Abstract: Chronic, hard-to-heal wounds affect millions of people worldwide, representing a burden for healthcare systems, society, and patients. The following case series describes the use of an advanced therapy (oxygen wound therapy). The results of two patients with chronic wounds suggests this that oxygen therapy can improve outcomes, while allowing self-care by the patient and leading to increased adherence to the treatment plan.

Aisling Roberts, Surgical ACP, DrEd (year 3), Mscadvanced practice in skin integrity, Bsc, Pgc in chronic oedema. Great western hospital

Key words

Adherence Chronic wounds Oxygen therapy Self-care

Declaration of interest

The authors have no conflicting interests. This was a product in current use in the Leg Ulcer Clinic. Both patients consented to the use of their treatment and images for this publication.

Abstract: Kaposi’s sarcoma caused by Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated virus, is a rare malignancy in the general population with unique features. However, clinical presentation on the feet can mimic a diabetic foot ulcer. Here we describe the case of a 63-year-old male with type 2 diabetes, who presented with a lesion on the left 4th toe. Left foot radiograph in lateral and dorsoplantar views were normal. Full skin examination identified lesions with a similar morphology on the forearms. A HIV antigen/antibody test was negative, histology showed CD31 positive spindle cells and the presence of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated virus confirming the diagnosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma. Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated virus’ lytic cycle can be triggered by the immunosuppressive state caused by tissue’s chronic exposure to a hyperglycaemic environment. A thorough general examination to identify lesions elsewhere in the body can help to identify the systemic nature of the disease. Pedal lesions in patients with diabetes with an atypical presentation that are refractory to standard treatment should prompt early histological examination. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve the chances of remission.

Farishta Khan,

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Dijon Millette,

Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Roshan Siddique,

St George’s University of London

Haroon Siddique,

Russell Hall Hospital, Dudley Group NHS Trust

Key words

• AIDS
• Diabetes
• Diabetic foot ulcer
• Kaposi sarcoma
• Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated virus

This article is based on a presentation by Professor Steven Jeffery at the annual Wounds UK conference in Harrogate, on 7 November 2023. Professor Jeffery presented clinical studies on how a bioengineered wound therapy with a porcine urinary bladder matrix (UBM) may facilitate healing of chronic wounds.

Steven LA Jeffery

Medical Director Pioneer Wound Telehealth and Professor of Wound Study, Birmingham City University

John McRobert

Clinical Research Director, Pioneer Wound Telehealth

Key words

• Chronic diabetic wounds

• Urinary bladder matrix
• Macrophages
• Wound healing
• Meeting report
• Wound care services

This meeting report has been funded by an educational grant from Integra

Steven Percival

BSc, PGCE, MSc, MSc, PhD, CEO, 5D Health Protection Group Ltd, Professor (hon), School of Medicine, University of Manchester, UK

Leanne Atkin

PhD MHSc, RGN, Vascular Nurse Consultant/Lecturer Practitioner, Mid Yorks NHS Trust, University of Huddersfield, UK

Key words

• Infection
• Flaminal®
• Antimicrobial resistance

• Meeting report

Declarations

The symposium and report were supported by Flen Health.