title: Pathogenesis of wound healing disorders in the elderly.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, University Medical Center Ulm.
authors.forename: Evgenia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Makrantonaki
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, University Medical Center Ulm.
authors.forename: Meinhard
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wlaschek
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergic Diseases, University Medical Center Ulm.
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Scharffetter-Kochanek
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins