Evaluating the effectiveness of the customized Unna boot when treating patients with venous ulcers

Fluorescence-Based Evaluation of Bacterial Load in Perilesional Skin: A Comparison Between Short Stretch Bandage and Zinc Oxide Bandage

Bacterial proliferation plays a well-known role in delayed tissue healing. To date, the presence of microorganisms on the wound bed can be detected by skin swabs or skin biopsies. A novel noninvasive fluorescence imaging device has recently allowed real-time detection of bacteria in different types of wounds through endogenous autofluorescence. The fluorescence signals detected by the device provide health workers with a visual indication of the presence, load, and distribution of bacteria. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of bacterial colonization in perilesional skin of patients affected by venous leg ulcers treated with 2 different types of bandages: short stretch bandage and zinc oxide bandage. We conducted a monocentric prospective study, enrolling 30 patients with venous leg ulcers, divided into 2 groups: group A was treated with short stretch bandage and group B with zinc oxide bandage. A complete patient's assessment was performed once a week for 3 weeks. Levels of potentially harmful bacteria in perilesional skin were detected using a fluorescent device by 2 experienced operators on the frames taken at individual injuries, while pain was evaluated with the Numerical Rating Scale. After 3 weeks, we observed a reduction in the bacterial colonization levels of the perilesional skin by 68.67% for group A and 85.54% for group B. All the patients had a statistically significant reduction in bacterial load (P < .001), and a statistically significant difference was identified between the 2 groups (P = .043). No statistically significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of pain relief (P = .114). Our study demonstrated that the application of zinc oxide bandage provides a higher reduction in bacterial load perilesional skin. On the other hand, we found no difference between the 2 bandages in terms of pain symptom reduction.

The Role of Autoflorescence Imaging Device in the Evaluation of Bacteria Burden Control

MolecuLight i:X is a autofluorescence, portable device that allows an assessment of wound area, perimeter, width and length and an evaluation in real time of wound surface bacteria (>104 CFU/g). Primary objective of our study was to evaluate the reduction of bacterial load associated to 3 different therapeutic approaches: dressings and multicomponent bandages (Group1), sharp debridement, dressings and multicomponent bandages (Group 2), and 10 patients treated with zinc oxide bandage (Group 3). Secondary objective was NRS pain scale, Wound Bed Score (WBS) and Quality of Life (QoL) assessment. Despite the improvement of bacterial load, WBS, Qol and NRS was evident in all 3 groups, the analysis of our results demonstrates that the application of zinc oxide bandage, directly in contact with the wound bed and/or the perilesional skin, resulted in a higher improvement and a significant reduction of WBS and bacterial load. Fluorescence imaging can help the specialist in a more targeted assessment and management of infection. Sharp debridement and antiseptic dressings are classically used to reduced bacteria burden. Zinc oxide directly on the wound is an interesting cost-effective option to control different types of bacteria.

Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Disease

Chronic venous disease is a worldwide problem associated with significant morbidity and is expected to increase in prevalence as the current population ages. This is a comprehensive review of the anatomy, pathophysiology, genomics, clinical classification, and treatment modalities of chronic venous disease.

Clinical and cost efficacy of advanced wound care matrices in the treatment of venous leg ulcers: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Venous leg ulcers (VLUs) are hard-to-heal, recurrent and challenging to treat. Advanced wound care matrices (AWCMs) have been developed to supplement conventional therapies. These costly AWCMs warrant careful comparison as healthcare expenditures are subjected to increasing scrutiny.

AIM

This study was designed to compare AWCMs in their ability to heal VLUs and their cost efficacy through a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

METHOD

An organised search of Medline, Cochrane Library, Central and CINAHL databases identified RCTs that compared AWCMs to standard compression therapy in the healing of VLUs. Bias was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies. Eight studies analysing bilayered skin substitute (BSS) (Apligraf), dehydrated human amnion/chorion membrane (dHACM) (Epifix), human fibroblast-derived dermal substitute (HFDDS) (Dermagraft), extracellular wound matrix (ECM) (Oasis), advanced matrix (AM) (Talymed) and matrix wound dressing (MWD) (Promogran) met the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Four studies reported significant improvement over standard therapy: BSS, dHACM, ECM and AM. Incremental cost per additional successful treatment was determined for each trial, ranging from $2593 (MWD) to $210,800 (HFDDS).

