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Infection and Drug Resistance 2024Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication following joint replacement surgery, posing significant challenges to orthopedic surgeons. Due to the... (Review)
Review
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication following joint replacement surgery, posing significant challenges to orthopedic surgeons. Due to the lack of a definitive diagnostic gold standard, timely treatment initiation is problematic, resulting in substantial economic burdens on patients and society. In this review, we thoroughly analyze the complexities of PJI and emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The article specifically focuses on the advancements in diagnostic techniques, ranging from traditional pathogen culture to advanced molecular diagnostics, and discusses their role in enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, we review the latest surgical management strategies, including everything from debridement to revision surgeries. Our summary aims to provide practical information for the diagnosis and treatment of PJI and encourages further research to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes.
PubMed: 38912221
DOI: 10.2147/IDR.S457644 -
Clinical Medicine Insights. Case Reports 2024Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases globally, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can obscure diagnosis, especially when it...
INTRODUCTION
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases globally, often presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can obscure diagnosis, especially when it manifests in uncommon sites such as osteoarticular tuberculosis (OA-TB).
CASE PRESENTATION
We report a rare case of a 9-year-old male diagnosed with right knee tuberculosis after enduring severe symptoms for several months. Despite multiple negative biopsies and aspirates during initial debridement surgeries, a biopsy taken 6 months later confirmed the presence of (MTB). The patient was subsequently treated with debridement and anti-tubercular therapy.
CONCLUSION
This case underscores the critical need to consider tuberculosis in patients presenting with chronic bone pain to avoid misdiagnosis, particularly in the developing world. The atypical presentation of osteoarticular tuberculosis in this young patient emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to recognize subtle symptoms. Advanced imaging studies like MRI and microbiological evaluations, including site biopsies, are essential for accurate diagnosis. Increased awareness and collaborative research are crucial to improving the understanding and management of pediatric osteoarticular tuberculosis and extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
PubMed: 38911938
DOI: 10.1177/11795476241263683 -
JPRAS Open Sep 2024Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is a critical component of breast cancer treatment, aimed at improving patient quality of life. However, the management is...
BACKGROUND
Breast reconstruction following mastectomy is a critical component of breast cancer treatment, aimed at improving patient quality of life. However, the management is fraught with potential complications, including skin necrosis and wound dehiscence, which can significantly impact clinical outcomes.
CASE PRESENTATION
We report a unique case of a patient, 5 years post-breast reconstruction following mastectomy and radiation therapy, who developed severe skin necrosis and wound dehiscence due to a brown recluse spider bite on the reconstructed breast. The complication necessitated the debridement of skin, removal of the implant, and further reconstruction with a latissimus flap.
DISCUSSION
The case underscores the unusual etiology of spider bite-induced necrosis in breast reconstruction and highlights the challenges and strategic considerations in managing such complications. Upon presentation, the patient's affected breast area showed signs of extensive necrosis and wound dehiscence, directly attributed to the cytotoxic effects of the brown recluse spider's venom. The venom's pathophysiology involves a complex cascade, leading to local and systemic effects. The local effects, marked by dermonecrosis, com- promised skin integrity in this instance. Systemic effects, not observed in this patient but potentially severe, can include hemolysis, coagulopathy, and acute renal failure, highlighting the seriousness of brown recluse spider bites.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this case illustrates the complexities of managing breast reconstruction post-mastectomy complications, particularly those caused by external factors such as brown recluse spider bites. It highlights the need for meticulous attention to unusual etiologies of necrosis and dehiscence, demonstrating the importance of adaptable surgical strategies and a thorough understanding of venom pathophysiology in ensuring successful patient outcomes.
PubMed: 38911670
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpra.2024.05.008 -
Annals of Surgery Open : Perspectives... Jun 2024Western armies have relied on surgical field manuals to help physicians deal with unfamiliar combat medical conditions from the Napoleonic wars to the present day, but...
Western armies have relied on surgical field manuals to help physicians deal with unfamiliar combat medical conditions from the Napoleonic wars to the present day, but there has been little discussion of whether these handbooks have been used or improved outcomes. Recent research shows that the Union Army's American Civil War (1861-1865) surgical case fatality rates improved as the war progressed, much like the US Army's experience in later wars, and were generally superior to comparable European results. These positive Civil War outcomes have been attributed to field experience, adoption of best practices, and enhanced communication, without consideration of New York surgeon Stephen Smith's widely-used . The Army of the Potomac added Smith's pocket-sized to its supply table in 1862. Northern medical journals applauded it, and Smith's contemporaries documented its wide use. Smith's handbook explained and demonstrated surgical techniques that were adopted as the war progressed, such as the use of general anesthesia and limb-sparing resection (debridement) of gunshot wounds. It offered pithy, well-documented advice from recognized experts along with numerous illustrations, which allowed untrained physicians to visualize anatomical relationships and see contemporary best practices in a way that no other wartime publication provided, making it an exemplar of a mass-media surgical improvement change agent.
