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Nursing Outlook 2024The high burden of pressure ulcers (PUs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), coupled with the limited resources, underscores the need for preventive and context-specific... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The high burden of pressure ulcers (PUs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), coupled with the limited resources, underscores the need for preventive and context-specific treatment strategies.
PURPOSE
Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to establish and elucidate PU prevention and treatment interventions tested in SSA.
METHODS
This systematic review of the literature used, PRISMA to guide the search.
FINDINGS
The review identified nine studies on PU prevention (three) and treatment (six). Low-cost interventions assembled from locally available materials and multifaceted policies significantly prevented and treated PUs. The interventions included wound dressing agents, simple negative pressure suction devices that significantly treated PUs, and water-based bed surfaces.
DISCUSSION
There were gaps in the interventions that have been proven successful in other global settings.
CONCLUSION
In SSA, there is a need for nurses to tailor, test, and disseminate findings from evidence-based projects for PU prevention that have been successful in similar settings.
Topics: Pressure Ulcer; Humans; Africa South of the Sahara; Female; Male; Adult; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38490058
DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2024.102151 -
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Delayed Diagnosis; Greece; Male; Female; Adult; Cohort Studies; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38480921
DOI: 10.1111/ajd.14247 -
British Journal of Community Nursing Mar 2024Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) manifests as an inflammatory skin condition typically emerging within the anal cleft. The prevalence of this disease varies in high income...
Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) manifests as an inflammatory skin condition typically emerging within the anal cleft. The prevalence of this disease varies in high income countries. This disease is associated with significant physical and psychosocial distress. Surgery is an option for managing PSD; yet, surgical methods vary, and a universally accepted gold standard approach is lacking, leading to current practices that are diverse and subject to ongoing debate. One such point of contention revolves around the decision to use packing or opt for a non-packing approach following surgery. Mohamedahmed et al (2021) conducted a systematic review to evaluate the comparative outcomes of packing versus non-packing of an abscess cavity following incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess on any part of the body. This commentary aims to critically appraise the methods used within the review by Mohamedahmed et al (2021) and expand upon the findings in the context of treatment and management of PSD.
Topics: Humans; Pilonidal Sinus; Abscess; Drainage; Surgical Wound; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 38478417
DOI: 10.12968/bjcn.2024.29.Sup3.S26 -
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor... Mar 2024To date, there is no widely accepted system for evaluating soft tissue early healing events in oral surgery. This study aimed to identify variables used to assess early...
To date, there is no widely accepted system for evaluating soft tissue early healing events in oral surgery. This study aimed to identify variables used to assess early oral soft tissue wound healing. The PubMed-MEDLINE and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched up to and including March 1, 2022. Papers were included if they presented scores of wound healing after performing a mucoperiosteal flap operation with the intention of primary closure. The search yielded 2,286 unique titles and abstracts, of which 31 met the eligibility criteria. In general, the available definitions/indices were found to be imprecise. Based on the literature reviewed, six variables were considered relevant for scoring early oral soft tissue wound healing: primary closure, necrosis, redness, swelling, bleeding, and suppuration.
Topics: Humans; Surgery, Oral; Wound Healing
PubMed: 38440817
DOI: 10.5177/ntvt.2024.03.23054 -
Actas Dermo-sifiliograficas May 2024Topical and intralesional (IL) treatments may be considered the first-line therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); however, the evidence supporting their...
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
Topical and intralesional (IL) treatments may be considered the first-line therapy in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS); however, the evidence supporting their use is limited. The aim of our review is to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of topical and IL treatments in patients with HS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We designed a systematic review of the current medical literature available following the PICO(T) method. And including all types of studies (Study type [T]) of individuals with HS of any sex, age, and ethnicity (Population [P]) who received any topical or IL treatment for HS (Intervention [I]) compared to placebo, other treatments, or no treatment at all (Comparator [C]), and reported efficacy and/or safety outcomes (Outcomes [O]). Two outcomes were defined: quality of life and the no. of patients with, at least, one adverse event. The search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase databases; study selection was performed based on pre-defined criteria. The risk of bias was determined in each study.
