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2024 Vol. 40, No. 10

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Guideline and Consensus
National expert consensus on the prevention and wound repair of titanium mesh exposure after cranioplasty (2024 edition)
2024, 40(10): 901-910. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240203-00047
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Titanium mesh exposure after cranioplasty is the most serious complication of this procedure. Although some clinical experience has been gradually accumulated over the years in the diagnosis and treatment of titanium mesh exposure, the treatment is often not standardized and it is difficult to achieve satisfactory repair results due to insufficient understanding of its pathogenesis and concurrent infections. To normalize the diagnosis and treatment of titanium mesh exposed wounds after cranioplasty and improve the therapeutic effect and the quality of life of patients, the Wound Repair Professional Committee of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized an expert discussion based on the literature and current diagnosis and treatment status of titanium mesh exposed wounds after cranioplasty at home and abroad, and reached a consensus on the pathogenesis, preventive measures, and diagnosis and treatment strategies of titanium mesh exposed wounds after cranioplasty to provide reference for relevant clinicians.
Expert Forum
No administering prophylactic systemic antibiotics routinely during the shock phase after burn injury
Luo Gaoxing, Li Haisheng, Yuan Zhiqiang, Peng Yizhi
2024, 40(10): 911-914. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240809-00300
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Infection is the most common complication following burn injury, while it is rare to induce immediately systemic infection after burn injury. Domestically, the burn patients especially the major burn patients are conventionally administered systemic antibiotics prophylactically during the shock phase after burn injury. However, the clinical evidences and all the international expert consensuses and guidelines on burn infections object strongly and clearly administration of systemic antibiotics prophylactically. The incidences of systemic infection and sepsis did not increase significantly after prohibiting prophylactical administration of systemic antibiotics routinely during the shock phase after burn injury based on the authors unit's clinical data of more than 100 major burn patients. Herein, we propose that the burn patients should not be routinely administered systemic antibiotics prophylactically during the burn shock phase.
Classification of sepsis: the cornerstone for precise treatment
Yao Yongming, Zhang Hui, Dong Ning
2024, 40(10): 915-919. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240529-00203
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Sepsis appears to be a heterogeneous clinical syndrome. The classification of patients with sepsis is the prerequisite for improving the efficiency of clinical management and is also the basis for achieving precise treatment of sepsis. In recent years, many studies at home and abroad have classified patients with sepsis based on data including their clinical characteristics, laboratory biomarkers, and genomics. This article briefly analyzed several sepsis classification methods that are currently well recognized, with a view to providing new ideas for building a standardized diagnosis and treatment system for sepsis.
Original Article·Research on Sepsis and its Mechanism
Effects of stimulator of interferon gene on ferroptosis mediated by acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 in mouse dendritic cells under sepsis
Wu Mengyao, He Pengyi, Duan Yu, Zheng Liyu, Yao Renqi, Zhou Qiyuan, Chen Yu, Dong Ning, Wu Yao, Yao Yongming
2024, 40(10): 920-929. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240518-00184
