Risk for Wound Infection Related to Slow-Healing Leg Wound

This article discusses the risk factors associated with wound infection in patients with chronic leg ulcers. It covers local and systematic factors such as oxygenation, venous and arterial insufficiencies, infection, age, comorbidities and medications, and nutrition.

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Risk for Wound Infection Related to Slow-Healing Leg Wound
Name:
Institution:
Date

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Risk for Wound Infection Related to Slow-Healing Leg Wound
Local Factors
Oxygenation
Oxygen is essential for all wound healing processes. However, several systematic
conditions such as comorbidities such as the one presented by the patient might affect vascular
flow, impeding tissue oxygenation (Bui, Edwards, & Finlayson, 2016; Kihla, NgundeMbianda,
Nkwelang, & Ndip, 2014). The poor perfusion creates a hypoxic which predispose the tissues to
necrotic effects and infection.
Venous and Arterial Insufficiencies
Impaired vascular flow such as the one experienced by arthritis patient hinders blood flow and
interferes with wound oxygenation (Bui et al., 2016; Kihla et al., 2014). Reduced oxygenation is
a risk factor to wound infection.
Infection
Norma appears physically frail, unsteady on her feet, needs a walking frame and has reduced
eyesight. These factors might interfere with personal hygiene and expose the wound to infection
(Bui et al., 2016).
Systematic Factors
Age
Increased age increases the risk of impaired wound healing and exposes the wound to
infection (Bui et al., 2016; Kihla et al., 2014). Old-aged patients such as Mrs. Noma experience
altered inflammatory responses such as reduced macrophage phagocytic, lymphocytic, and other
immune responses capacity. Also, old age is associated with delayed angiogenesis and collagen

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deposition and reduced remodeling which work in tandem to increase the risk of wound
infection.
Comorbidities and Medications
Mrs. Noma medical history shows her immune system is already compromised thus
exposing the chronic wound to infection (Bui et al., 2016; Kihla et al., 2014). The diseases Mrs.
Noma has suffered from have to be treated with medication, including the current Barret
esophagus. Medication such as antibiotics and NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen) affect wound healing
and expose the wound to infection (Bui et al., 2016).
Nutrition
Poor nutrition induces reduced wound healing (Kihla et al., 2014). In old-people such as
Mrs. Noma, chances are her nutritional aspect has been affected by her old age and responsibility
to her son Michael.

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References
Bui, U. T., Edwards, H. E., & Finlayson, K. J. (2016). Exploring risk factors associated with
clinically diagnosed infection in patients with chronic leg ulcers. In Wounds Australia
Conference 2016, 09 Nov - 12 Nov 2016, Melbourne, Australia. Available from
https://eprints.qut.edu.au/109611/
Kihla, A. J. F. T., Ngunde, P. J., Mbianda, S. E., Nkwelang, G., & Ndip, R. N. (2014). Risk
factors for wound infection in health care facilities in Buea, Cameroon: aerobic bacterial
pathogens and antibiogram of isolates. Pan African Medical Journal, 18(1). Retrieved
from https://www.ajol.info/index.php/pamj/article/view/131433