Month: February 2019

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) affects up to half of patients with diabetes and is a major cause of functional impairment and increased mortality. Its clinical manifestations include sensations such as burning, stabbing and tingling and/or loss of sensation, and it increases the risk for injuries and foot ulceration. Oral pharmacological therapy is the standard approach to management. It is effective in some patients, but its use is limited due to unfavourable side-effect profiles, limited response rates and drug interactions. Increasing evidence of the localized, non-systemic treatment approach of topical analgesics aims to overcome these obstacles and provide valuable, efficacious and safe management of PDN. This article reviews the rapidly expanding field of topical analgesia in managing PDN … read more

Acelity subsidiary KCI said today that it launched its Abthera open abdomen negative pressure therapy system in Japan … The San Antonio-based company’s Abthera is a temporary abdominal closure system intended to allow surgeons to manage challenging abdominal wall openings where primary closure is not possible and to manage repeat abdominal entries … KCI said that the system has be validated in clinical studies, showing increased patient survival, improved primary fascial closure rates, shorter intensive care unit stays and improved outcomes … read more

There are many risk factors associated with chronic wound development, with age being an unchangeable one. The good news is, there are also changeable risk factors. Understanding how to prevent and treat a chronic wound is crucial when caring for older adults. To help older adults, caregivers, and the professionals working with them, below are answers to some common questions about chronic wounds and tips for how to educate on risk factors … There is no true definition for a chronic wound, but it is typically a wound that does not progress normally through stages of healing and has not healed within four weeks. There are many different types of chronic wounds, examples include diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, and pressure injuries … read more

     among hospitalized patients with diabetes

 

A member of East Liverpool City Hospital management and a production team from EM-Media are flying to Iceland today to learn more about using cod skin in the treatment of wounds … Kerecis Omega3 is intact fish skin rich in naturally occurring Omega3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. When grafted onto damaged human tissue, such as a burn or a diabetic wound, the material recruits the body’s own cells and is ultimately converted into living tissue, significantly speeding the time needed to close an open wound, hospital officials said … read more

     in populations at risk of foot ulceration: A cross-sectional study

 

Researchers performed a secondary analysis of a multi-site cross-sectional study examining foot conditions in a large inpatient population admitted into the hospital for any medical reason on one day, to assess, in those with diabetes or peripheral neuropathy, the prevalence of wearing inadequate outdoor footwear, as well as the related factors. Inadequate outdoor footwear wearing was reported in 47% of 726 inpatients–49% of the 171 in the diabetes subgroup and 43% of 159 in the neuropathy subgroup. Women were identified wearing inadequate footwear more frequently. They identified the necessity for more efforts to enhance the adherence to footwear recommendations in these populations to prevent foot ulceration.

From Medlinx

The calf muscles have been called the body’s “second heart,” improving blood circulation when exercised, usually by walking. Structured exercise training (SET) increases calf muscle pump function, lower limb circulation, and walking capacity for those with limited ambulation due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD)¹ or venous insufficiency.² This resulted in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) decision to reimburse up to thirty-six 30- to 60-minute, properly supervised hospital outpatient or office-based SET sessions over 12 weeks to treat intermittent claudication for patients with PAD. Exercise improves acute wound healing in diabetic mice³ and healthy elderly humans …. read more

     nanotubes complexed with chitosan

 

Impaired wound healing is commonly associated with many health problems, including diabetes, bedsores and extensive burns. In such cases, healing often takes a long time, which subjects patients to various complications. This study aims to investigate whether single-wall or multi-wall carbon nanotubes complexed with chitosan hydrogel can improve wound healing … read more

Local injection of mesenchymal stem cells derived from autologous bone marrow shows promise in healing recalcitrant neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers, a novel study from Egypt shows … Presenting the results at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) 2016 Annual Meeting, Ahmed Albehairy, MD, from Mansoura University, Egypt, said: “In patients who received the mesenchymal stem cells, ulcer reduction was found to be significantly higher compared with patients on conventional treatment after both 6 weeks and 12 weeks of follow-up. This is despite the fact that initial ulcer size was larger in the stem-cell–treated group.” … read more

from Vizient for Silverlon Antimicrobial Surgical Dressings

 