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  Objective  To investigate the effects of stimulator of interferon gene (STING) on ferroptosis mediated by acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) in mouse dendritic cells (DCs) under sepsis, providing a basis for improving the dysregulation of immune response in sepsis caused by factors such as wound infection.  Methods  This study was an experimental research. The mouse DC line DC2.4 in the logarithmic growth phase (with passages 3-10) were divided into lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation 0 h (unstimulated) group, LPS stimulation 6 h group, LPS stimulation 12 h group, LPS stimulation 18 h group, and LPS stimulation 24 h group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), which were cultured with 1 μg/mL LPS (the same concentration below) for the corresponding time. The protein expressions of phosphorylated STING (p-STING), STING, and ACSL4 in cells were determined by Western blotting. DC2.4 successfully transfected with lentivirus containing STING gene small interfering RNA (hereinafter referred to as siSTING) were divided into siSTING+phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group and siSTING+LPS group. DC2.4 successfully transfected with empty lentivirus were divided into empty vector+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After being stimulated with PBS or LPS and cultured for 24 hours, the protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4 in cells were determined as above. Cell lipid peroxidation degrees were observed using the lipid peroxidation assay kit, and cell apoptosis rates were detected using flow cytometry. The sample numbers in the above cell experiments were all 3. Eighty male C57BL/6J mice aged 6 to 8 weeks were divided into sham surgery+normal saline (NS) group, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)+NS group, sham surgery+C-176 group, and CLP+C-176 group, with 20 mice in each group. Mice in the two C-176 groups were intraperitoneally injected with C-176, while mice in the two NS groups were intraperitoneally injected with an equivalent volume of NS. One hour later, sham surgery was performed on the mice in the two sham surgery groups, and CLP surgery was performed on the mice in the two CLP groups to establish a sepsis model. At 24 h post-surgery, 10 mice from each group were sacrificed to extract spleen DCs, and protein expression, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis rates were detected as above (n=3). Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological damage in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney tissue. The remaining 10 mice in each group were observed for survival within 7 days after surgery.  Results  The protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4, as well as the p-STING/STING ratio in DC2.4 in LPS stimulation 24 h group were significantly higher than those in LPS stimulation 0 h group (P<0.05). After 24 h of culture, the protein expressions of p-STING, STING, and ACSL4 in DC2.4 in siSTING+LPS group and empty vector+PBS group were significantly lower than those in empty vector+LPS group (P<0.05); the lipid peroxidation degrees of DC2.4 in siSTING+LPS group and empty vector+PBS group were weaker than those in empty vector+LPS group. The apoptosis rates of DC2.4 in empty vector+PBS group, empty vector+LPS group, siSTING+PBS group, and siSTING+LPS group were (15.7±3.0)%, (37.8±2.9)%, (13.1±2.1)%, and (20.6±1.8)%, respectively. The apoptosis rates of DC2.4 in empty vector+PBS group and siSTING+LPS group were significantly lower than that in empty vector+LPS group (P<0.05). At 24 h post-surgery, the protein expressions of p-STING and ACSL4, and the p-STING/STING ratio in spleen DCs of mice in CLP+NS group were significantly higher than those in sham surgery+NS group and CLP+C-176 group (P<0.05); the protein expression of STING in spleen DCs of mice in CLP+NS group was significantly higher than that in sham surgery+NS group (P<0.05); the lipid peroxidation degrees of spleen DCs of mice in CLP+C-176 group and sham surgery+NS group were weaker than that in CLP+NS group. The apoptosis rates of spleen DCs of mice in sham surgery+NS group and CLP+C-176 group were significantly lower than that in CLP+NS group (P<0.05), and the apoptosis rate of spleen DCs of mice in CLP+C-176 group was significantly higher than that in sham surgery+C-176 group (P<0.05). Pathological tissue damage in the heart, liver, lung, and kidney of mice in CLP+NS group was significantly worse than that in sham surgery+NS group, while such damage in the above organs of mice in CLP+C-176 group was significantly alleviated compared with that in CLP+NS group. The survival ratio of mice in CLP+NS group within 7 days after surgery was significantly lower than that in sham surgery+NS group (χ2=8.30, P<0.05).  Conclusions  Under sepsis, STING activation in mouse DCs is significant, which enhances ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis. Inhibiting STING activation can significantly reduce ACSL4-mediated ferroptosis level in mouse DCs under sepsis, thereby improving the survival rate of septic mice.
