International Wound Journal最新文献

This study investigates cortical reorganisation and hemodynamic responses in individuals with lower extremity amputation and replantation using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). A total of 15 healthy controls, four left lower limb amputees and one replantation patient were included. Oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb) activations were measured during 10 unilateral lower limb motor tasks (toe, ankle, knee and hip movements). Non-parametric analyses revealed significant differences in cortical activation between amputees and controls, particularly during knee flexion and extension. Three-dimensional contrast maps demonstrated that oxy-Hb activity in amputees extended from the M1-leg area into somatosensory regions, reflecting neuroplastic remapping. In contrast, the replantation patient exhibited activation patterns closer to the control group, especially in knee and hip tasks. These findings indicate that fNIRS can sensitively capture hemispheric dynamics during unilateral lower limb movements and highlight neuroplastic adaptations following amputation and replantation. Such insights may guide future neuroprosthetic design and rehabilitation strategies.

The article describes the outcomes of a single-centre investigation on the use of OZOILE to improve the healing process in patients with chronic diabetic ulcers. This is a non-randomised interventional study which aims to assess the differences between two groups (total 200 patients) by evaluating healing time at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days. Pain assessment with VAS scale at 15, 30 and 45 days, biofilm test and tissue regeneration by histological evaluation were also taken into consideration. The outcomes show faster healing, reduced pain, control of local infection, aesthetically pleasing and qualitatively better healing. Our treatment strategy involves applying OZOILE detergent without rinsing, Ozoile spray oil and Ozoile cream followed by a non-adherent dressing (paraffin gauze). This integrated protocol shows a safe and effective treatment for diabetic chronic wound healing in a cost-effective manner. The group treated with the Rigenoma/Ozoile protocol demonstrated significantly superior outcomes compared to the control group, including accelerated healing, reduced pain levels, effective management of unpleasant odour, and high levels of compliance from both patients and surgeons. Overall, Ozoile markedly reduced healing time compared with standard care, with results robust across multiple analytical approaches.

EPIFIX, a dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane allograft, received regulatory approval as a medical device in 2021 by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare following review by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, for the treatment of refractory ulcers, including diabetic foot ulcers. Insurance reimbursement under the Japanese national health insurance system was approved in 2022. This study investigated the efficacy of EPIFIX for diabetic foot ulcers in Japan. This study included 55 patients who were treated with EPIFIX after debridement, evaluating the treatment duration and wound outcomes. Treatment was considered complete upon successful wound closure (i.e., reconstruction or epithelialization) or when adverse events (i.e., wound infection, death, or other complications) occurred. The wounds were classified as either healed or nonhealed. Wound healing was observed in 43 patients. Comparing the patients with healed and non-healed wounds, there was a significant difference in the presence of chronic kidney disease (G5d), coronary artery disease, and certain laboratory findings (albumin, C-reactive protein, white blood cell count, and haemoglobin) (p < 0.05). The treatment duration was similar between the healed and non-healed groups (24.39 vs. 24.83 days, p = 0.14). Wound bed preparation and an improved general health condition were key factors for healing. EPIFIX promotes wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers, although careful patient selection is essential to maximise its effectiveness.

Hard-to-heal wounds are frequently associated with underlying conditions such as diabetes, vascular disease, and biofilm-related infections. Accurate identification of microbial origin is essential, but is often hindered by biofilms. This study evaluated whether sonication of wound dressings, combined with different sample transport methods, improves bacterial detection in venous leg ulcers. In a prospective observational case–control study, six patients with hard-to-heal venous leg ulcers received treatments with medical-grade honey (MGH) (n = 1), ceramic dressings – “Cerdak” (n = 2), or hydroactive dressings (n = 3). Three microbiological samples were collected per patient: (1) conventional wound swab (Levin's technique) in Amies medium; (2) sonicate fluid from used dressings transported in sterile tubes without medium; and (3) sonicate fluid in haemoculture tubes (BACT/ALERT). Total pathogen count and diversity were compared across sampling methods. Patient quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the Wound-QoL instrument. Sonication revealed additional pathogens not detected by conventional swabs. The highest number of pathogens was found in sonicate fluid transported in haemoculture tubes (n = 43), followed by swabs (n = 39) and sterile tube transport (n = 30). Adequate treatment significantly improved patients' QoL during the healing process. Dressing sonication, especially with haemoculture tube transport, enhances microbial identification and may improve diagnosis and management of hard-to-heal wounds.

Irritant contact dermatitis is a common peristomal skin complication. Due to the continuous irritation from intestinal fluids and faeces, the healing of this dermatitis is slow and the condition severely impairs patients' quality of life. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a modified insertable ostomy appliance in promoting healing and improving patient outcomes. A randomised controlled trial was conducted from January 2022 to December 2024 in a tertiary hospital. The enrolled patients, all diagnosed with irritant contact dermatitis, were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group wore the conventional two-piece ostomy appliance, while the experimental group wore the modified insertable ostomy appliance. Outcomes were assessed on Days 3, 7, 14 and 28. The primary outcome was the healing rate (Discoloration, Erosion and Tissue overgrowth [DET] score ≤ 2) at Day 28. Secondary outcomes included the DET score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score, Stoma Quality of Life questionnaire (Stoma-QOL) score and the incidence of appliance leakage. A total of 89 eligible participants completed the trial. The experimental group showed a significantly higher 28-day healing rate (73.3% vs. 29.5%, p < 0.001), lower DET scores (Day 28: 2.0 vs. 4.5, p < 0.001), reduced VAS scores (Day 28: 1.5 vs. 2.0, p < 0.001), higher Stoma-QOL scores (Day 28: 55.67 vs. 51.64, p < 0.001) and lower leakage rate (13.3% vs. 93.2%, p < 0.001). The modified ostomy appliance significantly improves healing, reduces pain and enhances quality of life, representing a novel solution for clinical practice.