Cura Surgical announced its Silverlon Antimicrobial Surgical Dressings have received a 2018 Innovative Technology designation from Vizient, Inc., the largest member-driven health care performance improvement company in the country. The designation was based on the recommendations of health care experts serving on a member-led council who interacted with the product shown at the Vizient Innovative Technology Exchange held on Oct. 4, 2018. The council determined the technology had the potential to enhance clinical care, patient safety, health care worker safety or improves business operations of health care organizations … Containing more metallic silver than any other silver-based dressing, Silverlon Antimicrobial Surgical Dressings are supported by multiple, peer-reviewed clinical studies demonstrating the effectiveness of Silverlon technology across multiple specialties. When activated by moisture, silver ions are released in the dressing, providing immediate antimicrobial activity and a protective barrier against a broad spectrum of pathogens including MRSA and pseudomonas … read more

     Has Higher Rates of Healing in Pressure Ulcers Than Standard of Care

 

A recently published multi-center, randomized, controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated higher rates of healing when using OASIS® Wound Matrix with standard of care (SOC) for the treatment of full-thickness Stage III or Stage IV pressure ulcers than when using SOC alone … Pressure ulcers are open wounds caused by pressure. They often occur when an individual remains in one position for an extended period … read more

Corstrata, a provider of digital healthcare IT solutions and services for wound prevention and care management, announced today that it will sponsor the nation’s first Post-Acute Care Wound Nurse Excellence Award. The Post-Acute Care Wound Nurse Excellence Award sponsored by Corstrata is a new annual program designed to recognize and honor the individual contributions of wound care nurses for their knowledge and expertise in providing exceptional patient care using evidence-based best practices to accelerate patient wound healing, improve patient outcomes and instill excellence in his/her overall practice of wound management … Sponsored by CORSTRATA and hosted by the Post-Acute Care Symposium (PACS): Advancing Quality Outcomes Through Wound & Incontinence Education, the Post-Acute Care Wound Nurse Excellence Award is open to all nurses working in post-acute care settings. The first annual award will recognize one individual for his/her direct contribution to overall wound care excellence in a post-acute care setting … read more

Painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) affects up to half of patients with diabetes and is a major cause of functional impairment and increased mortality. Its clinical manifestations include sensations such as burning, stabbing and tingling and/or loss of sensation, and it increases the risk for injuries and foot ulceration. Oral pharmacological therapy is the standard approach to management. It is effective in some patients, but its use is limited due to unfavourable side-effect profiles, limited response rates and drug interactions. Increasing evidence of the localized, non-systemic treatment approach of topical analgesics aims to overcome these obstacles and provide valuable, efficacious and safe management of PDN. This article reviews the rapidly expanding field of topical analgesia in managing PDN … read more

Cura Surgical announced that their existing Vizient Contract (number MS11396) has been extended through January 31, 2021. This contract allows a comprehensive line of unique silver-plated nylon dressings in both Silverlon® and TheraBond® product ranges to be available to Vizient members across the nation. Vizient represents a diverse membership base that includes academic medical centers, pediatric facilities, community hospitals, integrated health delivery networks and non-acute health care providers representing more than $100 billion in annual purchasing volume … “We are thrilled to extend enhanced savings on our Silverlon® product line through this contract to Vizient members,” said Raul Brizuela, president and CEO of Cura Surgical and Argentum Medical, provider of Silverlon. “Combating hospital acquired infections, including surgical site infections, remains a top priority to healthcare facilities, and we are proud make a positive impact in this field.” … Silverlon® antimicrobial silver-plated dressings provide 50-100xs more silver than other silver-based antimicrobial dressings, and Silverlon’s efficacy is supported by multiple independent, peer-reviewed and published clinical studies. These studies suggest Silverlon® Dressings can be an important element in wound care and that control of wound bacteria within the dressing may help reduce the risk of infection … read more