Role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endodeoxyribonuclease 1 in ferroptosis of mouse dendritic cells under simulated sepsis
Zhou Qiyuan, Li Jingyan, Yao Yongming, Tian Yingping
2024, 40(10): 930-939. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240430-00159
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    Objective   To investigate the role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endodeoxyribonuclease 1 (APE1) in ferroptosis of mouse dendritic cells (DCs) under simulated sepsis, providing evidence for improving immunosuppression in sepsis caused by wound infection.    Methods   This study was an experimental research. The mouse DC line DC2.4 in the logarithmic growth phase (with passages 3-10) was used for the experiments (with each sample size of 3). The sepsis model was established by treating DCs with 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS, same concentration throughout) for 0 (untreated), 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of APE1 and anti-ferroptosis proteins glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) in cells, flow cytometry was employed to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in cells, and live-cell imaging technology was used to measure cell lipid peroxidation levels. DCs successfully transfected with lentivirus containing APE1 short hairpin RNA sequence were divided into APE1-knockdown+phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group and APE1-knockdown+LPS group. DCs successfully transfected with empty lentivirus were divided into empty vector+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After stimulation with PBS or LPS and 24 h of culture, corresponding assays were conducted as above. DCs transfected with lentivirus containing APE1 overexpression RNA sequence were divided into APE1-overexpression+PBS group and APE1-overexpression+LPS group. DCs transfected with empty lentivirus were divided into empty vector+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After stimulation with PBS or LPS and 24 h of culture, corresponding assays were conducted as above. A total of 88 male C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks were divided into corn oil+sham injury group, corn oil+cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group, inhibitor+sham injury group, and inhibitor+CLP group (n=22) according to the random number table. Mice in the two inhibitor groups were gavaged with APE1 inhibitor E3330 (1 mg/mL in concentration) at 40 mg/kg per day, while mice in the two corn oil groups were gavaged with an equal amount of corn oil daily. Two weeks later, mice in the two CLP groups underwent CLP surgery to establish a sepsis model, while mice in the two sham injury groups underwent sham injury. Sixteen mice from each group were selected to observe survival within 7 d post-surgery. At 24 h post-surgery, CD11c-positive magnetic beads were used to extract spleen DCs from the remaining six mice in each group for corresponding assays (n=3) as above.    Results   Compared with that of LPS treatment at 0 h, APE1 protein expression significantly increased in cells at 6 h of LPS treatment (P<0.05), APE1 and GPX4 protein expressions significantly decreased at 24, 48, and 72 h of LPS treatment, SLC7A11 protein expression significantly decreased at 24 h of LPS treatment (P<0.05), while the ROS level in cells (P<0.05) and cell lipid peroxidation level significantly increased at 24, 48, and 72 h of LPS treatment. After 24 h of culture, the GPX4 protein expression of cells in APE1-knockdown+LPS group was significantly lower than that in APE1-knockdown+PBS group (P<0.05), while the ROS level in cells (P<0.05) and cell lipid peroxidation level were significantly higher than those in APE1-knockdown+PBS group and empty vector+LPS group. After 24 h of culture, APE1, SLC7A11, and GPX4 protein expressions of cells in APE1-overexpression+LPS group were significantly higher than those in empty vector+LPS group (P<0.05), while the ROS level in cells (P<0.05) and cell lipid peroxidation level were significantly lower than those in empty vector+LPS group. At 24 h post-surgery, APE1 and GPX4 protein expressions of mice cells in inhibitor+CLP group were significantly lower than those in inhibitor+sham injury group and corn oil+CLP group (P<0.05); the ROS level of mice cells in corn oil+CLP group (12 693±913) was significantly higher than that in corn oil+sham injury group (4 205±805, P<0.05), while the ROS level of mice cells in inhibitor+CLP group (18 085±223) was significantly higher than that in inhibitor+sham injury group (4 381±787) and corn oil+CLP group (with P values all<0.05); the cell lipid peroxidation level of mice in inhibitor+CLP group was significantly higher than that in inhibitor+sham injury group and corn oil+CLP group. Within 7 d post-surgery, the survival ratio of mice in inhibitor+CLP group was significantly lower than that in inhibitor+sham injury group (χ²=22.67, P<0.05).    Conclusions   Under simulated sepsis, the APE1 expression in mouse DCs is decreased, and oxidative stress and ferroptosis are enhanced; knocking down the APE1 exacerbates DC ferroptosis, while APE1 overexpression effectively reduces DC ferroptosis. The inhibition of APE1 expression in DCs is closely associated with poor prognosis in sepsis.
