title: [Evaluation of Cutaneous Microcirculation at the Dorsum of the Hand within Different Age Groups - Implications for Wound Healing in Hand Surgery?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cutaneous microcirculation has shown to play a key role in wound healing. Although healing disorders are still one of the most common complications in hand surgery, there still exists a lack of scientific research on possible age-related changes in cutaneous microcirculation at the dorsum of hand.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Cutaneous microcirculation at the dorsum of the hand differs significantly between different age groups.
  
  
  METHODS
  53 healthy subjects were divided into 2 groups by age (Group A:<40 years, n=31 vs. Group B≥40 years, n=22). All subjects underwent measurement of the microcirculation at the dorsum of the hand with combined laser-Doppler and photo spectrometry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Cutaneous oxygen saturation was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (A: 64.7±9.9% vs. B: 58.3±12.6%; p=0,044). In contrast, blood flow velocity was significantly higher in Group B (A: 43±19.6 AU vs. B: 56.7±21.1 AU; p=0.019).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The hypothesis of this study was confirmed. This is the first study to show significant differences of cutaneous microcirculation at the dorsum of the hand within different age groups. Further clinical trials are needed in order to examine if delayed wound healing can be correlated to impaired cutaneous microcirculation at the dorsum of the hand.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Unfallchirurgie und Orthopädie, Rekonstruktive und Septische Chirurgie, Sporttraumatologie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Ulm.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Forstmeier
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Plastische, Rekonstruktive und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Alfried Krupp Krankenhaus, Essen.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sorg
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Gastroenterology, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kabbani
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie, Handchirurgie, Sana Klinikum Hameln Pyrmont, Hameln.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Herold
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Plastische und Ästhetische Chirurgie/Handchirurgie, Bergmannsheil Buer Krankenhaus, Gelsenkirchen.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Altintas
authors.affiliation: Sektion für Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Lübeck.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Krämer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000502:physiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000601:surgery*; D006452:Hemoglobinometry; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010100:Oxygen / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010100:Oxygen