The safety of punch biopsies on hard-to-heal wounds: a large multicentre clinical trial

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (Sup2c) ◽  
pp. S4-S7
Author(s):  
Thomas E. Serena ◽  
Windy Cole ◽  
Stacey Coe ◽  
Khristina Harrell ◽  
Laura Serena ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Fluorescence Imaging ◽  
Clinical Examination ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Punch Biopsy ◽  
Wound Management ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Safe Procedure ◽  
Multicentre Clinical Trial

Objective: Punch biopsy is a simple and effective diagnostic technique used in hard-to-heal wound management. Histologic examination can rule out cancer in the wound bed or diagnose vasculitis in a hard-to-heal or suspicious ulcer. A biopsy can determine the level of bacteria in an ulcer when infection is suspected. Despite its use, health professionals practicing in wound clinics hesitate to perform punch biopsies. The reasons vary from the invasive nature of the procedure to a fear of complications. Methods: A multicentre clinical trial evaluated the addition of fluorescence imaging to clinical examination in determining bacterial burden in hard-to-heal wounds. The protocol required a 6mm punch biopsy of any area (up to three) suspected of having moderate-to-high bacteria levels either on clinical examination or fluorescence image. If clinical examination and fluorescence imaging both did not indicate bacteria, the health professional took a biopsy of the centre of the ulcer. The biopsies were performed under local anaesthesia after cleansing the ulcer bed with sterile normal saline. Haemostasis was achieved with direct pressure and the occasional topical clotting agent. All of the patients were followed for 30 days to monitor for adverse events. Results: A total of 350 patientis with wounds (diabetic foot ulcer n=138; venous leg ulcer n=106; pressure ulcer n=22; surgical site infection n=60; other n=24), enrolled by 20 investigators at 14 sites in the US, underwent a total of 412 punch biopsies. Haemostasis was achieved in all 412 biopsies. No biopsy sites required cautery or suture ligation to control bleeding. No subjects returned to the clinic secondary to bleeding. A patient developed an infection three days post-biopsy that could have been due to the punch biopsy. However, the patient was HIV-positive and the quantitative biopsy was positive for infection, biopsy bacterial load of 106 colony forming units (CFU)/g. Conclusion: This trial used a 6mm punch to obtain tissue for culture, histology and additional biomarker research. In daily wound care practice, a smaller 3mm punch suffices. Adverse events were rare despite the larger biopsy. Punch biopsies are a safe procedure for obtaining tissue for histologic or microbiologic analysis.

A novel debridement device for the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds: a prospective trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (Sup5) ◽  
pp. S32-S36
Author(s):  
Omar Al-Jalodi ◽  
Laura M Serena ◽  
Kristy Breisinger ◽  
Keyur Patel ◽  
Khristina Harrell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescence Imaging ◽  
Wound Care ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Prospective Trial ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Prospective Clinical Study ◽  
Bacterial Burden ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Direct Pressure

Objective: Debridement, the removal of nonviable tissue, forms the foundation of wound care practice. Clinicians have a variety of debridement methods at their disposal: sharp, biologic, enzymatic, autolytic and mechanical. The choice of debridement technique depends on the patient care setting, ulcer type and the clinician's experience, training, comfort level and licensure. This prospective study evaluated a novel debridement instrument, EZ-Debride (MDM Ventures, US). Cutting flutes on the head of the tool permit uniform removal of dead tissue while lessening the risk of deeper injury. It may also minimise pain during the debridement procedure. Method: Subjects with hard-to-heal wounds, drawn from a single wound care centre, participated in this institutional review board-approved prospective clinical study. Pain was measured before, during and after debridement using a numerical scale. Assessment of bacterial burden using fluorescence imaging (MolecuLight, Canada) was performed before and after debridement. Results: Enrolment of 10 male and 12 female subjects, with a total of 28 wounds, was carried out over a two-month period by two investigators at a single institution. The average age of subjects was 64 years (range: 22–95 years). The average wound duration was 29 weeks (range: 6–142 weeks). Wound types included diabetic foot, venous leg and pressure ulcers, post-surgical and traumatic wounds. The average pain score at the time of enrolment was 3.9. Subjects reported an average increase in pain with debridement of 0.6 points (range: 0–8). Fluorescence imaging demonstrated a reduction in bacterial load in 69% of cases, with complete resolution in 19% of wounds. Haemostasis was achieved with direct pressure in all cases and the only adverse event was a wound infection that occurred four days after debridement. Conclusion: The results suggest that this novel debridement tool can safely remove nonviable tissue with minimal discomfort and reduce bacterial burden similar to results achieved by sharp debridement.

scholarly journals Intraoperative protective ventilation in patients undergoing major neurosurgical interventions: a randomized clinical trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federico Longhini ◽  
Laura Pasin ◽  
Claudia Montagnini ◽  
Petra Konrad ◽  
Andrea Bruni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Clinical Outcome ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Respiratory Rate ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trial ◽  
Protective Ventilation ◽  
Adult Patients ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Neurosurgical Procedures ◽  
Neurosurgical Patients