medwireNews: A low-cost, smartphone-based infrared (IR) camera works as well as a high-end IR camera for the detection of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), study findings indicate … “An advanced home assessment tool to monitor the foot in people with diabetes is desirable, and for this measurement of foot skin temperature is a promising modality,” Rob van Doremalen (University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands) and co-authors explain … They acquired plantar images of both feet from 32 participants (mean age 67 years, 75% men) with a current (n=28) or recently healed (n=4) DFU using the FLIR-One IR camera (FLIR Systems, Wilsonville, Oregon, USA) attached to a Motorola XT1642 Moto G4 Plus smartphone (Motorola Mobility LLC, Chicago, Illinois, USA) … read more

With the dangerous complications diabetes can cause, including amputation and mortality, could smarter technology reduce the risk for complications?

I really think we are approaching a time when the line is completely blurred between medical devices and consumer electronics. That was really on display with the podcast I did with Davide Vigano, CEO of Sensoria, on NPR’s Tech Nation with Moira Gunn, PhD. We discussed technology and wearables for patients with diabetes … read more

     and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Diabetic Foot Ulcers

 

Subjects were randomly selected for the maggot-treated (treatment) or conventional treatment (control) group. Conventional treatments such as antibiotic therapy, debridement, and offloading were done for both groups, but maggot therapy (MT) was added to the protocol of the treatment group. Bacterial burden was monitored and compared for both groups using cultures … read more

     will help wounds healing

 

Group of researchers at Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania are developing new generation sponge-like wound dressings with hyaluronic acid. Antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory wound dressings stimulate tissue regeneration and can be especially efficient in treating deep wounds that are difficult to heal … According to data, of the total healthcare expenditure in the European Union, wound management makes up 2-4%. A single chronic wound can cost up to 10 thousand EUR to treat, and it is estimated that up to 1.5% of EU population has one or more of such wounds … read more

There are seemingly countless factors that contribute to increased risk for the development of pressure injuries among certain patient populations. For those who require a stay in long-term care, the incidence of pressure injuries can be a concern. Conditions that contribute to increased risk for pressure injury development include (but are not limited to) diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, malignancy, prolonged pressure on an area of the body … read more

Patients with diabetes have at least double the risk for developing hospital-acquired foot ulcers vs. those without diabetes, according to a study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care … In a prospective, multilevel regression analysis, Frances Wensley, PhD, MBBS,formerly of the Royal Free Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London, and colleagues analyzed data from 18,946 patients with 28,642 admissions of at least 2 days to the Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust between October 2008 and September 2010, including 3,076 individuals with diabetes with 5,043 admissions. Patients included in the analysis were aged at least 50 years and developed a hospital-acquired foot ulcer at least 48 hours after hospital admission … read more

Gemco Medical said it has added a new brand of advanced wound-care products … The Gemcore360˚ line was designed to maintain a moist wound environment, address bioburden, reduce pain, minimize friction and increase overall patient comfort, according to the Hudson Ohio-based company. It includes transparent thin films, alginate dressings, silver alginate dressings, hydrocolloid dressings, foam dressings, and PHMB foam dressings … read more

Researchers are studying whether a common antibiotic used to treat everything from acne to urinary tract infections could be converted to a powerful topical treatment for diabetic lower extremity wounds … In a study published in Wounds online, a group of Canadian scientists explained their efforts to develop a stable, topical doxycycline hyclate. DOXY, a type of tetracycline, could be used to inhibit protein synthesis … read more

     of UrgoStart for diabetic and venous ulcers

The UK’s National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published new guidance recommending UrgoStart wound dressings (Urgo Medical) for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. In a press release, Urgo Medical states that use of the wound dressing could prevent more than 3,000 diabetes-related amputations … The conclusion of the NICE medical technology guidance is that UrgoStart is associated with increased wound healing compared with non-interactive dressings and could result in fewer ulcer-related amputations. The committee recognised that the treatment is also associated with significant cost savings for the UK National Health Service (NHS) and improved quality of life for patients … read more