RESULTS
We obtained a total of 11,363 references, 31 of which met the inclusion criteria. These studies included 1143 patients with HS, 62% of whom were women. A total of 10, 8, 6, 2, and 5 studies, respectively, evaluated the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), glucocorticoids, resorcinol, topical antibiotics, and other interventions. Most articles were case series (n=25), with only five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and one cohort study. RCTs showed improvement in disease activity with topical clindamycin and botulinum toxin (BTX) vs placebo, and PDT with methylene blue (MB) niosomal vs free MB; however, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide was not superior to placebo. The risk of bias was low in three RCTs and high in two RCTs.
CONCLUSION
The quality of evidence supporting the use of topical, or IL treatments is low. However, it supports the use of topical clindamycin, PDT, and BTX. Well-designed RCTs with standardized outcomes and homogeneous populations of patients and lesions are needed to support decision-making in the routine clinical practice.
Topics: Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Humans; Injections, Intralesional; Administration, Topical; Photochemotherapy; Treatment Outcome; Female; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Male
PubMed: 38423507
DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2024.02.024 -
Medical Engineering & Physics Feb 2024Pressure Ulcers (PUs) are a major healthcare issue leading to prolonged hospital stays and decreased quality of life. Monitoring body position changes using sensors... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Pressure Ulcers (PUs) are a major healthcare issue leading to prolonged hospital stays and decreased quality of life. Monitoring body position changes using sensors could reduce workload, improve turn compliance and decrease PU incidence.
METHOD
This systematic review assessed the clinical applicability of different sensor types capable of in-bed body position detection.
RESULTS
We included 39 articles. Inertial sensors were most commonly used (n = 14). This sensor type has high accuracy and is equipped with a 2-4 hour turn-interval warning system increasing turn compliance. The second-largest group were piezoresistive (pressure) sensors (n = 12), followed by load sensors (n = 4), piezoelectric sensors (n = 3), radio wave-based sensors (n = 3) and capacitive sensors (n = 3). All sensor types except inertial sensors showed a large variety in the type and number of detected body positions. However, clinically relevant position changes such as trunk rotation and head of bed elevation were not detected or tested.
CONCLUSION
Inertial sensors are the benchmark sensor type regarding accuracy and clinical applicability but these sensors have direct patient contact and (re)applying the sensors requires the effort of a nurse. Other sensor types without these disadvantages should be further investigated and developed. We propose the Pressure Ulcer Position System (PUPS) guideline to facilitate this.
Topics: Humans; Pressure Ulcer; Bedridden Persons; Quality of Life; Posture
PubMed: 38418025
DOI: 10.1016/j.medengphy.2023.104096 -
PloS One 2024Wound healing monitoring for abnormality identification and intervention is crucial to securing a successful surgical outcome. Indices have been used to summarize the...
UNLABELLED
Wound healing monitoring for abnormality identification and intervention is crucial to securing a successful surgical outcome. Indices have been used to summarize the degree of healing. Given the increasing frequency of regenerative procedures which preserve dentition and implant stability, and the higher esthetic demands, an appraisal of the available indices is needed to identify the current knowledge gap. This study aimed to systematically review published oral wound healing indices and scores.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A complete literature electronic search in 5 databases was conducted by two reviewers. A combination of keywords related to oral wound healing was used.
RESULTS
A total of 11 articles were included in the evaluation of various procedures (conventional periodontal procedures, guided tissue regeneration, soft tissue reconstruction procedures, and tooth extractions), at different time points (1 day to 12 weeks), with a focus on diverse clinical signs and symptoms. Frequently evaluated parameters included wound dehiscence/epithelialization (91%), tissue color (redness) (73%), suppuration (55%), swelling/edema (55%), and hemostasis (55%). Other less commonly used parameters include esthetics-related and patient-centered outcomes.
CONCLUSION
The available indices evaluate a diverse group of subjective clinical signs and symptoms to estimate the underlying biological healing events and assess the degree of clinical success. The majority of the included indices are not validated. Quantitative and objective subclinical parameters including blood perfusion, biomaterial stability, and completeness of epithelialization, are needed for customized wound healing care and better outcome prediction.
