2023 Vol. 39, No. 4

Expert Forums
Discussion on classification and diagnostic nomenclature of burn infection
Luo Gaoxing, Zhan Rixing, Yuan Zhiqiang, Peng Yizhi
2023, 39(4): 301-304. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20221206-00528
Abstract:
Infection is the most common complication after burn injury and one of the leading causes of death in burn patients. Thus, how to effectively prevent the occurrence and development of infection is an important task in treating burns. Till now, there are still many controversies in the clinical definition, diagnosis, and treatment of infection, especially burn infection. The authors of this article put forward their opinions and views on this subject, hoping to deepen the readers' understanding of burn infection.
Discussion on surgical treatment mode of diabetic foot wounds
Wei Zairong, Jian Yang
2023, 39(4): 305-310. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20230213-00044
Abstract:
Diabetic foot wounds have a high incidence and uneven therapeutic effect, so it is necessary to explore the suitable treatment mode of diabetic foot wounds. The existing surgical treatment modes for diabetic foot wounds include the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) cooperation mode and the "five-in-one comprehensive limb salvage" treatment mode. These two modes have their own advantages, but are inconvenient to some extent. In response to this problem, the author's team proposed the wound surgical integrated treatment (WSIT) mode based on years of experience in repairing diabetic foot wounds, emphasizing the perioperative management by MDT, and the local wound management by WSIT team, which significantly improved the diagnosis and treatment efficiency of patients with diabetic foot wounds.
Articles · Surgical Management of Diabetic Foot Wounds
A prospective randomized controlled study of antibiotic bone cement in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer
Cao Tao, Ji Peng, Zhang Zhi, Xiao Dan, Wang Kejia, Li Na, Li Wen, Jin Guangjun, Hao Tong, Tao Ke
2023, 39(4): 311-318. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20221111-00485
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the clinical effects and related mechanism of antibiotic bone cement in treating diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).   Methods   A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. From August 2020 to August 2022, 24 patients with DFU who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University. According to the block randomization, the patients were divided into 2 groups, with 12 patients in each group. In antibiotic bone cement group, there were 7 male and 5 female patients, aged (64±8) years, with the ulcer area of (41±21) cm 2. In silver sulfadiazine group, there were 8 male and 4 female patients, aged (62±8) years, with the ulcer area of (38±19) cm 2. Under the condition of ensuring the patency of at least one main inferior genicular artery in each patient, the continuous vacuum sealing drainage was performed for 3-5 days after thorough debridement. Thereafter, the wounds in antibiotic bone cement group were treated with gentamicin-laden bone cement, and the wounds in silver sulfadiazine group were treated with silver sulfadiazine cream for dressing change. After 3 weeks of dressing change, the wound was covered with split-thickness skin graft from the lateral thigh on the affected side. Before debridement and after 3 weeks of dressing change, the blood flow intensities of wound tissue and normal skin tissue in foot were measured using laser Doppler flowmeter, and then, the percentage of relative blood flow intensity of wound and the change rate of blood flow intensity were calculated. After 3 weeks of dressing change, the wound margin tissue was taken, the number of CD31-positive neovascular and the vascular morphology were observed and detected by immunohistochemical staining, the morphology of blood vessels surrounded by CD31 and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) double-positive cells was observed by immunofluorescence staining, the cell proliferation activity was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining (denoted as the ratio of Ki67 positive cells), and the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) was detected by Western blotting. The skin graft survival was observed 3-5 days after skin grafting, and the wound healing time was recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test and Fisher's exact probability test.   Results   The percentages of relative blood flow intensity of wounds of patients before debridement were similar between the two groups ( P>0.05). After 3 weeks of dressing change, the percentage of relative blood flow intensity of wounds and the change rate of blood flow intensity of patients in antibiotic bone cement group were (44.7±2.0)% and (129±12)%, respectively, which were significantly higher than (28.3±1.2)% and (41±8)% in silver sulfadiazine group (with t values of 24.15 and 20.97, respectively, P<0.05). After 3 weeks of dressing change, compared with those in silver sulfadiazine group, the number of CD31-positive neovascular in the wound margin tissue of patients in antibiotic bone cement group was significantly increased ( t=33.81, P<0.05) with larger diameter and more regular arrangement, the vascular wall continuity surrounded by CD31 and α-SMA double-positive cells was better, and the ratio of Ki67 positive cells and protein expression of VEGFR2 were significantly increased (with t values of 40.97 and 47.38, respectively, P<0.05). On post skin grafting day 3-5, all the patients in antibiotic bone cement group and 8 patients in silver sulfadiazine group had good skin graft survival, while 4 patients in silver sulfadiazine group showed spotted/patchy skin graft necrosis, which were cured after corresponding treatment. The wound healing time of patients in antibiotic bone cement group was (47.1±2.9) d, which was significantly shorter than (58.8±2.3) d in silver sulfadiazine group ( t=10.86, P<0.05).   Conclusions   Compared with silver sulfadiazine, clinical application of antibiotic bone cement for treating DFU has the characteristics of accelerating wound healing and better reconstruction of local blood flow, which may be closely related to the fact that antibiotic bone cement promoted the local angiogenesis effectively in the wound through enhancing the expression of VEGFR2.
