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Lymphedema
Lymphedema is the swelling of skin and subcutanous tissue as a result of obstruction of lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes causing the accumulation of large amounts of lymph fluid in the affected region.
Lymphedema: Skin and Wound Care in an Aging Population
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Upper Extremity Lymphedema after Treatment for Breast Cancer: A Review of the Literature
Upper extremity lymphedema ? a common, poorly understood, and relatively understudied complication of cancer therapy ? is a progressive and debilitating condition for which no cure is available. While advances in cancer treatment have lowered the incidence of lymphedema, lymph node trauma is often inevitable and the number of cancer survivors and elderly are increasing. A review of the literature suggests that research is needed to better understand the incidence and magnitude of upper extremity lymphedema; develop reliable and valid lymphedema risk assessment instruments; improve collaborative research efforts among skin, wound, and cancer investigators; and develop evidence-based lymphedema prevention and treatment protocols. Currently available evidence also indicates that increased clinician and patient awareness and education may help reduce the risk of lymphedema-associated complications through early detection and prompt interventions. KEYWORDS: upper extremity lymphedema, breast cancer, review
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SAWC 2004 Abstract Preview
Methods: A prospective, comparative study was conducted over a 4-year period at our Wound Treatment Center. Results: In our study, 88 of the 99 patients (89%) had wound healing. Studies that have examined patients?
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An Overview of Dermatological Conditions Commonly Associated with the Obese Patient
Obesity is a chronic disease that may lead to skin problems, including acanthosis nigricans, skin tags, hyperandrogenism, striae distensae, plantar hyperkeratosis, and candidal intertrigo. Although some conditions (eg, skin tags and striae distensae) may simply be annoying or present cosmetic issues, conditions such as acanthosis nigricans and hyperandrogenism may be indicative of systemic diseases. Obesity also may contribute to poor healing of acute and chronic wounds that develop in this population. Some of the most common obesity-related skin disorders and factors affecting wound healing are described with suggestions on how to address these issues. With the continuing increase in the incidence of obesity, investigation into the specific care needs of this population is needed. In clinical practice, measures to reduce friction and shear and improve devices to move the obese patient would enhance care provision. Studies of the incidence of dermatological problems and the best treatments for these conditions are warranted.
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The 15th Annual Symposium on Advanced Wound Care & 12th Medical Research Forum on Wound Repair April 27 to April 30, 2002 Baltimore Convention Center Baltimore, Maryland
Session 2. Jim Wethe, MD, and Judy Papen, RN, present "Sharp Debridement of Necrotic Wounds: A Hands-On Workshop." Session 3. "Topical Treatments and Therapies" explores dressings used for local wound care. Session 41. "Lymphedema - The Clinical Underdog" will offer information on a condition most healthcare professionals face in dealing with leg wounds.
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Obesity: Changing the Face of Geriatric Care
Statistics suggest that more and more older Americans are carrying extra weight ? an estimated 40% of individuals between the ages of 60 and 69 have a body mass index >30 and 30% of persons between ages of 70 and 79 years are obese. Obesity, coupled with the challenges of aging, leads to an unfortunate burden of chronic disease, functional decline, poor quality of life, and an increased risk of being homebound. Physical assessment of the elderly obese patient should include measurement of height, weight (to determine body mass index) and waist circumference (to address central obesity) and consideration of vascular, skin, and mobility issues. Weight management strategies such as diet and hydration should balance nutritional requirements with weight loss; particular attention to protein needs in chair- and bedbound patients is necessary. Additional approaches such as exercise, bariatric weight loss surgery, and weight loss medication should be considered on an individual basis related to their inherent risks in this population. Weight loss/management options framed from an interdisciplinary perspective can improve quality of life for these patients and their caregivers. Research specific to obesity in this age group is warranted.
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Softening the Pain of Cancer-Related Wounds
The anticipation of pain with dressing changes further adds to their feelings of despair.1-3 Case Study History. Treatment. Prognosis.
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Getting Patients the Support They Need
Getting Patients the Support They Need My Scope of Practice: Getting Patients the Support They Need - Victoria Langer, CNA, STNA (and in pursuit of her RN degree and certification as a Wound Care Specialist) is an expert at making lemonade from lemons. Her market has expanded from hospitals and long-term care centers to include wound care centers, burn units, rehabilitation and palliative care facilities, hospices, home health providers, diabetic centers, lymphedema clinics, Alzheimer's ...
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Industry News
Industry News Industry News: Industry News - Licensing agreement reached Derma Sciences, Inc. (Princeton, NJ) has obtained a licensing agreement with C-Boot LTD, a medical biosystems company based in Israel. Until now, IPC therapy has required that the patient remain immobile while connected to a large pneumatic compressor. For more information, visit ...
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Pressure Ulcers and Other Chronic Wounds in Patients with and Patients without Cancer: A Retrospective, Comparative Analysis of Healing Patterns
Knowledge about wound healing patterns in patients with cancer is limited. To compare wound healing outcomes and patterns between persons with and persons without a diagnosis of cancer, a retrospective study was conducted using a convenience sample drawn from international chronic wound databases containing almost 36,000 standardized wound assessments (consisting of 13 anatomical wound characteristics). Based on the recorded chronic wound profiles, 18 patients who had cancer were matched with 18 who did not have cancer; their first assessment wound profiles were completely identical. It was hypothesized that, compared to patients without cancer, patients with cancer have 1) a greater percentage of non-healing wounds, 2) wounds that take longer to heal, and 3) more comorbidities that can delay healing. After a maximum treatment period of 24 weeks, 44% of wounds in patients with cancer compared to 78% of wounds in patients without cancer were healed (P = .018). Wounds that healed did so at the same pace regardless of cancer status (approximately 55 days [±41] for patients with cancer and 59 days [±48] for patients without cancer). Patients with cancer had more comorbidities and other factors that could impede wound healing [mean 4.72 (±1.09)] than patients without cancer [mean 1.50 (±0.39)]. Differential healing patterns between the two groups after 8 weeks suggest that alternative treatment and management practices may be warranted for cancer patients with non-healing wounds. KEYWORDS: cancer, chronic wounds, CuSum, retrospective, wound healing
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