Analysis of the characteristics of infectious pathogens in burn patients with sepsis based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing technology
Shi Jijing, Zhao Liang, Li Xiaoliang, Zhang Qun, Xia Chengde, Ma Chao
2024, 40(10): 940-947. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240418-00137
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  Objective  To analyze the characteristics of infectious pathogens in burn patients with sepsis based on metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology.  Methods  This study was a retrospective observational study. From July 2021 to December 2023, 109 burn patients with sepsis who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Burns of the First People's Hospital of Zhengzhou, including 68 males aged 57 to 92 years and 41 females aged 48 to 83 years. Blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, sputum, or other fluid specimens were collected from the patients during their hospital stay for microbiological culture (86 patients) and mNGS technology detection (109 patients). The types of specimens and pathogens detected by mNGS technology were counted. Patients were divided into intensive care unit (ICU) group (78 cases) who were admitted to the ICU and non-ICU group (31 cases) who were not admitted to the ICU, and the pathogens for infection in the two groups of patients were analyzed. In addition, the detection of pathogens in the specimens of 86 patients who underwent both mNGS technology detection and microbiological culture detection was analyzed.  Results  Among the 109 specimens detected by mNGS technology, there were 42 blood specimens, 17 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid specimens, 4 sputum specimens, 6 cerebrospinal fluid specimens, 16 pus specimens, and 24 tissue fluid specimens; a total of 39 pathogens were detected, including 13 bacteria, 12 fungi, 10 viruses, 2 parasites, and 2 mycoplasmas. The overall positive rate of pathogen detection was 88.99% (97/109). Ranked by the detection rate, the top three Gram-negative bacteria were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas spp, the top three Gram-positive bacteria were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis; the top three viruses were human herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, and circovirus; the top three fungi were Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus. Twenty-seven patients were infected with one pathogen, 45 patients with two pathogens, and 25 patients with three or more pathogens. Compared with those in non-ICU group, the proportions of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas spp, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Aspergillus fumigatus, and cytomegalovirus detected in the patients in ICU group were significantly higher (with χ2 values of 8.62, 7.93, 3.93, 5.48, 4.28, and 5.58, respectively, P<0.05). In the pathogens detected by mNGS technology and microbiological culture method, the most common bacteria were Klebsiellapneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, and the most common fungi were strains of Aspergillus and Candida. There were 19 pathogens those could only be detected by mNGS technology, such as Lichtheimia ramosa, Pneumocystis jirovecii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, viruses, etc.; there were no pathogens detected by microbiological culture method that couldn't be detected by mNGS technology. Compared with those detected by microbiological culture method, the overall positive rate, bacterial positive rate, and fungal positive rate detected by mNGS technology were significantly increased (with χ2 values of 45.52, 5.88, and 4.94, respectively, P<0.05). The 27.91% (24/86) of patients were detected positive by both methods, and 72.09% (62/86) of the patients were detected positive by mNGS technology but negative by microbiological culture method. The consistency test of the results obtained by the two detection methods showed that the difference was not statistically significant (κ=0.02, P>0.05).  Conclusions  The positive rate of pathogen detection in specimens using mNGS technology is higher than that detected by using conventional microbiological culture method, and it can detect pathogens those cannot be detected by the latter, such as Lichtheimia ramosa, Pneumocystis jirovidii, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, viruses, etc. Detection using mNGS technology can help clarify the types of infectious pathogens in burns patients with sepsis, and provide basis and guidance for clinical medication.
