2023 Vol. 39, No. 12

Expert Forum
Construction of the burn rehabilitation system
Yu Jia'ao, Zhang Xiuhang
2023, 39(12): 1101-1108. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230804-00038
Abstract:
Burn rehabilitation is an important part of burn discipline. As the goal of burn treatment has changed from saving lives and wound elimination to high-quality recovery of body function, burn rehabilitation has been integrated into all levels of burn treatment. In clinical practice, with the establishment of the concept of early preventive rehabilitation, the remodeling of the concept of functional reconstruction in wound repair, and the clarity of the concept of overall rehabilitation, the concept of burn rehabilitation has changed fundamentally. Burn rehabilitation system is not a simple accumulation of directional medical technologies, but an additive expression of multiple medical technologies, covering multi-disciplinary content, including the introduction and application of interdisciplinary new technologies, and involvement of subspecialties. Burn rehabilitation runs throughout the whole process of burn treatment, including early body positioning, later targeted physical and chemical treatments, and even the neurocognitive treatment, which is accompanied by the evaluation of rehabilitation quality throughout the entire process of rehabilitation.
Pay attention to burn rehabilitation assessment
Tan Jianglin, Luo Gaoxing
2023, 39(12): 1109-1114. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230831-00070
Abstract:
With the vigorous development of burn rehabilitation, many burn units in China are paying more and more attention to the application of burn rehabilitation treatment methods in burn patients. However, the development of burn rehabilitation assessment cannot be ignored in the process of burn rehabilitation treatment. Burn rehabilitation assessment is characterized with a long assessment time span and a large and complex assessment contents, resulting in the inability to develop a standardized assessment form that is suitable for all burn patients. In addition, factors including the shortage of professionals in burn rehabilitation assessment in some domestic burn units, relatively small number of objective assessment instruments and various institutional limitations, have also led to insufficient motivation and low quality of burn rehabilitation assessment. Based on those, this article analyzes the characteristics and main contents of burn rehabilitation assessment in China, and puts forward some suggestions in view of the shortcomings of burn rehabilitation assessment, in order to provide a reference for burn rehabilitation practitioners.
Original Article·Burn Rehabilitation
Establishment of a topographic map assessment system for facial and cervical wounds and scars of burn patients based on the Delphi method
Bian Ruihao, Huang Shixin, Zhu Jiayuan, Wu Jun, Fan Kunwu, Hu Zhicheng, Xu Yingbin, Yu Qiuhua, Zhang Tao, Li Xueyi, Chen Shaozhen
2023, 39(12): 1115-1121. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230905-00075
Abstract:
  Objective   To construct a targeted and accurate evaluation system for facial and cervical wounds and scars of burn patients.   Methods   The method combining literature analysis and survey research was adopted, and the basic principles of item system construction were followed. From June to August 2020, based on the aesthetic standards of facial and cervical plastic surgery, the topographic map assessment system for facial and cervical wounds and scars of burn patients was preliminarily formed, focusing on the assessment of wounds and scars in the necks and faces of patients after burns. In September 2020, 38 experts in the relevant fields were consulted in advance and the questionnaire was revised according to the experts' opinions. From December 2020 to March 2021, the Delphi method was applied to conduct inquiry by correspondence with 35 experts in relevant fields from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, and other cities, who met the inclusion criteria, and the items were screened and established. The effective recovery rate of inquiry questionnaire was calculated to determine the level of enthusiasm of experts, the average authority coefficient of all items was calculated to determine the level of expert authority, the average importance expert score, the average coefficient of variation, and the average full score rate of all the third-level items were calculated to determine the concentration of expert opinions, the average coefficients of variation and Kendall's harmony coefficients of the importance, sensitivity, and operability expert scores of all the third-level items were calculated to determine the degree of coordination of expert opinions. The Kendall's harmony coefficients for the importance, sensitivity, and operability expert scores of all the third-level items were statistically analyzed with chi-square test.   Results   Among the 35 experts consulted by Delphi method, mainly were male, aged (48±10) years, with 8-38 years of working experience, mainly with associate senior titles and above, all with a bachelor's degree or above education background, and of whom 11 were burn experts, 7 were wound repair experts, 4 were plastic surgery experts, and 13 were rehabilitation medicine experts. Finally, a topographic map assessment system for facial and cervical wounds and scars of burn patients was formed, including 4 first-level items, 21 second-level items, 40 third-level items, and 1 mask. The effective recovery rate of inquiry questionnaire was 100% (35/35). The average authority coefficient of all items was 0.89. The average importance expert score was 4.67, the average coefficient of variation of importance expert score was 0.01, and the average full score rate of all the third-level items was 86.3%. The average coefficients of variation of the importance, sensitivity, and operability expert scores of all the third-level items were 0.01, 0.01, and 0.02, respectively. The Kendall's harmony coefficients for the importance, sensitivity, and operability expert scores of all the third-level items were statistically significant (with χ 2 values of 1 201.53, 745.67, and 707.07, respectively , P<0.05).   Conclusions   The established topographic map assessment system for facial and cervical wounds and scars of burn patients has high scientificity and reliability, which can be used for the evaluation of facial and neck wounds or scars in burn patients.
