of prophylactic multilayer foam dressings applied to the heels, in conjunction with an evidence-based pressure injury prevention program, is recommended for prevention of pressure injuries on the heel (SORT level 1).

Cellular versus acellular grafts for diabetic foot ulcers: altering the protocol to improve recruitment to a comparative efficacy trial.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) have a substantial impact on public health. The standard of care (SOC) for DFUs consists of a multidisciplinary approach involving glycemic control, wound care with debridement of necrotic tissue, application of a moist dressing, infection control, use of off-loading devices, and patient education. New therapeutic devices aim to target the extracellular matrix (ECM) that is impaired in DFU; however, there is insufficient data on the effectiveness of such therapies along with lack of evidence on their long-term effectiveness. We hypothesized that there is no difference in healing between the cellular matrix and an acellular matrix relative to SOC. To test this hypothesis, we conducted a randomized, single-blind clinical trial in patients with nonhealing DFUs that included 3 treatment arms: (1) SOC, (2) SOC plus a bioengineered ECM with living fibroblasts, and (3) SOC plus a bioengineered ECM devoid of cells. Our trial currently is closed for enrollment, as we have reached our target population size. Amendments to the protocol were made to help reach this threshold.

Coste-eficiencia de la elección de apósitos en heridas crónicas con biofilm basado en un modelo teórico / Cost efficiency of the choice of dressings in chronic wounds with biofilm based on a theoretical model

La elección del apósito correcto es una de las principales preocupaciones en la cura avanzada de heridas. Por un lado, se encuentra el continuo desarrollo de productos y, por otro, la reciente preocupación por el impacto en los costes de una indicación correcta. Uno de los factores que favorecen el de los costes es la evolución tórpida de las heridas, siendo la presencia de biofilm uno de los motivos de esta mala evolución. El cuidado de la herida con biofilm es uno de los mayores retos para los clínicos. Objetivo: Evaluar la costo-eficiencia de un apósito de hidrofibra con plata, EDTA y cloruro de benzetonio como apósito de primera elección en las heridas con presencia de biofilm. Metodología: Mediante un modelo teórico de heridas crónicas divididas en dos grupos y considerando que el 60% de las heridas de ambos grupos presentan biofilm, se han comparado los costes de utilizar un apósito de alginato con plata como primera elección en un primer grupo y un apósito de hidrofibra con plata, EDTA y cloruro de benzetonio como primera elección en el segundo grupo. Para el cálculo de costes se ha considerado la oferta de precios del concurso público de apósitos de la Plataforma Logística Provincial de Sevilla. Resultados: El coste medio herida/día para las heridas del primer grupo es de 0,59 Euros, mientras para el segundo grupo de 0,55 Euros. Conclusiones: El apósito de hidrofibra con plata, EDTA y cloruro de benzetonio es el apósito de elección y resulta costoefectivo frente al apósito comparado

Choosing the right dressing is one of the most important preoccupations in advanced wound healing. On the one hand, a constant development of wound dressings is found and, on the other, an increasing concern about the impact of a correct indication on costs. One of the factors increasing costs is wounds' torpid evolution, being the presence of biofilm one of the reasons of this bad evolution. Wound care managing biofilm is one of the biggest challenges for the clinicians. Objective: To evaluate the cost efficiency of a hydrofiber dressing with silver, EDTA and benzethonium chloride as first choice in dressing wounds with the presence of biofilm. Methodology: Using a theoretical model of chronic wounds divided into two groups and considering that 60% of the wounds of both groups have biofilm, have compared the costs of using an alginate dressing with silver as first choice in a first group and a hydrofiber dressing with silver, EDTA and benzethonium chloride as the first choice in the second group. To calculate costs, a public tender for dressings costs by the Provincial logistics platform in Seville has being considered. Results: The average cost wound / day for wounds of the first group is 0.59 Euros while for the second group is 0.55 Euros. Conclusions: Hydrofiber dressing with silver, EDTA and benzethonium chloride is the dressing of choice and cost-effective dressing against the other compared dressing

Terapia compresiva para el tratamiento de úlceras venosas: una revisión sistemática de la literatura / Terapia compressiva para o tratamento de úlceras venosas: uma revisão sistemática da literatura / Compression therapy for venous leg ulcers: a systematic review of the literature

Objetivo: Identificar artículos indexados que tienen que ver con el uso de la terapia de compresión elástica o inelástica como propuesta terapéutica para los pacientes con úlceras venosas. Métodos: Revisión sistemática de búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos electrónicas Medline / Pubmed; Medline y Journals @ Ovid / Ovidio; CINAHL; Lilas y Cochrane, las estrategias de búsqueda utilizan los siguientes descriptores y palabras clave: leg ulcer; varicose ulcer; bandage; 'stockings, compression'; venous ulceration; venous ulcer; compressive therapy; compression therapy; stocking. Resultados: La búsqueda arrojó 25 artículos. El uso del vendaje con compresión fue más eficaz que el vendaje sin compresión. Los vendajes multicapa contribuyen a la curación de las úlceras venosas. El uso de medias de compresión y la cirugía correctora del flujo sanguíneo están asociados con la prevención de la recurrencia de las úlceras. Conclusión: El tratamiento de las úlceras venosas utilizando algún tipo de compresión fue eficaz en el proceso de curación (AU)