Original Article
Application of highly selective arterial indocyanine green angiography in the design of anterolateral thigh free flap
Wang Shi, Dong Shuai, Cao Yang, Wang Guiyang, Yang Chengpeng, Sun Fengwen, Huang Yongtao, Guo Liping, Yang Liang, Zhou Rong, Ju Jihui
2024, 40(10): 948-954. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240513-00174
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  Objective  To introduce the application of highly selective arterial indocyanine green angiography (hereinafter referred to as highly selective arterial angiography) in the design of anterolateral thigh free flap.  Methods  This study was a retrospective observational study. From November 2023 to April 2024, 29 patients with wounds in extremities which were repaired by anterolateral thigh free flaps designed under the assistance of highly selective arterial angiography and met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Hand Surgery and Department of Wound Repair Surgery of Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital, including 26 males and 3 females, aged 16 to 71 years. The wound area after debridement ranged from 8.0 cm×4.5 cm to 27.0 cm×16.0 cm. During the surgery, highly selective arterial angiography was used to assist in flap design. The fluorescence development range of the source arteries or perforators of flaps was observed. The blood supply range of the source arteries or perforators of flaps was determined based on the fluorescence development of the skin, and the excision position of the flap was adjusted. The flap incision area ranged from 9.0 cm×6.0 cm to 29.0 cm×16.0 cm. During the surgery, the number of highly selective arterial angiography, the type of source artery of perforators for puncture, and changes in the excision position of flaps were observed and recorded. After surgery, the blood supply and survival of flaps, the healing of wounds and the survival of skin grafts in the flap donor sites, and the angiography-related complications were observed.  Results  All the 32 flaps of 29 patients were successfully excised. The highly selective arterial angiography was performed 37 times, including 13 cases of puncture of the oblique branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, 6 cases of puncture of the descending branch, 8 cases of double puncture of the oblique and descending branches, and 2 cases of puncture of arteries from other branches. During the surgery, the excision position of 28 flaps did not change, the excision position of 3 flaps moved towards proximal extremity of the thigh, and the excision position of 1 flap moved towards distal extremity of the thigh. All the flaps survived successfully after the surgery, and there was no partial necrosis of the flaps at the proximal or distal ends. The wounds in the flap donor sites healed, and all skin grafts survived. No angiography-related complications occurred.  Conclusions  Highly selective arterial angiography can be used to determine the blood supply range of the source artery and perforators of the anterolateral thigh free flaps during the surgery. It can evaluate the blood supply of flaps more intuitively and objectively. Its application in assisting flap design can avoid partial flap necrosis caused by unreasonable preoperative design to a certain extent, and it is safe and reliable.
Analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with perianal necrotizing fasciitis
Zhu Shaoban, Li Dehui, Liu Da'en, Wei Jun, Zhong Chaoyi, Wu Yajun, Nong Qingwen, Qiu Shumei, Li Shuntang
2024, 40(10): 955-962. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231028-00143
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  Objective  To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment of patients with perianal necrotizing fasciitis.  Methods  This study was a retrospective cohort study. Twenty patients with perianal necrotizing fasciitis who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University (hereinafter referred to as our department) from August 2013 to September 2023, including 19 males and 1 female, aged 24-74 (56±11) years. Based on the spreading route of perianal infection to the lower abdomen, the patients were divided into perianal-inguinal-lower abdominal wall group (12 cases) and perianal-pelvic cavity-retroperitoneal group (8 cases). The following clinical data were compared between the two groups of patients: general data, including gender, age, combined underlying diseases, blood glucose level and acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) score when admitted to our department, and laboratory risk indicator for necrotizing fasciitis (LRINEC) score when admitted to our department and at 14 d after admitted to our department; infection indicators when admitted to our department, including C-reactive protein level, white blood cell count, lymphocyte count, procalcitonin level, and lactic acid level; clinical outcome-related indicators, including time from onset to definite infection range, number of surgery, treatment in intensive care unit (ICU), length of hospital stay, treatment outcome, and recurrence of necrotizing fasciitis during follow-up; detection of pathogen and bacterial drug resistance in wound necrotic tissue specimen when admitted to our department.  