A randomized controlled trial on the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns
Zhao Haiyang, Han Juntao, Hu Dahai, Zhou Qin, Zhu Chan, Xu Jing, Zhang Bowen, Qi Zongshi, Liu Jiaqi
2023, 39(12): 1122-1130. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230721-00012
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the effect of exercise prescription based on a progressive mode in treating elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns.   Methods   A randomized controlled trial was conducted. From January 2021 to January 2023, 60 elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. The patients were divided into conventional rehabilitation group (30 cases, 17 males and 13 females, aged (65±3) years) and combined rehabilitation group (30 cases, 16 males and 14 females, aged (64±3) years) according to the random number table. For patients in both groups, the red-light treatment was started after the lower limb wounds healed or when the total area of scattered residual wounds was less than 1% of the total body surface area. After 2 weeks of red-light treatment, the patients in conventional rehabilitation group were given conventional rehabilitation treatments, including joint stretching, resistance, and balance training; in addition to conventional rehabilitation treatments, the patients in combined rehabilitation group were given exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode three times a week, mainly including dumbbell press, Bobath ball horizontal support, and high-level pulldown trainings. The training time for patients in both groups was 12 weeks. Before training (after 2 weeks of red-light treatment) and after 12 weeks of training, the upper limb and lower limb motor functions of the patients were evaluated using the simple Fugl-Meyer scale, the physical fitness of patients was evaluated using the simple physical fitness scale, and the patient's risk of falling was evaluated by the time consumed for the timed up and go test. The adverse events of patients that occurred during training were recorded. After 12 weeks of training, a self-designed satisfaction survey was conducted to investigate patients' satisfaction with the training effect. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample ttest, paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and chi-square test.   Results   Before training, the scores of upper limb and lower limb motor functions of patients between the two groups were similar ( P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the scores of upper limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -11.42 and -13.67, respectively, P<0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). The score of lower limb motor function of patients in combined rehabilitation group was 28.9±2.6, which was significantly higher than 26.3±2.6 in conventional rehabilitation group ( t=-3.90, P<0.05), and the scores of lower limb motor function of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those before training (with t values of -4.14 and -6.94, respectively, P<0.05). Before training, the individual and total scores of physical fitness of patients between the two groups were similar ( P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those before training (with Z values of -4.38, -3.55, -3.88, -4.65, -4.58, -4.68, -4.42, and -4.48, respectively, P<0.05), and the balance ability score, walking speed score, chair sitting score, and total score of physical fitness of patients in combined rehabilitation group were significantly increased compared with those in conventional rehabilitation group (with Z values of -3.93, -3.41, -3.19, and -5.33, P<0.05). Before training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in the two groups was close ( P>0.05). After 12 weeks of training, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in combined rehabilitation group was (28.0±2.1) s, which was significantly shorter than (30.5±1.8) s in conventional rehabilitation group ( t=4.94, P<0.05). Moreover, the time consumed for the timed up and go test for patient's risk of falling in both conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group was significantly shorter than that before training (with t values of 14.80 and 15.86, respectively, P<0.05). During the training period, no adverse events such as muscle tissue strain, edema, or falling occurred in any patient. After 12 weeks of training, the satisfaction score of patients with the training effect in combined rehabilitation group was 13.5±1.2, which was significantly higher than 8.5±1.4 in conventional rehabilitation group ( t=21.78, P<0.05).   Conclusions   The exercise prescription training based on a progressive mode can significantly promote the recovery of lower limb motor function and physical fitness of elderly patients with lower limb dysfunction after deep burns, and effectively reduce the patient's risk of falling without causing adverse events during the training period, resulting in patient's high satisfaction with the training effect.
