Effectiveness of multipurpose liquid polyurethane foamed bandage (LOKUS) in wound area reduction
Polyurethane foam dressings have shown potential in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds due to their unique biomechanical properties. The LOKUS polyurethane foam is a liquid foam dressing previously shown in a small single-centre study to demonstrate high absorptive capability and reliable adhesion to the wound surface. This case series describes the usage of […]
Clinical evaluation of UrgoClean Ag (poly-absorbent dressing based on technology lipido-colloid with silver ions) in the management of infected wounds in Asia
Wound infections, including biofilms play a significant role in delaying wound healing and are considered to be one of the major challenges in wound management. The presence of non-viable tissue, such as slough, is a prominent feature of chronic wounds and is considered as a barrier against successful wound healing. A key component in wound […]
Self-administration of Garcinia mangostana standardise pericarp extract to aid wound healing in diabetic and non-diabetic patients
In this era of civilisation, modern societies are beginning to reconsider holistic remedies used millennia ago in spite of various technologic and strategic advances. Several studies have shown that the standardised extract of DermaXan (Mangosteen; Garcinia mangostana) pericarp has antibacterial effect, high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The aim of this on-going study is to assess […]
Effects of immunonutrition in patients with chronic wounds: a case series
Chronic wounds have been well known to negatively impact on a patients quality of life (QoL). Chronic wounds and illnesses such as diabetes mellitus are chronic inflammatory states and are associated with increased energy expenditure and catabolism of lean body mass. This causes a decline in nutritional status, which in turn prevents wound healing. Studies […]
The ISWCAP and ASEAN wound conference 2021
The ISWCAP and ASEAN wound conference 2021 Held online on the 19–20 June 2021 the programme the 434 participants saw 22 lectures and plenary sessions along with sponsored lunch symposia. The chair of the organising committee Prof. Dr. Harikrishna K.R.Nair gave the opening address for what he described as “An inspiring two days, with […]
Incision care and dressing selection in surgical wounds: Findings from an international meeting in the APAC region
This report highlights the findings of a meeting of key opinion leaders (KOLs) from the Asia-Pacific region, chaired by Rhidian Morgan-Jones (UK), to discuss incision care and dressing selection in surgical wounds. The meeting was held online in November 2020 and was supported by Mölnlycke Health Care.
Malaysia makes a bid for World Union 2026
Malaysia makes a bid for World Union 2026 The Malaysian Society of Wound Care Professionals have announced their bid to hold the 7th World Union of Wound Healing Conferences in Kuala Lumpur on the 23-27 September 2026. The bid is being headed by Prof. Dr. Harikrishna K.R. Nair, is the Chairman of the ASEAN […]
Learning in the new normal and advances in real-world evidence
Greetings from Asia to my wound care friends and family. I sincerely hope everyone is safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. The vaccination exercise has begun in most countries. Malaysia has started vaccinating those in the front line, especially doctors and nurses in both the private and public sector. We are still a long […]
Chronic wounds: magnitude, socioeconomic burden and consequences
Chronic wounds are a global public health concern that demands significant resources from the healthcare system. The incidence of chronic wounds has been growing like a ‘silent epidemic’. The consequences of a wound cane include pain associated with the wound as well as the social, physical, or psychosocial impact of the wound. The right approach […]
Use of low dose gamma irradiation for honey sterilisation
Aims: To study the effect of low dose gamma irradiation on the sterility of Indian honey. Methods: A newly arrived, freshly obtained, raw unprocessed honey, available at Amit Jain’s centre for Apitherapy at Amit Jain’s Institute of diabetic foot and wound care, Brindhavvan Areion hospital, Bengaluru, was used in this study. This unsterilised honey was […]
Osteomyelitis in diabetic foot ulcers: the Malaysian experience
Osteomyelitis is defined as an inflammation of the bone marrow. Approximately 20% of patients with diabetes will develop osteomyelitis and it is linked to high rates of mortality, morbidity and amputation. Diagnosing osteomyelitis associated with a diabetic foot can be challenging as it is difficult to identify the infection in its initial phase and there […]
Monochromatic infrared therapy in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a pilot study
Neuropathy is the most common microvascular obstacle among patients with diabetes and can involve peripheral, central and/or autonomic nervous systems. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) has a lifetime prevalence of approximately 50% and its prevalence increases with the duration of diabetes. DPN places a huge burden on public health and the economy, accounting for a rise […]
Maggot debridement therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers
The incidence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in Malaysia is about 15% of diabetic cases and is increasing in trend as the population ages. DFUs are one of the major complications of long-standing diabetes, which may lead to amputation if left untreated or undertreated. Management of the diabetic foot requires a thorough knowledge of the […]
Hip disarticulation: a case series