The funding has been allotted by NASA Nebraska Space Grant, one of the 52 space grant consortiums in the U.S. Copper 3D, the Chilean/USA based 3D printing industry leader, has made it to the headlines for receiving a new grant from NASA. Reportedly, the Copper 3D has been granted the award for testing antibacterial 3D printing material properties, for medical devices used on the International Space Station … Recent reports revealed that the funding has been allotted by NASA Nebraska Space Grant, which is one of the 52 space grant consortiums in the USA. The group is currently highlighting its innovative faculty research projects in 2019, one of which is its collaboration with Copper 3D. This work is focused towards validating new antimicrobial 3D printing materials to develop medical devices and help reduce microbial risks during long-duration spaceflight missions … read more

     formation is associated with the inflammation of pressure ulcers

 

Evaluating the bacterial bioburden of pressure ulcers through bacterial count and pathogenicity is important but is currently difficult to perform in the clinical setting. In order to address this problem, we proposed two methods: 1) measurement of bacterial count using a quantitative device and 2) detection of biofilm formation by wound blotting. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the bacterial bioburden, assessed by combining these two methods, and the presence of wound inflammation … The participants of this cross-sectional study were patients aged >20years with category II, III, IV, or unstageable pressure ulcers examined during a routine round in an interdisciplinary pressure ulcer team between July 2014 and April 2018. Relevant clinical information, including bacterial count, biofilm formation … read more

Brand of Advanced Wound Care Products

 

HUDSON, Ohio, Feb. 5, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — GEMCO Medical, a national distributor of medical products, is pleased to announce the addition of the GEMCORE360˚ brand of advanced wound care products. GEMCORE360˚ Advanced Wound Care offers healthcare professionals a simple, clear and cost-effective wound care range while ensuring excellent clinical outcomes for their patients … The product line includes transparent thin films, alginate dressings, silver alginate dressings, hydrocolloid dressings, foam dressings and PHMB foam dressings – all designed to maintain a moist wound environment, address bioburden, reduce pain and increase overall patient comfort … It is estimated that approximately 15 to 25 percent of individuals with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer at some point in their lifetime. GEMCO Medical was a pioneer in the diabetes supply industry over 27 years ago and has continued to evolve bringing on new product categories. The GEMCORE360˚ Advanced Wound Care product line is a logical addition to offer their healthcare professionals, so patients can receive the necessary treatment and find relief … read more

WE NEED YOUR HELP IN ESTABLISHING WOUND CARE AS AN ACGME-APPROVED SPECIALTY!

– Reminder – Comments Due By February 20, 2019! –

 

Dear Wound Care Providers,
As you are aware, The American College of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair (ACWHTR) was founded almost a decade ago, with the sole purpose of helping to promote wound care towards specialty status. The ACWHTR submitted a proposal to the ACGME seeking formal acceptance and approval of this specialty at the highest level of medical education in the US. The ACWHTR has created a balanced educational fellowship program which, if approved, can be adopted by many academic centers and help drive innovation and improve the lives of many patients over the years.

 

Here’s How You Can Help
Please see Dr William Ennis’ letter inviting you to participate by reviewing the proposal and providing your feedback and comment to the ACGME. The enclosed PDF provides an explanation of the proposal and a link to the ACGME website to access both the proposal and comment document. The deadline for comment is February 20, 2019, so time is of the essence in getting your input on this important and historic proposal.

 

We appreciate your time and attention and willingness to participate.