Prospective study on the effects of resistance training with elastic band at home on muscle function and walking ability of severely burned children
Huo Ting, Ruan Jingjing, Jiang Meijun, Lei Fang, Huang Wei, Tang Wenqian, Xie Weiguo, Xu Xiangyang, Wang Song, Liu Shuhua
2023, 39(12): 1131-1139. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230729-00022
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the effects of resistance training with elastic band at home on muscle function and walking ability of severely burned children.   Methods   A prospective non-randomized controlled study was conducted. From January 2022 to April 2023, 40 children with severe burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University & Wuhan Third Hospital. According to the willingness of the children or their families, the children were assigned to conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group. During the study, 8 children dropped out of the study, 17 children were finally included in the conventional rehabilitation group with 6 males and 11 females, aged (8.5±2.4) years, and 15 children were included in the combined rehabilitation group with 5 males and 10 females, aged (9.6±2.5) years. The children in the 2 groups received conventional burn rehabilitation treatment in the hospital, including active and passive activity training, scar massage, and pressure therapy. The children in combined rehabilitation group received resistance training with elastic band of 3 to 5 times per week after discharge, and the children in conventional rehabilitation group received daily activity ability training after discharge. Before home rehabilitation training (1 week before discharge) and 12 weeks after home rehabilitation training, the grip strength was measured using a handheld grip dynamometer, the muscle strengths of the upper and lower limbs were measured using a portable dynamometer for muscle strength, lean body mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance measuring instrument, and the 6-min walking distance was measured. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, paired sample t test, Mann-Whitney Utest, or Fisher's exact probability test.   Results   After 12 weeks of home rehabilitation training, the grip strengths of children in combined rehabilitation group and conventional rehabilitation group were (15±4) and (11±4) kg, respectively, which were significantly higher than (10±4) and (9±4) kg before home rehabilitation training (with t values of -9.99 and -11.89, respectively, Pvalues all <0.05); the grip strength of children in combined rehabilitation group was significantly higher than that in conventional rehabilitation group ( t=3.24, P<0.05). After 12 weeks of home rehabilitation training, the muscle strengths of upper and lower limbs of children in combined rehabilitation group (with t values of -11.39 and -3.40, respectively, P<0.05) and the muscle strengths of upper and lower limbs of children in conventional rehabilitation group (with t values of -7.59 and -6.69, respectively, P<0.05) were significantly higher than those before home rehabilitation training, and the muscle strengths of upper and lower limbs of children in combined rehabilitation group were significantly higher than those in conventional rehabilitation group (with t values of 3.80 and 7.87, respectively, P<0.05). After 12 weeks of home rehabilitation training, the lean body mass of children in combined rehabilitation group was significantly higher than that before home rehabilitation training ( t=0.21, P<0.05). After 12 weeks of home rehabilitation training, the 6-min walking distances of children in conventional rehabilitation group and combined rehabilitation group were significantly longer than those before home rehabilitation training (with t values of -5.33 and -3.40, respectively, P<0.05), and the 6-min walking distance of children in combined rehabilitation group was significantly longer than that in conventional rehabilitation group ( t=3.81, P<0.05).   Conclusions   Conventional burn rehabilitation treatment in hospital and home resistance training with elastic band for 12 weeks after discharge can significantly improve the muscle function and walking ability of severely burned children.
Original Article
Clinical effects of different types of tissue flaps in repairing the wounds with steel plate exposure and infection after proximal tibial fracture surgery
Liu Wenjian, Zhang Hongyan, Liu Dewu
2023, 39(12): 1140-1148. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231101-00171
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the clinical effects of different types of tissue flaps in repairing the wounds with steel plate exposure and infection after proximal tibial fracture surgery.