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AnteayerInternational Wound Journal

Effects of cluster nursing interventions on the prevention of pressure ulcers in intensive care units patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

A meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively evaluate the impact of cluster nursing interventions on the prevention of pressure ulcers (PUs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Computer searches were performed in databases including Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) implementing cluster nursing interventions for PUs prevention in ICU patients, with the search period covering the database inception to November 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data and conducted quality assessments. Stata 17.0 software was employed for data analysis. Overall, 17 RCTs involving 1463 ICU patients were included. The analysis showed that compared with conventional nursing, cluster nursing interventions significantly reduced the incidence of PUs (odds ratio: 0.24, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.17–0.34, p < 0.001) and also significantly improved the levels of anxiety (standardized mean difference [SMD]: −1.39, 95% CI: −1.57 to 1.22, p < 0.001) and depression (SMD: −1.64, 95% CI: −2.02 to 1.26, p < 0.001) in ICU patients. This study indicates that the application of cluster nursing interventions in ICU patients can effectively reduce the incidence of PUs, as well as improve patients' anxiety and depression levels, thereby enhancing their quality of life, which is worth clinical promotion and application.

Wound infection and healing in minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis compared with intramedullary nail for distal tibial fractures: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

To systematically explore the effects of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) versus intramedullary nail (IMN) on wound infection and wound healing in patients with distal tibia fractures. A computerised search of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was performed, from their inception to October 2023, to identify relevant studies on the application of MIPO and IMN in patients with distal tibial fractures. The quality of the included literature was evaluated by two researchers based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and basic information of the literature was collected, with wound infection, postoperative complications and wound healing time as the main indicators for analysis. Stata 17.0 software was applied for analysis. Overall, 23 papers and 2099 patients were included, including 1026 patients in the MIPO group and 1073 patients in the IMN group. The results revealed, when compared with IMN treatment, patients with distal tibia fractures who underwent MIPO treatment had a lower incidence of postoperative complications (OR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.25–0.42, p < 0.001) and a shorter wound healing time (SMD = −1.00, 95% CI: −1.51 to −0.49, p < 0.001), but the incidence of postoperative wound infection was higher (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.35–3.01, p = 0.001). Both MIPO and IMN are excellent treatments for distal tibia fractures. MIPO is effective in reducing the incidence of complications as well as shortening the time of wound healing time but increases the risk of wound infection. In clinical practice, surgeons can make individual choices based on the patient's wishes and proficiency in both techniques.

Effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty versus percutaneous kyphoplasty on post‐operative wound pain in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures

Abstract

This research is intended to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) versus percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), which is associated with post-operative pain. Eligible studies were screened by searching multiple databases and sources such as PubMed, Cochrane and EMBASE for search terms updated to October 2023, and relevant literature sources were searched. Randomized, controlled, prospective or retrospective, and cohort studies were eligible. For the analysis of the primary results, an analysis of the data was carried out, such as mean difference (MD) or odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI). In the present research, 1933 research was screened in 4 databases, and 30 articles were chosen to be examined under strict exclusion criteria. No statistical significance was found in the use of bone cement in the PVP group and PKP (MD, −0.60; 95% CI, −1.40, 0.21, p = 0.15); PKP was associated with a reduced risk of cement leak compared with PVP group (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.38, 3.46, p = 0.0009); no statistical significance was found in the wound VAS score in PVP operation compared with that of PKP (MD, 0.16; 95% CI, −0.07, 0.40, p = 0.17); no statistical significance was found between the time of PVP operation and the time of PKP operation (MD, −2.65; 95% CI, −8.91, 3.60, p = 0.41). Compared with PVP technology, the PKP treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures reduces post-operative cement leakage, but there is no significant difference in the number of operative cement and wound VAS after operation. Nor did there appear to be a statistically significant difference in time between the two operations.

