Minimum infection prevention and control requirements for independent wound management facilities: a measured approach
Increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) have been highlighted in the updated International Wound Infection Institute (IWII) consensus document together with current clinical practice in wound infection. The prevention of wound infection is focused on implementing strategies to reduce risk factors for infection. AMS is an important component of infection prevention and control (IPC) and an essential strategy to prevent infections that delay wound healing.
Secondary closure of open sternal wound using mechanical creep and negative pressure wound therapy in an outpatient setting – a case report
Surgical site infections (SSIs), including mediastinitis, are one of the most significant complications in cardiac surgical patients and are associated with poorer prognoses accounting for a mortality rate of 25%. The occurrence of postoperative wound infection is increased by modifiable risks such as the nature and type of surgery, length of preoperative stay and patient-related factors. Due to the characteristics of cardiac surgery, invasive surgery, length of surgery and high operative and perioperative risks, SSI rates can range from 3.5–21%, leading to a prolonged hospital stay, increased medical costs and decreased quality of life.
Use of activated charcoal combined with silver for diabetic foot ulcer
Diabetic foot ulcers are one of the most common consequences of poorly controlled diabetes mellitus. Common causes include inadequate glycaemic management, underlying neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and inadequate foot care. They are also a common cause of osteomyelitis of the foot and amputation of the lower extremities. These ulcers frequently develop in areas of the foot that experience repeated tension and strain.
A case series of toxic shock syndrome in a low-middle-income country burn service: creating awareness about the lesser known and potentially lethal complication
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a bacterial exotoxin-mediated disease that can be a complication of thermal injury in paediatric patients. This disease is acute in onset, occurring mostly within the first 48 hours after thermal injury, and it progresses rapidly to shock. Young children under 4 years (48 months) of age have limited exposure to the exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus and other organisms; therefore, no antibodies are formed against the toxin. This explains why the paediatric population is particularly at risk for developing TSS.
Pyoderma gangrenosum – three fulminant cases and a review of treatment
Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, chronic, ulcerative skin disorder. It typically presents with a painful nodule or pustule which breaks downs to form a progressively enlarging ulcer. It may present after apparently minor trauma or complicated surgical treatments. We present three aggressive cases of PG and their management.
Return patients living with chronic wounds to healing sooner
Technology Lipido-Colloid with nano-oligosaccharide factor (TLCNOSF) range’s efficacy in healing significantly sooner has been demonstrated in the highest level of clinical studies (double-blind, randomised controlled trials) and through observational studies. These studies have also demonstrated that the earlier the TLC-NOSF (UrgoStart) treatment range is initiated, the more effective it is for complex and first-intention wounds.
The use of intralesional recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) in advanced diabetic foot ulcers in South Africa
Treatment of complex diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) with intra- and perilesional injection of recombinant human epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) has been safe and effective in clinical trials. Here, we report results on the efficacy and safety of this treatment in South Africa.
Human amniotic membrane accelerates healing in a hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcer
Human amniotic membrane (HAM) is acquired from the human placenta. This advanced regenerative therapy rich in growth factors, stem cells and cytokines, limits the extent of continuing inflammatory damage, decreases the microbial bioburden, and promotes progression into the proliferative phase of healing. HAM provides a natural cellular scaffold for cellular adhesion facilitating keratinocyte migration to promote reepithelialisation and enable remodelling to accelerate wound healing. High quality studies with good evidence specify the safe and effective use of HAM in the management of diabetic foot ulcers.