Clinical effects of antibiotic bone cement combined with free anterolateral thigh flap in sequential treatment of diabetic foot ulcer
Chen Wei, Chang Shusen, Zhou Jian, Zhang Fang, Yang Chenglan, Nie Kaiyu, Deng Chengliang, Wei Zairong
2023, 39(4): 319-324. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220628-00267
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the clinical effects of antibiotic bone cement combined with free anterolateral thigh flap in sequential treatment of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) wounds.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From August 2018 to August 2021, 15 patients with DFU who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, including 12 males and 3 females, aged 42-65 years, with a history of type 2 diabetes for 5-19 years. All the wounds of patients were complicated with local bone, muscle, or tendon defects or exposure. The wounds were covered with antibiotic bone cement after debridement in stage Ⅰ+free anterolateral thigh chimeric perforator flap (perforator flap+muscle flap) or simple free anterolateral thigh flap grafting in stage Ⅱ. The defect area of the wound after bone cement removal and debridement was 9.0 cm×5.0 cm-20.0 cm×7.0 cm, the incision area of the flap was 10.0 cm×5.0 cm-22.0 cm×7.0 cm, and the incision area of the muscle flap was 5.0 cm×3.0 cm-8.0 cm×4.0 cm. The donor sites of flaps were sutured directly. During follow-up, the situations of donor site healing and flap survival were observed. At the last follow-up, the texture and shape of the flap, the presence of new ulcers on both limbs, and the walking ability of the patient were observed.   Results   During the follow-up of 8 to 21 months after operation in stage Ⅱ, the donor sites healed well with only residual linear scar; flaps in 14 patients survived completely, and the flap in 1 patient developed partial necrosis at 3 weeks after stage Ⅱ surgery, which was healed after debridement and skin grafting. At the last follow-up, the flaps were good in texture and appearance, there were no new ulcers in the affected limb or opposite limb, and the patients had no obvious impairment in daily walking function.   Conclusions   To repair DFU wounds with antibiotic bone cement combined with free anterolateral thigh flap can rapidly control the infection, achieving a high survival rate of flap after operation with no obvious impairment in daily walking function of patients.
Effects of pedicled flap combined with membrane induction technique in repairing foot and ankle wounds in diabetic patients
Guo Xiaofeng, Deng Xinxin, Huang Zhihu, Xue Mingyu, Bu Fanyu
2023, 39(4): 325-329. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20221212-00534
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the effects of pedicled flap combined with membrane induction technique in repairing foot and ankle wounds in diabetic patients.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From March 2019 to July 2021, 12 patients with diabetic foot and ankle wounds who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital, including 7 males and 5 females, aged 20 to 92 years. The wound area before debridement was 4.0 cm×2.5 cm to 16.0 cm×12.5 cm. The patients underwent debridement+antibiotic cement tamponade in stage Ⅰ; according to the wound site, peroneal artery perforator flap or posterior tibial artery perforator flap was chosen to repair the wound in stage Ⅱ, with the area of the resected flap ranging from 4.5 cm×3.0 cm to 18.5 cm×14.0 cm. The donor site was directly closed in 4 patients or covered by full-thickness inguinal skin graft in 8 patients. After the operation of stage Ⅱ, the survival of flap and skin graft, the scar in donor and recipient sites of flap, the appearance of flap, and the function of ankle joint of affected extremity were followed up. The recovery of foot and ankle function was evaluated and rated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scoring System at the last follow-up.   Results   During the follow-up of 4 to 15 months after the operation of stage Ⅱ, both the flap and skin graft survived, without obvious infection recurrence. Linear scars were left in donor and recipient sites of flap, with good appearance in flap. The function of ankle joint in the affected extremity was nearly normal. At the last follow-up, the AOFAS scores of patients were 79 to 93, with excellent in 8 cases and good in 4 cases.   Conclusions   The pedicled flap combined with membrane induction technique for repairing foot and ankle wounds in diabetic patients has the advantage of simple operation, preserved ankle joint function, and less postoperative infection recurrence, which is worth popularizing in clinical practice.