The infected diabetic foot: Modulation of traditional biomarkers for osteomyelitis diagnosis in the setting of diabetic foot infection and renal impairment

Abstract

The objective of this paper was to investigate erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and c-reactive protein (CRP) in diagnosing pedal osteomyelitis (OM) in patients with and without diabetes, and with and without severe renal impairment (SRI). This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with moderate and severe foot infections. We evaluated three groups: Subjects without diabetes (NDM), subjects with diabetes and without severe renal insufficiency (DM-NSRI), and patients with diabetes and SRI (DM-SRI). SRI was defined as eGFR <30. We evaluated area under the curve (AUC), cutoff point, sensitivity and specificity to characterize the accuracy of ESR and CRP to diagnose OM. A total of 408 patients were included in the analysis. ROC analysis in the NDM group revealed the AUC for ESR was 0.62, with a cutoff value of 46 mm/h (sensitivity, 49.0%; specificity, 76.0%). DM-NSRI subjects showed the AUC for ESR was 0.70 with the cutoff value of 61 mm/h (sensitivity, 68.9%; specificity 61.8%). In DM-SRI, the AUC for ESR was 0.67, with a cutoff value of 119 mm/h (sensitivity, 46.4%; specificity, 82.40%). In the NDM group, the AUC for CRP was 0.55, with a cutoff value of 6.4 mg/dL (sensitivity, 31.3%; specificity, 84.0%). For DM-NSRI, the AUC for CRP was 0.70, with a cutoff value of 8 mg/dL (sensitivity, 49.2%; specificity, 80.6%). In DM-SRI, the AUC for CRP was 0.62, with a cutoff value of 7 mg/dL (sensitivity, 57.1%; specificity, 67.7%). While CRP demonstrated relatively consistent utility, ESR's diagnostic cutoff points diverged significantly. These results highlight the necessity of considering patient-specific factors when interpreting ESR results in the context of OM diagnosis.

Effects of loose combined cutting seton surgery on wound healing and pain in patients with high anal fistula: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of loose combined cutting seton surgery on wound healing and pain in patients with high anal fistula, aiming to provide evidence-based medical evidence for surgical method selection for these patients. A comprehensive computerized search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases was conducted to collect all relevant studies published up to November 2023, evaluating the effects of loose combined cutting seton surgery in treating patients with high anal fistulas. Two researchers independently screened, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the identified studies. RevMan 5.4 software was employed for data analysis. Overall, 16 articles were included, comprising 1124 patients, with 567 undergoing loose combined cutting seton surgery and 557 undergoing simple cutting seton surgery. The analysis revealed patients undergoing loose combined cutting seton surgery had a higher rate of postoperative wound healing (97.44% vs. 81.69%, odds ratio [OR]: 7.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.29–13.10, p < 0.00001), shorter wound healing time (standardized mean differences [SMD]: −1.48, 95% CI: −1.89 to −1.08, p < 0.00001), lower postoperative wound pain scores (SMD: −2.51, 95% CI: −3.51 to −1.51, p < 0.00001), and a lower rate of postoperative complications (3.43% vs. 20.83%, OR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.05–0.31, p < 0.00001). The current evidence suggests that compared to simple cutting seton surgery, loose combined cutting seton surgery in treating high anal fistulas can promote postoperative wound healing, shorten wound healing time, alleviate pain, and reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, making it a worthy clinical practice for widespread application.

A standardized wound infection model for antimicrobial testing of wound dressings in vitro

Abstract

To investigate the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents against wound infections, experiments using either 2D cultures with planktonic microorganisms or animal infection models are frequently carried out. However, the transferability of the results to human skin is limited by the lack of complexity of the 2D models or by the poor translation of the results from animal models. Hence, there is a need for wound infection models capable of assessing antimicrobial agents. In this study, an easily standardized wound infection model was established. This model consists of a mechanically wounded human skin model on a collagen matrix infected with various clinically relevant bacteria. Infection of the model led to recognition of the pathogens and induction of an inflammatory response. The untreated infection spread over time, causing significant tissue damage. By applying an antimicrobial-releasing wound dressing, the bacterial load could be reduced and the success of the treatment could be further measured by a decrease in the inflammatory reaction. In conclusion, this wound infection model can be used to evaluate new antimicrobial therapeutics as well as to study host-pathogen interactions.