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2015 to December 2021, 11 patients with steel plate exposure and infected wounds after proximal tibial fracture surgery who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Jiangxi Provincial General Hospital of Armed Police, including 9 males and 2 females, aged 26 to 61 years. The wounds were located on the lateral side of the proximal leg in 5 cases, on the medial side of the proximal leg in 2 cases, and on the medial side of the proximal leg and the anterior tibia below the knee in 4 cases. After debridement, the wound area was 14 cm×6 cm-22 cm×11 cm. The wounds were repaired with different types of tissue flaps, and the steel plates were removed immediately if necessary, according to the infection around the steel plates. The reverse anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap pedicled with the muscle containing the terminal small branch of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was used in 3 cases; the medial gastrocnemius muscle flap combined with the medial half of soleus muscle flap was used in 6 cases, and the lateral gastrocnemius muscle flap combined with the anterior tibial muscle flap was used in 2 cases. After the muscle flaps had stable blood supply, the wounds were closed with thin intermediate thickness skin graft from the healthy thigh. The area of myocutaneous flap ranged from 15 cm×7 cm to 18 cm×8 cm, and the area of muscle flap ranged from 6.0 cm×4.0 cm to 18.0 cm×12.0 cm. Among the 3 patients who were treated with reverse anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap, the wounds of flap donor site on thighs were closed by direct suturing in 2 cases, and the wound in the flap donor site of thigh in 1 case that was not closed after suture was repaired with thin intermediate thickness skin graft from healthy thigh. The incisions in the flap donor sites of 8 cases treated with calf muscle flaps were sutured directly. After surgery, the survivals of tissue flap and skin graft on the muscle flap, wound healing status and wound healing time in recipient sites of tissue flaps, suture site healing in flap donor site, and survival of skin graft were observed and recorded. Whether the steel plate was removed after operation and during follow-up was recorded. During follow-up, the shape and texture of tissue flap, whether the recipient site of tissue flap had redness, swelling, ulceration, or sinus formation were observed, the fracture healing time was recorded. At the last follow-up, the knee joint flexion and extension range of motion was measured and the knee joint function was evaluated according to Hohl's knee joint function evaluation criteria; the plantar flexor muscle strength of ankle joint was measured in 8 patients who were treated with calf muscle flaps for wound repair; the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used to evaluate the scar condition in the flap donor site, and whether the scar affected the movement of the affected limbs was observed.   Results   Tissue flaps of 11 patients all survived after surgery. The distal end of the reverse anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flaps was necrotic in 1 patient, and the wound was healed after dressing change and grafting with thin intermediate thickness skin from healthy thigh. The distal muscle necrosis of the medial gastrocnemius muscle flap was observed in 2 patients, and the granulation tissue grew well after dressing change. The skin graft on the muscle flap survived well. All the wounds in the recipient sites of tissue flaps were healed, and the healing time was 13 to 42 days after tissue flap transplantation. The suture site of flap donor site healed, and the skin graft survived well. In 1 patient, the steel plate was removed when the wound was repaired with the medial gastrocnemius muscle flap combined with the medial half of soleus muscle flap. One patient still had exudation after 3 weeks of wound repair with the reverse anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap pedicled with the muscle containing the terminal small branch of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, and the wound was healed after removing the steel plate. The steel plates of the other patients were preserved. During the follow-up of 6-25 months, except for 1 reverse anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap had bloated pedicle, the other tissue flaps had good appearance and texture. One patient had redness and swelling in the recipient site of the tissue flap at 6 weeks after discharge, and the redness and swelling subsided without recurrence after anti-infection treatment. In 1 patient, repeated rupture and exudation occurred in the recipient site of tissue flap in 3 months after discharge, resulting in sinus tract formation, which was healed after the removing of steel plate. The fracture healing time of patients ranged from 6 to 15 months after injury. At the last follow-up, the knee joint function was evaluated as excellent in 4 cases, good in 6 cases, and poor in 1 case. Among the 8 patients who were treated with calf muscle flaps for wound repair, 7 patients had ankle joint plantar flexor muscle strength of grade Ⅵ, and 1 patient had ankle plantar flexor muscle strength of grade Ⅴ. The VSS scores of scars in the flap donor sites ranged from 2 to 7, and scars did not significantly affect the movement of the affected limbs.   Conclusions   The reverse anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap pedicled with the muscle containing the terminal small branch of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and the gastrocnemius muscle flap combined with soleus muscle flap or anterior tibial muscle flap are the derived types of the commonly used reverse anterolateral thigh myocutaneous flap and gastrocnemius muscle flap. Using them to repair the wounds with steel plate exposure and infection after proximal tibial fracture surgery can not only ensure the smooth operation, but also preserve the steel plate and promote fracture healing as much as possible, without significantly affecting the function of the affected limb.
