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Best in Class: Scottsdale Wound Management Guide

Comprehensive pocket handbook offers differential diagnosis and treatment options at your fingertips

Malvern, PA (June 8, 2009) – Proper wound care management has become one of the top concerns for many clinicians across various medical specialties. Treatment is specific to the wound type, the patient and the long-term care plan and requires ongoing assessment. Read More

2009 Author Index

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Non-Accredited Education

Taking the Trauma Out of Burn Trauma
Complimentary On-Demand Webcast
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The Importance of Advanced Dressing Technology in Managing Wounds and the Risk of Infection
Complimentary On-Demand Webcast
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Heel Pressure Ulcers: A to Z
Complimentary On-Demand Webcast
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LIVE WEBCAST - Head Over Heels and Butts 3.0
Complimentary On-Demand Webcast
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Stomal Mucocutaneous Dehiscence as a Complication of Topical Negative Pressure Used to Treat an Open Abdomen: A Case Series

VOLUME: 55

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Issue Number:

2009;55(6)

Abstract: Although mucocutaneous dehiscence in cases of laparostomies is rare, this complication occurred in three patients in the Netherlands (all men, 53 to 65 years old) who received topical negative pressure (TNP) therapy in the management of open abdomens. Two patients experienced anastomotic failure following colonic resection and one had iatrogenic suturing of the small bowel to the fascia. TNP therapy was initiated and stomal dehiscence occurred after 2 to 3 days, contaminating the area. All patients developed sepsis and one died. Two required numerous additional surgeries and a

Using Low Pressure, NPWT for Wound Preparation & the Management of Split-Thickness Skin Grafts in 3 Patients with Complex Wound

VOLUME: 55

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Issue Number:

2009;55(6)

Abstract: The use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is well established in the management of hard-to-heal wounds. One institution, familiar with NPWT’s capabilities as well as its shortcomings (eg, pain at dressing changes and pain with the maximum recommended setting of 125 mm Hg), sought a viable alternative. A low pressure, negative pressure wound therapy (LP-NPWT) system, using subatmospheric pressure levels of 75 mm Hg and a low-adherence dressing, was evaluated to prepare the wound bed for split-thickness skin graft (STSG) on three patients. One patient was a healthy 23-

Intermittent NPWT and Lower Negative Pressures — Exploring the Disparity between Science and Current Practice: A Review

VOLUME: 55

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Issue Number:

2009;55(6)

Abstract: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is used to treat a wide and growing range of problematic acute and chronic wounds. Continuous therapy delivered at -125 mm Hg has been routinely recommended, despite consistent research findings suggesting potential advantages to the use of lower pressures and intermittent therapy. To enhance understanding and document the disparity between the body of NPWT science and current practice with respect to negative pressure levels and modes of therapy, a search of the English-language literature from June 1989 through May 2009 was conducted. T

A Prospective Multicenter Evaluation of a Moldable Stoma Skin Barrier

VOLUME: 55

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Issue Number:

2009;55(5)

Abstract: Ostomy skin barriers can be difficult to size and shape; gaps between the skin and the appliance can compromise peristomal skin protection. A multicenter evaluation was initiated to assess the satisfaction of persons with ostomies (n = 172, mean age 56.6 years) and enterostomal therapy nurses (ETs, n = 49; number of evaluations = 195) with a new moldable skin barrier. The majority (116) of participants had ostomy surgery >90 days before the evaluation. Study participants received up to five product samples. Evaluation forms included stoma background information and questions r

Wound Emergencies: The Importance of Assessment, Documentation, and Early Treatment Using a Wound Electronic Medical Record

VOLUME: 55

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Issue Number:

2009;55(5)

Abstract: Chronic wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure ulcers are a major source of morbidity and mortality. To describe wound characteristics associated with a wound emergency, the Wound Electronic Medical Records (WEMR) of 200 consecutive admissions (139 patients, average number of admissions 1.4) to a dedicated inpatient wound healing unit over a period of 5 months were retrospectively reviewed. Patient mean age was 62 ± 16 years, 59% were men, 27% had a foot ulcer and diabetes mellitus, and 29% had venous ulcers. Presenting signs and symptoms included wo

A Prospective Study Evaluating the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing to Assess Stage II, Stage III, and Stage IV Pressure Ulcers

VOLUME: 55

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Issue Number:

2009;55(5)

Abstract: Many valid and reliable tools and techniques are available for wound measurement. However, few prospective clinical studies assessing these instruments have been conducted. A prospective, methodological study was conducted between September 2006 and November 2007 to evaluate use of the Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) version 3 in patients with one or more pressure ulcer. A convenience sample of 72 persons (mean age 66.9 ± 12.8 years) with 86 pressure ulcers (49% Stage II, 47% Stage III, and 4% Stage IV) was recruited and assessed weekly until healing, transfer, patien

Cardiovascular Health for Patients with Psoriasis: A Précis for Front-Line Clinicians

VOLUME: 55

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Issue Number:

2009;55(5)

Abstract: Psoriasis is a prevalent immune disease most notably recognized for its involvement of the skin and joints and for its impact on patient quality of life. More recently, it has been shown that not only do patients with psoriasis have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, and dyslipidemia, but they also appear to have an increased risk of myocardial infarction independent of these factors. Patients with severe forms of psoriasis also have been found to have increased mortality rates compared to those without

Vulnerable Populations: Considerations for Wound Care

VOLUME: 55

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Issue Number:

2009;55(5)

Abstract: Race/ethnicity, immigration, health insurance, and literacy — along with patient-provider communication and understanding of and adherence to treatment protocols — are societal factors that affect the provision of optimal healthcare. Wound care practitioners should be aware of the need to address these factors in vulnerable groups, including the effects of racial/ethnic care disparities, immigration, low income, uninsured or underinsured status, and literacy/health literacy on health and wound care. The literature shows that care is not always perceived to be or equitably

Skin Cancers and Wounds in the Geriatric Population: A Review

VOLUME: 55

Issue Number:

2009;55(4)

Abstract
Diagnosis of wound malignancy often remains elusive and is of particular concern in the geriatric population because the average age for presentation of squamous cell cancer is 70 years. Basal and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as Marjolin’s ulcer, may look like a chronic or acute wound, can develop in the wound itself, or be found in the scar tissue of these wounds. A complete patient history should include questions about sun exposure and personal and family history of skin cancer. Some wounds exhibit typical clinical signs of cancer — ie, raised borders, crusting — but man

For more information on using oxygen therapy in wound care, please see the April 2010 issue of Today’s Wound Clinic, available at www.todayswoundclinic.com.