PubMed: 38911650
DOI: 10.1097/AS9.0000000000000419 -
Urology Case Reports Jul 2024Penile strangulation secondary to utilization of a constrictive ring is a rare urologic emergency that requires urgent decompression to prevent prolonged vascular...
Penile strangulation secondary to utilization of a constrictive ring is a rare urologic emergency that requires urgent decompression to prevent prolonged vascular obstruction resulting in necrosis and gangrene. Current literature is mainly comprised of case presentations that focus on management in the acute setting via removal of the ring. Herein, we describe surgical management of a patient who presents in delayed fashion after self-removal of the constrictive ring. We discuss our penectomy-sparing technique of debridement and split thickness skin graft.
PubMed: 38911466
DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2024.102762 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2024Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare but potentially life-threatening soft tissue infection. The objective of this study was to assess the association between timely...
Association between time to surgery and hospital mortality in patients with community-acquired limb necrotizing fasciitis: an 11-year multicenter retrospective cohort analysis.
BACKGROUND
Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare but potentially life-threatening soft tissue infection. The objective of this study was to assess the association between timely surgery within 6 h and hospital mortality in patients with limb NF, and to describe the trends in patients with NF, time to surgery and standardized mortality ratio (SMR) over 11 years.
METHODS
This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of all intensive care unit patients who had emergency surgery within 24 h of hospitalization for limb NF between April 1, 2008 and March 31, 2019 in Hong Kong. Timely surgery was defined as the first surgical treatment within 6 h of initial hospitalization. Appropriate antibiotics were achieved if the patient was given antibiotic(s) for all documented pathogens prior to or on day of culture results. The primary outcome was hospital mortality.
RESULTS
There were 495 patients (median age 62 years, 349 (70.5%) males) with limb NF treated by surgery within 24 h of hospitalization over the 11 years. Appropriate antibiotic(s) were used in 392 (79.2%) patients. There were 181 (36.5%) deaths. Timely surgery was not associated with hospital mortality (Relative Risk 0.89, 95% CI: 0.73 to 1.07) but admission year, advanced age, higher severity of illness, comorbidities, renal replacement therapy, vasopressor use, and type of surgery were significant predictors in the multivariable model. There was an upward trend in NF diagnosis (1.9 cases/year, 95% CI: 0.7 to 3.1; P < 0.01; R = 0.60) but there was no downward trend in median time to surgery (-0.2 h/year, 95% CI: -0.4 to 0.1; P = 0.16) or SMR (-0.02/year, 95% CI: -0.06 to 0.01; P = 0.22; R = 0.16).
CONCLUSIONS
Among patients operated within 24 h, very early surgery within 6-12 h was not associated with survival. Increasing limb NF cases were reported each year but mortality remained high despite a high rate of appropriate antibiotic use and timely surgical intervention.
Topics: Humans; Fasciitis, Necrotizing; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; Middle Aged; Aged; Hospital Mortality; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Hong Kong; Community-Acquired Infections; Time-to-Treatment; Extremities; Adult; Intensive Care Units; Aged, 80 and over
PubMed: 38910240
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09501-y -
International Journal of Surgery Case... Jun 2024Dog bites are a common presentation in emergency departments. However, scrotal injuries with complete testicular avulsion are exceedingly rare.
INTRODUCTION
Dog bites are a common presentation in emergency departments. However, scrotal injuries with complete testicular avulsion are exceedingly rare.
CASE PRESENTATION
We present a case of a dog bite to the scrotum with complete detachment of the testis and right hemiscrotum in an intoxicated 48-year-old man, who was treated with wound irrigation, debridement, antibiotic prophylaxis, tetanus and rabies vaccination, and a covering scrotoplasty.
DISCUSSION
Testicular avulsion following a dog bite to the scrotum is a urologic emergency. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach to address bleeding control, testicular function preservation, infection prevention, and scrotal reconstruction.
CONCLUSION
Dog bites to the scrotum can lead to serious and irreversible complications, underscoring the need for every urologist to be aware and prepared to manage such injuries.
PubMed: 38909389
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2024.109942 -
Medicine Jun 2024Acute epiglottitis is not uncommon and it can cause high mortality due to airway obstruction. Acute epiglottitis complicated with cervical necrotizing fasciitis has...
INTRODUCTION
Acute epiglottitis is not uncommon and it can cause high mortality due to airway obstruction. Acute epiglottitis complicated with cervical necrotizing fasciitis has rarely been reported, and it is also a life-threatening disease with a fatality rate of 7% to 50%.