A cross-sectional survey and analysis of the pain status and its influencing factors in diabetic foot ulcer patients
Wang Qian, Zhu Hongjuan, Feng Ying, Chu Wanli, Song Yaoyao
2023, 39(4): 330-336. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220421-00150
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the pain status in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients and analyze its influencing factors.   Methods   A single-center cross-sectional survey research method was used. From May 2021 to February 2022, DFU patients who were admitted to the Fourth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital and met the inclusion criteria were selected and investigated. The scores of the heaviest pain, the least pain, the average pain, and the current pain in pain degree and the total score and the scores of influence on patients' daily life, mood, walking ability, daily work, relationship with others, sleep, and life interest in pain-related effects and the total score of patients were evaluated by the brief pain inventory. A self-designed general data questionnaire was used to collect the data including patients' gender, age, education level, body mass index, self-care ability, diabetes course, wound Wagner grade, bacterial culture result of wound specimen, and the levels of glycated hemoglobin, albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin, and leukocyte count. Patients were classified according to general data, and the total scores of pain degree and pain-related effects were counted. Data were statistically analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. The indicators with statistically significant differences in univariate analysis were selected for generalized linear model analysis to screen the independent risk factors of pain severity and pain-related effects in DFU patients.   Results   A total of 44 questionnaires were sent out, and 42 valid questionnaires were collected, with effective recovery of 95.45%. The scores of the heaviest pain, the least pain, the average pain, and the current pain in DFU patients were 5 (0, 10), 2 (0, 6), 3 (0, 8), and 2 (0, 8), respectively, and the total score of the pain severity was 11 (0, 24); the scores of pain-related effects on patients' daily life, mood, walking ability, daily work, relationship with others, sleep, and life interest were 4 (0, 10), 4 (0, 10), 5 (0, 10), 5 (0, 10), 3 (0, 10), 4 (0, 10), and 4 (0, 10), respectively, and the total score of pain-related effects was 30 (0, 63). In 42 DFU patients, most patients were male, aged 39-87 (67±10) years, most patients had education level of junior high school, most patients had diabetes for more than 20 years, half of patients' wounds were Wagner grade 4, most patients had body mass index and leukocyte count within normal limits, most patients had partial dependence on self-care ability, the bacterial culture results of wound specimen in the vast majority of patients were positive, about half of the patients had abnormal level of albumin, and most patients had abnormal levels of glycosylated hemoglobin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin. Univariate analysis of the above general data showed that total scores of pain severity among patients with different hemoglobin levels and leukocyte counts were statistically significant different (with Z values of -2.05 and -2.55, respectively, P<0.05), and the total scores of pain-related effects on patients with different hemoglobin levels, leukocyte counts, and bacterial culture results of wound specimen were statistically significant different (with Z values of -2.66, -2.02, and -2.12, respectively, P<0.05). Generalized linear model analysis showed that leukocyte count was an independent risk factor for pain severity and pain-related effects in 42 DFU patients (with 95% confidence intervals of 0.28-11.87 and 5.67-36.99, respectively, standardized regression coefficient values of 6.17 and 21.33, respectively, both P values <0.05). The bacterial culture result of wound specimen was an independent risk factor for pain-related effects in 42 DFU patients (with 95% confidence interval of 2.92-39.09, standardized regression coefficient value of 21.00, P<0.05).   Conclusions   DFU patients often suffer pain, and the bacterial culture results of wound specimen and leukocyte count are the main factors affecting the pain of DFU patients.