CONCLUSION

Our consolidated analysis of eight major RCTs of AWCMs in the treatment of VLUs revealed a great variation in clinical and cost efficacy among these products. The included trials were inconsistent in methodology, and these limitations should be noted, but, in the absence of RCTs to compare these products, our systematic review may serve as a guide for practitioners who seek to optimise wound healing while considering cost efficacy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of Unna boot in the treatment of venous leg ulcers

This systematic review determined the effectiveness of the Unna boot in the treatment of venous leg ulcers (VLUs) by assessing the quality of the available evidence. A systematic search of studies published between August 2019 and February 2020 was conducted using the PubMed, PubMed/PMC, BVS/BIREME, CINAHL, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, ProQuest, BDTD, CAPES Thesis and Dissertation, OPEN THESIS, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination and SciELO databases. Studies were eligible if they reported primary studies, controlled clinical trials, quasi-experimental studies or observational studies (cross-sectional studies or cohort studies). We identified 302 articles. After screening and critical appraisal, eight articles were included in this review, while six articles were included in the meta-analysis. Four studies were included in the outcome of complete ulcer healing rate with a weighted estimate of the odds ratio of 0.43 (95% CI = 0.188-1.01). No evidence of the presence of considerable heterogeneity was observed (p = 0.35, I² = 32%). Two studies were assigned to the outcome time to complete ulcer healing (days) with a weighted estimated mean difference of 41.3 days (95% CI = 21.62-61.04). Evidence of the presence of considerable heterogeneity was observed (p = 0.01, I² = 85%). The results showed a moderate degree of evidence that there is no difference in the healing rates of VLUs with the use of the Unna boot. For the time to complete ulcer healing, the low number of studies and low classification impaired the reporting at any level of evidence.

Comparison of Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin versus Unna's Paste Dressing in Chronic Venous Leg Ulcers: A Comparative Study

Background:

Chronic venous leg ulcers are difficult to treat and recurrences are common. Among various modalities of treatment, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has shown promising results in ulcer healing by providing necessary growth factors. Unna's paste dressing has also proven to enhance wound healing.

Aim:

The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of autologous PRF versus Unna's paste dressing in chronic venous leg ulcer patients and to compare the mean reduction in ulcer area at the end of 4 weeks.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty patients with chronic venous leg ulcers were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1: Patients received PRF dressing which was repeated every week for 4 weeks. Group 2: Patients received Unna's paste dressing once a week for 4 weeks. The ulcer size was assessed with the help of photographs, and ulcer area was measured.

Results:

The mean reduction in the area of the ulcer size in the PRF group was 86.03% and in the Unna's paste group was 71.97%, which was not statistically significant with a P value of 0.223.

Conclusion:

We conclude that though there was no statistical significance between the groups, PRF showed a significant reduction in ulcer size.

Assessment of the use of Unna boot in the treatment of chronic venous leg ulcers in adults: systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an anomaly of the normal functioning of the venous system caused by valvular incompetence with or without the obstruction of venous flow. This condition can affect either or both of the superficial and the deep venous systems. Venous dysfunction can even result in congenital or acquired disorders, and its complications include venous leg ulcers (VLUs). The objective of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of Unna boot in the treatment of wound healing of VLU by assessing the quality of the available evidence.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A literature search in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, BVS/BIREME, Embase, ProQuest, BDTD, Thesis and Dissertation Catalog, Sao Paulo Research Foundation/Thesis and dissertation, OPEN THESIS, A service of the US National Institute of Health, Center for Reviews and Dissemination-University of New York and SciElo published in the last 10 years, the period from January 1999 to March 2019. The review will include primary studies (original), and Controlled Trials or Observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control or longitudinal studies) with VLU. The exclusion will include leg ulceration due to different causes, such as pressure, arterial, diabetic or mixed-aetiology leg ulcers. Data synthesis will be performed using a narrative summary and quantitative analysis.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This systematic review does not require approval by the ethics committee, as individual patient data will not be collected. Dissemination of findings will be through publications in peer-reviewed journals and/or via conference presentations.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42019127947.

