Hypericum perforatum and Azadirachta indica (Neem) oil in the management of chronic leg ulcers: An uncontrolled retrospective observational case review

Chronic nonhealing leg ulcers are debilitating with high morbidity in a vulnerable patient population and pose a frequent clinical and socioeconomic problem. Numerous local treatment options exist, but clinical trials are rare and wound management still represents a big challenge. Recently a wound dressing based on the natural remedies Hypericum perforatum and Neem oil has been proposed for chronic wound management, but trials on nonhealing leg ulcers are missing. Uncontrolled retrospective observational case review on all patients under our supervision with chronic leg ulcers who underwent treatment with a plant-derived wound dressing based on Hypericum perforatum and Azadirachta indica (Neem) oil. It could be retrieved in a total 16 cases (11 female) with a median age of 71 years. All ulcers (7 ulcers on the leg and 9 ulcers on the feed) showed a complete healing after a median healing time of 82 days (Mean 85, range 14-180 days). No side effects occurred, medication was painless or even reduced pain. Wound dressings based on Hypericum perforatum and Neem oil are well tolerated and could be a potential additional simple treatment option in the management of non-healing leg ulcers. Prospective controlled trials are needed to confirm these observations.

Efficacy and Safety of Intralesional Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in the Management of Chronic Non-healing Leg Ulcers in our Population

Background: Autologous Platelets Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy not only hastens chronic wounds and ulcers healing but also diminishes the rate of amputations of lower leg caused by non-healing recalcitrant ulcers. In this study we have demonstrated the magical results of intralesional autologous PRP in the healing of resistant to heal chronic leg ulcers. Methods: In this metacentric study 26 patients having 30 chronic leg ulcers of more than 6 weeks duration and various etiologies, were treated with intralesional autologous PRP application on weekly basis for a duration of 8 weeks and the final results were calculated by percentage improvement in the volume and area of the ulcer/wound. Results: In our study 26 patient with 30 chronic recalcitrant leg ulcers/wounds were treated with intralesional autologous PRP therapy on weekly basis. Mean age of the included patients was 34.5 years. 19 were male patients and 7 were female. The mean time period of the healing of chronic ulcers was 5.3 weeks. The final mean percentage improvement outcome in the volume and area of the ulcers was calculated as 86% and 88% respectively. Conclusions: PRP therapy is safe, cost effective office based simple procedure in treating recalcitrant chronic leg ulcer/wounds. Keywords: Non-healing, intralesional, autologous platelet rich plasma, chronic ulcers

Experience in the complex therapy of chronic leg ulcers

With patients suffering from chronic ulcers of the legs, it is necessary to meet a practical doctor relatively often both in a hospital setting and in a clinic. At the same time, despite the variety of methods of their treatment, the percentage of failures is still significant.

Efficacy and Safety of a Hyaluronic Acid–Containing Cream in the Treatment of Chronic, Venous, or Mixed-Origin Leg Ulcers: A Prospective, Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction. Topical applications of hyaluronic acid (HA)–containing formulations, based on the complex and vital role of HA in all stages of the wound-healing process, are routinely used with standard therapy to promote faster healing of chronic wounds. However, evidence to guide clinical decisions on the use of topical HA in the healing of vascular leg ulcers is limited. Objective. This study compared the efficacy and safety of topical application of a hyaluronic acid cream vs a neutral comparator (identical cream without HA) in treating subjects with chronic leg ulcers of vascular origin. Materials and Methods. This was a prospective, multicenter double-blind randomized controlled trial. One hundred sixty-eight subjects with chronic leg ulcers of venous or mixed (venous and arterial) origin were randomized to receive either topical applications of 0.2% HA cream or neutral comparator cream for a maximum of 20 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete ulcer healing (100% reepithelialization of the wound area centrally assessed at 20 weeks or before and confirmed 3 weeks later). In both groups, topical treatment was associated with standard therapy (ulcer cleansing and optimized compression). Results. The proportion of subjects with centrally assessed complete healing of the target ulcer that was confirmed 3 weeks later (primary efficacy endpoint) was substantially higher in the HA cream group (31.3%) than in the neutral cream group (14.8%; P =.009). Results in the full analysis, per protocol, and as assessed by the investigator were consistent with primary results. No significant difference in treatment effect was observed when subjects were stratified according to baseline ulcer size (≤20 cm2 or >20 cm2) regardless of topical treatment. Safety and tolerability were comparable between treatments. Conclusions. Treatment of subjects with chronic leg ulcers of venous or mixed origin with HA cream is safe, well tolerated, and results in a higher rate of healing than a neutral comparator cream.

Subcutaneous insulin injections for chronic leg ulcers, Fan-Benlien and David (according to ref. Zentr. F. Chir., 1926, No. 3)

Subcutaneous insulin injections for chronic leg ulcers, Fan-Benlien and David (according to ref. Zentr. F. Chir., 1926, No. 3). Explaining this effect, the authors rely on the fact that leg ulcers are often accompanied by hyperglycemia without diabetes.