This study aimed to determine if skin types can be accurately assessed via melanin scores measured with a colormeter, and whether scar characteristics of people with different skin types are different at various stages of healing. Melanin scores of a Cortex DSM Colormeter were validated against the Fitzpatrick skin type questionnaire in healthy volunteers and unaffected skin of burn and scar patients (N = 137) to determine melanin index cut-offs per skin type. Scar quality in children and adults at 3, 6, and 12 months post-burn using DSM Colormeter and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) was analysed in a cohort of > 1000 patients. Data from 137 individuals showed good correlation between melanin index and Fitzpatrick skin types (Spearman's rho: 0.72 Dermaspectrometer, 0.69 DSM II; p < 0.0001). Scar characteristics varied by skin type for erythema, pigmentation, vascularization, and overall POSAS scores. Children had significantly thicker scars than adults, regardless of skin type, varying from 0.3 to 1.4 points difference on the observer scale at 12 months post burn. We conclude that skin type can be objectively classified using the melanin index, showing a strong correlation with the Fitzpatrick questionnaire. Skin type influences scar outcomes, especially pigmentation and vascularization. Children, particularly those with lighter skin, tend to develop thicker scars than adults. Recognising these differences can improve scar management and patient education.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are severe complications of diabetes that often lead to major amputations. Despite care advancements, approximately 50% of minor amputations do not heal, resulting in major amputations and increased mortality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) obtained through superficial enhanced fluid fat injection (SEFFI) in improving healing rates after minor amputations in DFUs. It was a prospective, single-arm, observational cohort study. The patients were monitored for half a year using monthly assessments. The primary endpoint was the healing rate of the amputation stumps after minor amputations coupled with ASC injections. Secondary endpoints included safety, feasibility, adverse events and analysis of variables associated with healing including the analysis of the injected mesenchymal adipose stem cell populations. Of the 256 screened patients, 40 were enrolled. At 6 months, 55% of the treated stumps had healed completely. The median healing time was 69 days. Technical success was achieved in all cases without device-related complications. Multivariable Cox models identified haemodialysis, opioid use and the injected number of CD45-positive cells as risk factors for healing failure. CD73 expression was positively associated with healing. The SEFFIDiFA trial demonstrated a promising 69% healing probability at 6 months post-amputation. This minimally invasive approach showed a higher healing rate with fewer complications. This study supports the potential of ASCs in enhancing wound healing in DFUs and highlights the importance of CD73 expression for successful outcomes. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and optimise the technique.

This study evaluates the predictive value of the WIfI (Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection) classification system and pre-amputation transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) measurements in forecasting post-amputation complications in major lower limb amputations (MLLA). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 132 MLLA patients with complete WIfI data and 87 patients with documented TcPO2 values. Associations between WIfI stage, TcPO2, and post-amputation outcomes—including healing time, surgical revisions, re-amputation, and wound complications—were assessed using statistical modeling and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Higher WIfI stages correlated with prolonged healing (WIfI 4 failure rate: 12.8%) but did not significantly predict complications. Unexpectedly, WIfI 2 patients had a 4.4-fold higher risk of revision (p = 0.011) and a 3.1-fold higher re-amputation risk (p = 0.033) compared to WIfI 4. TcPO2 levels showed a significant relationship with healing outcomes, with a 36.9% failure rate in TcPO2 < 15 mmHg. A TcPO2 cut-off of > 46 mmHg optimized healing prediction (HR = 2.81, p = 0.004). TcPO2 is a stronger predictor of post-amputation complications than WIfI staging. A cut-off of > 46 mmHg at the amputation site is recommended to improve healing outcomes.

The healthcare landscape in South Africa is challenging with a complex patient population and a stressed healthcare system. Negative pressure therapy-based systems such as negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell (NPWTi-d) and closed incision negative pressure therapy (ciNPT) can help manage wounds or incisions. However, guidelines for South Africa-specific use are limited. An in-person meeting was held with 10 experts to develop South Africa-specific therapy use recommendations for NPWTi-d and ciNPT. Panel members recommended NPWTi-d use for wounds in need of cleansing. Normal saline and a 10-min dwell time were recommended with the caveat that the instillation solutions and dwell times can be changed based on the wound bed condition and the features of the instillation solution. A negative pressure cycle of 2–3 h and a negative pressure of −125 mmHg were also recommended for NPWTi-d. In patients, incisions, and surgical procedures at high risk of developing surgical site complications, ciNPT use was recommended. These general recommendations serve as a framework for NPWTi-d and/or ciNPT use in South Africa and should be updated as more region-specific evidence becomes available.