Structured zinc oxide dressing for secondary intention wounds

OBJECTIVE

Inexpensive methods for more rapid healing of secondary intention wounds are sought. This pilot study measured the wound healing rate for a new zinc oxide structured dressing technique.

METHOD

In this study, we included the three patients with the largest wounds with onset during a one month period. A 3-ply gauze was cut and placed in the centre of each wound, leaving a 3-5mm rim of the wound exposed to the zinc gauze. The central gauze was soaked with 0.9% saline solution and the entire wound area was covered with 3 layers of Unna zinc oxide dressing. The central gauze size was modified to fit as the wound healed and the size changed. The wound was photographed at each visit and wound areas were obtained using best-fit ellipses.

RESULTS

The average wound closure rate is reported in the three wounds as 21.73mm² per day. The scalp wound healed at a rate of 21.45mm² per day.; the spider bite wound healed at a rate of 28.92mm² per day; and the thigh wound healed at a rate of 14.81mm² per day.

CONCLUSION

Healing rates for the zinc gauze method exceed those previously reported for full-thickness wounds healing by secondary intention. Additional study of the new technique with more patients is needed before conclusions relevant to clinical practice can be made.

Using bioelectrical impedance analysis to compare the treatment of edema with the Unna's boot and noncompression in individuals with venous ulcers

Venous insufficiency is related to aging. Edema, pathological evolution of venous insufficiency, favors the appearance of venous ulcers as the main complication. Leg ulcers can be treated with compression, the Unna's boot being one of them, and noncompression therapies (conventional dressing). Bioelectrical impedance analysis accurately measures the patient's body fluids. The objective of this study was to evaluate the edema evolution of the venous ulcer-affected lower limb by means of electric bioimpedance with the use of Unna's boot and noncompressive dressing. Fifteen legs with active ulcers were treated from September 2014 to December 2016. The legs were treated with Unna's boot and noncompression therapies on different days with randomized order of events. Bioimpedance was performed in the morning and afternoon to evaluate the increase in edema over the day. All patients were female with ages ranging from 50 to 76 years (mean age: 63 years). According to bioimpedance, the volume of the legs increased with both types of therapy. However, compression therapy was significantly more effective than noncompression therapy. Bioimpedance confirmed that compression therapy (Unna's boot) gives better results than noncompression therapy in relation to the formation of edema over a day in patients with chronic venous ulcers.

Compression therapy: Unna boot applied to venous injuries: an integrative review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the literature related to the types of therapies for venous injuries with emphasis on use of the Unna boot, and to investigate and discuss the main aspects related to its use compared to other techniques.

METHOD

Integrative review of the literature of the last five years through searches in the following databases: VHL, LILACS, BDENF, SciELO, MEDLINE/PubMed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two publications were identified, with 15,931 cases among adult or elderly individuals, whose mean age was 60 (35-78) years or greater with no sex differences. The Unna boot presented a shorter healing time than the single and two-layer elastic bandage.

CONCLUSION

Although other compression techniques may prove to be more efficient than the Unna boot by adding more technology, the boot stands out as a traditional low-cost dressing. Multilayer bandage is a gold standard technique. This review demonstrated the best option may not be the Unna boot, because it requires a higher healing time compared to the multilayer bandage, but it meets the expectation with a high rate of treatment efficiency, also when compared to simple dressing, single or two-layer bandage.

Development of Low-Cost Locally Sourced Two-Component Compression Bandages in Western Kenya

Introduction

Compression therapy is well-established standard of care for chronic leg ulcers from venous disease and lymphedema. Chronic leg ulcers and lymphedema have a significant impact on quality of life, driven by pain, foul odor, and restricted mobility. Provision of layered compression therapy in resource-limited settings, as in Western Kenya and other regions of sub-Saharan Africa, is a major challenge due to several barriers: availability, affordability, and access to healthcare facilities. When wound care providers from an Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH) health center in Western Kenya noted that a donated, finite supply of two-component compression bandages was helping to heal chronic leg ulcers, they began to explore the potential of finding a local, sustainable solution. Dermatology and pharmacy teams from AMPATH collaborated with health center providers to address this need.