Construction and preliminary validation of a risk prediction model for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcer in diabetic patients
Guo Qingjiao, Ouyang Jing, Rao Jiaqin, Zhang Yizhi, Yu Lihong, Xu Wanying, Long Jinhua, Gao Xiuhua, Wu Xiaoyan, Gu Ying
2023, 39(12): 1149-1157. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231101-00166
Abstract:
  Objective   To develop a risk prediction model for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in diabetic patients and primarily validate its predictive value.   Methods   Meta-analysis combined with retrospective cohort study was conducted. The Chinese and English papers on risk factors related to DFU recurrence publicly published in China Biology Medicine disc, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, and the search time was from the establishment date of each database until March 31 st, 2022. The papers were screened and evaluated, the data were extracted, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4.1 statistical software to screen risk factors for DFU recurrence, and Egger's linear regression was used to assess the publication bias of the study results. Risk factors for DFU recurrence mentioned in ≥3 studies and with statistically significant differences in the meta-analysis were selected as the independent variables to develop a logistic regression model for risk prediction of DFU recurrence. The medical records of 101 patients with DFU who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted to Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University from January 2019 to June 2022 were collected. There were 69 males and 32 females, aged (63±14) years. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the predictive performance of the above constructed predictive model for DFU recurrence was drawn, and the area under the ROC curve, maximum Youden index, and sensitivity and specificity at the point were calculated. Dataset including data of 8 risk factors for DFU recurrence and the DFU recurrence rates of 10 000 cases was simulated using RStudio software and a scatter plot was drawn to determine two probabilities for risk division of DFU recurrence. Using the β coefficients corresponding to 8 DFU recurrence risk factors ×10 and taking the integer as the score of coefficient weight of each risk factor, the total score was obtained by summing up, and the cutoff scores for risk level division were calculated based on the total score × two probabilities for risk division of DFU recurrence.   Results   Finally, 20 papers were included, including 3 case-control studies and 17 cohort studies, with a total of 4 238 cases and DFU recurrence rate of 22.7% to 71.2%. Meta-analysis showed that glycosylated hemoglobin >7.5% and with plantar ulcer, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic peripheral vascular disease, smoking, osteomyelitis, history of amputation/toe amputation, and multidrug-resistant bacterial infection were risk factors for the recurrence of DFU (with odds ratios of 3.27, 3.66, 4.05, 3.94, 1.98, 7.17, 11.96, 3.61, 95% confidence intervals of 2.79-3.84, 2.06-6.50, 2.50-6.58, 2.65-5.84, 1.65-2.38, 2.29-22.47, 4.60-31.14, 3.13-4.17, respectively, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in publication biases of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, diabetic peripheral vascular disease, glycosylated hemoglobin >7.5%, plantar ulcer, smoking, multidrug-resistant bacterial infection, or osteomyelitis ( P>0.05), but there was a statistically significant difference in the publication bias of amputation/toe amputation ( t=-30.39, P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve of the predictive model was 0.81 (with 95% confidence interval of 0.71-0.91) and the maximum Youden index was 0.59, at which the sensitivity was 72% and the specificity was 86%. Ultimately, 29.0% and 44.8% were identified respectively as the cutoff for dividing the probability of low risk and medium risk, and medium risk and high risk for DFU recurrence, while the corresponding total scores of low, medium, and high risks of DFU recurrence were <37, 37-57, and 58-118, respectively.   Conclusions   Eight risk factors for DFU recurrence are screened through meta-analysis and the risk prediction model for DFU recurrence is developed, which has moderate predictive accuracy and can provide guidance for healthcare workers to take interventions for patient with DFU recurrence risk.
Clinical efficacy of antibiotic bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage in treating diabetes mellitus complicated with necrotizing fasciitis
Guo Xiaofeng, Jin Zhucheng, Deng Xinxin, Huang Zhihu, Xue Mingyu, Bu Fanyu
2023, 39(12): 1158-1162. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231030-00151
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the clinical efficacy of antibiotic bone cement combined with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) in treating diabetes mellitus complicated with necrotizing fasciitis.   Methods   The retrospective observational study approach was used. From January 2020 to March 2022, 12 patients with type 2 diabetes complicated with necrotizing fasciitis who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital, including 7 males and 5 females, aged 27 to 76 years. The initial diagnosis of lesions was in the lower limbs. After admission, bedside incision and drainage were performed timely, and a sample of wound exudate was collected for microbial cultivation. At the same time, the comprehensive supportive treatment was performed. At stage Ⅰ, debridement was performed, and the skin and soft tissue defect area was 40 cm×15 cm to 80 cm×25 cm after debridement. The dead space was filled with bone cement containing gentamicin and vancomycin and VSD was performed. After there was no obvious infection on the wound, the antibiotic bone cement was removed and wound repair surgery was performed at stage Ⅱ. The times of debridement, amputation, infection control, wound treatment method and wound healing at stage Ⅱ, total hospitalization day, and recurrence of necrotizing fasciitis during follow-up after the stage Ⅱ surgery. At the last follow-up, the walking function of patients was evaluated according to the scoring standards of American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS).   Results   Eleven patients had wound infection control with one debridement surgery and did not undergo amputation surgery; one patient had significant foot gangrene, and the infection was controlled after one debridement and amputation of the gangrenous limb. Blood routine and infection indicators gradually returned to normal within 7 days after surgery. At stage Ⅱ, the wounds in 4 patients were sutured directly, the wounds in 6 patients were repaired with full-thickness inguinal skin graft, while the wounds in 2 patients were repaired with pedicled or tongue-shaped flaps at the wound edge. The wounds healed well after surgery, with no ulceration. The total hospitalization day of patients was 20 to 45 days. Follow-up for 3 to 24 months after stage Ⅱ surgery showed no recurrence of necrotizing fasciitis in any patient. At the last follow-up, the walking function was evaluated as excellent in 10 cases and good in 2 cases according to the AOFAS scoring standard.   Conclusions   Antibiotic bone cement combined with VSD used in treating type 2 diabetes complicated with necrotizing fasciitis can effectively control infection and reduce the times of debridement, with good wound healing and walking function after surgery.
