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published_or_final_version / Medicine / Master / Master of Philosophy

Mini-dissertation submitted in compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2006. / The purpose of this double-blind placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the relative and combined efficacy of the homoeopathic similimum, taken orally, and the topical application of a lotion made from the homoeopathic mother tinctures of Hypericum perforatum and Calendula officinalis in the treatment of venous leg ulcers. Venous hypertension in the lower limb, occurring from a variety of causes, leads to microcirculatory abnormalities which may permit the formation of a chronic ulcer (Zimmet, 1998). Venous leg ulcers are a cause of much debility, social isolation, depression, fears of loss of employment and income (Royal College of Nursing Institute, 1998). The mainstay of treatment at present is compression bandaging to reduce the venous pressure in the lower limb. Eighty percent of venous leg ulcers will heal within eight to twelve weeks with compression bandaging (Thomas, 1997). Homoeopathy is a system of medicine based on natural laws of healing, and recognizes the biophysical energy of an individual (also known as the vital force) as that which provides the normal protective defence mechanisms of the body, and is disturbed in disease, producing symptoms on the physical, mental and emotional levels (Vithoulkas, 1980). Many plants are known to have wound-healing properties (Curtis and Fraser, 2003). Calendula officinalis and Hypericum perforatum were considered the best plants in a homoeopathic lotion to be used on chronic venous leg ulcers, as they cover all the common problems associated with this type of wound, providing pain relief and anti-microbial activity (Lawless, 1995). In this study, homoeopathic mother tinctures of the herbs were used to make the lotion for topical application to the wounds. / M

Thesis advisor: Barbara E. Wolfe / Patient quality outcomes in the United States (U.S.) healthcare system are largely stagnant or making minimal improvements, resulting in unnecessary morbidity, mortality, and costs (AHRQ, 2012 National Healthcare Quality Report). As the US implements the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordability Act, there is fiscal pressure to attain and sustain significant improvements to patient quality outcomes. This necessitates an understanding of how the processes and structures of care influence patient quality outcomes (Donabedian, 1966) in a complex care environment. To begin addressing this gap, this investigation examined the influence of unit-level authentic leadership (AL) and structural empowerment (SE) on staff nurse decisional involvement (DI) and patient quality outcomes on general care units in the acute-care hospital setting. This study used a cross-sectional survey design. Participants were staff nurses working on 105 general care units across eleven US hospitals. The surveys measured staff nurse perceptions of AL, SE, and DI at the care unit level. The patient quality outcomes of interest were falls with injury, hospital acquired pressure ulcers and patient satisfaction. Care unit level AL and SE had a significant influence on actual staff nurse DI (p = .002 and < .001, respectively) and the degree of dissonance between actual and preferred DI (p < .001). AL and SE had a significant inverse relationship with patient falls with injury (p = .017 and .028, respectively), yet a positive relationship with HAPU rates (p = .051 and .026, respectively). While AL did not have a significant relationship with any of the three patient satisfaction metrics, a significant positive relationship with SE was found (p = .002, .001, and .002, respectively). There was no support for a relationship between actual staff nurse DI and any of the patient quality outcomes. This study extends previous research in this area in that it is the first to examine actual patient quality outcomes at the care unit level. These findings provide support for the unique contributions to patient quality outcomes at the care unit level, indicating the need to develop AL among front-line nurse managers and SE in nurse work environments. / Thesis (PhD) — Boston College, 2015. / Submitted to: Boston College. Connell School of Nursing. / Discipline: Nursing.

Pressure ulcers (PU) are localized damage to skin and underlying tissue that forms in response to ischemia and subsequent hypoxia from external applied mechanical loads such as pressure. We demonstrate how a multiscale and multiphysics finite element model can capture the process of pressure ulcer formation.