Abstract Background Post-operative pulmonary complications (PPC) can develop in up to 13% of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures and may adversely affect clinical outcome. The use of intraoperative lung protective ventilation (LPV) strategies, usually including the use of a low Vt, low PEEP and low plateau pressure, seem to reduce the risk of PPC and are strongly recommended in almost all surgical procedures. Nonetheless, feasibility of LPV strategies in neurosurgical patients are still debated because the use of low Vt during LPV might result in hypercapnia with detrimental effects on cerebrovascular physiology. Aim of our study was to determine whether LPV strategies would be feasible compared with a control group in adult patients undergoing cranial or spinal surgery. Methods This single-centre, pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted at the University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità” (Novara, Italy). Adult patients undergoing major cerebral or spinal neurosurgical interventions with risk index for pulmonary post-operative complications > 2 and not expected to need post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) admission were considered eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to either LPV (Vt = 6 ml/kg of ideal body weight (IBW), respiratory rate initially set at 16 breaths/min, PEEP at 5 cmH2O and application of a recruitment manoeuvre (RM) immediately after intubation and at every disconnection from the ventilator) or control treatment (Vt = 10 ml/kg of IBW, respiratory rate initially set at 6–8 breaths/min, no PEEP and no RM). Primary outcomes of the study were intraoperative adverse events, the level of cerebral tension at dura opening and the intraoperative control of PaCO2. Secondary outcomes were the rate of pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications, the number of unplanned ICU admissions, ICU and hospital lengths of stay and mortality. Results A total of 60 patients, 30 for each group, were randomized. During brain surgery, the number of episodes of intraoperative hypercapnia and grade of cerebral tension were similar between patients randomized to receive control or LPV strategies. No difference in the rate of intraoperative adverse events was found between groups. The rate of postoperative pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications and major clinical outcomes were similar between groups. Conclusions LPV strategies in patients undergoing major neurosurgical intervention are feasible. Larger clinical trials are needed to assess their role in postoperative clinical outcome improvements. Trial registration registered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (www.anzctr.org.au), registration number ACTRN12615000707561.

scholarly journals Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Implantation Versus Microfracture for Large, Full-Thickness Cartilage Defects in Older Patients: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial and Extended 5-Year Clinical Follow-up

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 232596712097305
Author(s):  
Hong-Chul Lim ◽  
Yong-Beom Park ◽  
Chul-Won Ha ◽  
Brian J. Cole ◽  
Beom-Koo Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Cartilage Repair ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Cartilage Defects ◽  
Full Thickness ◽  
Phase 3 ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Cartilage Restoration

Background: There is currently no optimal method for cartilage restoration in large, full-thickness cartilage defects in older patients. Purpose: To determine whether implantation of a composite of allogeneic umbilical cord blood–derived mesenchymal stem cells and 4% hyaluronate (UCB-MSC-HA) will result in reliable cartilage restoration in patients with large, full-thickness cartilage defects and whether any clinical improvements can be maintained up to 5 years postoperatively. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A randomized controlled phase 3 clinical trial was conducted for 48 weeks, and the participants then underwent extended 5-year observational follow-up. Enrolled were patients with large, full-thickness cartilage defects (International Cartilage Repair Society [ICRS] grade 4) in a single compartment of the knee joint, as confirmed by arthroscopy. The defect was treated either with UCB-MSC-HA implantation through mini-arthrotomy or with microfracture. The primary outcome was proportion of participants who improved by ≥1 grade on the ICRS Macroscopic Cartilage Repair Assessment (blinded evaluation) at 48-week arthroscopy. Secondary outcomes included histologic assessment; changes in pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score from baseline; and adverse events. Results: Among 114 randomized participants (mean age, 55.9 years; 67% female; body mass index, 26.2 kg/m2), 89 completed the phase 3 clinical trial and 73 were enrolled in the 5-year follow-up study. The mean defect size was 4.9 cm2 in the UCB-MSC-HA group and 4.0 cm2 in the microfracture group ( P = .051). At 48 weeks, improvement by ≥1 ICRS grade was seen in 97.7% of the UCB-MSC-HA group versus 71.7% of the microfracture group ( P = .001); the overall histologic assessment score was also superior in the UCB-MSC-HA group ( P = .036). Improvement in VAS pain, WOMAC, and IKDC scores were not significantly different between the groups at 48 weeks, however the clinical results were significantly better in the UCB-MSC-HA group at 3- to 5-year follow-up ( P < .05). There were no differences between the groups in adverse events. Conclusion: In older patients with symptomatic, large, full-thickness cartilage defects with or without osteoarthritis, UCB-MSC-HA implantation resulted in improved cartilage grade at second-look arthroscopy and provided more improvement in pain and function up to 5 years compared with microfracture. Registration: NCT01041001, NCT01626677 (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier).

scholarly journals AB0649 REAL WORLD EFFICACY OF SECUKINUMAB: A SINGLE CENTRE EXPERIENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1619-1620
Author(s):  
G. Kasavkar ◽  
T. Blake ◽  
N. Gullick
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Psoriatic Arthritis ◽  
Ankylosing Spondylitis ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Real World ◽  
Certolizumab Pegol ◽  
Tender Joint Count ◽  
Inadequate Response ◽  
Technology Appraisal ◽  
New Onset