Anatomical study of the architecture of the cutaneous branch-chained blood vessels in the medial lower leg in adult
Zhao Fengjing, Zhu Lei, Yao Xiaoxiao, Wei Shunxue, Tang Xiaoping, Wang Gengwei
2023, 39(12): 1163-1167. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231102-00174
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the architecture of the cutaneous branch-chained blood vessels in the medial lower leg and provide the anatomical basis for design and clinical application of the cutaneous branch-chained flap from this region.   Methods   The experimental research method was used. From March to May 2023, the anatomical study was conducted on the 5 voluntarily donated fresh adult (aged 50 to 70 years, all male) cadaveric specimens from Hangzhou Normal University School of Basic Medical Sciences. The fine anatomy under microscope was performed on each lower leg specimens of 5 corpses (1 lower leg specimen was conducted with digital radiography (DR) scan before fine anatomy), to observe, measure, and record the course of posterior tibial artery, quantity of perforator, the distance between the perforating point of each perforator and the medial condyle of tibia, the external diameter of posterior tibial artery perforator, the length of perforator pedicle, the horizontal distance between the posterior tibial artery perforator and the saphenous nerve, and the course of each perforator within superficial fascia after crossing the deep fascia and the distribution of the cutaneous branch-chains. The DR scan under the perfusion of barium sulfate was conducted in one lower leg specimen to observe the distribution of cutaneous branch-chained vascular network (hereinafter referred to as vascular chain) between perforators. Transparent skin specimen was made from one leg specimen after anatomy to observe the distribution of perforators and vascular chains between perforators.   Results   In 5 lower leg specimens, the upper part of posterior tibial artery was located deep in soleus muscle, and the lower part was located between the medial edge of gastrocnemius muscle and flexor digitorum longus muscle. A total of 28 posterior tibial artery perforators were identified, with an average of 5.6 branches in each lower leg. The distance between the perforating point of perforator and the medial condyle of tibia ranged from 6.5 to 36.0 cm, mainly distributed at 22.0 (15.1, 28.1) cm from the medial condyle of tibia, in zones 3 to 6. The external diameters of perforators of posterior tibial arteries were 0.7-1.1 mm. The length of perforator pedicle was 1.0-4.5 cm, and the horizontal distance between the posterior tibial artery perforator and the saphenous nerve was 0.5-3.0 cm. The fine anatomy under microscope showed that the posterior tibial artery perforators had long upward and downward branches after crossing the deep fascia, and the ascending branches and descending branches were anastomosed longitudinally to form the nutrient cutaneous branch-chain in the medial lower leg. DR scan and transparent skin specimen both showed that longitudinal vascular chain was formed between the posterior tibial artery perforators, the transparent skin specimen also showed that longitudinal blood vessel chains included the direct connecting vessels in the adipose layer and the indirect connecting vessels in the subdermal layer.   Conclusions   The cutaneous branch-chained vessels in the medial lower leg are constructed by posterior tibial artery perforators, direct connecting vessels, indirect connecting vessels, and traffic branches. The cutaneous branch-chained flap is reliable in terms of vascular anatomy, and can carry the saphenous nerve for partial restoration of its sensation, thus it is an ideal flap.
