Use of a Support Surface Standard to Test the Effects of a Turning and Positioning Device Versus Low-Air-Loss Therapy on Temperature and Humidity.

Background: Turning and repositioning devices (TRDs) help to reduce strain on caregivers, but clinicians question their effects on humidity and temperature (microclimate) at the skin surface that may increase risk of pressure ulcers.

Objective: To pilot the use of a standard test for support surfaces to compare microclimate at the skin surface in three scenarios: (1) on a low-air-loss (LAL) surface, (2) on a representative TRD with a basic underpad (TRDU) placed on a LAL surface, and (3) on a negative control with full occlusion. The results are designed to inform clinical decision-making in using a TRD on a LAL surface and the viability of using this test to study TRDs.

The clinical relevance of treating chronic wounds with an enhanced near-physiological concentration of platelet-rich plasma gel.

Objective: This study investigated clinical outcomes in chronic nonhealing wounds following the short-term use of an enhanced, near-physiological concentration of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel (AutoloGel System, Cytomedix, Inc, Gaithersburg, Maryland).

Design: Study design was a large, observational case series using a multicenter registry database (all wounds included), which compared different populations within the database.

Setting: Thirty-nine centers contributed to the registry, including long-term acute-care centers, outpatient clinics, a durable medical equipment company, a home health agency, and a long-term-care center.

Effect of platelet rich plasma gel in a physiologically relevant platelet concentration on wounds in persons with spinal cord injury.

The objective of the study was to investigate the use of a 1·3 times normal platelet concentration platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel to move chronic wounds towards healing in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). The study design was a case series of 20 persons with SCI with non healing wounds. The outcome measures were, in wound area, volume, undermining and sinus tracts/tunnels (ST/Ts), calculated average, (i) percent of change from baseline, (ii) change per day from baseline, (iii) number of treatments and (iv) number of weeks.

Chronic wounds treated with a physiologically relevant concentration of platelet-rich plasma gel: a prospective case series.

Chronic wounds are characterized by a long inflammatory phase that hinders regenerative wound healing. The purpose of this prospective case series was to evaluate how a physiologically relevant concentration of an autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel affects initial wound healing trajectories of chronic, nonhealing wounds of various etiologies and in different care settings. Using convenience sampling methods, 49 patients (average age: 60.

Use of alternatives to air-fluidized support surfaces in the care of complex wounds in postflap and postgraft patients.

Air-fluidized support surface therapy has many drawbacks, such as dehydration, in an already difficult recovery for those wound patients who have undergone flap and graft surgery. In addition, patient care and handling are also problematic. Patients complain of discomfort, and the instability of the surface interferes with patient stability in side lying and semi-Fowler's positions.

Physiological changes in tissues denervated by spinal cord injury tissues and possible effects on wound healing.

There are many metabolic and physiological changes that happen to the tissues below the level of a spinal cord injury. These deficits are examined in relation to the series of events that has to take place for wound healing - the "wound healing cascade". The conclusion is that every step of the wound healing process is impaired by the physiological deficits inherent post-spinal cord injury.

Wound care organizations, programs, and certifications: an overview.

The number and variety of wound care organizations and certification programs have increased considerably in recent years. Many healthcare professionals interested in pursuing certification, employers who want to hire them, and the public at large are confused about the plethora of certification designations, program names, and requirements. Some of the largest wound care organizations in the US support or develop educational programs and meetings or support credentialing programs.