Background:Secukinumab was approved by NICE for patients with active Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis in 2017. Clinical trial data suggests secukinumab is a useful treatment option in both conditions, but often real world experience differs greatly from clinical trial results. In addition, patients with more refractory disease are often excluded from clinical trials.Objectives:To assess the response to secukinumab in patients with seronegative spondyloarthropathy receiving treatment at University Hospital Coventry and WarwickshireMethods:Patients starting secukinumab at UHCW were identified from the Blueteq funding database. Medical notes were reviewed retrospectively to assess response rates using BASDAI responses in Ankylosing spondylitis and PsARC responses in PsA. Patients who had previously had inadequate response to TNF inhibitors (PsA only) and severe psoriasis received 300mg secukinumab monthly; the remainder were prescribed 150mg monthly.Results:146 patients commenced secukinumab between June 2017 and January 2020 and had outcome data recorded. 73 patients (50%) had received previous biologic agents prior to secukinumab exposure. Patients with Ankylosing spondylitis had high BASDAI (6.8±1.4) and spinal pain (7.5±1.4). 48 patients had an initial response to treatment as per outcome measures done before and after Secukinumab inception. Secukinumab was effective in 89 patients (94%), and 87 (91%) continued treatment.In psoriatic arthritis, despite high levels of activity at baseline (mean tender joint count 10±8; swollen joint count 6±3) and 65% prior biologic exposure; high rates of response were seen. The majority of patients have continued treatment. Secukinumab was well tolerated in both patient groups with low rates of discontinuation due to adverse events (8 patients, 5%). Adverse events included recurrent infection (3), rash (1), mouth ulcers (1), vertigo (1), new onset cancer (1) and new onset Crohn’s (1) although rates were low overall. Patients with pre-existing uveitis did not develop exacerbations but low numbers of patients with prior uveitis were treated.PsA (n=51)AS (n=95)Age in years, mean (SD)53 (13)49(12)Male sex, n (%)21 (41)62 (65)Disease duration in years, mean (SD)8 (8)10.9 (9.2)Previous biologic exposure, n (%)30 (65)43 (48)Number of prior biologics, median (range)1 (1-4)1 (1-4)Responder, n (%)37 (72)*89 (93)Discontinuation, n(%)12 (24)8 (8.5)Adverse events62Lack of efficacy64Other02*Response could not be assessed in 3/51 PsA patients due to insufficient clinical data; these patients have been recorded as non respondersConclusion:Secukinumab demonstrates high levels of efficacy even in a cohort of patients with longstanding PSA and AS with high rates of inadequate responses to other biologics.Secukinumab is well tolerated with low rates of discontinuation due to adverse events.References:Certolizumab pegol and secukinumab for treating active psoriatic arthritis after inadequate response to DMARDs Technology appraisal guidance [TA445]Secukinumab for active ankylosing spondylitis after treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or TNF-alpha inhibitors Technology appraisal guidance [TA407]Disclosure of Interests:None declared

Topical oxygen therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a multicentre, open, randomised controlled clinical trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (Sup5) ◽  
pp. S7-S14
Author(s):  
Thomas E Serena ◽  
Neal M Bullock ◽  
Windy Cole ◽  
John Lantis ◽  
Lam Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Diabetic Foot ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Wound Closure ◽  
Foot Ulcers ◽  
Controlled Clinical Trial ◽  
Diabetic Foot Ulcers ◽  
Open Label ◽  
Number Of Patients

Objectives: Perfusion and blood oxygen levels are frequently insufficient in patients with hard-to-heal wounds due to poor circulation, vascular disruption and vasoconstriction, reducing the wound's capacity to heal. This study aimed to investigate the effect of topical oxygen on healing rates in patients with hard-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) (i.e., non-responsive over four weeks). Method: This multicentre, open-label, community-based randomised clinical trial compared standard care (SOC) with or without continuous topical oxygen therapy (TOT) for 12 weeks in patients with DFUs or minor amputation wounds. SOC included debridement, offloading with total contact casting (TCC) and appropriate moisture balance. Primary endpoints were the number of patients to achieve complete wound closure and percentage change in ulcer size. Secondary endpoints were pain levels and adverse events. Results: For the study, 145 patients were randomised with index ulcers graded Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) 1 or 2, or Wagner 1 or 2. In the intention-to-treat analysis, 18/64 (28.1%) patients healed in the SOC group at 12 weeks compared with 36/81 (44.4%) in the SOC plus TOT group (p=0.044). There was a statistically significant reduction in wound area between the groups: SOC group mean reduction: 40% (standard deviation (SD) 72.1); SOC plus TOT group mean reduction: 70% (SD 45.5); per protocol p=0.005). There were no significant differences in changes to pain levels or adverse events. Conclusion: This study suggests that the addition of TOT to SOC facilitates wound closure in patients with hard-to-heal DFUs.

Clinical Trial Adverse Events: The Case for Descriptive Techniques

1991 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 447-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
William J. Huster
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Adverse Events
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