Journal of wound care
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Journal of wound care · Sep 2014
Impact of compression therapy using Unna's boot on the self-esteem of patients with venous leg ulcers.
⋯ All authors declare that no competing financial interests exist. There was no external funding for this study.
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Journal of wound care · Aug 2014
Case ReportsDevice-related atypical pressure ulcer after cardiac surgery.
Medical devices must be closely monitored to prevent harm to patients. Pressure ulcers secondary to medical devices present a significant health burden in terms of length of stay in hospital and cost. ⋯ This case report highlights the important issue of device-related pressure ulcers in the cardiac surgical intensive care setting, particularly when the clinical status of the patient may preclude routine assessment and prophylaxis. An algorithm for preventing such pressure ulcers is suggested.
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Journal of wound care · Jul 2014
Case ReportsA novel approach to reconstruct a large full thickness abdominal wall defect: successful treatment with MatriDerm® and Split.
Reconstruction of large abdominal wall defects is a challenging procedure, often contraindicated in critically ill patients, with high incidences of complications. We present a case of a patient with a large abdominal wall defect who had reconstruction with MatriDerm® (an engineered dermal template) and split thickness skin grafting (SSG) as an alternative to reconstruction with myo- or fascio-cutaneous flaps. Successful wound closure was achieved with a single technique, while providing a robust reconstruction and an interface between skin and underlying viscera, should further surgery be necessary.
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To review the current literature on the treatment of itching, or pruritus, in people with burn wounds. ⋯ Simple single therapies should be the first line therapy for the treatment of pruritus due to burns, however, if these are unsuccessful, combination therapy should be introduced early to try to reduce the onset of chronic itch. Current algorithms and treatment plans based on the stage of healing show promise but need further modification and testing before they can be recommended for common use.
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Bacterial colonisation of the burn wound remains a major source of morbidity and mortality in burns patients. This study aimed to determine the presence of different micro-organisms in a UK regional burns centre and to examine the relationships between bacterial colonisation, burn size, length of hospital stay and delayed referral. ⋯ By understanding the potential sources of bacteria and the effect of patient factors on their susceptibility to bacterial colonisation, we can form better management and treatment strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality from burns wound sepsis.