Local Management of Malignant and Unresectable Fungating Wounds: PEBO Assessment

Malignant fungating wounds (MFWs) represent a major problem for public health. The most common symptoms associated with MFWs are pain, exudate, bleeding and odor. The aim of the study was to optimize the local management and dressing of MFWs. We developed a standardized 4- step approach to MFWs based on Pain, Exudate, Bleeding and Odor management in a case series of 24 patients: we call this the PEBO approach. We analyzed etiologies, localization, Quality of Life (QoL), pain and clinical signs and symptoms. We assessed the ulcers at baseline, after two weeks and after one month. In our study, most patients showed an improvement in the QoL using PEBO approach, although some experienced a deterioration in their general clinical conditions. Non-cytolesive cleansing, atraumatic dressings were applied to allow pain relief. Non-adherent dressings were combined with a secondary dressing in the case of exudate. Achieving hemostasis with dressing or medication is a priority in MFW management. Antibacterial dressings and odor absorbent dressings were used for odor absorption. Surgical debridement, adherent dressing and occlusive dressings were avoided. Dressing changes were programmed twice a week for four weeks. PEBO simplified the complex aspects of this type of ulcer, and could help physicians, nurses, and also the rest of the team, including the patients themselves and their family, in the multidisciplinary palliative care of MFWs.

Aspergillus Genus and Its Various Human Superficial and Cutaneous Features

Superficial and cutaneous aspergillosis is a rare fungal disease that is restricted to the outer layers of the skin, nails, and the outer auditory canal, infrequently invading the deeper tissue and viscera, particularly in immunocompromised patients. These mycoses are acquired through two main routes: direct traumatic inoculation or inhalation of airborne fungal spores into paranasal sinuses and lungs. Lesions are classified into three categories: otomycosis, onychomycosis, and cutaneous aspergillosis. Superficial and cutaneous aspergillosis occurs less frequently and therefore remains poorly characterized; it usually involves sites of superficial trauma—namely, at or near intravenous entry catheter site, at the point of traumatic inoculation (orthopaedic inoculation, ear-self-cleaning, schizophrenic ear self-injuries), at surgery incision, and at the site of contact with occlusive dressings, especially in burn patients. Onychomycosis and otomycosis are more seen in immunocompetent patients, while cutaneous aspergillosis is widely described among the immunocompromised individuals. This paper is a review of related literature.

Cutaneous Aspergilosis Caused by Aspergillus Flavus: A Case Report

Background: Cutaneous aspergillosis occurs relatively less frequent and therefore remains poorly characterized. Cutaneous aspergillosis can be as primary or secondary infection. Primary cutaneous aspergillosis usually involves sites of skin injury, intravenous catheter, traumatic inoculation, and associated with occlusive dressings. Secondary lesions result from contiguous extension from infected underlying structures or from widespread blood-borne seeding of the skin. Purpose: To know the skin manifestation, efflorence, examination and therapy of cutaneous aspergillosis. Case: A man complaint itchy redness macule and pimples on the right arm since 2 weeks. Initially just felt a little then expands. Patients with post operative brachial injury and uses a cast during one month. On examination there are erythematous macule unsharply marginated with papules. Potassium hydroxide examination, shows conidiophores, dichotomously branching and septate hyphae appropriate description with Aspergillosis Sp. Cultures found grow granular colonies, flat often with radial grooves, yellow at first but quickly becoming bright to dark yellow-green with age, For the identification microscope from the culture specimen there was conidia, phialde, conidiophore and vesicle that suitable with Aspergillus flavus. Patients received itraconazole 2 x 200 mg for 6 weeks and obtained satisfactory results. Discussion: Healthy hosts can develop cutaneous aspergillosis in surgical wounds, by traumatic inoculation, at sites associated with occlusive dressings. In some instances, a presumptive diagnosis of primary cutaneous aspergillosis can be made immediately by examining a potassium hydroxide preparation and culture. Conclusion: Diagnose of cutaneous aspergillosis can establish by potassium hydroxide and culture examination, therapy with itraconazole 2x 200mg give satisfactory results.