Methods

Following a literature review and examination of ingredients in prepackaged brand-name kits, essential components were identified: elastic crepe, gauze, and zinc oxide paste. All of these materials are locally available and routinely used for wound care. Two-component compression bandages were made by applying zinc oxide to dry gauze for the inner layer and using elastic crepe as the outer layer. Feedback from wound clinic providers was utilized to optimize the compression bandages for ease of use.

Results

Adjustments to assembly of the paste bandage included use of zinc oxide paste instead of zinc oxide ointment for easier gauze impregnation and cutting the inner layer gauze in half lengthwise to facilitate easier bandaging of the leg, such that there were two rolls of zinc-impregnated gauze each measuring 5 inches × 2 m. Adjustments to use of the compression bandage have included increasing the frequency of bandage changes from 7 to 3 days during the rainy seasons, when it is difficult to keep the bandage dry. Continuous local acquisition of all components led to lower price quotes for bulk materials, driving down the production cost and enabling a cost to the patient of 200 KSh (2 USD) per two-component compression bandage kit. Wound care providers have provided anecdotal reports of healed chronic leg ulcers (from venous stasis, trauma), improved lymphedema, and patient tolerance of compression.

Conclusions

Low-cost locally sourced two-component compression bandages have been developed for use in Western Kenya. Their use has been initiated at an AMPATH health center and is poised to meet the need for affordable compression therapy options in Western Kenya. Studies evaluating their efficacy in chronic leg ulcers and Kaposi sarcoma lymphedema are ongoing. Future work should address adaptation of compression bandages for optimal use in Western Kenya and evaluate reproducibility of these bandages in similar settings, as well as consider home- or community-based care delivery models to mitigate transportation costs associated with accessing healthcare facilities.

Effect of Postoperative Dressing on Excisions Performed on the Leg: A Comparison Between Zinc Oxide Compression Dressings Versus Standard Wound Care

BACKGROUND

Wound healing on the legs may be complicated by delayed healing and other postoperative problems. Two potential postoperative wound care regimens for sutured excisions on the legs include a standard pressure dressing and zinc oxide compression dressings. Limited data exist comparing the efficacy of these 2 options.

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes of standard postoperative wound care dressing versus postoperative use of a zinc oxide compression dressings for sutured repairs on the legs.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, healing time and complication rate of 44 patients treated with standard dressing and 36 patients treated with zinc oxide compression dressings were compared.

RESULTS

At 19 days, 91.7% of patients receiving zinc oxide dressing were fully healed, whereas only 65.9% of patients receiving standard wound care were healed. Complications were noted in 6 of the patients receiving standard dressing (13.6%); no complications occurred in the zinc oxide dressing group.

CONCLUSION

Zinc oxide compression dressings were a practical option for postoperative wound care, with decreased incidence of delayed wound healing, and fewer complications versus standard postoperative wound dressing.

Adesão ao tratamento de pessoas com úlceras venosas atendidas na atenção primária à saúde

Objetivo: la adherencia al tratamiento de personas con úlceras venosas (UV) y su asociación con las características sociodemográficas, de salud y asistenciales. Materiales y métodos: se trata de un estudio analítico, transversal, realizado con 101 personas con UV. Se emplearon dos instrumentos: un cuestionario para caracterizar los aspectos sociodemográficos, de salud y de asistencia, y la Escala Multidimensional de Adherencia Terapéutica. Resultados: se halló peor adherencia al tratamiento en la dimensión terapia compresiva. Se identificó asociación entre el dominio estilo de vida saludable y estado civil, y entre el dominio vigilancia neurovascular y rango de edades, estado civil, profesión y etilismo. Se encontraron asociaciones entre las dimensiones de adherencia y las características de asistencia: adherencia a terapia comprensiva, orientación para uso de terapia compresiva y orientación para ejercicios regulares y quien realiza la curación fuera de las unidades. Conclusiones: hay mayor dificultad de adherencia al tratamiento en cuanto a terapia compresiva; la asistencia prestada está asociada a la adherencia a terapia compresiva, a orientación para uso de terapia compresiva y a orientación para ejercicios regulares.

