Updating Wound Care Algorithms: A Systematic, Focused Review

PURPOSE

The purpose of this project was to update the underlying evidence base for basic wound care in the Solutions Wound Care Algorithms and revise this resource as needed.

METHODS

The 14 major algorithm goals, guidelines, and outcomes of patient care and 34 detailed qualifying assessment and management statements/steps were reconstructed to encompass 21 qualifying statements/steps and aligned with their most recent (2013) levels of evidence. Next, a systematic, focused review of the literature was conducted to update the evidence levels using the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

An English language search of CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) electronic databases was conducted for the years 2015-2023. For each wound type, the following search terms were used: meta-analysis, systematic review, randomized controlled trial, clinical practice guideline, clinical trial, and wound care/healing and dressings. Publications not focused on the patient population or qualifying statements were excluded.

FINDINGS

The search retrieved 59 elements that met the predetermined criteria for analysis and leveling. All qualifying statements and steps remain evidence-based. Higher quality evidence became available for nutritional status assessment, exercise to reduce risk factors for various types of lower extremity ulcers, using tap water to cleanse wounds; that delayed wound healing may be a sign of infection, and that silver-containing dressings are effective when used appropriately. No basic patient and wound care steps have the highest level of evidence (level 1) and strength of recommendation (A).

CONCLUSION

Compared to previous updates, we found fewer clinical trials indicating a need for research to improve evidence levels for various steps of basic wound assessment and care processes.

Venous leg ulcer healing as a determinant of quality of life in patients treated with unna boot: A quasi-experimental study

Our objective was to assess the effect of Venous Leg Ulcer (VLU) healing on Quality of Life (QoL) in patients undergoing compression therapy. This non-randomized, quasi-experimental, and observational study involved patients with VLU. A convenience sample of individuals receiving services was followed for at least one year while undergoing compression therapy. The Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Charing Cross Venous Ulcer Questionnaire (CCVUQ) were employed to measure the variables of interest. Study participants were categorized into the Healed Group (HG) and the Unhealed Group (UG). The final sample comprised 103 individuals. The HG demonstrated improvements in SF-36 scores in the domains of Social Role Functioning (n = 34, p<0.001), Physical Role Functioning (n = 33, p<0.001), and the Physical Health Dimension (n = 38, p<0.001). Additionally, the CCVUQ assessment revealed score enhancements in the domains of Domestic Activities (n = 30, p = 0.001) and Social Interaction (n = 30, p = 0.009). QoL showed significant improvements in functionality, physical performance, and social interaction in the HG after one year of compression therapy treatment. In contrast, the UG was the only group to experience significant deteriorations in QoL.

Venous, Arterial, and Neuropathic Leg Ulcers With Emphasis on the Geriatric Population

Leg ulcers are a common and often serious problem in older adults. Underlying conditions that increase risk include age-related increases in chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral artery disease, connective tissue and autoimmune conditions, reduced mobility, and diabetes mellitus (DM). Geriatric patients have a higher risk of multiple wound-related complications including infection, cellulitis, ischemia, and gangrene, any of which may lead to further complications including amputation. The very presence of these lower extremity ulcers in the elderly negatively impacts their quality of life and ability to function. Understanding and early identification of the underlying conditions and wound features are important for effective ulcer healing and complication mitigation. This targeted review focuses on the three most common types of lower extremity ulcers: venous, arterial, and neuropathic. The goal of this paper is to characterize and discuss the general and specific aspects of these lower extremity ulcers and their relevancy and impact on the geriatric population. The top five main results of this study can be summarized as follows. (1) Venous ulcers, caused by inflammatory processes secondary to venous reflux and hypertension, are the most common chronic leg ulcer in the geriatric population. (2) Arterial-ischemic ulcers are mainly due to lower extremity vascular disease, which itself tends to increase with increasing age setting the stage for an age-related increase in leg ulcers. (3) Persons with DM are at increased risk of developing foot ulcers mainly due to neuropathy and localized ischemia, both of which tend to increase with advancing age. (4) In geriatric patients with leg ulcers, it is important to rule out vasculitis or malignancy as causes. (5) Treatment is best made on a case-by-case basis, considering the patient's underlying condition, comorbidities, overall health status, and life expectancy.

Compression therapy, autonomic nervous system, and heart rate variability: A narrative review and our preliminary personal experience

Aims

To highlight the relationship among compression therapy (CT), the autonomic nervous system (ANS) (parasympathetic and sympathetic system), and the heart rate variability (HRV) analysis.

Background

Beyond the typical analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of CT in patients affected by venous and/or lymphatic diseases, some literature about CT influence on wellbeing has been published as well. More specifically, CT influence on the ANS has been elucidated mostly through HRV application, providing useful quali-quantitative data for scientific and clinical purposes.

Material and Methods

A literature search was performed through several web-based search engines to investigate the available evidence concerning the possible influence of CT on the ANS and on psychoneuroendocrineimmunology. Moreover, we examined literature data regarding HRV use in the assessment of CT. Lastly, a preliminary cross-over study was performed on 10 patients affected by phlebolymphedema of the lower limbs, undergoing CT with 18–21 mmHg stockings for 10 h and investigated by means of HRV.

Results

A CT-based increase of the anti-inflammatory activity of the parasympathetic (vagal) system has been elucidated in most scientific literature. Similarly, CT application has generally resulted in an improvement of HRV, which indicates a beneficial influence on the ANS. In our preliminary experience with compression stockings and HRV, two parasympathetic-based parameters improved by 22.8% and 68.0% after 10 h, whereas they decreased in the same subjects without stockings by 2.7% and 8.2%, during normal breathing. The remaining HRV parameters did not show relevant variations, especially during diaphragmatic breathing.

Conclusions

From literature data and based on our very preliminary experience, it is possible to deduce that CT exerts different effects on the psychobiological parameters of the individual, overall improving HRV and parasympathetic activity. Incorporating both HRV/ANS assessment in phlebolymphology and the beneficial neural action of CT in health care may represent viable options in the future biomedical science.