Wound Practice and Research

Aims This study aimed to assess patient and caregiver satisfaction with virtual wound care services in Saudi Arabia.

Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 4190 respondents, comprising 2300 patients and 1890 caregivers who had used virtual wound care services from April to December 2024. The survey captured socio-demographic details, satisfaction levels and experiences with various wound care system domains.

Results Results revealed that patients reported significantly higher satisfaction levels compared to caregivers. Younger participants, males, and individuals with higher education or full-time employment were more likely to report high satisfaction. Domains such as voice and visual quality, personal comfort, and team courtesy were rated higher by patients, while caregivers expressed concerns regarding accessibility and communication. Approximately half of patients (42.2%) indicated a strong willingness to reuse telehealth services and recommend them, reflecting positive acceptance of virtual wound care in Saudi Arabia.

Conclusion Virtual wound care services are generally well-received in Saudi Arabia, with patients showing greater acceptance than caregivers. Findings highlight the importance of targeted support and training to address caregiver needs, improve accessibility, and promote equitable telehealth satisfaction.

Background wound healing involves inflammation, proliferation and remodeling, with prolonged healing times posing significant challenges. Beta-glucans, natural polysaccharides, may enhance this process.

Objective To evaluate the impact of beta-glucan on wound healing.

Method A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases was conducted. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, clinical trials, cohort, and case-control studies comparing beta-glucan to other treatments. Only English-language studies were included, with no time restrictions. Screening and assessment were independently performed by two reviewers using Rayyan. The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROB-2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A meta-analysis was performed on the included studies.

Result Beta-glucans promote immune cell activation and tissue repair, accelerating inflammation resolution. The meta-analysis of chronic wounds included two studies comprising a total of 354 participants, demonstrating a twofold increase in chronic wound healing rates at 12 weeks with the application of topical beta-glucan. In contrast, the analysis of acute wounds included two studies with a combined sample size of 290 participants. However, the findings for acute wounds were inconclusive.

Conclusion Beta-glucan demonstrates potential as an adjunctive therapy for chronic wounds, significantly accelerating healing rates. Its clinical utility warrants further exploration.

Registration PROSPERO CRD42024464191

Abdominal tuberculosis (TB) is the common site of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) and has an incidence rate of around 15% globally. Abdominal tuberculosis can cause severe complications, such as intestinal obstruction or perforation, if this illness is diagnosed late, misdiagnosed, or has an inappropriate treatment. These are the indications for abdominal surgery. Postoperative complications from abdominal surgery include wound infection and dehiscence, and enterocutaneous fistula. Therefore, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) and split-thickness skin graft (STSG) can enhance the recovery.

This study is a case report describing a 54-year-old man with abdominal tuberculosis with complications of deep wound dehiscence and enterocutaneous fistula after surgery. The patient was treated with NPWT and STSG to enhance recovery of the wound and fistula.

After the patient underwent NPWT and STSG the wound healed perfectly (95%) with complications of graft infection and necrosis (5%) after 20 days of STSG, with a total of 46 days from the first NPWT and 16 days gap between the end of NPWT treatment and STSG.

Background Gas gangrene, a life-threatening complication, requires early detection for effective intervention. This study emphasises the crucial role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in detecting gas gangrene within a closed diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).

Case Presentation A 61-year-old male with an undiagnosed diabetic foot ulcer presented with pain and swelling on the right leg. Ultrasonographic images revealed subcutaneous gas gangrene extending to the Achilles tendon and calf. Despite extensive gas invasion, no significant tissue damage or pus collection was observed. Prompt wound debridement and antibiotic therapy were administered.

Conclusion The study underscores the crucial importance of POCUS in unraveling hidden threats, specifically emphasising its ability to identify gas gangrene before apparent tissue damage. The timely and precise nature of POCUS in gas gangrene detection, especially before visible tissue damage, positions it as an indispensable asset in the clinical management of DFUs.

Aim To map interventions for the treatment of epibole on wound edges.

Methods This is a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute method. There were no time or language limitations when conducting the searches. Researchers searched the databases between May 2022 and May 2024. Studies that presented at least one intervention for wound edge epibole were included.

Results 2753 studies were identified, nine of which were selected for the final sample, in which the following interventions were found: topical hyperbaric oxygen associated with high-voltage pulsed electrical stimulation, polymeric membrane dressing applied in firm contact with the wound edges, the use of silver nitrate, sharp instrumental debridement with scarification, edge trenching and soap scrap techniques.

Conclusions Different types of interventions were found, but in studies with low evidence for clinical practice. More research is needed.