Abstract: Hip disarticulation is a surgical procedure involving the amputation of the entire lower limb through the hip joint. This study contains 13 patients who had undergone hip disarticulation, 76.9% due to infection, while the rest were as a result of trauma. The mean age for the trauma group was 34 and for infective causes […]
A unique, multifunctional dressing in chronic wound management
Wound experts worldwide are simplifying their formularies to produce a class of innovative multifunctional wound care dressings. PolyMem (Ferris Mfg. Corp.) is a multifunctional dressing that can replace common wound care products such as alginates, hydrogels, hydrocolloids and foams. The polymeric membrane dressing can be used as a primary or secondary dressing and also as […]
A new two-layer compression system for managing chronic venous leg ulcers
In 2013, the annual NHS cost of managing wounds was comparable with the annual NHS cost of managing obesity, which was estimated at £5 billion. Chronic or hard-to-heal wounds in general practice are classified based on type, but acute wounds such as abscesses, burns and traumas that do not heal within four weeks can also […]
Effect of medical grade indian honey on biofilms: a case series
The presence of biofilms in a wound impairs healing. It is now thought that most chronic wounds contain biofilms, which are resistant to most antibiotics. A number of agents have been recently proposed to be effective in removing biofilms, one such agent being honey. Honey has been used for centuries in wound healing. Different types […]
Use of a unique bioelectric dressing in chronic wound healing
Antimicrobial wound dressings are one of the many dressings available on the market for the management of wounds. They provide a moist wound healing environment, which is suitable for partial- and fullthickness chronic wounds, such as pressure ulcers (PU), diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and venous ulcers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the […]
Clinical evaluation of technology lipido-colloid in the management of acute wounds in China
Wound management has evolved from considering wound dressings as a means to provide protection to a medium that enhances wound healing and also takes into consideration patient aspects such as atraumatic removal. Technology-lipido colloid (TLC) is described as a healing matrix as it stimulates fibroblasts, which is achieved through maintaining a moist wound environment. It […]
Screening for peripheral arterial disease by a four-cuff digital oscillometric device and a manual Doppler method: a comparative evaluation
This comparative evaluation was conducted with the objective to evaluate the performance reliability of four-cuff digital oscillometric device (DOD) for automated ankle-brachial systolic index (ABSI) measurement in comparison with the standard manual Doppler method that is presently used in the Wound Care Unit of Hospital Kuala Lumpur. (WCUHKL) The DOD used is equipped with four […]
Evaluating the efficacy of protein-based nutritional supplements in patients with chronic wounds: a pilot study
The concept of preparing the wound bed was updated in 2007 to consider the whole patient before treating the wound (Sibbald et al, 2007). A full and detailed patient assessment will highlight the underlying aetiology of the wound and other factors that may impede wound healing, such as pain and poor nutrition (Dealey, 2000). In […]
Clinical evaluation of a barrier cream in periwound skin management
Chronic wounds produce excessive exudate which causes moistureassociated skin damage, also known as maceration. Maceration occurs when healthy skin is in contact with moisture (e.g. wound fluid, sweat, urine) for prolonged periods, which can cause the skin to become soft. The aim of this evaluation was to prevent and manage maceration in the periwound skin […]
Wound wars: how conferences have changed to keep us safe
Dear wound family and friends, it is truly a pleasure to be able to present the last edition of the Wounds Asia journal for 2020. It has been a tumultuous year with the COVID-19 pandemic causing a massive change in the lifestyles and the way we had been living. The ‘new norm’ as it is […]
On reflection: a pandemic and the new normal
Right now, if there were no border closures, travel bans and threat of the invisible enemy, COVID-19, we would all be together attending the joint 1st International Surgical Wound Complications Advisory Panel (ISWCAP) & 3rd Global Wound Healing Meeting in the beautiful Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A seminal event for ISWCAP as newly founded global organisation, […]
A qualitative analysis of an evidencebased lymphoedema booklet for melanoma patients
Aims: Develop and evaluate an evidence-based resource booklet for lymphedema in melanoma survivors. Methods: Melanoma patients and healthcare professionals were surveyed between January and April 2013. Booklet structure and content, and familiarity with lymphedema topics pre- and post-booklet reading were assessed. All questionnaires were evaluated using aggregate descriptive statistics for quantitative data and thematic data analysis for qualitative […]
Using disposable insulin syringes: lessons from Lucknow, India
This article highlights the errors made by one adult patient with diabetes while self-administering insulin using plastic disposable syringes. Incorrect administration of insulin can result in serious injection site skin complications. All patients using insulin should acquire the correct information and skills needed for proper insulin administration. Here the author discusses some of the issues […]
Studies on the efficacy of hypochlorous acidoxidizing solution in treating infected wounds