New application of traditional S retractor in collecting wound flushing fluid after skin tumour resection

Abstract

After Skin tumour resection, there may be residual tumour cells on the wound surface, washing the wound surface with sterilized water can mediate tumour cell lysis and improve patient prognosis. We observed that when the patient is lying behind the operating table, both the limbs and trunk will form an inclined plane with a high centre and a low periphery. Fit the hook of the traditional S retractor onto the low end of the inclined surface, and apply appropriate pressure to make the fitting tight. This way, the flushing fluid will converge at the low end of the fitting surface and will not leak out. Combined with a negative pressure aspirator, it can reduce the splashing of flushing fluid. The traditional S retractor is common in the operating room, which is easy to operate and do not increase medical costs. The method of using a traditional S retractor to collect flushing fluid is worth further promotion.

Parecoxib decreases cellular growth and Bcl‐2 protein levels in primary cultures of keloid fibroblasts

Abstract

Keloids seem to overexpress cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), suggesting a role in its deregulated pathway in inducing an altered epithelial-mesenchymal interaction, which may be responsible for the overgrowth of dermal components resulting in scars or keloid lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Parecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor, on cell growth in fibroblast primary cultures obtained from human keloid tissues. Tissue explants were obtained from patients who underwent intralesional excision of untreated keloids; central fractions were isolated from keloid tissues and used for establishing distinct primary cultures. Appropriate aliquots of Parecoxib, a COX-2 inhibitor were diluted to obtain the concentration used in the experimental protocols in vitro (1, 10 or 100 μM). Treatment with Parecoxib (at all concentrations) caused a significant decrease in cellular growth from 24 hours onwards, and with a maximum at 72 hours (P < .02). Moreover, at 72 hours Parecoxib significantly reduced cellular vitality. Parecoxib treatment also induced an increase in fragmented nuclei with a maximum effect at 100 μM and a significant decrease in Bcl-2 and an increase in activated caspase-3 protein levels at 72 hours compared with control untreated cultures. Our findings suggest a potential use of the COX-2 inhibitor, Parecoxib, as the therapy for keloids.

Impact of stapler versus manual closure techniques on pharyngocutaneous fistula development post‐total laryngectomy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

Pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) is a major complication after total laryngectomy, with significant morbidity and mortality. Whether mechanical stapler closure of the pharynx reduces fistula rates compared to hand-sewn techniques remains unclear. We conducted an updated systematic review and meta-analysis to clarify this question. Five databases were systematically searched from inception through November 2023 for studies comparing stapler versus suture closure for fistula outcomes after laryngectomy. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled using random-effects models and fixed-effects models. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed. Risk of bias was appraised using NHLBI tools. Nine studies with 803 patients were included. Mechanical closure significantly reduced fistula incidence versus suture closure (OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.34–0.95, p = 0.03). Subgroup analysis found that stapling's protective effect varied by patient age, country/region, linear stapler size and female percentage. Stapling reduced fistula odds by 80% in the Turkey subgroup (OR = 0.20, 95% CI 0.09–0.50) but showed no benefit in other regions. Patients <60 years showed an 84% fistula reduction with stapling (OR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.06–0.45), whereas older subgroups did not. Linear stapler size of 60 mm significantly reduced fistula occurrence while 75 mm did not. There was no evidence that low female percentage mitigated stapling benefits. Mechanical stapler closure after total laryngectomy meaningfully reduces the likelihood of postoperative PCF formation compared to hand-sewn closure, especially for patients younger than 60 years old. The absolute risk reduction supports its utility to prevent this complication.

Effect of two different surgical modalities for pelvic organ prolapse on postoperative wound infection in patients: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Sacrospinous ligament fixation (SSLF) is widely applied to the treatment of female pelvis organ prolapsed. Contradictory findings have already been reported in the comparison of sacrocolpopexy (SC) with SSLF. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of SC versus SSLF in treating pelvis organ prolapsed after operation. We conducted a meta-analysis of both operative approaches, including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. In this research, 822 articles were chosen from three databases, 201 were copied, and 10 were included. Among them, 7248 cases were operated on the prolapsed pelvis. It was found that SSLF surgery could significantly decrease the rate of postoperative wound infection after operation (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42–0.82; p = 0.001). No statistical significance was found among the SSLF and the SC surgery for the post-operation haemorrhage of the patient (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.23–2.83; p = 0.75). No statistical significance was found among the SSLF and the SC surgery for the postoperative period of the patient's operation (mean difference, −15.46; 95% CI, −52.87 to 21.94; p = 0.42). Applying SSLF surgery to treat pelvic prolapse in women may benefit from a reduction in the number of post-operative wound infections. However, SSLF had no statistical significance with respect to the amount of haemorrhage after operation or operation time.