Results  Compared with those in perianal-inguinal-lower abdominal wall group, the APACHE Ⅱ score and lactic acid level when admitted to our department and LRINEC score at 14 d after admitted to our department (with t values of -5.98, -5.01, and -2.86, respectively, P<0.05) and ICU treatment ratio (P<0.05) were significantly increased, the time from onset to definite infection range was significantly prolonged (Z=-3.75, P<0.05), and the number of surgery was significantly increased (Z=2.80, P<0.05) in patients in perianal-pelvic cavity-retroperitoneal group. There were no statistically significant differences in other data between the two groups of patients (P>0.05). Eighteen patients were cured, and no recurrence of perianal necrotizing fasciitis was observed during follow-up of 6 months in 18 cured patients. The main bacteria were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the fungui were Aspergillus and Candida albicans detected in wound necrotic tissue specimens in two groups of patients when admitted to our department. The ratio of multiple drug resistance of bacteria in wound necrotic tissue specimens in perianal-pelvic cavity-retroperitoneal group of patients was significantly higher than that in perianal-inguinal-lower abdominal wall group (P<0.05).  Conclusions  Perianal necrotizing fasciitis can spread to the lower abdomen through two routes: the perianal-inguinal-lower abdominal wall route and the perianal-pelvic cavity-retroperitoneal route. The latter is more insidious in disease progression and more challenging in treatment. Establishing a mechanism of multi-disciplinary team diagnosis and treatment can achieve the goal of early diagnosis and precise treatment of perianal necrotizing fasciitis.
Effects of the first dorsal metatarsal artery terminal branch flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects of fingers
Wu Haibo, Jin Guangzhe, Li Jin, Zhang Yan, Wang Kai, Wang Qiang, Tang Xiaoqiang, Ju Jihui, Hou Ruixing
2024, 40(10): 963-970. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231226-00271
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  Objective  To explore the effects of the first dorsal metatarsal artery terminal branch flaps in repairing skin and soft tissue defects of fingers.  Methods  The study was a retrospective observational study. From October 2021 to December 2022, 44 patients with skin and soft tissue defects in 55 fingers who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Suzhou Ruihua Orthopedic Hospital. There were 39 males (48 fingers) and 5 females (7 fingers), aged 18 to 54 years. The single wound area after debridement ranged from 1.5 cm×1.0 cm to 3.0 cm×2.0 cm. The color Doppler ultrasonography was performed before operation to locate the first dorsal metatarsal artery and its terminal branches, and a first dorsal metatarsal artery terminal branch flap was designed according to the wound condition, with the area of harvested single flap ranged from 1.7 cm×1.2 cm to 3.2 cm×2.2 cm. The wounds in the flap donor areas were transplanted with full-thickness skin grafts from ipsilateral inner calf. The type of flap was recorded, and the diameter of the terminal branch of the first dorsal metatarsal artery was measured during operation. The survival of the flap was observed one week after operation. The wound healing in the flap donor and recipient areas was observed two weeks after operation. At the last follow-up, the functional recovery of the affected fingers was evaluated by the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association, the sensory function of the flap was evaluated using the sensory function evaluation standard of British Medical Research Council, the scar in the donor and recipient areas of the flap was evaluated using the Vancouver scar scale (VSS), and the Allen test was conducted in the toe of flap donor area to evaluate the blood flow.  