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Pathogenesis of wound healing disorders in the elderly
Author(s) -
Makrantonaki Evgenia,
Wlaschek Meinhard,
ScharffetterKochanek Karin
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
jddg: journal der deutschen dermatologischen gesellschaft
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.463
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1610-0387
pISSN - 1610-0379
DOI - 10.1111/ddg.13199
Subject(s) - medicine , intensive care medicine , wound healing , context (archaeology) , diabetic foot , clinical trial , chronic wound , clinical practice , bioinformatics , surgery , diabetes mellitus , pathology , physical therapy , paleontology , biology , endocrinology
Summary The elderly constitute the age group most susceptible to wound healing disorders and chronic wounds, the most prevalent being venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers. However, other age‐associated diseases should also be taken into consideration in the diagnostic workup of chronic wounds, and not be underestimated. A better understanding of the pathomechanisms involved in the wound healing process is of key importance in combatting the difficulties associated with the treatment of chronic wounds. In recent decades, considerable progress has been made in the development of pioneering therapeutic strategies for chronic wounds. In this context, the use of growth factors and cytokines, tissue engineering, and cell therapy – including stem cells – have proven very promising. Nevertheless, prior to their introduction into routine clinical practice, large controlled clinical trials are required to assess the safety of these techniques.