This study investigates the effectiveness of hypochlorous acidoxidizing solution (AOS) in treating chronic wounds at the Wound Care Unit, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The trial aims to assess healing speed, the reduction of infection rate, pain score, tissue improvement, and the control of inflammation. We chose six cases by simple random sampling and assessed them for […]
Effect of medical grade indian honey on biofilms: a case series
The presence of biofilms in a wound impairs healing. It is now thought that most chronic wounds contain biofilms, which are resistant to most antibiotics. A number of agents have been recently proposed to be effective in removing biofilms, one such agent being honey. Honey has been used for centuries in wound healing. Different types […]
Microcurrent as an adjunct therapy to increase perfusion in diabetic foot ulcers
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of microcurrent as an adjunct therapy in increasing perfusion for diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Methods: Patients with DFUs were selected by simple randomisation from the Wound Care Unit, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Each patient was treated with anti-inflammatory frequency, followed by a vasodilation frequency using the microcurrent device (PRO-SPORT devices, Avazzia Inc. […]
Optimising wound care through patient engagement
Patient engagement is a crucial and timely topic, both in terms of wound healing (and, in some cases, symptom management), and in improving individuals’ experiences of the process. This document aims to provide clear guidance in listening and engaging with individuals, and thus optimising the care experience for all key stakeholders, of which the patient […]
Strategies to reduce practice variation in wound assessment and management: The T.I.M.E. Clinical Decision Support Tool
This document seeks to help clinicians support those who do not have specialist wound training to accurately assess patients and their wounds and arrive at a broad-based, systematic rationale that will ultimately help reduce variations in clinical decision-making. The T.I.M.E. Clinical Decision Support Tool provides a structured approach to wound bed preparation. Supported by an […]
The role of non-medicated dressings for the management of wound infection
There is growing concern regarding the treatment of infection, caused by the rise of antimicrobial resistance. This position document looks at current treatment approaches to identifying and treating biofilm in wounds, focusing on the mechanism of action and role of non-medicated wound dressings (NMWDs) within antimicrobial stewardship practices and evidence that supports their effectiveness. Supported […]
Evidence in wound care
There is an ever-growing variety of products and devices available to practitioners to improve healing rates and patient outcomes, but practitioners should be able to critically appraise evidence to make appropriate evidence-based changes to practice. This position document reviews the available evidence in wound care, looking especially at the critical appraisal of level 1 evidence, […]
Deadline extended for Wounds UK call for abstracts
Wounds UK are pleased to announce the call for abstracts for the 2020 Wounds UK Annual Conference. DEADLINE EXTENDED TO THE 30 September To submit your abstract use the following link https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Abstract2020 Download the guidelines here
World Union of Wound Healing Societies (WUWHS) announces Congress Postponement
Professor Marco Romanelli and Gulnaz Tariq, President and President Elect of WUWHS have announced the postponement of the forthcoming Congress to 1-5 March 2022 Professor Marco Romanelli and Gulnaz Tariq, President and President Elect of WUWHS have announced the postponement of the forthcoming Congress to 1-5 March 2022. With concerns around the availability of […]
Efficacy of collagen-based wound dressings in wound healing
The aim of this prospective case series was to evaluate the efficacy of collagen-based wound dressings in wound healing. Five patients were chosen by simple randomization from the Wound Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Kuala Lumpur; one case of chronic venous ulcer, one case of post-split skin graft donor site, one case of […]
Application of hyaluronic acid and collagenase ointment in the treatment of chronic wounds: a case series
Wound bed preparation is an important concept that encompasses the importance of debridement. The use of proteolytic enzymes is one method of wound debridement. Collagenase is a naturally occurring proteolytic enzymes which is also available as a commercial product which is used for debridement. Collagenase has been shown to be useful for debridement due to […]
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with instillation in the management of a patient with a stage IV pressure injury
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of integrated Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with instillation (NPWTi) on a stage IV pressure injury for a patient with a 10-year history of diabetes mellitus. Methods: A patient with diabetes mellitus and a stage IV pressure injury was admitted to the medical department. The TIME concept was followed to assess the wound. An […]
Developing ways to improve wound care during the pandemic
Salutations and welcome to another edition of the Wounds Asia Journal in 2020. It gives me great pleasure writing the editorial for this issue as we had contributions not only from Malaysia but also from India, Sri Lanka and Cambodia and we hope to receive even more submissions from all over Asia in the future.