Results  The monoblock type flaps in 31 patients and flow-through type flaps in 2 patients were used to repair wounds in single finger, 2 monoblock type flaps in 8 patients were used to repair wounds in 2 fingers at the same time, and the single-pedicle and two-flap type flaps in 3 patients were used to repair wounds in 2 fingers at the same time. The diameter of the fibular terminal branch of the first dorsal metatarsal artery ranged from 0.40 to 1.10 mm, and the diameter of the tibial terminal branch of the first dorsal metatarsal artery ranged from 0.70 to 0.75 mm. All the flaps survived at one week after operation, and all the wounds demonstrated optimal healing in the flap donor and recipient areas at two weeks after operation. All patients were followed up for 6 to 18 months. At the last follow-up, the functional recovery of 48 fingers was evaluated as excellent, and the functional recovery of 7 fingers was evaluated as good; the sensory function of 8 flaps was rated as S2, and the sensory function of 47 flaps was rated as S3, and the two-point discrimination distance of the flaps was 8-14 mm; the VSS scores in the flap recipient areas ranged from 3 to 6, and the VSS scores in the flap donor areas ranged from 4 to 7; the Allen test result of the toes in the donor areas were all negative with normal blood flow.  Conclusions  The first dorsal metatarsal artery terminal branch flaps have several advantages, including relatively hidden donor area, shallow anatomical level, simple intraoperative operation, and flexible flap design. The flap is incised without damaging the main artery of the toe, which can repair skin and soft tissue defects of the fingers and ensure the utmost protection of the toes in donor areas. The fingers exhibit improved appearance, texture, sensation, and function after operation.
Effects of the second dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap relaying the dorsal island flap of index finger in repairing thumb wounds
Chen Yan, Xie Bin, Liu Yuanjun, Wu Jian
2024, 40(10): 971-977. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20231202-00224
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  Objective  To explore the effects of the second dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap relaying the dorsal island flap of index finger in repairing thumb wounds.  Methods  The study was a retrospective observational study. From May 2021 to January 2023, 14 patients with thumb wounds who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Gansu Provincial People's Hospital, including 8 males and 6 females, aged 24 to 63 years. After debridement, the wound area was 2.1 cm×1.2 cm to 5.5 cm×3.5 cm. The dorsal island flap of index finger with incision area of 2.4 cm×1.5 cm to 5.5 cm×3.5 cm was used to repair the thumb wound, and then the second dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap with incision area of 2.7 cm×1.6 cm to 5.7 cm×3.6 cm was cut through the same incision to repair the donor wound in the index finger, and the donor wound in the dorsal of hand was directly sutured. The survival of flap was observed, and the healing of the donor wound in the dorsal of hand was observed after operation. The condition of donor wound in the dorsal of hand, the color, appearance, and texture of flap, postoperative complications, return to work, and satisfaction with the treatment effect of patients were followed up. At the last follow-up, the function of the thumb and the index finger was evaluated with the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.  Results  After operation, all flaps survived, and the donor wounds on the back of the hands healed. During follow-up of 6-12 months, only linear scars remained on the donor wounds in the dorsal of hands, and the color of flaps was similar to that of the surrounding normal skin, with a full appearance and soft texture. There were no complications such as scar tenderness or scar contracture in any patient. All patients had normal sensation in the thumb and index finger, resumed normal work, and were satisfied with the treatment effects. At the last follow-up, the function of thumb and index finger was evaluated as excellent in 9 cases and good in 5 cases.  Conclusions  The second dorsal metacarpal artery perforator flap can repair the thumb wound by relaying the dorsal island flap of index finger, without damaging the major blood vessels, with only linear scars remained on the donor wounds in the dorsal of hands after operation, with good appearance of flap and function of thumb and index finger. The operation is relatively simple with good clinical effects.