Wound healing and treating wounds: Chronic wound care and management

In the United States, chronic ulcers--including decubitus, vascular, inflammatory, and rheumatologic subtypes--affect >6 million people, with increasing numbers anticipated in our growing elderly and diabetic populations. These wounds cause significant morbidity and mortality and lead to significant medical costs. Preventative and treatment measures include disease-specific approaches and the use of moisture retentive dressings and adjunctive topical therapies to promote healing. In this article, we discuss recent advances in wound care technology and current management guidelines for the treatment of wounds and ulcers.

Evaluation of treatment with carboxymethylcellulose on chronic venous ulcers

BACKGROUND

Among the chronic leg ulcers, venous ulcers are the most common and constitute a major burden to public health. Despite all technology available, some patients do not respond to established treatments. In our study, carboxymethylcellulose was tested in the treatment of refractory chronic venous ulcers.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of carboxymethylcellulose 20% on the healing of chronic venous ulcers refractory to conventional treatments.

METHODS

This is an analytical, pre-experimental study. Thirty patients were included with refractory venous ulcers, and applied dressings with carboxymethylcellulose 20% for 20 weeks. The analysis was based on measurement of the area of ulcers, performed at the first visit and after the end of the treatment.

RESULTS

There was a reduction of 3.9 cm2 of lesion area (p=0.0001), corresponding to 38.8% (p=0.0001). There was no interruption of treatment and no increase in lesion area in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Carboxymethylcellulose 20% represents a low cost and effective therapeutic alternative for the treatment of refractory chronic venous ulcers. However, controlled studies are necessary to prove its efficacy.

Terapias compressivas no tratamento de úlcera venosa: estudo bibliométrico

Introdução: Úlceras de origem venosas são lesões cutâneas que geralmente acometem o terço inferior das pernas. O tratamento dessas feridas é dinâmico e depende da evolução das fases da reparação tecidual. Esse tratamento inclui métodos clínicos e cirúrgicos, sendo a terapia compressiva o método não cirúrgico mais frequentemente utilizado. Dentre as terapias compressivas, destacam-se as bandagens inelásticas e elásticas, meias elásticas e pressão pneumática intermitente. Objetivo: O presente estudo pretendeu identificar o perfil da produção científica nacional e internacional que descrevesse terapia compressiva e úlcera venosa classificando-o de acordo com: cronologia de publicação, procedência, periódicos em que estão publicadas, avaliação do “Qualis” — Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (Capes), distribuição da abordagem metodológica, análise do conteúdo das publicações e comparar, quando possível, os dados apresentados nessa revisão. Método: Estudo bibliométrico realizado nas bases de dados Medline, Lilacs e CINAHL no qual se utilizaram os descritores “Varicose Ulcer/therapy”, “Compression Bandages”, “Wound Healing” e o operador booleano AND entre os anos de 2009 a 2013. Resultados: Foram selecionados 47 artigos; a maioria publicada em 2012 (n = 12; 25,53%), nos Estados Unidos (n=14; 29,78%) e Reino Unido (n=14; 29,78%), em revistas de especialidade vascular (n=19; 40,42%), com avaliações A2 (n=13; 27,65%) e B1 (n=13; 27,65%). A maior parte da metodologia utilizada nos estudos selecionados era tipo “estudos clínicos” (n= 30; 63,82%). Dentre os estudos clínicos e metanálises, apenas 30% (n= 14) apresentavam como objetivo principal avaliação da terapia compressiva e pretenderam estudar comparativamente eficácia de bandagens elásticas, inelásticas, meias elásticas, pressão pneumática intermitente e ausência de terapia compressiva no tratamento de úlceras venosas. Conclusão: Há preocupação da comunidade científica com a busca do tratamento eficaz para as úlceras venosas, porém a distribuição mundial de publicações é desigual. Evidenciou-se que a terapia compressiva não é o objeto principal na maioria dos trabalhos selecionados, o que leva ao interesse em terapias adjuvantes ou complementares a essa. Ficou evidente a necessidade da terapia compressiva, porém não há consenso sobre qual pressão deva ser utilizada para se obter melhores resultados na cicatrização; portanto, são necessários mais estudos que avaliem as interferências das diversas pressões sobre o processo de reparo tecidual. Também há carência de estudos que comprovem a ação da pressão pneumática intermitente com associações ou não de bandagens elásticas.