Topics: Humans; Wound Healing; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Tooth; Biocompatible Materials
PubMed: 38330054
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290050 -
PloS One 2024The present Systematic Review with Meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Portable A-mode Ultrasound (P-US) for measuring body fat... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The present Systematic Review with Meta-analysis study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Portable A-mode Ultrasound (P-US) for measuring body fat percentage (BF%). Only studies with participants of both genders which had assessed BF% using P-US compared to the reference standard were selected. Publications up until May 31, 2022 were searched in the MEDLINE, COCHRANE, Science Direct, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, PEDro, SPORT Discus, CINAHL and SCOPUS databases. QUADAS-2 was used to assess the risk of bias in the validity studies and QAREL was used for the methodological quality of reliability studies. The JAMOVI software program synthesized the results, from which the Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) or the square root of the Multiple Linear Regression Determination Coefficient (R2) were extracted for the validity studies, and the Mean of Errors of the Bland-Altman Test (ME) and the Confidence Interval (95%CI) with Upper and Lower Limits for the reliability studies. A total of 13 studies were included, generating 26 results for the quantitative synthesis, 14 for validity and 12 for reliability. Regarding the validity results, a strong correlation was identified between the equipment (r = 0.870 [0.845-0.895], P<0.001), with moderate and true heterogeneity (I2 = 53.47%, P = 0.003), presenting publication bias. A small effect size was identified regarding the reliability results, overestimating the results due to chance between the devices (ME = 0.207 [-0.798-1.212], P = 0.686), with low heterogeneity also due to chance (I2 = 19.44%, P = 0.253), with no publication bias. All of the evaluated studies showed some violation of the instruments, confirming the high risk of bias and the low methodological quality. There is concern with heterogeneity for the validity results explained by the subgroups' analysis. The P-US associated with anthropometric perimeters satisfactorily measures the BF% with samples greater than 100 participants, and males. The results in the reliability assessment show high agreement and high variability, greatly expanding the confidence interval, which should be viewed with reservations. This review received financial support from the Brazilian Air Force. The study was registered with PROSPERO under the number CRD42020166617.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Reproducibility of Results; Ultrasonography; Sports; Adipose Tissue; Brazil
PubMed: 38330039
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292872 -
Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and... 2024
Topics: Humans; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Interleukin Inhibitors; Interleukin-1beta
PubMed: 38323589
DOI: 10.1177/12034754241230693 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jan 2024Actinomyces turicensis is rarely responsible of clinically relevant infections in human. Infection is often misdiagnosed as malignancy, tuberculosis, or nocardiosis,...
BACKGROUND
Actinomyces turicensis is rarely responsible of clinically relevant infections in human. Infection is often misdiagnosed as malignancy, tuberculosis, or nocardiosis, therefore delaying the correct identification and treatment. Here we report a case of a 55-year-old immunocompetent adult with brain abscess caused by A. turicensis. A systematic review of A. turicensis infections was performed.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The databases MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, Clinicaltrials.gov and Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health (CADTH) were searched for all relevant literature.
RESULTS
Search identified 47 eligible records, for a total of 67 patients. A. turicensis infection was most frequently reported in the anogenital area (n = 21), causing acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) including Fournier's gangrene (n = 12), pulmonary infections (n = 8), gynecological infections (n = 6), cervicofacial district infections (n = 5), intrabdominal or breast infections (n = 8), urinary tract infections (n = 3), vertebral column infections (n = 2) central nervous system infections (n = 2), endocarditis (n = 1). Infections were mostly presenting as abscesses (n = 36), with or without concomitant bacteremia (n = 7). Fever and local signs of inflammation were present in over 60% of the cases. Treatment usually involved surgical drainage followed by antibiotic therapy (n = 51). Antimicrobial treatments most frequently included amoxicillin (+clavulanate), ampicillin/sulbactam, metronidazole or cephalosporins. Eighty-nine percent of the patients underwent a full recovery. Two fatal cases were reported.
CONCLUSIONS
To the best of our knowledge, we hereby present the first case of a brain abscess caused by A. turicensis and P. mirabilis. Brain involvement by A. turicensis is rare and may result from hematogenous spread or by dissemination of a contiguous infection. The infection might be difficult to diagnose and therefore treatment may be delayed. Nevertheless, the pathogen is often readily treatable. Diagnosis of actinomycosis is challenging and requires prompt microbiological identification. Surgical excision and drainage and antibiotic treatment usually allow for full recovery.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Middle Aged; Actinomyces; Actinomycosis; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Brain Abscess; Canada
PubMed: 38245682
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-08995-w