Effects of clinical nursing pathway on the surgical site wound infection in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

To explore the effect of clinical nursing pathway on wound infection in patients undergoing knee or hip replacement surgery. Computerised searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were conducted, from database inception to September 2023, on the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of application of clinical nursing pathway to patients undergoing knee and hip arthroplasty. Literature was screened and evaluated by two researchers based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and data were extracted from the final included literature. RevMan 5.4 software was employed for data analysis. Overall, 48 RCTs involving 4139 surgical patients were included, including 2072 and 2067 in the clinical nursing pathway and routine nursing groups, respectively. The results revealed, compared with routine nursing, the use of clinical nursing pathways was effective in reducing the rate of complications (OR = 0.17, 95%CI: 0.14–0.21, p < 0.001) and wound infections (OR = 0.29, 95%CI: 0.16–0.51, p < 0.001), shortens the hospital length of stay (MD = −4.11, 95%CI: −5.40 to −2.83, p < 0.001) and improves wound pain (MD = −1.34, 95%CI: −1.98 to −0.70, p < 0.001); it also improve patient satisfaction (OR = 7.13, 95%CI: 4.69–10.85, p < 0.001). The implementation of clinical nursing pathways in clinical care after knee or hip arthroplasty can effectively reduce the incidence of complications and wound infections, and also improve the wound pain, while also improving treatment satisfaction so that patients can be discharged from the hospital as soon as possible.

Effectiveness of SCAR‐Q for assessment of incisional SCAR after implant‐based reconstruction in breast cancer patients: Can it be a tool for incision selection?

Abstract

Incisional scarring is a factor of cosmetic appearance evaluated after breast reconstruction, along with the shape, position, and size of the breast. This study aimed to examine the effect of the incision scar location on patient satisfaction after breast reconstruction. Using the Japanese version of the SCAR-Q, we assessed the scar appearance, symptoms and psychosocial effects. Plastic surgeons performed assessments using the Manchester Scar Scale. The patients were divided into two groups: those with scars on the margins of the breast (MB group) and those with scars in the breast area (IB group). The results revealed that patients in the MB group reported significantly higher satisfaction with the scar appearance and psychological impact than those in the IB group. However, assessments using the Manchester Scar Scale did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of patient-reported outcomes in the evaluation of scar satisfaction after breast reconstruction. Patients tend to prefer and have higher satisfaction with scars along the breast margin, which offers valuable insights into surgical decisions. Further studies with larger and more diverse sample sizes are required for validation.

Impacts of continuous quality improvement on wound pain in the puncture site of arteriovenous fistula in haemodialysis patient

Abstract

This study analyses the effects of a continuous quality improvement nursing model on wound pain at the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) puncture site in patients undergoing haemodialysis. Forty haemodialysis patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from September 2020 to December 2022, were selected as study subjects. They were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group. The control group received conventional nursing care, while the observation group was treated with a continuous quality improvement nursing model. The study compared the impact of these nursing approaches on pain intensity post-AVF puncture, wound visual analogue scale scores, self-rating anxiety scale, self-rating depression scale, quality of life scores and patient satisfaction with nursing care. In the observation group, the proportion of patients experiencing moderate to severe pain during AVF puncture was lower than that in the control group, whereas the proportion of patients with no pain or mild pain was higher (P = 0.008). After nursing, the observation group exhibited significantly lower wound visual analogue scale scores, self-rating anxiety scale scores, and self-rating depression scale scores compared to the control group (P < 0.001), with a significantly higher quality of life score (P < 0.05). The nursing satisfaction rate was 95.00% in the observation group, significantly higher than the 65.00% in the control group (P = 0.018). The continuous quality improvement nursing model significantly reduces wound pain at the AVF puncture site in haemodialysis patients, alleviates negative emotions, enhances the quality of life, and achieves high patient satisfaction. It is thus a highly recommendable approach in nursing practice.