Original Articles
Morphological study on the transverse branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery based on digital subtraction angiography
Huang Yongtao, Yang Lin, Cao Yang, Liu Yucheng, Gao Qinfeng, Yang Chengpeng, Sun Fengwen, Cheng Junnan, Zhang Tao, Ju Jihui
2023, 39(4): 337-342. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220727-00315
Abstract:
  Objective   To summarize the morphological characteristics of the transverse branch of lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and explore its clinical significance.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From October 2020 to May 2021, 62 patients with soft tissue injuries in the extremities were hospitalized in Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital, including 40 males and 22 females, aged from 20 to 72 years. DSA was performed in the lateral femoral region of patients before the anterolateral thigh flap transplantation, and in combination with imaging scale to observe and measure the general condition of the blood vessels and the occurrence (with the occurrence rate being calculated), source artery, location of the origin point, direction of course, and the location of the perforating point of the cutaneous perforator of the transverse branch of LFCA, and in addition to classify the morphological characteristics of the transverse branch.   Results   DSA detection showed that the femoral artery, the deep femoral artery, and the branches of LFCA were clearly distinguishable in 62 patients. Transverse branches of LFCA were observed in 59 patients, including 52 cases with a single transverse branch, and 7 cases with double transverse branches. The occurrence rate of transverse branches was 95.2% (59/62). A total of 66 transverse branches of LFCA were observed, of which 3 originated from the deep femoral artery, and 63 originated from the LFCA. The origin point of the transverse branch was 6.5-12.7 cm away from the anterior superior iliac spine. The transverse branch which was approximately perpendicular to the long axis of the body, originated outwards, ran between the ascending branch of LFCA and the oblique branch of LFCA, and branched along the way, with the trunk running under the greater trochanter. The perforating point of the cutaneous perforator of the transverse branch was 8.0-18.0 cm away from the anterior superior iliac spine. In the classification of morphological characteristics of the transverse branch of LFCA, the most common type was the one that originated from the same trunk with other branches of LFCA, accounting for 50.0% (31/62), followed by the one that originated from the singular trunk of LFCA (12 cases) or deep femoral artery (3 cases), accounting for 24.2% (15/62); the special type accounted for 21.0% (13/62), including 7 cases of double transverse branches and 6 cases of the transverse branch originated from the same trunk with multiple other branches of LFCA; those with small/absent transverse branch only accounted for 4.8% (3/62). Among the above-mentioned common trunk relationship of two branches, those with shared trunk of ascending and transverse branches were most frequently observed, accounting for 77.4% (24/31); those with shared trunks of the transverse and oblique branches (5 cases) and the transverse and descending branches (2 cases) accounted for 22.6% (7/31) altogether.   Conclusions   A high incidence rate of the transverse branch of LFCA is observed through DSA. The transverse branch originates from the lateral femoral artery approximately perpendicular to the long axis of the body, mainly from the same trunk with another main branch of LFCA, especially the ascending branch. This positioning analysis can provide an important reference for the design and resection of anterolateral femoral flaps.
Effects of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography-assisted free medial sural artery perforator flap in repairing foot wounds
Fang Jun, Zhao Guangzong, Li Huazhuang, Zhang Longqiang, Liang Zhiyong, Li Xueqin
2023, 39(4): 343-349. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220930-00430
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the effects of three-dimensional computed tomography angiography (3D-CTA)-assisted free medial sural artery perforator flap in repairing foot wounds.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From May 2018 to August 2021, 18 patients with foot soft tissue defects who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Spine and Trauma Orthopedics of the Yidu Central Hospital of Weifang, including 13 males and 5 females, aged 19 to 55 years, with a wound area of 4.0 cm×3.0 cm-9.0 cm×8.0 cm at admission. Before the operation, CT scanner was used to scan the area from the supracondylar femur to the middle segment of the fibula of patients, and the obtained data were extracted into the Mimics16.0 software and analyzed to determine the pre-selected perforator, and then the image data of the pre-selected perforator side were analyzed further, and the body surface projection position of the perforating point of the medial sural artery in the calf region was marked. Based on the above examination, the flap was designed and cut according to the shape and area of the patient's foot tissue defect, and the area of flaps ranged from 5.0 cm×4.0 cm to 10.0 cm×9.0 cm. The donor sites were sutured directly or covered by skin grafting. The type of perforator, the diameters of perforator at the beginning and outlet point, and the location of the outlet point of perforator of the medial sural artery were observed under 3D-CTA examination before operation and compared to see if they were consistent with the observation under intraoperative condition. The survival of the flaps after operation was recorded. During follow-up, the satisfaction of patients with the wound repair effects, the sensory recovery of the recipient flaps, the healing of the donor wound, and whether there were complications affecting limb functions were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed with Kappa consistency test and equivalence test, and the 95% confidence intervals of measurement difference of perforator diameter and outlet point position of perforator were -0.50-0.50 mm and -2.0-2.0 cm, respectively.   Results   The types of medial sural artery perforators observed during operation were type Ⅰ in 3 cases, type ⅡA in 6 cases, type ⅡB in 8 cases, and type Ⅲ in 1 case, which was consistent with the results of 3D-CTA before operation (Kappa=1.00, P<0.05). The blood vessel diameter detected by 3D-CTA before operation at the beginning of perforator of medial sural artery was (1.81±0.39) mm, and the blood vessel diameter at the outlet point of the perforator was (0.83±0.21) mm, which were close to the actual intraoperative measurement of (1.83±0.43) and (0.86±0.22) mm, respectively; equivalence test showed that the 95% confidence intervals of the measurement differences of diameter of medial sural artery perforator at beginning and outlet point were -0.18-0.22 and -0.08-0.14 mm, respectively, with both P values <0.05. The preoperative 3D-CTA detected that the perforating position at the deep fascia of the perforator of the medial sural artery, namely the vertical distance with the popliteal fold was (12.2±1.4) cm, and the horizontal distance with the posterior midline was (2.6±0.7) cm, which were respectively close to the actual intraoperative measurement of (12.4±1.4) and (2.6±0.7) cm; equivalence test showed that the 95% confidence intervals of the measurement differences in the vertical distance with the popliteal fold and the horizontal distance with the posterior midline of the outlet point of medial sural artery perforator were -1.06-1.26 and -0.46-0.66 cm, respectively, with both Pvalues <0.05. After surgery, all flaps of 18 patients survived without vascular crisis. After 1 year of follow-up, the satisfaction degree of 16 patients was excellent and 2 patients was good with the wound repair effects, with a satisfaction ratio of 16/18; the sensory recovery of flap was evaluated as S 3 in 11 cases and S 2 in 7 cases; the donor wounds healed well without obvious scar or contracture, with no effect on limb joint functions.   Conclusions   The medial sural artery perforator flap achieved good results in repairing foot wound with high degree of patient satisfaction. Preoperative application of 3D-CTA can realize the standardization, systematization, and visualization of artery perforator flap.
Analysis of the risk factors of persistent inflammation-immunosuppression-catabolism syndrome in patients with extensive burns
Tang Wenbin, Chen Bin, Ou Shali, Li Xinying, Xiao Kui, Wang Sisi, Li Xiaojian
2023, 39(4): 350-355. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220214-00028
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the risk factors and treatment outcome of persistent inflammation-immunosuppression-catabolism syndrome (PICS) in patients with extensive burns.   Methods   A retrospective case series study was conducted. From January 2017 to December 2021, 220 patients with extensive burns who were admitted to Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital of Jinan University met the inclusion criteria, including 168 males and 52 females, aged 18-84 (43±14) years. According to the occurrence of PICS, the patients were divided into PICS group (84 patients) and non-PICS group (136 patients). The general data such as sex, age, complication of underlying diseases and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score on admission, sepsis-related organ failure evaluation (SOFA) scores on admission and 14 days post admission, and proportion of patients with mechanical ventilation over 48 h during treatment, special conditions such as total burn area, full-thickness burn area, proportion of patients admitted within 48 h post injury, and exposed deep wound area at the 30 th day post injury, outcome indicators such as hospitalization day, total cost of hospital stay, number of surgeries, and death of patients in the 2 groups were collected and analyzed. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi-square test. The multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed on the indicators with statistically significant differences between the two groups except for outcome indicators, and the independent risk factors influencing secondary PICS in patients with extensive burns were screened.   Results   The APACHE Ⅱ and SOFA scores on admission, and proportion of patients with mechanical ventilation over 48 h during treatment of patients in PICS group were significantly higher than those in non-PICS group ( t=6.78, Z=-4.75, χ 2=4.74, respectively, P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the rest of general data of patients between the two groups ( P>0.05). The total burn area, full-thickness burn area, and exposed deep wound area at the 30 th day post injury in PICS group were significantly greater than those in non-PICS group ( t=6.29, Z=-7.25, Z=-8.73, P<0.05), the exposed deep wound areas at the 30 th day post injury in PICS group and non-PICS group were respectively 25% (15%, 35%) total body surface area (TBSA) and 8% (0, 13%) TBSA, while the proportion of patients admitted within 48 h post injury was significantly lower than that in non-PICS group ( χ 2=6.13, P<0.05). The hospitalization day, total cost of hospital stay, and number of surgeries of patients in PICS group were significantly higher than those in non-PICS group (with Z values of -7.12, -8.48, and -6.87, respectively, P<0.05), while the deaths of patients in the 2 groups were similar ( P>0.05). The APACHE Ⅱ score on admission and exposed deep wound area at the 30 th day post injury both were the independent risk factors for PICS in patients with extensive burns (with odds ratios of 1.15 and 1.07, 95% confidence intervals of 1.06-1.25 and 1.05-1.10, respectively, P<0.05).   Conclusions   The APACHE Ⅱ score on admission and exposed deep wound area at the 30 th day post injury are the independent risk factors for PICS in patients with extensive burns. The patients with secondary PICS had good prognosis with more surgical intervention and hospitalization day, and higher total cost of hospital stay.
