News, clinical tips and updates.
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A recent study by Nassaji, Ghorbani and Shkofte concluded that Atorvastatin may have a role in preventing diabetic foot related infections. They point out that whilst statins have a lipid-lowering effect, they also demonstrate anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions. Their observations are supported by work done
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In NSW the price of electricity rises by 20% this month. Wage and pension increases are at all time lows and have been for some time. However the cost of utilities, vehicle registration, insurances, pharmaceuticals, council rates and food continue to increase. People are either
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Dr Jacqui Chirgwin is the lead Phlebologist and Medical Director of Newcastle's (NSW) Vein and Laser Centre. I recently had the opportunity to spend a day with her and her team in order to learn more about the role of sclerotherapy and laser ablation for
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Pressure injury is recognised as commencing in deeper soft tissues and by the time that skin changes are visible it is generally too late to avoid tissue damage. Visual inspection of skin over bony prominences is an important assessment and care activity. However, an objective
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http://www.smith-nephew.com/news-and-media/media-releases/news/smith-nephew-signs-exclusive-worldwide-distribution-agreement-for-the-revolutionary-moleculight-ixtm-imaging-device/
Point of care technologies which make a real time difference to clinical decisions are a holy grail which is gradually being realised.
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Until recently I had never heard of Podoconiosis. It presents in a very similar fashion to the better known Elephantitis or Filariasis, which produces chronic oedema with its accompanying skin changes and limb deformity. Filariasis is mosquito bourne and involves the habitation of a round
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Gary Sibbald and James Elliott eloquently describe their clinical mantra for treating a patient with neuropathic foot ulceration. They refer to the process as the "VIPs of care".
V = ensuring an adequate vascular supply. Examine pulses, systolic arterial pressures (including in the great toe) and
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Smoking
Drugs - opioids, steroids, anticoaggulants, illicit
Diabetes
Obesity (BMI >40 there is a 51% chance of infection within 6 weeks of the surgery)
Pre-eclampsia
Prior C-section
Poor nutrition
Ischaemia (normally intra, peri and post-op)
Retained foreign bodies - sutures, clips, drains, dressing materials
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Dr Aletha Tippett is a member of the Advanced Wound Team with the Hope of Healing Foundation in the USA. She recently reported on the modern day utilisation of leech therapy and described this modality being used for the following indications : surgical flap salvage,
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In collaboration with the Australian College of Nursing, I am presenting a two-day "Wound Management Update" at the John Hunter Hospital on April 10&11, 2017. This CPD short course (12 hours) is designed for registered and enrolled nurses who provide wound care in the acute
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