Background wound healing involves inflammation, proliferation and remodeling, with prolonged healing times posing significant challenges.Beta-glucans, natural polysaccharides, may enhance this process.Objective To evaluate the impact of beta-glucan on wound healing.Method A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central databases was conducted.Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials, clinical trials, cohort, and case-control studies comparing beta-glucan to other treatments.Only English-language studies were included, with no time restrictions.Screening and assessment were independently performed by two reviewers using Rayyan.The risk of bias was evaluated using the ROB-2 tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).A meta-analysis was performed on the included studies.Result Beta-glucans promote immune cell activation and tissue repair, accelerating inflammation resolution.The metaanalysis of chronic wounds included two studies comprising a total of 354 participants, demonstrating a twofold increase in chronic wound healing rates at 12 weeks with the application of topical beta-glucan.In contrast, the analysis of acute wounds included two studies with a combined sample size of 290 participants.However, the findings for acute wounds were inconclusive.Conclusion Beta-glucan demonstrates potential as an adjunctive therapy for chronic wounds, significantly accelerating healing rates.Its clinical utility warrants further exploration.

Background Gas gangrene, a life-threatening complication, requires early detection for effective intervention.This study emphasises the crucial role of point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) in detecting gas gangrene within a closed diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).Case Presentation A 61-year-old male with an undiagnosed diabetic foot ulcer presented with pain and swelling on the right leg.Ultrasonographic images revealed subcutaneous gas gangrene extending to the Achilles tendon and calf.Despite extensive gas invasion, no significant tissue damage or pus collection was observed.Prompt wound debridement and antibiotic therapy were administered. ConclusionThe study underscores the crucial importance of POCUS in unraveling hidden threats, specifically emphasising its ability to identify gas gangrene before apparent tissue damage.The timely and precise nature of POCUS in gas gangrene detection, especially before visible tissue damage, positions it as an indispensable asset in the clinical management of DFUs.

Aim To map interventions for the treatment of epibole on wound edges.Methods This is a scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Institute method.There were no time or language limitations when conducting the searches.Researchers searched the databases between May 2022 and May 2024.Studies that presented at least one intervention for wound edge epibole were included.Results 2753 studies were identified, nine of which were selected for the final sample, in which the following interventions were found: topical hyperbaric oxygen associated with high-voltage pulsed electrical stimulation, polymeric membrane dressing applied in firm contact with the wound edges, the use of silver nitrate, sharp instrumental debridement with scarification, edge trenching and soap scrap techniques.Conclusions Different types of interventions were found, but in studies with low evidence for clinical practice.More research is needed.

Enhanced wound healing of deep wound dehiscence

Aims To investigate patient and carer experiences of care at two interdisciplinary specialist services for the management of diabetes-related foot ulceration (DFU).Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients experiencing DFU who attended a minimum of four appointments over three months, and their carers who attended at least two appointments.Purposive sampling was used to identify patients based on: gender; employment status; cultural and linguistic background; carer support; end-stage renal disease; and mental health diagnosis.Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. ResultsWe invited 25 patients to participate.Thirteen consented and were interviewed, along with three carers.Data sufficiency was achieved.Three themes and two subthemes were identified: confident in care; care considered comprehensive (subthemes: education benefits and access is complex); and DFU is life changing. ConclusionsThis study adds to a limited body of previous evidence regarding DFU care experiences.The importance of feeling confident and care being comprehensive were highlighted.New insights were gained, including that receiving care for and living with DFU are part of the same experience which cannot be separated.These findings may guide interdisciplinary service planning and future research to improve care for people living with DFU.

Aims This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of polyhexanide or polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) for management of various wound types compared to other dressings.Methods A literature search was conducted in journal databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, CENTRAL, and Clinicaltrials.gov.We included intervention studies that evaluated the use of polyhexanide topical preparations in wound healing until November 2024.Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool 2 (RoB2) and ROBINS-I.Quantitative analysis was carried out using Review Manager version 5.4.Results Eighteen studies were included, comprising randomised controlled trials and cohort studies with sample sizes ranging from 12 to 146 patients.Five studies were eligible for meta-analysis.Healing time was significantly faster in polyhexanide group compared to controls (MD -14.84 days; 95% CI -31.30, 1.62; p=0.08).While there was no significant difference (Odds ratio 0.76; 95%, CI 0.23, 2.48; p=0.65), the bacterial burden reduction was higher in PHMB-treated wounds (p=0.04).Conclusion Polyhexanide demonstrated significantly faster healing time in treatment of various types of wounds.It also had multiple advantages, such as its transparent properties, antimicrobial activity, and reduced pain compared to other treatments.Further studies may be needed to assess long-term efficacy and safety of PHMB for various wound types.

Background Community pharmacists play a vital role in primary care, including minor wound management.However, their formal training and involvement in wound care in Saudi Arabia remains underexplored.Objective This study aimed to assess the current practices, knowledge and training needs related to wound care among community pharmacists in Saudi Arabia.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among licensed community pharmacists across several regions in Saudi Arabia during September 2024.A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, wound care experience, confidence levels and preferred training methods.Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied. ResultsOf the 203 respondents, most were male (71.9%) and had 1-3 years of experience.While 62% encountered wound cases sometimes or rarely, 96% reported no formal wound care training.Pharmacists expressed interest in certified workshops and practical courses.A significant association was observed between training and confidence in providing wound care recommendations (p<0.01). ConclusionCommunity pharmacists in Saudi Arabia are moderately involved in wound care but lack structured training.Enhancing their role through interprofessional collaboration and targeted education may improve patient-centered wound management.