Objetivo: Identificar artigos indexados que tratam do uso da terapia compressiva elástica ou inelástica. Método: Revisão sistemática de literatura com busca nas bases de dados eletrônicas Medline/Pubmed; Medline e Journals@Ovid/Ovid; Cinahl; Lilacs e Cochrane, a estratégias de busca utilizou os seguintes descritores e palavras-chave: leg ulcer; varicose ulcer; bandage; 'stockings, compression'; venous ulceration; venous ulcer; compressive therapy; compression therapy; stocking. Resultados: A busca resultou em 25 artigos. O uso de bandagem com compressão mostrou-se mais eficaz que a bandagem sem compressão. Bandagens com multicamadas contribuem para a cicatrização das úlceras venosas. O uso da meia elástica e cirurgia corretora do fluxo sanguíneo estão associadas à prevenção da reincidência das úlceras. Conclusão: O tratamento de úlceras venosas utilizando algum tipo de compressão mostrou-se eficiente no processo de cicatrização (AU)

Aim: To identify indexed articles that deal with the use of elastic or inelastic compression therapy as a therapeutic approach for patients with venous leg ulcers. Methods: Systematic review of literature search in the electronic databases Medline/Pubmed; Medline and Journal @Ovid / Ovid; CINAHL; Lilacs and Cochrane, the search strategies used the following descriptors and keywords: leg ulcer; varicose ulcer; bandage; 'Stockings, compression'; venous ulceration; venous ulcer; compressive therapy; compression therapy; stocking. Results: The search yielded 25 articles. The use of bandage compression was more effective than the bandage without compression. Bandages multilayer contribute to the healing of venous ulcers. The use of compression stockings and blood flow brokerage surgery are associated with the prevention of recurrence of ulcers. Conclusion: The treatment of venous ulcers using some type of compression was effective in the healing process (AU)

Rápida cicatrización de la úlcera venosa con técnica TAPIRS (ecoesclerosis del eje axial, perforantes y terminal insuficientes) más vendaje multicapa. Ensayo clínico / Rapid healing of venous ulcers with terminal, axial and perforator interruption of the reflux source (TAPIRS) plus multilayer bandage: A clinical trial

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las úlceras venosas (UV) son las úlceras más frecuentes de las extremidades, y generan morbilidad importante y altos costos para los sistemas de salud. Las técnicas quirúrgicas usadas para el control de la hipertensión venosa han venido siendo remplazadas con mayor frecuencia por procedimientos mínimamente invasivos como la escleroespuma. OBJETIVO: Determinar el tiempo de cicatrización de la UV con un protocolo de manejo que incluyó la oclusión venosa endoluminal con escleroespuma ecoguiada del eje axial, perforantes y terminal insuficientes (técnica TAPIRS) más curaciones con vendaje multicapas (VM) hasta la cicatrización de la herida. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Ensayo clínico prospectivo no controlado (cuasiexperimental) en pacientes con UV (CEAP C6) realizado en la consulta externa de cirugía vascular, durante 2013-2014. Se incluye a 17 pacientes mayores de 18 años, portadores de una UV con eje axial insuficiente, e índice tobillo-brazo mayor a 0,8. Se analizaron en total 17 extremidades. Se realizó inyección de escleroespuma (técnica de Tessari) usando polidocanol al 3% en el sistema venoso superficial con oclusión del eje venoso axial, perforantes y terminal asociados al lecho de la úlcera, guiada por ecodoppler junto con aplicación de VM y curación según las condiciones de la herida. Se realizaron controles clínicos y fotográficos en cada curación, aplicación de VM hasta el cierre de la UV y controles ecográficos a la 4 y 12 semanas. RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad fue de 56,4 años, la duración de la úlcera activa previamente al tratamiento fue de 2,96 años, todas las UV cicatrizaron antes de las 7 semanas, con una tasa de cierre de 3,92 cm2/semana y el tiempo de cierre de la úlcera fue de 3,92 semanas (24 días). CONCLUSIÓN: La oclusión endoluminal venosa usando la técnica TAPIRS (cierre de los ejes axiales, perforantes y terminales insuficientes con escleroespuma ecoguiada) junto a la aplicación de VM es una técnica que favorece la rápida cicatrización de las UV

INTRODUCTION: Chronic venous ulcers (CVU) are the most common ulcers occurring in the lower limbs, having a high morbidity and place a high financial strain on the health system. The traditional surgical techniques are being replaced by minimally invasive procedures, such as foam sclerotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine CVU healing times and rates using the terminal, axial and perforator interruption of the reflux source (TAPIRS) protocol, which included an endoluminal venous occlusion with ultrasound-guided foam and a multilayer bandage system until achieving ulcer healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective uncontrolled trial was conducted on patients with chronic venous leg ulcers (CEAP [clinical, etiological, anatomical and pathological elements] C6) during 2013 and 2014. A total of 17 patients aged 18 years and over, presenting with venous insufficiency, CVU, and an ankle-brachial index greater than 0.8, were included, and total of 17 limbs were analysed. All of the patients were subjected to endoluminal occlusion with ultrasoundguided foam in the axial superficial venous system and perforator and terminal veins near to the ulcer, using Tessari method with 3% polidocanol. Follow-up was carried out at every week and a doppler test was conducted after 4 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 56.4 years. The active ulcer duration prior to treatment was 2.96 years. The study showed that all CVU were healing before 7 weeks, the healing rate was 3.92 cm2/week, and the time until the ulcer was healed was 3.53 weeks (24 days). CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive ablation of terminal, axial and perforator reflux with compression in patients is a technique that leads to faster healing times of CVU