Estudo descritivo cujo objetivo foi traçar o perfil dos pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM) que possuem úlcera no pé, atendidos no Ambulatório de Especialidades Mario Covas de Marília-SP. A amostra foi constituída por 60 pacientes atendidos no período de agosto a setembro de 2003. Para coleta de dados utilizou-se entrevista, consulta ao prontuário e avaliação dos pés. Os resultados mostraram maior freqüência no sexo masculino (51,7%), destacando a faixa etária de 50 a 70 anos (64,4%). Em relação ao tipo de diabetes, 95% eram do tipo 2; o tempo médio referido do diagnóstico foi de 12,6 anos e do tratamento 12,1 anos; 63% referiram realizar dieta, 56,7% faziam uso de antidiabético oral e 61,7% de insulina. Considerando os parâmetros de controle do diabetes, 79,6% apresentavam mau controle glicêmico e 56,6% sobrepeso. As complicações crônicas mais freqüentes foram retinopatia (31,7%) e pé diabético associado à doença vascular periférica ( 31,7%). Todos apresentavam hipertensão arterial e em 26,6% estava associada à obstrução arterial crônica. O diagnóstico de obstrução arterial crônica estava presente em 51,7% dos pacientes. Na avaliação dos pés, 53,3% deambulavam; 55% possuíam alteração na marcha; 55% amputação prévia; 48% história de úlceras anteriores; 65% corte de unhas inadequado; 31,7% dedos em garra; 23,3% dedos sobrepostos; 18,3% proeminência do primeiro metatarso; 45% usavam sapatos e meias inadequados. Na avaliação circulatória identificou-se entre os pacientes, pulsos não palpáveis em 27% do tibial posterior direito e 23% do esquerdo; em 26% do pedioso direito e 21% do esquerdo; 35% possuíam edema; 45% rubor na pendência e empalidecimento à elevação; a sensibilidade tátil pressórica estava ausente em 38,3% dos pacientes. Quanto as características das úlceras, 36,6% relataram como causa de maior freqüência bolha infectada e 26,6% trauma mecânico; a localização mais freqüente foi na região plantar (23,3%) e nos dedos (21,7%); o tempo médio das úlceras foi de 0,9 anos; dimensões de 1 a 10 cm2 (65%); 41,7% das úlceras possuíam leito de cor vermelha; 53,3% exsudato4 seroso; 38,3% dor moderada; 58,3% odor discreto e 46,7% grau 2 segundo a classificação de Wagner. O tratamento mais referido para as úlceras foi soro fisiológico e óleo de girassol (81,7% ).Os resultados deste estudo mostraram a gravidade das complicações relacionadas aos pés dos pacientes com diabetes, destacando a história de úlcera e amputação anterior, complicações vasculares e neuropatia como importante fatores de risco para as lesões em pés e trauma extrínseco como principal desencadeante destas lesões, reiterando que intervenções básicas podem contribuir para a sua redução. Apontaram também para a necessidade de elaboração de um protocolo de atendimento; com ênfase no processo educativo junto a pessoa, familiares e profissionais, visando uma maior adesão ao tratamento e controle do DM bem como intensificando medidas preventivas no cuidado aos pés. / This descriptive study aimed to establish the profile of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients with foot ulcers, attended at the Ambulatório de Especialidades Mario Covas in Marília-SP, Brazil. The sample consisted of 60 patients, attended in August and September 2003. Data were collected by means of interviews, patient files and foot evaluation. Research results disclosed higher frequency among men (51.7%), especially in the age range from 50 to 70 years (64.4%). 95% of the patients suffered from type 2 diabetes; average reported diagnosis time was 12.6 years and average reported treatment time 12.1 years. 63.3% mentioned a diet, 56.7% took oral antidiabetic drugs and 61.7% took insuline. In view of diabetes control parameters, 79.6% of the patients demonstrated bad glycemic control and 56.6% were overweight. The most frequent chronic complications were retinopathy (31.7%) and diabetic foot associated with peripheric vascular disease (31.7%). All patients demonstrated arterial hypertension, associated with chronic arterial obstruction in 26.6% of the cases. The chronic arterial obstruction diagnosis applied to 51.7% of the patients. With respect to foot evaluation, 53.3% of all patients displayed instability; 55% claudication; 55% previous amputation; 48% ulcer antecedents; 65% inappropriate nail cutting; 31.7% claw toes; 23.3% hammer toes; 18.3% prominence of the metatarsus and 45% used inadequate shoes and socks. During circulatory evaluation, pulse could not be palpated in 27% of the right posterior tibial and 23% of the left one; in 26.6% of the right pedal and 21% of the left one; 35% of the patients had edema; 45% dependent redness and blanching on elevation; tactile sensitivity to pressure was absent in 38.3% of the patients. With respect to ulcer characteristics, 36.6% mentioned an infected blister as the most frequent cause and 26.6% a mechanical trauma; the most frequent locations were the plantar (23.3%) and toe (21.7%) region; average ulceration time was 0.9 years, dimensions ranged from 1 to 10 cm2; 41.7% of the ulcers involved redness, 53.3% serous discharge 38.3% moderate pain; 58.3% discrete smell and 46.7% Wagner classification level 2. The most frequently mentioned treatment for ulcers was physiological serum and sunflower oil (81.7%). Study results displayed the seriousness of complications related to diabetic foot, highlighting ulcer antecedents and previous amputation, vascular complications and neuropathy as important risk factors for foot injuries and extrinsic trauma as the main factor leading to this kind of injury, reiterating that basic interventions can contribute to its reduction. Results also indicated the need to elaborate a care protocol, emphasizing the education of patients, family members and professionals with a view to greater treatment adhesion and control of DM, as well as intensifying preventive measures in foot care.