Visual analysis of the current research status and development of burn-related coagulation dysfunction
Ma Qimin, Wang Yusong, Hou Wenjia, Liu Xiaobin, Shen Tuo, Zhu Feng
2023, 39(4): 356-363. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220616-00237
Abstract:
  Objective   To conduct a visual analysis of the literature on burn-related coagulation dysfunction and to explore the current research status, evolution process, hot topics, and future research trends in burn-related coagulation dysfunction at home and abroad.   Methods   The bibliometrics method was used. The literature on burn-related coagulation dysfunction which were published in Web of Science and China National Knowledge Internet databases from January 1, 1950 to May 1, 2022, and met the inclusion criteria were retrieved for publication volume analysis. The literature on burn-related coagulation dysfunction were retrieved as above in the core collection of Web of Science and China National Knowledge Internet databases, and CiteSpace 5.8.R3 software was used to perform co-occurrence analysis, cluster analysis, and literature co-citation analysis of key words.   Results   A total of 501 and 235 literature on burn-related coagulation dysfunction were retrieved from Web of Science database and China National Knowledge Internet database, respectively. The literature on burn-related coagulation dysfunction emerged from 1975 and 1950, respectively, in China and abroad, which were gradually increased later. The frequency and centrality of Chinese key words such as 烧伤, 凝血功能, 血小板 were high in 235 literature in China National Knowledge Internet database, and the frequency and centrality of key words such as burn, coagulation, and deep vein thrombosis were high in 340 literature in the core collection of Web of Science database. In China National Knowledge Internet database, the top 6 Chinese key words in terms of burst intensity were 烧伤患者, 临床意义, 烧伤面积, 凝血功能, 预后, 血小板, and the first 3 among which were burst key words in the early stage; and in the core collection of Web of Science database, the key words with higher burst intensity were disseminated intravascular coagulation and pulmonary embolism, which were the burst key words in the early stage. The representative clustering labels in China National Knowledge Internet database were #0 烧伤, #1 休克, and #2 并发症, etc., and the representative clustering labels in the core collection of Web of Science database were #0 risk, #1 surgical patient, and #2 sepsis. Early researches in China National Knowledge Internet database and the core collection of Web of Science database focused on the presence of burn-related coagulation dysfunction itself, while the late researches focused on the relationship between burn-related coagulation dysfunction and inflammation, immunity, coagulation in general, and wounds. From 2010 onwards, there were a large number of core cited literature in the core collection of Web of Science database, and the prevention and treatment of vein thromboembolism was the most popular research direction in recent years. The researches on optimization and standardization of diagnostic methods and the overall mechanism of burn-related coagulation dysfunction would be the main research directions in the future.   Conclusions   The research hotspots and evolution processes of burn-related coagulation dysfunction at home and abroad have both similarities and differences, and the current research hotspot is the relationship between coagulation and inflammation, immunity. With researches increasingly deepening, the researches on optimization and standardization of diagnostic methods and the overall mechanism of burn-related coagulation dysfunction will be the main research directions in the future.
