Leg Ulcer
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Data from C. Kuhn and colleagues advance knowledge in leg ulcer
2009 JUN 1 - (NewsRx.com) -- According to a study from Switzerland, "The quality and extent of leg ulcer healing in deeper skin layers remains poorly defined using standard visual inspection alone. High-resolution ultrasound (HR-US) offers a non-invasive, quantitative and objective assessment of dimensional and structural changes deep within the wound." "In a prospective, single-center study, healing of chronic, treatment-resistant leg ulcers was monitored by standard photography and HR-US. Twenty patients with 22 ulcers were enrolled. After study entry, treatment comprised continuation of conventional management (n=4) or application of Apligraf((R)) (n=17) or Thiersch (n=1). All ulcers receiving a graft were classified as 'clinically healed' by visual inspection within a maximum of 5 weeks. With conventional management, closure required a period of several months in three out of four cases. After covering the ulcer with Apligraf((R)), the skin reconditioned, resulting in fair skin color and a smooth skin surface in all but one case. HR-US images, however, revealed large subepidermal deficits of elastic and collagenous fibers at the time of 'clinical healing' in 14/18 engrafted ulcers, findings that are strongly indicative of a weakened skin scaffolding," wrote C. Kuhn and colleagues. The researchers concluded: "We suggest that the healing process for chronic ulcers can be monitored with both standard visual inspection (photography) and HR-US to allow early intervention." Kuhn and colleagues published the results of their research in Skin Research and Technology (Use of high-resolution ultrasound to monitor the healing of leg ulcers: a prospective single-center study. Skin Research and Technology, 2009;15(2):161-167). For additional information, contact F. Angehrn, Clinic Piano, Gottstattstr 24, CH-2504 Biel, Switzerland. The publisher of the journal Skin Research and Technology can be contacted at: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing, Inc., Commerce Place, 350 Main St., Malden 02148, MA, USA. Keywords: Switzerland, Leg Ulcer, Tissue Engineering. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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