Effect of angiogenesis inhibitors on wound healing in patients with ovarian cancer: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Angiogenic inhibitors have been demonstrated to inhibit tumour cells in ovarian carcinoma, but the initial data are not accurate enough to indicate the influence of these drugs on the post-therapy wound healing. In order to assess the effect of angiogenic inhibitors on the treatment of wound healing in ovarian carcinoma, we performed a meta-analysis of related literature. For this meta-analysis, we looked up the data from 4 databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. All literature searches were performed up to October 2023. The ROBINS-I tool was applied to evaluate the risk of bias in the inclusion trials, and statistical analysis was performed with RevMan 5.3. In this research, 971 related research were chosen, and 9 of them were selected. These studies were published between 2013 and 2023. In all 9 trials, a total of 3902 patients were enrolled. There was a significant reduction in the risk of wound infection in the control group than in those who received angiogenesis inhibitors (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.49–0.89 p = 0.007). The risk of developing an abscess was not significantly different from that of those who received angiogenesis inhibitors (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.20–3.12 p = 0.74). The risk of perforation in the control group was smaller than that in those receiving angiogenic inhibitors (OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.11–0.56 p = 0.0006). There was a significant increase in the risk of injury and GI perforation in women who received angiogenic inhibitors than in the control group. But the incidence of abscess did not differ significantly among the two groups.

Systematic review and quality assessment of clinical and economic evidence for superabsorbent wound dressings in a population with chronic ulcers

Abstract

Effective exudate management is key for optimal ulcer healing. Superabsorbent dressings are designed to have high fluid handling capacity, reduced risk of exudate leakage, fluid retention under compression, and to sequester harmful exudate components. This study aimed to systematically identify existing evidence for the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of superabsorbent dressings for the treatment of moderate-to-highly exudating chronic ulcers of various etiologies. The aim is focused on examining the ‘class’ effect of all superabsorbers, not any particular dressing. Clinical and cost effectiveness systematic reviews were conducted, searching Embase, MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature. The Cost Effectiveness Analysis Registry and Econ papers were also searched for the economic review. Outcomes of interest included ulcer closure, dressing properties, hospital- and infection-related outcomes, safety, and economic outcomes. Fourteen studies were included in the clinical systematic review. Eleven were case series, with one randomised controlled trial, one retrospective matched observational study, and one retrospective cohort study. The studies investigated eight superabsorbent dressings and were heterogeneous in their patient population and outcomes. Superabsorbent dressings may result in favourable outcomes, including reductions in frequency of dressing change and pain scores. As most studies were case series, drawing firm conclusions was difficult due to absence of a comparator arm. The economic systematic review identified seven studies, five of which were cost-utility analyses. These suggested superabsorbent dressings are a more cost-effective option for the treatment of chronic ulcers compared with standard dressings. However, the small number and low quality of studies identified in both reviews highlights the need for future research.

Identification and clinical validation of the role of anoikis‐related genes in diabetic foot

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of anoikis-related genes in diabetic foot (DF) by utilizing bioinformatics analysis to identify key genes associated with anoikis in DF. We selected the GEO datasets GSE7014, GSE80178 and GSE68183 for the extraction and analysis of differentially expressed anoikis-related genes (DE-ARGs). GO analysis and KEGG analysis indicated that DE-ARGs in DF were primarily enriched in apoptosis, positive regulation of MAPK cascade, anoikis, focal adhesion and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Based on the LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms, we identified six characteristic genes. ROC curve analysis revealed that these six characteristic genes had an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.7, indicating good diagnostic efficacy. Expression analysis in the validation set revealed downregulation of CALR in DF, consistent with the training set results. GSEA results demonstrated that CALR was mainly enriched in blood vessel morphogenesis, endothelial cell migration, ECM-receptor interaction and focal adhesion. The HPA database revealed that CALR was moderately enriched in endothelial cells, and CALR was found to interact with 63 protein-coding genes. Functional analysis with DAVID suggested that CALR and associated genes were enriched in the phagosome component. CALR shows promise as a potential marker for the development and treatment of DF.

