Journal of wound care
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Journal of wound care · Jun 2016
Comparative StudyComparative study between biologic porcine dermal meshes: risk factors of postoperative morbidity and recurrence.
Different types of biologic mesh have been introduced as an alternative to synthetic mesh for use in repairing contaminated ventral hernias because of their biocompatible nature. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent complex ventral hernia repairs with either non cross-linked or cross-linked porcine dermal meshes. ⋯ Despite the high rate of wound morbidity associated with the single-staged reconstruction of contaminated fields, it can be safely performed with biologic mesh reinforcement. Recurrence rate was not significantly different between cross-linked and non cross-linked porcine meshes.
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Journal of wound care · Jun 2016
Negative pressure wound therapy in the early period after hand and forearm replantation, is it safe?
In this study, effectiveness and reliability of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the early period after replantation will be examined retrospectively in a series of patients. ⋯ NPWT (75 mmHg) can be used in the intermittent mode in order to improve wound healing and shorten the period to start physical therapy in the early period after replantation and revascularisation.
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Journal of wound care · Apr 2016
ReviewSample procurement for cultures of infected wounds: a systematic review.
Identifying the responsible pathogen is required in order to select optimum antimicrobial therapy for infected wounds, but the best techniques to use remain the subject of debate. Our aim was to assess the evidence on the value of wound swabs compared with biopsies. ⋯ The Levine swab is superior to the Z-swab technique and may be useful for initial wound monitoring, but quantitative biopsies are preferred for evaluation of antibiotic-resistant wounds and to monitor the response to treatment. There is limited evidence on the role of wound swabs for detecting wound colonisation versus infection and the impact of culture-guided therapy on such clinical outcomes as eradication of infection and accelerated healing. Future studies should specify patient populations, wound types, sampling protocols, and outcomes based on culture yield and treatment results, using rigorous statistical methodology.
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Journal of wound care · Apr 2016
Comparative Study Observational StudyUse of smartphone attached mobile thermography assessing subclinical inflammation: a pilot study.
To verify the reliability and validity of FLIR ONE, a device connected to a smartphone, for the assessment of inflammation based on relative temperature increase compared with the thermography routinely used in pressure ulcer (PU) and diabetic foot assessment. ⋯ This pilot study suggests that FLIR ONE can work as an alternative device for assessing subclinical inflammation in PUs and the diabetic foot in clinical settings. Our results may facilitate clinicians in accepting the routine use of thermal imaging assessment at the patients' bedside.
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Journal of wound care · Mar 2016
A next-generation antimicrobial wound dressing: a real-life clinical evaluation in the UK and Ireland.
To assess the effectiveness of a new, next-generation antimicrobial dressing (NGAD; AQUACEL Ag+ EXTRA dressing) in managing wound exudate, infection and biofilm, and facilitating progression toward healing. ⋯ The authors are all employed by ConvaTec Ltd. but have no other conflict of interest to declare. Dressings were provided to the clinicians free of charge.