Warmed versus room temperature saline for laceration irrigation: a randomized clinical trial

Effect of Heated Saline Solution on Pain Intensity, Wound Bed Temperature, and Comfort during Chronic Wound Dressing Changes: Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of heated saline solution during wound cleaning on the intensity of pain related to the procedure, the temperature of the wound bed, and the comfort of patients with chronic wounds. Further, to investigate patient preference in relation to the temperature of the solution used for cleaning.

METHODS

Crossover, single-blind, clinical trial with 32 people with chronic wounds. Providers cleaned the wounds with room temperature and heated saline solution. Participants were randomized into group 1 A/B (heated solution first, room temperature second) or group 2 B/A (room temperature solution first, heated solution second), with a 10-minute washout period. Investigators evaluated pain intensity, wound bed temperature, and patient-reported comfort and preference.

RESULTS

The heated solution was preferred (P = .04) and more often referred to as comfortable (P = .04) by the participants. There was no difference in pain intensity before and after cleaning with room temperature (2.03; P = .155) and heated saline (2.25; P = .44). The heated solution increased the temperature of the wound bed by 0.5 °C.

CONCLUSIONS

Although heating saline solution could be an important comfort measure during dressing changes, quantitatively, the temperature of the solution did not significantly change the temperature of the wound bed nor the intensity of pain patients experienced.

Repeated Application and Removal of Polyisocyanopeptide Hydrogel Wound Dressings in a Splinted Full-Thickness Wound Model

Polyisocyanopeptide (PIC) hydrogels are proposed as promising wound dressings. These gels are thermo-sensitive, allow application as a cold liquid, and rely on gelation through body heat. It is supposed that the gel can be easily removed by reversing the gelation and washing it away with a cold irrigation solution. The impact on wound healing of the regular application and removal of PIC dressings is compared to a single application of PIC and the clinically used Tegaderm™ in murine splinted full-thickness wounds for up to 14 days. SPECT/CT analysis of 111In-labelled PIC gels showed that, on average, 58% of the PIC gel could be washed out of the wounds with the employed method, which is, however, heavily influenced by personal technique. Evaluation with photography and (immuno-)histology showed that wounds in which PIC dressings were regularly removed and replaced were smaller at 14 days post-injury but performed on par with the control treatment. Moreover, the encapsulation of PIC in wound tissue was less severe and occurred less often when PIC was regularly refreshed. In addition, no morphological damage related to the removal procedure was observed. Thus, PIC gels are atraumatic and perform similarly to currently employed wound dressing materials, offering possible future benefits for both clinicians and patients.

Wound, pressure ulcer and burn guidelines - 1: Guidelines for wounds in general, second edition

The Japanese Dermatological Association prepared the clinical guidelines for the "Wound, pressure ulcer and burn guidelines", second edition, focusing on treatments. Among them, "Guidelines for wounds in general" is intended to provide the knowledge necessary to heal wounds, without focusing on particular disorders. It informs the basic principles of wound treatment, before explanations are provided in individual chapters of the guidelines. We updated all sections by collecting references published since the publication of the first edition. In particular, we included new wound dressings and topical medications. Additionally, we added "Question 6: How should wound-related pain be considered, and what should be done to control it?" as a new section addressing wound pain, which was not included in the first edition.

Initial Management of Traumatic Wounds

When traumatic wounds are quickly and accurately treated, morbidity and costs can be significantly decreased. Several factors, such as time delay between injury and treatment, the degree of contamination, extension and depth of the wound, and the mechanism of injury, influence the treatment and prognosis and stress the importance of a patient-specific approach. Although all traumatic wounds are contaminated, antibiotic therapy is seldom required if correct wound management is installed.

Minimising wound-related pain at dressing change: evidence-informed practice

Pain is a common concern in patients with chronic wounds. The purpose of this article is to inform clinicians of empirical evidence for practice based on a recent published consensus document on wound related pain. A team approach is needed to address the experience of living with wound related pain within a holistic framework. The importance of regular pain assessment and strategies to minimize traumatic during wound care are highlighted.

Wound management

Wound management makes up an important part of the emergency physician's practice. Understanding the physiology of wound healing and the patient and wound factors affecting this process is essential for the proper treatment of wounds. There are many options available for wound closure. Each modality has its benefits and its drawbacks, and some are appropriate only for certain types of wounds. The goal is to achieve the best functional and cosmetically appealing scar while avoiding complications.

A review of the effect of tap water versus normal saline on infection rates in acute traumatic wounds

This review seeks to determine whether using tap water rather than normal saline to irrigate acute traumatic wounds in the community has any effect on the rate of infection. The evidence suggests there is no such association.