Epidemiology of chronic cutaneous wounds in China

Abstract

Chronic cutaneous wounds represent a major health care burden in China. However, limited information exists regarding the epidemiologic changes associated with recent social and economic development. We designed a cross-sectional survey in 2,513 patients who underwent treatment of chronic cutaneous wounds from a nationally representative sample in 17 hospitals between 2007 and 2008. Results revealed the prevalence of chronic cutaneous wounds among hospitalized patients was 1.7‰. Patient ages ranged from 18 days to 96 years (median, 58 years). The highest ratios were among 40-60 and 60-80-year-old patients (31% and 38%, respectively). The leading causes of chronic cutaneous wounds were diabetes (31.3% men, 35.3% women) trauma (26.4% men, 19.2% women). Manual workers (38.5% men, 29.3% women) and retirees (27.9% men, 23.5% women) accounted for over half the chronic cutaneous wound patients. Regarding treatments, only 22.4% were treated with modern dressings or other novel technologies and more patients received antibiotics (77.8%). Treatment was paid for by the patients in 42.3% of cases, by social medical insurance in 25.0%, by commercial medical insurance in 4.8%, while 27.9% received free medical care. Approximately half the patients' wounds were completely healed at discharge (1,345/2,513). In conclusion, diabetes has recently become the leading cause of chronic cutaneous wounds in China. The large population and considerable financial burden mean that serious attention should be paid to the early detection, prevention and diagnosis of chronic cutaneous wounds, and suggest that an overall health insurance system should be established, especially for the elderly.

Survey of Wound-Healing Centers and Wound Care Units in China

“…7 Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic wounds in hospitalized patients in China; the prevalence increased from 4.91% in 1996 to 35.3% in 2008 and has been a heavy burden for the health care resources, 8 with an average hospital stay of 31 days and a medical cost of ¥17 181. 9 Not long before, most Chinese patients with diabetic foot ulcers saw physicians in different departments, such as endocrinology, orthopedic, vascular surgery, general surgery, trauma surgery, burns and plastic surgery, dermatology, and emergency. Thus, the therapeutic results can vary greatly because of the lack of knowledge and limited technology in different departments.…”

Cutaneous Wound Healing After Treatment with Plant-Derived Human Recombinant Collagen Flowable Gel

“…[26][27][28] Diabetic ulcers often harbor an additional obstacle in the form of tunneled or undermined wounds, calling for treatments that can fill the . Microscopical wound inflammation was assessed and scored on days 1, 3, and 6, based on H&E-stained slides.…”

A clinical study of photodynamic therapy for chronic skin ulcers in lower limbs infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

“…In most cases, these ulcers will affect the quality of life and are associated with higher medical expenses. In some cases, severe skin ulcers may lead to death [11]. Several factors result in the prolonged course of ulcers and difficulty in healing, such as nutrient metabolism, blood circulation, cell senescence, bacterial infections, and bacterial biofilm formation [22].…”