Abstract
Context
The prevalence of bleeding episodes in malignant wounds (MW) is poorly documented,
with no distinction between minor and potentially severe bleedings. This affects the
quality of care.
Objectives
Assessing the frequency and management of hemorrhagic malignant wounds at Institut
Curie hospital, an anti cancer center.
Methods
Retrospective study conducted from the medical records of patients followed up by
the Research and Wound Care Unit from Curie Institute (Paris, France), between 2017
and 2018. Patients >18 years of age, seen at least once by the Unit, and with an MW > 10
cm2 were included.
Results
Ninety patients were included, 74.4% female and 25.6% male, with a median age of 64 years
(32-92). The most frequent etiologies were breast cancer (52.2%), sarcomas (12.2%),
squamous cell carcinoma ear, nose and throat (11%), and pelvic cancer (8.9%). The
median survival of patients after their first consultation was 5.6 months (95% CI:
4.6-8.4). Minor bleedings were observed in 38.9% of situations. Bleedings were significantly
higher in malignant fungating wounds (P < 0.01). They were treated by the application of alginate or nonadherent dressings.
The presence of at least one minor bleeding significantly increased the risk of more
severe bleedings (P < 0.001). Hemorrhagic episodes were reported in 18.9% of patients, and 2.2% of patients
died as a result of these bleeding episodes. Hemorrhages were fully controlled by
hemostatic dressings in 70.6% of cases. The appearance of bleeding (minor or hemorrhagic)
was significantly associated with survival (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
MWs with bleedings appear to be associated with a poor prognosis and could be a reason
for early palliative care even if the patient's general condition is preserved. Palliative
care must incorporate wound care skills to provide the most appropriate solutions
to this anxiety-provoking symptom.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 28, 2020
Accepted:
November 21,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