Expression of endosialin in human hypertrophic scars and its regulation on fibroblast phenotype
Zhang Qingyi, Zhang Lixia, Han Donghui, Jiao Xiaochun, Zheng Zhao, Guo Kai, Yang Yunshu
2023, 39(12): 1168-1174. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231030-00154
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the expression of endosialin, i.e., CD248 in human hypertrophic scars (HSs) and its regulatory effect on the phenotype of hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs).   Methods   The method of experimental research was used. From March to May, 2023, 3 pediatric patients with HS were admitted to the Department of Burns and Cutaneous Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, including 2 females and 1 male, aged one year ten months to two years. The HS tissue resected during the surgery and the remaining full-thickness skin graft, i.e., normal skin tissue after full-thickness skin grafting were collected from the aforementioned pediatric patients for subsequent experiments. Using the aforementioned two types of tissue, the histological structures were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining, collagen distribution was observed by Masson staining, and the expression of CD248 was observed and measured by immunohistochemical staining. The primary HSFs were isolated from HS tissue using explant culture technique, and the 3 rd to 5 th passages of HSFs were used in subsequent experiments. According to the random number table, HSFs were divided into immunoglobulin G78 (IgG78)-treated group and IgG control group, which were treated with 200 nmol/L human CD248 monoclonal antibody IgG78 and human IgG control antibody for 24 h, respectively. The mRNA expressions of collagen type Ⅰ (Col Ⅰ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in HSFs were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, the protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA in HSFs were detected by Western blotting, and the intracellular location and protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA were detected by immunofluorescence method. The number of samples in each experiment was 3. Data were statistically analyzed with paired sample t test and independent sample t test.   Results   Compared with those in normal skin tissue, the epidermis and dermis in HS tissue were significantly thicker, with massive accumulation and disordered arrangement of collagen in the dermis. The expression of CD248 in HS tissue was significantly upregulated compared with that in normal skin tissue ( t=5.29, P<0.05). At post treatment hour 24, the mRNA expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were 0.39±0.05 and 0.56±0.09, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.00±0.07 and 1.00±0.08 in IgG control group, respectively (with t values of 11.87 and 6.49, respectively, P values all <0.05). The protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were 0.617±0.011 and 0.67±0.14, respectively, which were significantly lower than 1.259±0.052 and 1.23±0.16 in IgG control group, respectively (with t values of 20.92 and 4.52, respectively, P values all <0.05). At post treatment hour 24, immunofluorescence staining showed that Col Ⅰ and α-SMA mainly located in the cytoplasm of HSFs in the two groups, and the protein expressions of Col Ⅰ and α-SMA of HSFs in IgG78-treated group were obviously downregulated compared with those in IgG control group.   Conclusions   The expression of CD248 is significantly upregulated in human HS. Targeted blockade of CD248 can significantly inhibit the collagen synthesis by HSFs and the transdifferentiation of HSFs into myofibroblasts.
Wound Repair
Clinical effect of free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap carrying superficial vein for reconstructing severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture
Zhang Hairui, Zhang Dongliang, Yan Xiaohui, Zhang Xiaopeng, Shang Xuliang, Meng Yanbin
2023, 39(12): 1175-1179. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231031-00162
Abstract:
  Objective   To observe the clinical effect of free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap carrying superficial vein for reconstructing severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture.   Methods   The retrospective observational study method was used. From August 2019 to March 2023, 11 patients with severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture after severe facial burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to General Hospital of TISCO (the Sixth Hospital of Shanxi Medical University). All patients were male and aged 23 to 56 years, with an average age of 31.3 years. After the perioral scar was removed and released, the wound area was 3.0 cm×2.0 cm to 10.5 cm×2.0 cm. The free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap carrying superficial vein was used to repair the wound, and the flap incision area was 3.5 cm×2.5 cm to 11.0 cm×2.5 cm. Among them, 6 patients required repair of wounds after resecting scar around ipsilateral upper and lower lips, and the lobular treatment of the flap was conducted. The wound in the flap donor area was directly sutured. After surgery, the survival of the flap and the occurrence of vascular crisis were observed. During follow-up after surgery, the appearance, texture, and color of the flap, the appearance of the flap donor area, and improvements of crooked mouth, drooling, limited mouth opening, and lip valgus in patients were observed.   Results   All the flaps in patients completely survived after surgery, with no occurrence of vascular crisis. During follow-up of 6 to 36 months after surgery, the flap was not significantly bloated, was soft in texture, and had a similar color to that of the normal facial skin. Only linear scars were left in the flap donor area, and crooked mouth, drooling, limited mouth opening, and lip valgus in patients were significantly improved.   Conclusions   The free posterior interosseous artery perforator flap carrying superficial vein can reconstruct severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture, with low incidence of postoperative flap vascular crisis, and the lobular treatment of flaps can repair wounds around unilateral upper and lower lips at the same time. After surgery, the appearance and function of the perioral area are significantly improved. The flap is a good choice for repairing small area of severe perioral scar hyperplasia and contracture.