Clinical effects of antegrade anterolateral thigh pedicled flaps in repairing wounds in the perineum or inguinal regions
Wang Shaohua, Wang Shunbin, Xu Zhaorong, Chen Zhaohong
2024, 40(10): 978-984. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240218-00064
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  Objective  To explore the clinical effects of antegrade anterolateral thigh pedicled flaps in repairing wounds in the perineum or inguinal regions.  Methods  The study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2022 to May 2024, 7 patients with wounds in the perineum or inguinal regions who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, including 5 males and 2 females, aged 54 to 72 years. The wound area after debridement was 8 cm×6 cm to 16 cm×11 cm. During the operation, antegrade anterolateral thigh pedicled flaps with area of 9 cm×7 cm to 18 cm×13 cm were harvested to repair the wounds. The wounds in the flap donor sites were sutured directly or repaired with split-thickness skin grafts from the thigh. The survival of flaps and the healing of wounds and the survival of skin grafts in flap donor sites were observed after operation. During follow-up, the texture, color, and blood supply of flaps were observed, the muscle strength of the lower extremities on the affected side was evaluated according to Lovett muscle strength grading standard, the muscle tension of the lower extremities on the affected side was evaluated by modified Ashworth scale, and the recovery of lower extremity movement, wound recurrence, and scar formation in the flap donor sites were observed.  Results  The flaps all survived successfully after operation. All the wounds in the flap donor sites healed and the skin grafts all survived. During 2 to 29 months of follow-up, the flaps were soft in texture, similar in color to the surrounding normal skin tissue with good blood supply. The muscle strength of the lower extremities on the affected side was evaluated as grade 4 in 2 patients and grade 5 in 5 patients. The muscle tension was grade 0 in all patients with no abnormality in movement. No wound recurred and no obvious scar deformity in the flap donor site was observed.  Conclusions  The antegrade anterolateral thigh pedicled flap transplant is one of the effective methods to repair wounds in the perineum and inguinal regions. The procedure is easy to operate, with good postoperative appearances of the donor and recipient sites and good function of affected limbs, which is worthy of clinical promotion.
Review
Research advances on the application of free flaps in limb salvage treatment of patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Liu Xin, Huang Guangtao, Wu Jun
2024, 40(10): 985-990. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240130-00041
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Abstract:
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is one of the severe complications of diabetes, which is difficult to treat and associated with a high risk of amputation. Current guidelines recommend that the plane of amputation be comprehensively assessed based on the degree of tissue necrosis and plane of vascular occlusion in DFUs, the age and systemic organ function of patients. However, the survival and quality of life of DFU patients suffering from amputation will be significantly affected. After reviewing the national and international literature and summarizing the experience of limb-salvage treatment of DFUs, we believe that free flap transplantation is of great significance for limb-salvage treatment to some patients with severe DFUs. In addition, this article also focus on analyzing the indications and perioperative precautions for patients with DFUs undergoing free flap transplantation.
Research progresses on the role of programmed cell death in the inflammatory response of chronic refractory wounds
Chen Xuelian, Liu Yan
2024, 40(10): 991-995. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240123-00029
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Abstract:
Continuous inflammatory response and repeated tissue damage lead to a chronic inflammatory state that is an important pathological feature of chronic refractory wounds, and plays an important pathogenic role in the occurrence and development of chronic refractory wounds. Multiple types of programmed cell death can release damage-associated molecular patterns, and trigger or induce sustained inflammatory responses, leading to dysregulated tissue repair. This review will outline the known role of programmed cell death in the inflammatory response of chronic refractory wounds from the perspective of generating damage-associated molecular patterns, and explore possible research directions on the role and mechanism of programmed cell death in chronic refractory wounds.
Interpretation of Guidelines
Interpretation of the 2023 American Burn Association "Clinical practice guidelines for burn shock resuscitation"
Sun Linli, Liu Lihong, Xiang Luyan, Ding Li, Liu Wenjun
2024, 40(10): 996-1000. doi: 10.3760/cma.j.cn501225-20240218-00061
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Abstract:
The American Burn Association updated and released the "Clinical practice guidelines on burn shock resuscitation" in December 2023. This guideline is an extension and refinement of the "Practice guidelines on burn shock resuscitation" released in 2008. It mainly provides evidence-based recommendations for acute fluid resuscitation in adults with burn shock. In order to enable clinicians to better apply the 2023 guideline, this article focuses on the interpretation of the guideline.

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