Original Article·Nursing Column
A cross-sectional survey on the allocation of nursing human resources in burn centers in China
Wang Shujun, Li Fangrong, Lu Hongyan, Chen Yuanyuan, Liu Xinzhu, Chen Lihua, Wang Yanhua, Yan Ziqing, Feng Ping, Wu Ying, Zhang Yan, Shen Chuan'an
2023, 39(4): 364-370. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220613-00231
Abstract:
  Objective   To investigate the allocation of nursing human resources in burn centers in China.   Methods   A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Using a self-designed questionnaire, a survey was carried out from January to March 2022 to investigate the January to December 2021 status of 39 burn centers in China that met the inclusion criteria based on six strategic regions and other regions, including the hospital grade and the region, the number of nurses and opening beds in the burn centers and burn intensive care units (BICUs), the age, working seniority in burn specialty, educational background, professional title, personnel employment, and turnover of nurses and training of newly recruited nurses in the burn centers.   Results   This survey covered 30 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions in China (excluding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, and Taiwan region of China). A total of 39 questionnaires were collected, all of which were valid. The 39 burn centers were located in 38 tertiary A hospitals and 1 tertiary B hospital, with 26 burn centers in strategic areas. The nurse/bed ratio of burn centers in the Greater Bay Area of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao was the highest, while the nurse/bed ratio of burn centers in border ethnic minority area was the lowest. Except for the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, BICUs had been set up in burn centers in other regions. Among the 39 burn centers, the percentage of nurses aged 25 to 34 years was 51.21% (738/1 441), the percentage of nurses worked in burn specialty for less than 5 years was 31.16% (449/1 441), the percentage of nurses with bachelor's degree was 69.74% (1 005/1 441), and the percentage of nurses with nursing professional title was 44.14% (636/1 441), which were the highest. There were significant differences in the employment of nurses, the percentage of permanent nurses in burn centers in the collaborative development zone of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei was 82.48% (113/137), while the percentage of permanent nurses in burn centers in important military strategic area was only 9.42% (34/361); the turnover rate of nurses was 9.03% (143/1 584), among which the turnover rate of nurses was 18.14% (80/441) in burn centers in important military strategic area. The training for newly recruited nurses in 39 burn centers was mainly based on the guidance of senior nurses and the pre-job education+specialist training.   Conclusions   The burn nursing human resources in strategic areas in China are seriously insufficient and unevenly distributed, with unstable nurse team and lack of standardized specialist training. In particular, the nursing human resources in BICUs need to be equipped and supplemented urgently.
Wound Repair
Clinical effects of plantar split-thickness skin grafts in repairing the deep burn wounds in the back and buttocks
Huang Shurun, Su Huiqiang, Wang Yiyong, Liu Jiangtao, Zhang Yong, Zhou Bo, Zhuang Meiping
2023, 39(4): 371-375. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220426-00158
Abstract:
  Objective   To explore the clinical effects of plantar split-thickness skin grafts in repairing the deep burn wounds in the back and buttocks.   Methods   A retrospective observational study was conducted. From January 2011 to February 2022, 98 patients with deep burn who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the 910 th Hospital of Joint Service Support Unit of PLA, including 64 males and 34 females, aged 17 to 78 years, with total burn areas of 35%-95% total body surface area (TBSA). The area of full-thickness burns in the back and buttocks ranged from 5% to 17% TBSA and the wounds were repaired only using stamp-shaped split-thickness skin grafts from plantar areas of both feet or combined with Meek microskin grafts or stamp-shaped skin grafts from other sites. According to the times of skin graft harvesting from both soles, these patients were divided into one-harvesting group (29 cases), two-harvesting group (38 cases), three-harvesting group (21 cases), and four-harvesting group (10 cases). The area of skin grafts harvested each time from both soles, the healing time of donor sites after each skin graft harvesting, and the survival rate of plantar skin graft in recipient site at 7 days after each skin graft harvesting in 98 patients, the interval between two adjacent skin graft harvesting in 69 patients with skin grafts harvested twice or more, as well as the healing time of donor site and survival rate of skin graft in recipient site after the last skin graft harvesting from both soles of patients in the 4 groups were recorded. The patients were followed up to observe the appearance, texture, and scar in recipient site of plantar skin grafts as well as the scar and function in plantar donor sites. Data were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis test, and chi-square test.   Results   In the 98 patients, the area of skin graft was 2.0%-4.5% ((3.4±0.6)%) TBSA harvested each time from both soles, the healing time of donor site after each skin graft harvesting was 7-10 (7.8±1.1) d, and the survival rate of plantar skin graft in recipient site at 7 days after each skin graft harvesting was 93% (92%, 95%). The interval between two adjacent skin graft harvesting in the 69 patients was 7-38 (11.2±0.5) d. The healing time of donor site and survival rate of skin graft in recipient site after the last skin graft harvesting from both soles of patients in the 4 groups showed no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). A total of 88 patients were followed up for 3 months to 5 years, the appearance in recipient site of plantar skin graft was smooth, the texture was firm, the scar hyperplasia was mild, and the area was compressive- and wear-resistant. Among them, the plantar donor site recovered well in 85 patients, without obvious scar hyperplasia and only 3 patients had small area of scar hyperplasia in the non-weight-bearing areas which did not affect walking or wearing shoes or socks. Ten patients were lost in the follow up after discharge.   Conclusions   Stamp-shaped split-thickness skin grafts can be repeatedly harvested from both soles of patient to repair the deep burn wounds in the back and buttocks, with high survival rate of skin grafts, thus can reduce the burden of other donor sites. Moreover, the skin grafts have good wear-resistance and pressure-resistance, without affecting postoperative normal walk.