Úlceras crônicas são algumas das principais causas de morbi-mortalidade, devido a sua alta probabilidade de infecção e sepse; por esse motivo, elas tem um impacto significativo na saúde pública e no dispêndio de recursos com assistência médica. Úlceras (ou feridas) são caracterizadas por uma perda de substância tecidual, provocando a descontinuidade do tecido cutâneo e adjacentes, alterando a estrutura anatômica e fisiológica das regiões afetadas. As mais comuns são: cirúrgicas, venosas (de estase, varicosa), arteriais, neurotróficas (hanseníase, diabetes, alcoolismo), por pressão ou mistas. A membrana de celulose bacteriana (CB) é utilizada como curativo temporário para tratamento dessas úlceras de pele de diversas origens, devido à excelente conformação no corpo, manutenção da umidade local, redução da dor e aceleração da regeneração do epitélio. A própolis tem mostrado possuir efeitos antibacteriano, antifúngico, antiviral, anti-inflamatório, hepatoprotetor, antioxidante, antitumoral e imunomodulatórios. Outro tratamento para úlceras muito utilizado é a laserterapia de baixa intensidade (LBI), cujos efeitos regenerativos são comprovados; além de promover a cicatrização de úlceras, promove o alívio da dor, melhora da circulação local e diminuição da inflamação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficácia da aplicação de curativos temporários de CB pura ou com própolis associados ou não a aplicação de LBI em indivíduos que apresentavam úlceras crônicas. A amostra conteve 8 pacientes, num total de 12 úlceras, divididos aleatoriamente em 05 grupos: Grupo Membrana de CB Pura (G1), Grupo Membrana de CB com Própolis (G2), Grupo Laser (G3), Grupo Membrana de CB Pura + Laser (G4), Grupo de Membrana de CB com própolis + Laser (G5). Sessenta e sete por cento das úlceras tratadas evoluíram para cicatrização total, apresentando aumento da velocidade de cicatrização em comparação com o tempo de existência da úlcera. Do restante das úlceras tratadas, somente uma teve sua área final aumentada devido a fatores como diabetes descompensada e infecção bacteriana; as outras tiveram uma grande evolução e chegaram próximas da reepitelização total. Todos os tratamentos se mostraram efetivos no tratamento de úlceras crônicas, porém o diferencial na cura foi a utilização de membranas de CB pura e com própolis. / Chronic skin ulcers are a major source of morbidity-mortality due to their high probability of infection and sepsis; for this reason, they have a significant impact on public health and the expenditure of healthcare resources. Skin ulcers (or wounds) are characterized by a loss of tecidual substance, interrupting cutaneous tissue and changing their anatomic and physiologic structures. The most commom ulcers are: cirurgical, venous, arterials, neurotrophics, pressure ulcers or mixed factors. Bacterial cellulose (BC) membrane is used as a temporary curative for the treatment of several types of skin ulcers due to its amazing body conformation, keeping the humidity, reducing the pain and accelerating the ephitelium healing process. Propolis have shown antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antitumor and immunity modulation effects. Another treatment for skin ulcers is low-level laser therapy (LLLT), who have regenerative effects, and it also promoves the ulcer cicatrization, pain relief, better local circulation and reduces the inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of pure BC and propolis BC membrane curative application, associated or not to LLLT in individuals who had chronic ulcers. The sample contained 8 patients and 12 ulcers, randomly divided in 5 groups: Pure BC Membrane Group (G1), Propolis BC Membrane Group (G2), Laser Group (G3), Pure BC Membrane + Laser Group (G4) and Propolis BC Membrane + Laser (G5). Sixty seven per cent of the treated ulcers progressed to full cicatrization, increasing the speed of cicatrization when compared to the existent period of the ulcer. The resto of treated ulcers had a great evolution and got close to the total reepithelization, except for one that had increased its final area because of decompensated diabetes and bacterial infection. All treatments had shown effectiveness for the treatment of chronic skin ulcers, however the differential on healing process was the use of pure BC membranes and propolis BC membranes.