Effect of passive versus active abdominal drainage on wound infection after pancreatectomy: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Following pancreatic resection, there may be a variety of complications, including wound infection, haemorrhage, and abdominal infection. The placement of drainage channels during operation may decrease the chances of postoperative complications. However, what kind of drainage can decrease the rate of postoperative complications is still a matter of debate. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of both active and passive drainage for post-operation wound complications. From the beginning of the database until November 2023, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and the Pubmed database have been searched. The two authors collected 2524 related studies from 3 data bases for importation into Endnote software, and 8 finished trials were screened against the exclusion criteria. Passive drainage can decrease the incidence of superficial wound infection in postoperative patients with pancreas operation (Odds Ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06–1.60 p = 0.01); No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of deep infections among the two groups (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 0.68–3.36 p = 0.31); No statistical significance was found for the rate of haemorrhage after active drainage on the pancreas compared with that of passive drainage (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.29–1.77 p = 0.47); No statistically significant difference was found in the rate of death after operation for patients who had received a pancreas operation in active or passive drainage (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.57–1.42 p = 0.65); On the basis of existing evidence, the use of passive abdominal drainage reduces postoperative surface wound infections in patients. But there were no statistically significant differences in the risk of severe complications, haemorrhage after surgery, or mortality. However, because of the limited sample size of this meta-analysis, it is necessary to have more high-quality research with a large sample size to confirm the findings.

A retrospective cohort study of the impact of COVID‐19 infection control measures on surgical site infections in an academic hospital setting

Abstract

Previous studies show that both the frequency of surgeries and incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) have been lower during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study's purpose is to analyse the possible association of the COVID-19 epidemic-related increased health measures, such as protective equipment and products, increased hand hygiene and restrictions imposed, on the incidence of SSIs in an academic medical centre. We designed a single-centre, retrospective cohort study and collected data on the frequency of surgeries and the incidence of SSIs, among patients who had surgeries pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic. Besides the intervention and outcome variable, we sought information on patient gender, surgery type, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and type II diabetes mellitus. We used Wald 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and the p values of the odds ratio (OR) to report results. Of the N = 24 098 surgeries performed in this hospital, there were 269 patients who reported post-surgical SSIs in this hospital between March 2019 and March 2021. The OR of developing a post-surgical SSI was 0.40 (95% CI: 0.33–0.57, p < 0.05; adjusted for confounders 0.39 [95% CI: 0.30–0.52, p < 0.05]) among patients who had surgery under post-pandemic infection control measures, as compared to patients who had surgery under pre-pandemic usual care infection control measures. Our significant results conclude that an association may exist between the enhanced infection control measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic and lower incidence of SSIs we observed during this period.

The effect of traditional Chinese medicine soaking method on the healing of diabetic foot ulcers: A meta‐analysis

Abstract

Foot infections, sores or deep tissue damage from diabetes can be a serious psychological and physical injury. This paper aims at making meta-analyses on the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on diabetic foot ulcers. The Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database, Wanfang Database and so on, has conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the clinical effect of TCM soaking method for diabetes patients with diabetes. Literature has been determined to be included by computer search and by hand rough checks. The search period was from the creation of the database to October 2023. Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyse the meta data and evaluate it systematically. Altogether, 479 research was conducted in China's data base and 20 of them were eventually collected for the final statistical analysis. In all, 1361 patients were enrolled in the trials. The results indicated that TCM immersion in diabetic foot resulted in significantly improved obvious wound healing (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 2.5, 4.09, p < 0.0001); results showed that TCM immersion therapy significantly increased the efficiency of effective wound healing (OR, 4.55; 95% CI, 3.25, 6.37, p < 0.001). Statistical significance was found. Using Egger's approach to detect publishing bias suggests that there is no risk of publishing bias in terms of marked wound healing and effective healing. Traditional Chinese drug immersion can increase obviously the recovery ratio and the effective recovery ratio of diabetic foot.

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