Review · Surgical Management of Diabetic Foot Wounds
Research advances on the application of free flaps in repairing diabetic foot ulcers
Jian Yang, Wei Zairong, Chen Wei, Zhang Yanji, Tang Mingyuan, Zhong Yunxue, Liu Chenxiaoxiao
2023, 39(4): 376-380. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20221216-00539
Abstract:
Free flaps have been successfully used in the repair of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which can reduce amputation rate, maintain normal gait of patients, and improve life quality of patients. However, there are still many challenges in the repair of DFUs with free flaps, and many problems need to be solved. This paper summarizes the selection of patients, preoperative cautions, types of flaps, methods of vascular anastomosis, clinical effects, and existing problems in using free skin flaps for repairing DFUs.
Reviews
Research progress of biomaterials in promoting wound vascularization
Chen Lianglong, Yu Shengxiang, Ma Jun, Gao Yanbin, Yang Lei
2023, 39(4): 381-385. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220626-00261
Abstract:
Promoting rapid and good vascularization is still a great challenge for the research and development of biomaterials for wound repair. Current studies have shown that wound vascularization is closely related to the pores, components, and channels of biomaterials. Although the research and development of new medical functional materials have made rapid progress in recent years, and gratifying achievements have been made in the reconstruction of skin barrier function, regulation of wound microenvironment, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, etc., the problem of rapid wound vascularization has not been solved. This paper introduces the process of wound vascularization, the strategy of biomaterials promoting wound vascularization, the construction of biomaterials promoting wound vascularization based on three-dimensional printing technology, and the influence of nanotechnology on wound vascularization, in order to provide new enlightenment for research and development of wound repair materials with rapid vascularization in the future.
Research advances on the role and mechanism of chitosan-based wound dressing in wound healing
Hu Zonghao, Ayixiemu·Yu sufu, Qu Yue, Xie Jinhong, Yin Lihua
2023, 39(4): 386-390. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220506-00172
Abstract:
The skin is the first barrier to maintain the stability of internal environment of the body and resist harmful factors of external environment, and is easily damaged because of various external factors. When full-thickness skin defects reach a certain level, it is difficult for the skin to repair itself, so wound dressings are needed to promote wound healing. Seeking an ideal dressing that can promote wound healing has long been a hot research topic. Chitosan is a unique biopolysaccharide polymer with good biocompatibility, biodegradability, antibacterial activity, and thermal stability, which has great potential in the development and application of wound dressings. Based on the introduction of properties of chitosan, this article reviews the role and mechanism of chitosan-based wound dressings in wound healing, and summarizes the hemostatic effect, antibacterial effect, delivery effect, and tissue regeneration promotion effect of chitosan, aiming to provide a certain reference for the research and development of new chitosan-based wound dressings in the future.
Research advances on severe burn infection and cytokine storm
Chen Zhongyi, Hu Shiqiang, Liu Dewu, Zhang Hongyan, Guo Guanghua, Mao Yuangui
2023, 39(4): 391-395. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220412-00134
Abstract:
Mortality due to severe burns has always been at a high level. A large number of studies have shown that the rapid onset of infectious symptoms and rapid progression of severely burned patients are closely related to the occurrence of cytokine storm. However, in clinical practice, cytokine storm monitoring, early warning, and symptomatic treatment are still in exploratory stage. This article reviews the cytokine storm and its related cytokines, the mechanism, early warning, and treatment of cytokine storm induced by burn infection, aiming to provide clinical references for reducing infection and mortality in severely burned patients.
Research advances on the role of complement system activation in post-burn immunity
Huang Shengyu, Zhu Feng, Guo Guanghua
2023, 39(4): 396-400. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20220726-00313
Abstract:
Immune activation is one of the major factors of secondary injury post burn, and is the main organismal response in the anti-infection process. As an important part of the innate immune response, the complement system is able to induce the activation of immune cells after burns, promote inflammation and mediate the breakdown of the immune barrier, and even engage in complex cross-linking with the coagulation cascade. This article reviews the role of complement system activation in post-burn immunity and its possibility of clinical translation from the perspectives of innate immunity, acquired immunity, and cross-linking of the complement system with the coagulation cascade.