Efficacy and Safety of a Hyaluronic Acid-Containing Gauze Pad in the Treatment of Chronic Venous or Mixed-Origin Leg Ulcers: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-containing formulations routinely are utilized along with standard therapy to promote faster healing of chronic wounds; evidence to guide clinical decisions on the use of topical HA in the healing of vascular leg ulcers is limited. Objective. This study compared the efficacy and safety of an HA-impregnated gauze pad with an identical gauze pad without HA in the treatment of chronic leg ulcers of vascular origin. Materials and Methods. A prospective, multicenter, multinational, parallel-group, randomized, double-blind, clinical study was conducted between June 13, 2017, and December 31, 2018. Adults with 1 or more chronic leg ulcers of venous or mixed origin between 2 months and 4 years’ duration were eligible to participate. Participants were randomized to treatment consisting of standard care (ie, ulcer cleansing, debridement/anesthesia as necessary, and optimized compression) and either application of a gauze pad containing 0.05% HA or a neutral comparator once daily for a maximum of 20 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was complete ulcer healing (100% reepithelialization of the wound area centrally assessed by 1 independent and experienced assessor blinded with respect to the treatment applied, as shown on digital photographs taken under standardized conditions at or before 20 weeks and confirmed 3 weeks later). Secondary efficacy endpoints included the percentage of completely healed target ulcers, residual area of target ulcer relative to baseline, the condition of the periulcerous skin, the total amount of analgesics used, the incidence of infection at the ulcer site of the target ulcer, patient adherence to treatment, time to achieve complete healing as centrally assessed, and pain intensity as measured by a visual analog scale. Results. Among the 168 participants (82 in the HA gauze pad group and 86 in the neutral gauze pad group), 33 (39.8%) in the HA group experienced complete healing of the target ulcer, which was significantly higher than the neutral comparator group (15, 18.5%; P = .002). Results in the full analysis and per-protocol sets were consistent with the primary results; no significant difference was noted in outcomes when participants’ wounds were stratified according to baseline ulcer size. Conclusions. HA delivered in a gauze pad formulation could be a beneficial treatment for chronic leg ulcers of venous or mixed origin.

AUTOLOGOUS SUCTION BLISTER EPIDERMAL GRAFTING FOR CHRONIC LEG ULCERS

Non healing ulcers are a burden to the patient as they are difcult to treat. They also affect patient's quality of life. A series of 2 patients – one with chronic venous ulcer and other with diabetic foot ulcer were included. Epidermal grafts were harvested and applied using Cellutome epidermal harvesting system (KCI) with no anesthesia. After transferring the harvest of epidermal blisters, 4 layer compression bandaging was given. Both the patients tolerated the procedure with no complications involving donor as well as recipient sites. Photographs were taken during various phases of healing. 1 week follow up showed 63% reduction in wound area. Donor site was completely healed by this time. Reduction in ulcer size of upto 99% was seen in 8 weeks.

OUTCOME OF SCLEROTHERAPY IN THETREATMENT OF NON-HEALING VARICOSE ULCERS UNDER ULTRASOUND CONTROL

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Varicose veins are the commonest vascular problem both in men and women worldwide. Lack of timely management, inadequate treatment, and maltreatment of varicose veins can lead to the development of nonhealing ulcers and affects the quality of life in terms of health. Surgery, heat therapy, chemical therapy, and endoscopic treatment are the options of treatment. Foam sclerotherapy is relatively a new technique being practiced all over the world and has promising results.The objective was to determine the outcomes of foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of non-healing varicose ulcers. METHODOLOGY:In this descriptive study, 240 patients with chronic leg ulcers with varicose veins had been managed with foam sclerotherapy under ultrasound and compression bandage. All patients were reviewed at 7 days, 1month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 18 months both clinically and radiologically with a doppler ultrasound to assess the ulcer healing rates. RESULTS:The overall healing after 04 weeks of foam sclerotherapy was 83%. Two hundred and twenty-nine patients (95.4%) with ulcers healed within 02 months of the start of ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy. Delayed healing occurred after four months in11 cases. All those cases had either previous varicose veins surgery or deep vein thrombosis,or extensive perforator disease. During 18 months of follow-up, seven patients showed recurrence with a mean symptom-free period of 07 months. CONCLUSION:Chronic venous ulcers treated with foam sclerotherapyunder ultrasound guidance are associated with a high healing rate and low recurrence rate.

Chronic Leg Ulcers: Are Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Science the Solution?

Chronic leg ulcers (CLUs) are full thickness wounds that usually occur between the ankle and knee, fail to heal after 3 months of standard treatment, or are not entirely healed at 12 months. CLUs present a considerable burden on patients, subjecting them to severe pain and distress, while healthcare systems suffer immense costs and loss of resources. The poor healing outcome of the standard treatment of CLUs generates an urgent clinical need to find effective solutions for these wounds. Tissue Engineering and Biomaterials Science offer exciting prospects for the treatment of CLUs, using a broad range of skin substitutes or scaffolds, and dressings. In this review, we summarize and discuss the various types of scaffolds used clinically in the treatment of CLUs. Their structure and therapeutic effects are described, and for each scaffold type representative examples are discussed, supported by clinical trials. Silver dressings are also reviewed due to their reported benefits in the healing of leg ulcers, as well as recent studies on new dermal scaffolds, reporting on clinical results where available. We conclude by arguing there is a further need for tissue-engineered products specifically designed and bioengineered to treat these wounds and we propose a series of properties that a biomaterial for CLUs should possess, with the intention of focusing efforts on finding an effective treatment.