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Researchers call for rethink of external NHS inspections amid questions of effectiveness

A study by researchers at the University of York found that costly external NHS hospital inspections do not lead to improvements in quality of care. Rates of falls and pressure ulcers improved before inspections, but slowed afterwards. The authors suggest a less resource-intensive approach to reduce costs and burden on staff.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalJournal of Health Services Research & Policy·DateApr 11, 2019

Efforts to prevent pressure ulcers in hospitals may not be making headway on the worst kind

A new study finds that hospitals' progress in reducing hospital-acquired pressure ulcers (HAPUs) is largely due to preventing less-costly and less-dangerous early-stage HAPUs. The study recommends better data tracking methods, including using the same approach as for infections, to adjust rates and penalties based on patients' underlyi...

Presence of new or worsened bedsores tied to poorer outcomes in inpatient rehab facilities

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that the presence of new or worsened bedsores is associated with lower quality outcomes for rehabilitation patients, including decreased functional independence and longer hospital stays. The study used data from nearly 500,000 Medicare patients discharged between 2013 and 2014.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateAug 30, 2018

Light device is effective ulcer treatment

A new light device has been developed by the University of Manchester and Salford Royal NHS Trust, showing an average 83% improvement rate in treating finger ulcers caused by systemic sclerosis. The therapy combines infrared, red, and ultraviolet light and can be administered at home, offering a potential game-changer for ulcer treatment.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalJournal of Dermatological Treatment·DateJul 25, 2018

Exercise may benefit patients with leg ulcers

Researchers found that supervised exercise accelerated ulcer healing time by 22 weeks compared to compression therapy alone. The study suggests benefits for patients with venous leg ulcers, including cost savings.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateNov 8, 2017

Research reveals the true impact of diabetic foot ulcers

A recent study published by the University of Leeds reveals that diabetic foot ulcers have severe consequences, including limited mobility and increased risk of heart disease. The research found that more than half of patients with infected ulcers did not heal over a year, highlighting the need for close monitoring and timely treatment.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalDiabetic Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Mature B lymphocytes accelerate the healing of diabetic ulcers, other skin injuries

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have found that mature B lymphocytes can greatly accelerate the healing of acute and chronic wounds in both healthy and diabetic skin. The treatment also improved tissue quality and reduced scarring. High numbers of a patient's B cells can be isolated through standard blood pheresis procedu...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalWound Repair and Regeneration·DateOct 25, 2017

Popular heartburn drugs linked to higher death risk

A new study from Washington University School of Medicine links popular heartburn drugs to an increased risk of death, particularly among those using the medications for extended periods. The research found that users of proton pump inhibitors had a 25% higher risk of death compared to those taking H2 blockers.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalBMJ Open·DateJul 3, 2017

First report on efficient reprogramming of diabetic foot ulcer cells to create therapeutic stem cell

Scientists have developed a technique to convert diabetic foot ulcer cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which can be used to study new therapeutic approaches and develop disease models. This breakthrough has significant implications for the treatment of non-healing chronic wounds.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalCellular Reprogramming·DateAug 10, 2016

Non-healing tissue from diabetic foot ulcers reprogrammed as pluripotent stem cells

A study by researchers at Tufts University successfully reprograms cells from diabetic foot ulcers into pluripotent stem cells, which can be turned into various cell types important for wound healing. The findings provide a new target for treatment and may lead to the development of more effective therapies for non-healing wounds.

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalCellular Reprogramming·DateJun 28, 2016

Uni experts aim to cut the costs of pressure ulcers

Research by University of Huddersfield experts highlights the need for nationwide improvements in staff knowledge and skills to prevent pressure ulcers. The team's findings suggest that a national education programme is necessary to promote patient health-related quality of life and reduce healthcare costs associated with pressure damage.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Wound Care·DateJan 7, 2016

Ultrasound accelerates skin healing -- especially for diabetics and the elderly

Researchers have discovered that low-intensity ultrasound can stimulate and accelerate wound healing in individuals with chronic wounds, particularly those with diabetes or age-related circulatory issues. This breakthrough has the potential to save the NHS £3.1 billion annually and improve treatment outcomes for over 200,000 patients.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateJul 12, 2015

Stomach ulcers in cattle

A recent study by researchers at Vetmeduni Vienna found that stomach ulcers in cattle are primarily caused by stress, nutrition, and weather conditions. The bacterial diversity present in the stomachs of healthy and ulcerated animals was nearly identical, suggesting that bacteria play a minor role in the development of ulcers.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalVeterinary Microbiology·DateApr 17, 2015

Systemic sclerosis patients with unhealed digital ulcers benefit from fat cell transplant

Researchers have found that local implants of autologous adipose tissue-derived cells resulted in significant pain reduction and healing within two to seven weeks for all patients with long-lasting, non-healing digital ulcers. The treatment showed promise as an alternative to traditional therapies.