Effects of artificial dermis combined with autologous skin in repairing the wounds with exposed bone and/or tendon in fingers of children after electric burns
Yang Huanna, Liang Yan, Han Dawei, Liu Lei, Xie Jiangfan, Tian Shemin, Xia Chengde, Wei Ying
2023, 39(12): 1180-1184. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231101-00168
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the effects of artificial dermis combined with autologous skin in repairing the wounds with exposed bone and/or tendon in fingers of children after electric burns.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2017 to December 2022, 14 children with bone and/or tendon exposed wounds in fingers after electric burns who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Zhengzhou First People's Hospital, including 9 males and 5 females, aged 2 to 11 years. A total of 38 fingers were affected, with 1 wound per finger. After debridement, artificial dermal coverage combined with vacuum sealing drainage was performed in all the wounds in the first stage, with wound area of 2.0 cm×1.0 cm-4.5 cm×2.5 cm after debridement. The second stage surgery was performed to close the wound with autologous thin intermediate thickness skin graft. Then the children were told to perform functional rehabilitation exercise as early as possible. The survival of autologous skin graft was observed at the 7 th day after the second stage surgery. The wound healing time was recorded. After 12 months of follow-up, the Vancouver scar scale was used to evaluate the scar hyperplasia at the skin grafting site of the affected finger; the total action mobility (TAM) of the affected finger joint was measured for evaluating the functional recovery of the affected finger; a self-made efficacy satisfaction rating table was used to investigate the parents' satisfaction with the curative effect of the children.   Results   At the 7 th day after the second stage surgery, all the children had good survival of autologous skin grafts. The wound healing time was (24.1±2.7) d. After 12 months of follow-up, the scar score at the skin grafting site of the affected finger was 5.2±2.4; the TAM of the affected finger joint was (177±40)°; the functional assessment was good in 12 fingers, medium in 23 fingers, and poor in 3 fingers; the parents' satisfaction with the curative effect of the children in the survey was very satisfied in 10 cases, satisfied in 3 cases, and dissatisfied in 1 case.   Conclusions   The combination of artificial dermis and autologous thin intermediate thickness skin graft is an alternative surgical method that can effectively repair the bone and/or tendon exposed wounds in fingers of children after electric burns. After wound healing, the scars are slight, the finger function is well recovered, and the parents of the children are highly satisfied with the curative effect of the children, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
Case Report and Literature Review
A case of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by inhalation injury
Gu Caihong, Li Xiaomin, Kang Xiuwen
2023, 39(12): 1185-1189. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230818-00052
Abstract:
A 54-year-old male patient with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by inhalation injury was admitted to the First People's Hospital of Lianyungang City on June 26 th, 2022. After admission, the patient received invasive mechanical ventilation (driving pressure-guided ventilator parameter setting) combined with prone position treatment immediately, but his condition continued to deteriorate. Five hours after admission, the patient received veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) supporting treatment, treatment based on ultra-protective lung ventilation strategy combined with prone position ventilation for more than 12 hours per day. At the same time, pulse contour cardiac output monitoring technology was used to monitor cardiac index and extravascular lung water index to guide volume management, and fiberoptic bronchoalveolar lavage was performed for several times. After that, the patient was successfully weaned from VV-ECMO and ventilator, and then discharged from hospital successfully. During follow-up of one year after the injury, the patient showed no obvious respiratory symptoms, and his lung function was basically normal.
Review
Research advances on the role of Schwann cells in diabetic peripheral neuropathy
Hao Tong, Cao Tao, Ji Peng, Zhang Weifeng, Tao Ke
2023, 39(12): 1190-1194. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230727-00019
Abstract:
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the common chronic complications of diabetes, resulting in neuropathy of spinal nerve, cranial nerve, and vegetative nerve. Diabetic distal symmetric multiple neuropathy is the most representative lesion of DPN, including symptoms of bilateral limbs pain, numbness, and paresthesia, etc. DPN is one of the main reasons causing diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Schwann cells (SCs) are the primary glia cells of the peripheral nervous system, which play very important role in repairing after nerve injury. As the target cells of chronic hyperglycemia, SCs' functions, including the formation of myelin sheath, the secretion of neurotrophic factors, energy supplying for the axon, and the guidance of axon regeneration, etc., are damaged under the action of high glucose. The destroyed functions of SCs can inhibit the repair of damaged nerves and accelerate the progress of DPN. Therefore, if the damage of high glucose to SCs can be effectively reduced, it will provide a new way for the treatment of DPN and DFU and reduce the morbidity of DFU. This review focuses on the function of SCs and its relationship with DPN.
Research progress of mucormycosis in burns
Shen Tuo, Zhu Feng
2023, 39(12): 1195-1200. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231101-00165
Abstract:
Mucormycosis is a relatively rare but dangerous infectious diseases. Burn patients, especially severe burn patients, are at high risk of mucormycosis. In recent years, the incidence of mucormycosis in burn patients has increased. At present, there are a few domestic literatures on mucormycosis in burns, with most being case reports without systematic summary. Based on the relevant literature at home and abroad in recent years, this article reviewed the epidemiological characteristics, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment methods of mucormycosis in burns, hoping to provide some basis for the diagnosis and treatment of mucormycosis in burns in China.