PATIENT CONCERNS
A 64-year-old woman presented to our hospital with chief complaints of sore throat and cervical swelling, long with foreign body sensation and hoarseness. Endoscopic laryngoscopy showed erythematous and swollen epiglottis with purulent secretions on the surface. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed swollen epiglottis and swelling of the neck with air- and fluid-containing necrotizing tissue.
DIAGNOSES
The diagnosis was acute epiglottitis and abscess complicated with cervical necrotizing fasciitis.
INTERVENTIONS
With the patient in awake condition, airway access was established by performing intubation with adjunctive use of gum elastic bougie, followed by surgical debridement under general anesthesia; a flap was used for skin coverage and intravenous piperacillin-tazobactam was administered.
OUTCOMES
The patient was discharged without complications.
CONCLUSION
Gum elastic bougie is a usable tool in difficult intubation. Adequate pre-anesthesia evaluation, patient sedation, and gentle manipulation assured the intubation success in this case.
Topics: Humans; Female; Fasciitis, Necrotizing; Middle Aged; Epiglottitis; Intubation, Intratracheal; Abscess; Acute Disease; Neck; Debridement; Laryngoscopy; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38905392
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000038658 -
Burns & Trauma 2024Bacterial infections pose a considerable threat to skin wounds, particularly in the case of challenging-to-treat diabetic wounds. Systemic antibiotics often struggle to...
BACKGROUND
Bacterial infections pose a considerable threat to skin wounds, particularly in the case of challenging-to-treat diabetic wounds. Systemic antibiotics often struggle to penetrate deep wound tissues and topically applied antibiotics may lead to sensitization, necessitating the development of novel approaches for effectively treating germs in deep wound tissues. Neutrophils, the predominant immune cells in the bloodstream, rapidly release an abundance of molecules via degranulation upon activation, which possess the ability to directly eliminate pathogens. This study was designed to develop novel neutrophil cell engineered nanovesicles (NVs) with high production and explore their bactericidal properties and application in promoting infectious wound healing.
METHODS
Neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood and activated via phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation. Engineered NVs were prepared by sequentially extruding activated neutrophils followed by ultracentrifugation and were compared with neutrophil-derived exosomes in terms of morphology, size distribution and protein contents. The bactericidal effect of NVs was evaluated using the spread plate technique, LIVE/DEAD backlight bacteria assay and observation of bacterial morphology. The therapeutic effects of NVs were evaluated using wound contraction area measurements, histopathological examinations, assessments of inflammatory factors and immunochemical staining.
RESULTS
Activated neutrophils stimulated with PMA promptly release a substantial amount of bactericidal proteins. NVs are similar to exosomes in terms of morphology and particle size, but they exhibit a significantly higher enrichment of bactericidal proteins. , NVs demonstrated a significant bactericidal effect, presumably mediated by the enrichment of bactericidal proteins such as lysozyme. These NVs significantly accelerated wound healing, leading to a marked reduction in bacterial load, downregulation of inflammatory factors and enhanced collagen deposition in a full-thickness infectious skin defect model.
CONCLUSIONS
We developed engineered NVs derived from activated neutrophils to serve as a novel debridement method targeting bacteria in deep tissues, ultimately promoting infectious wound healing.
PubMed: 38903935
DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkae018 -
International Journal of Medical... 2024Skin, being the body's largest organ, is susceptible to injuries. Despite the adoption of common treatments such as debridement, wound dressing, and infection control...
Skin, being the body's largest organ, is susceptible to injuries. Despite the adoption of common treatments such as debridement, wound dressing, and infection control measures for skin injuries, the outcomes remain unsatisfactory, especially in diabetic patients or elderly patients. The use of adipose stem cell-derived apoptotic extracellular vesicles (apoEVs-ASCs) has been shown great therapeutic potential in wound repair. The effect of the donor age on the biological properties and functions of apoEVs-ASCs has not been reported. In this study, we isolated apoEVs-ASCs from young and aged rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) were applied for the characteristics of apoEVs-ASCs. For aged and young apoEVs-ASCs groups, the proliferative and migration abilities , and wound healing function were contrastively evaluated and quantified for statistical analysis. Our results showed that both young and aged apoEVs-ASCs induced skin healing and reduced scar formation. In addition, young apoEVs-ASCs had significantly higher proliferation, migration of fibroblasts and endothelial cells, and increased neo-angiogenesis ability, when compared with that of aged apoEVs-ASCs. Young apoEVs-ASCs should be employed for wound repair, which is associated with its superior promoting effect on wound healing.
Topics: Animals; Wound Healing; Extracellular Vesicles; Rats; Skin; Apoptosis; Cell Proliferation; Adipose Tissue; Stem Cells; Humans; Male; Cell Movement; Age Factors; Regeneration; Rats, Sprague-Dawley
PubMed: 38903926
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.94755