The assessment of pain in acute wounds
Patients report pain as being the most difficult part of having acute and chronic wounds. Pain in acute wounds, as a result of injury or surgery, is known to interfere with wound healing. Poorly managed acute pain can result in chronic post-surgical pain. Pain assessment is an essential part of acute wound management and requires […]
Management of sternotomy dehiscence
Sternal wound complications may result from median sternotomy procedures following cardiothoracic surgery and can represent a significant management problem in open cardiac surgery leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Morbidity from sternal wound dehiscence was close to 50% until recently, but with new advances, including sternal fixation techniques and various reconstructive surgical options, and up-to-date […]
Negative pressure wound therapy after revascularization in the management of full-thickness heel pad necrosis
The management of heel pad tissue loss is challenging, particularly in patients with occlusive peripheral arterial disease with exposed calcaneum. Heel pad necrosis often results in osteomyelitis and amputation without timely and adequate interventions. Although successful revascularization appears to be limb saving in the majority of cases, there is still a significant number of patients […]
Foot ornaments — an increased risk of diabetic foot amputation in patients with diabetes
In this article, the author presents a case report of a lady who has lived with diabetes for 25 years. She presented with foot lesions that appeared nearly 3 weeks before the consultation, which had gradually increased in dimensions. She had worn foot ornaments for over 40 years. On clinical examination, the bilateral foot lesions […]
A surprising patient-led pressure redistribution modality in the treatment of diabetic foot ulceration in Cambodia
Despite the advances in pressure-redistribution modalities, diabetic foot ulceration is an ongoing global concern, partly due to the unavailability or unsuitability of gold standard treatments. This case report describes a patient-led pressure redistribution device fabricated from a 10 mm ethylene vinyl acetate ‘flip flop’, which shows potential in aiding reduction in surface area of the […]
Wound management of surgical site infection post myelomeningocele repair
This case report outlines the author’s experience of treating a 35-week gestational age infant girl diagnosed with myelomeningocele (MMC) and delivered 3 weeks later. MMC repair was performed; however, the surgical repair was complicated by wound dehiscence. Wound management played a role in this case, not only to achieve healing, but also to preserve central […]
NICE recommendations for UrgoStart™ treatment range: Made Easy
This Made Easy describes the rigours of NICE guidance development, and the importance of applying evidence in practice. It focuses on the recently published Medical Technologies Guidance that supports the use of UrgoStartTM treatment range (Urgo Medical) to treat diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. Supported by Urgo
COVID-19: Fundraising Drive for Medical Staffs and Patients
Malaysian Society of Wound Care Professionals (MSWCP) is a professional and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which aims to help healthcare professionals and patients in managing chronic complex wounds more effectively in Malaysia. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, we have set up a fundraising drive to extend our help to medical staffs, community, patients and their […]
Watch the launch of the ISWCAP BPS on the early identification and prevention of surgical wound complications
Watch the Presedent of the International Expert Workg Grop Kylie Sandy-Hodgetts (President ISWCAP), discuss the NEW International Best Practice recomendations for the early identification and prevention of surgical wound complications.
Best Practice Recommendations for holistic strategies to promote and maintain skin integrity
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. The functions of the skin are to protect us from external insults and to maintain internal homeostasis. During an individual’s lifespan, there may be periods of enhanced skin vulnerability, which render the individual more prone to the development of skin problems. Critical phases are very […]
Managing a crush injury of the foot and diabetic heel ulcer with osteomyelitis with chitosan-based dressings
In this article, the authors present two interesting case studies. The first case was a patient with a crush injury of the foot with multiple fractures and extensor tendons cut, while the second case was a patient with a chronic, non-healing diabetic heel ulcer, which was complicated by osteomyelitis. In both cases, the authors wanted […]