Painful cutaneous ulcers are a clinical challenge as the pain can be difficult to control, frequently requiring a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures. There is evidence suggesting topical opioid application might be efficacious in the management of painful cutaneous ulcers, however this is largely based on case reports. Methods A series of clinical and laboratory studies were undertaken to determine the utility of opioids applied topically to painful cutaneous ulcers, these included surveys of hospice admissions to determine the prevalence of painful ulcers and the effective dose of topical opioid; a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial design to assess the utility of morphine/IntraSite gel mixture, HPLC analysis to determine the mixture’s bioavailability and physical stability, and microbiological studies to determine its microbiological stability. Results A survey of 323 hospice admissions over a two-year period identified 125 patients with 221 ulcers, mostly caused by either pressure (183 ulcers) or trauma (25); 147 (67%) of all ulcers were painful. Compared to placebo, morphine/IntraSite mixture was more efficacious; it was safe and well tolerated in this population. Morphine applied topically appears to have an analgesic effect even at low doses of morphine irrespective of background analgesic medication. HPLC analyses suggested morphine and its metabolites might be detectable in the plasma of patients with large ulcers, but only at low concentrations. In addition morphine/IntraSite gel mixture was physically and, under certain storage conditions, microbiologically stable for 28 days allowing the mixture to be prepared and stored before use. Conclusions The studies confirmed that painful cutaneous ulcers are a significant clinical problem in hospice patients and that morphine/IntraSite mixture can be used safely and effectively in this patient group. Bioavailability studies support the possibility that the opioid analgesic effect is local rather than systemic, and stability studies show the morphine/IntraSite combination, once mixed, can be stored for up to 28 days, allowing the mixture to be prepared and stored before use. Given that ulcers can vary in aetiology, size, severity and temporal characteristics of pain, an individualised titration protocol is recommended. Further research is required to confirm and extend these findings to other ulcers and clinical settings.

Introduction: Digital ulcers (DUs) are responsible for much of the pain and disability associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc), and are a biomarker of internal organ involvement and poor prognosis. DUs are often used as the primary end-point in SSc clinical trials, although the reliability of rheumatologists in grading DUs is poor to moderate at best. Fingertip DUs are believed to be ischaemic in aetiology, whereas, extensor DUs are thought to occur due to mechanical factors and recurrent microtrauma. Treatments for DUs are often poorly tolerated due to systemic vasodilation. The overarching aim was to investigate the definition and objective measurement of SSc-related DUs, their pathophysiology, and a new light treatment. Method: Five studies were undertaken. (1) A web-based study in which photographs of digital lesions were graded, all either with or without clinical context. (2) A pilot study to assess the feasibility and tolerability of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) imaging to measure DUs. (3) A retrospective study examining whether thermographic abnormalities are associated with DUs. (4) A double-blind, randomised, crossover, controlled study of glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) to explore the pathophysiology of DUs in SSc. (5). A feasibility study of a novel light (red, infrared and blue) device to treat SSc-related DUs. Results: (1) 51 rheumatologists graded ≥ 4500 images. The clinical context (without vs with, weighted kappa statistic) did not significantly improve the intra- (0.32,0.36) or inter-rater (0.64,0.71) reliability. (2) HFUS was performed on 15 DUs and was well tolerated and feasible in the majority. DU measurement was possible in most (n=13) DUs, the mean DU depth and width were 0.99mm and 5.74mm, respectively. (3) Patients (n=138) with abnormal (compared to normal) thermography were more likely (adjusted odds ratio = 2.84) to develop future DUs, including multiple episodes. (4) 16 DUs were studied; the microvessels of the DU centre were responsive to GTN, with an increase in perfusion, with a similar effect in both fingertip and extensor DUs. There was less of a clear signal in the DU periphery. (5) Light treatment was safe, feasible and well tolerated (46 light treatments administered in 8 patients, one studied on three separate occasions). There was a significant improvement (change in visual analogue score per visit) in DUs as assessed by both patient (-7.1, P = < 0.001) and clinician opinion (-5.2, P = < 0.001). DU perfusion (measured by LDI) significantly increased post-treatment. Conclusion: The reliability of DU grading did not improve with clinical context. HFUS was feasible and well tolerated, and measurement was possible in most DUs. Our data suggests that many DUs might have an ischaemic drive, including extensor DUs. A novel light treatment was safe, feasible and well tolerated, with a tentative suggestion of treatment efficacy.

Nutritional interventions as a prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers in geriatric clients living in social services facilities Introduction: Pressure ulcers are chronic wounds caused by pressure and friction. This is localized area of cell damage caused by a microcirculation disorder. Prevention is essential especially for immobile clients who are easily creating and developing these chronic wounds. Clinical practice shows that client positioning, use of anti-decubital aids and good nutritional support is necessary. It is important to increase the supply of individual nutrients, especially proteins, and monitor their sufficiency for treatment and prevention. The theoretical part of this diploma thesis was devoted to the etiopathogenesis, classification, prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers especially in terms of nutrition. The empirical part was focused on the examination of the nutritional status of clients with pressure ulcers (using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form questionnaire) and the concretization of the nutritional needs and the real balance of the clients with newly established pressure ulcers at the beginning and after three months of nursing. Objectives: The main objective of this thesis was to map, how many of institutionalized clients with pressure ulcers had sufficient...