View Proposal

StimLabs, a provider of regenerative technologies and products, has enrolled first patient in its trial designed to assess the safety and efficacy of Revita human placental graft in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) … Revita is said to be the first amniotic placental membrane allograft to capture the complete intact membrane in a shelf-stable format … The multi-center randomized, comparative and controlled trial will assess the efficacy of Revita full thickness placental allograft in improving wound closure rates and mean closure time in DFUs compared against current standards of wound care treatment … StimLabs is carrying out the trial at primary institutions/centers in the US. The trial includes patients who suffer from type 1 or 2 diabetes … read more

     about impact of heart health on wound healing

 

An alarming 33 percent of Americans currently suffer from cardiovascular disease …Throughout Heart Health Awareness Month, Southeastern Health’s Southeastern Wound Healing Center, a member of the Healogics network, will work to spread awareness about how cardiovascular diseases can affect the wound-healing process. Cardiovascular diseases and other issues with the heart and vessels can cause blockages that obstruct the flow of blood needed for proper wound healing … Chronic wounds affect about 6.7 million people in the United States and, if left untreated, an unhealed wound on the foot or leg can lead to a diminished quality of life and possible amputation. As many as 82 percent of leg amputations are the result of poor circulation of the affected limb … read more

McGuire and Sebag wrote: “Early diagnosis and intervention for diabetic foot wounds is essential for the prevention of complications associated with these ulcers. We are all familiar with the term ‘the golden hour’ with respect to the first 60 minutes after the onset of a stroke or cardiac arrest. The rapid initiation of aggressive care is the key to positive outcomes for the patient. In this way, the diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) also has a golden hour. The 4-week period following the onset of a diabetic ulcer is a critical time for treatments aimed at preventing the development of a chronic wound, staving off infection, and allowing for early closure of the skin. Wounds that have not achieved 50% closure within the first 4 weeks are destined to become difficult-to-heal chronic wounds. A fundamental component of early intervention and resolution of diabetic foot ulcers is the use of an array of offloading devices that includes everything from total contact casting to depth shoes with molded inserts.”¹ However, as they go on to document, there is no consensus among practitioners … read more

Researchers in Michigan have developed a novel nitric oxide sensing device, providing new insight into the causes of diabetic foot ulcers and possible avenues for treatment … Approximately 9 to 26 million diabetic patients around the world develop foot ulcers every year. These ulcers can double the risk of death for diabetic patients and may take up to 120 days to heal. Previous research has suggested that the impaired healing associated with diabetic foot ulcers is caused by unregulated levels of nitric oxide. Measuring live concentrations of this compound has posed a significant challenge due to its highly reactive nature. Previous studies have used nitrite, a stable byproduct, to measure nitric oxide levels indirectly … read more

Wound-care company Applied Tissue Technologies said it has won FDA clearance of its negative-pressure wound therapy product, the Platform Wound Dressing (PWD). The class II device represents the first-of-its-kind embossed negative pressure wound therapy device to be used without foam or gauze, according to the Hingham, Mass. company.

 

The PWD is a transparent dressing with an integral adhesive base and a permanently embossed, impermeable membrane that combines the traditional functions of the negative-pressure wound therapy membrane and foam/gauze in currently marketed negative-pressure devices. When the negative-pressure pump is switched on, the embossed membrane is pulled into direct contact with all geometries of the wound, eliminating the need for foam or gauze. The space created between the embossments provides primary channels for air and fluid, while folds in the membrane create secondary channels that provide an even distribution of negative pressure across the wound … read more

HMP, a leader in healthcare events and education, today announced that its annual Symposium on Advanced Wound Care (SAWC) Spring, taking place in San Antonio, Texas, May 7-11, 2019, and serving as the annual meeting of the Wound Healing Society (WHS), has received endorsements from the following prominent organizations:

• American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management:

“The Wound Management Special Interest Group of the American Physical Therapy Association’s Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology and Wound Management endorses the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care,” says Melissa Johnson, Chair, Wound Management Special Interest Group. “SAWC promotes interdisciplinary wound management and provides robust continuing education for physical therapists and other healthcare providers enabling optimal care for patients with wounds.”

• Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) Global Society, the only organization solely dedicated to patients and the public health aspect of CLI:

“The Critical Limb Ischemia Global Society is endorsing the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care, an important conference that brings together the latest technologies, best practices, and research in all areas of wound care,” says founding board member, Jihad A. Mustapha, MD. “In our efforts to further share information and educate practitioners, we are especially proud to take part in this year’s Spring meeting by organizing a session on CLI awareness, diagnosis, and treatment.”

• National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP), the nation’s leading scientific expert group on pressure injury prevention and treatment, is endorsing and organizing three sessions at the meeting:

“The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel is proud to endorse and support the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care, an important medical conference for those of us who rely on the latest technologies to remain up to date on wound care and prevention,” says Dr. Nancy Munoz, DCN, MHA, FAND, Assistant Chief, Nutrition and Food Services, Southern Nevada VA System. “As part of our support and engagement, we are delighted to present three sessions during this conference, sharing expertise and best practices in areas of pressure injury prevention and treatment.”

• American Venous Forum (AVF), which fosters cutting-edge research and clinical innovation and educates healthcare professionals, patients, and policy makers about venous and lymphatic diseases, is endorsing SAWC Spring and coordinating a session at the meeting:

“The American Venous Forum proudly supports the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care and its role in furthering education, particularly in the areas of venous and lymphatic disease,” says William Marston, MD, Professor of Surgery University of North Carolina; and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the American Venous Forum. “The cutting-edge topics and emerging therapies presented at this meeting are important as we all continue to strive for improvements in the prevention and treatment of patients with chronic nonhealing wounds.” … read more

     Clinical Trial for Its Nu-3 Antimicrobial In The Bahamas

 

SARASOTA, Fla., Jan. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Lakewood-Amedex Inc., a leading developer of novel anti-infective pharmaceuticals, announced today it had entered into a collaboration agreement with Nassau based Foot and Ankle International (Bahamas) to conduct two Phase 2 cDFU clinical trial for its topically applied Nu-3 antimicrobial used to eliminate infection and promote wound healing in patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers (cDFU).   The trial will be under the direction of the prominent Bahamian surgeon, Dr. Daniel Johnson, who is the principal and chief researcher of Foot and Ankle International (Bahamas). He is an acknowledged expert on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.

 

Nu-3, which belongs to a proprietary class of antimicrobials called Bisphosphocins™, was first used as a solution to treat infected diabetic foot ulcers for seven days in a Phase 1/2 a clinical trial completed late 2017, when it was well-tolerated with no reported adverse events related to treatment. Results showed promising trends with median wound area reduction (change from baseline) of 65.5% in the 2% Nu-3 treatment arm, versus 29.9% in the placebo arm.

 

Lakewood-Amedex, based in Sarasota, Florida, has developed a proprietary gel formulation of Nu-3, said they intend to conduct a Phase 2 clinical trial commencing early 2019 using this compound to treat chronic diabetic foot ulcers (cDFU), with a 28-day treatment period using escalating concentrations of Nu-3.  The company believes this longer treatment with increased Nu-3 concentration will improve the potential to reach a point of healing or partial healing of the patient’s ulcers.  Lake-Amedex also intends to conduct an ‘adaptive arm’ of this clinical trial which will involve treating an increased number of patients with the most effective concentration of the gel formulation to achieve robust clinical data.

 

Steve Parkinson, President and CEO of Lakewood-Amedex, said the company will seek to recruit up to 120 patients for the entire clinical trial and has identified the Bahamas as not only an up and coming location for medical specialty in DFU in the treatment of diabetic foot wounds and ulcers, but also a potential source of large numbers of patients … read more

More than 15,000 physicians told Medscape how they feel about burnout, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and also how they attain happiness …  read more