New ulceration, new major amputation, and survival rates in diabetic subjects hospitalized for foot ulceration from 1990 to 1993: a 6.5-year follow-up

Incidence of critical limb ischemia and amputation outcome in contralateral limb in diabetic patients hospitalized for unilateral critical limb ischemia during 1999-2003 and followed-up until 2005

We studied the incidence of critical limb ischemia (CLI) and amputation outcome of the contralateral limb in 533 diabetic patients hospitalized in our diabetic foot centre because of CLI from 1999 to 2003 and followed-up until 2005. The cumulative incidence rate during the 6-year period reached 49.8% (CI confidence interval=40.6-59.6). All patients underwent arteriography and in 181 (98.4%) the revascularization was performed without different feasibility (p=0.077) compared to that (95.3%) in the initial patients. The severity of lesion evaluated with Wagner grade was lower (chi(2)=33.5, p<0.001) and also the frequency of midfoot and above-the-ankle amputations was lower (p<0.001 and p=0.022, respectively) in contralateral patients. There was no evidence from the logistic analysis to support the association between any of the investigated variables and incidence of CLI in the contralateral limb. Over a 6-year period, almost 50% of the diabetic patients with unilateral CLI developed a CLI in the contralateral limb: however, both severity of foot lesion and amputation level was significantly lower. This fact can be due to prompt therapeutic interventions, made possible thanks to an increased patient awareness acquired by training during the treatment of the unilateral limb.

A comparison of diabetic foot ulcer outcomes using negative pressure wound therapy versus historical standard of care

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a leading cause of morbidity and hospitalisation among patients with diabetes. We analysed claims data for Medicare part B diabetic foot ulcer patients treated with Negative Pressure Wound Therapy at home (N = 1135) and diabetic foot ulcer patients from a published meta-analysis of randomised controlled wet-to-moist therapy. The expected costs of care for the two treatments were also compared. A significantly greater proportion of wounds treated with NPWT achieved a successful treatment endpoint compared with wet-to-moist therapy at both 12 weeks (39.5% versus 23.9%; P < 0.001) and 20 weeks (46.3% versus 32.8%; P < 0.001). NPWT-treated patients reached a successful wound treatment endpoint more rapidly, and the benefit was apparent in all wound sizes. Expected 20-week treatment costs for NPWT were similar to those for wet-to-moist therapy if one nursing visit per day for the latter is assumed but 42% less if two nursing visits per day are made. Thus, NPWT may improve the proportion of DFUs that attain a successful wound treatment endpoint and decrease resource utilisation by a given health care system compared with standard wet-to-moist therapy.

Systemic anti-TNFalpha treatment restores diabetes-impaired skin repair in ob/ob mice by inactivation of macrophages

To date, diabetes-associated skin ulcerations represent a therapeutic problem of clinical importance. The insulin-resistant type II diabetic phenotype is functionally connected to obesity in rodent models of metabolic syndrome through the release of inflammatory mediators from adipose tissue. Here, we used the impaired wound-healing process in obese/obese (ob/ob) mice to investigate the impact of obesity-mediated systemic inflammation on cutaneous wound-healing processes. Systemic administration of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor (TNF)alpha (V1q) or monocyte/macrophage-expressed EGF-like module-containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like (Emr)-1 (F4/80) into wounded ob/ob mice at the end of acute wound inflammation initiated a rapid and complete neo-epidermal coverage of impaired wound tissue in the presence of a persisting diabetic phenotype. Wound closure in antibody-treated mice was paralleled by a marked attenuation of wound inflammation. Remarkably, anti-TNFalpha- and anti-F4/80-treated mice exhibited a strong reduction in circulating monocytic cells and reduced numbers of viable macrophages at the wound site. Our data provide strong evidence that anti-TNFalpha therapy, widely used in chronic inflammatory diseases in humans, might also exert effects by targeting "activated" TNFalpha-expressing macrophage subsets, and that inactivation or depletion of misbehaving macrophages from impaired wounds might be a novel therapeutic clue to improve healing of skin ulcers.

Predictors, consequences and costs of diabetes-related lower extremity amputation complicating type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aims of this study were to assess the incidence, predictors, consequences, and inpatient cost of lower extremity amputation (LEA) in a community-based cohort of type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Between 1993 and 1996, 1,294 patients with type 2 diabetes were recruited to the longitudinal, observational Fremantle Diabetes Study. LEAs and mortality from cardiac causes were monitored until 30 June 2005. Inpatient costs (in Australian dollars in year 2000), derived using a case-mix approach, were available for the period from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2000.

RESULTS

During follow-up 44 patients without LEA at baseline had a first-ever diabetes-related LEA, an incidence of 3.8 per 1,000 patient-years. Independent predictors of first-ever LEA included foot ulceration (hazard ratio [95% CI]: 5.56 [1.24-25.01]), an ankle brachial index < or =0.90 (2.21 [1.11-4.42]), HbA(1c) (increase of 1%: 1.30 [1.10-1.54]) and neuropathy (2.65 [1.30-5.44]). The risk of cardiac death was significantly increased in patients with LEA at baseline, although this was not an independent risk factor. The median (interquartile range) inpatient cost per LEA admission was 12,485 Australian dollars (6,037 Australian dollars-24,415 Australian dollars), with a median length of stay of 24 (10-43) days.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

First-ever LEAs in type 2 patients were associated with poor glycaemic control, foot ulceration and evidence of microvascular and macrovascular disease. Patients with LEA were at increased risk of cardiac death. LEAs contribute disproportionately to diabetes-related inpatient costs.

Diabetic foot disorders. A clinical practice guideline (2006 revision)

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is growing at epidemic proportions in the United States and worldwide. Most alarming is the steady increase in type 2 diabetes, especially among young and obese people. An estimated 7% of the US population has diabetes, and because of the increased longevity of this population, diabetes-associated complications are expected to rise in prevalence. Foot ulcerations, infections, Charcot neuroarthropathy, and peripheral arterial disease frequently result in gangrene and lower limb amputation. Consequently, foot disorders are leading causes of hospitalization for persons with diabetes and account for billion-dollar expenditures annually in the US. Although not all foot complications can be prevented, dramatic reductions in frequency have been achieved by taking a multidisciplinary approach to patient management. Using this concept, the authors present a clinical practice guideline for diabetic foot disorders based on currently available evidence, committee consensus, and current clinical practice. The pathophysiology and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, infections, and the diabetic Charcot foot are reviewed. While these guidelines cannot and should not dictate the care of all affected patients, they provide evidence-based guidance for general patterns of practice. If these concepts are embraced and incorporated into patient management protocols, a major reduction in diabetic limb amputations is certainly an attainable goal.

The role of early surgical debridement and revascularization in patients with diabetes and deep foot space abscess: retrospective review of 106 patients with diabetes

One hundred-six patients underwent emergency debridement of a deep foot space abscess. While 43 patients were admitted after an outpatient visit with immediate surgical debridement (group A), 63 patients were transferred from other hospitals after a mean stay of 6.2+/-7.5 days without debridement (group B). No significant differences were observed in the demographic and clinical features between the 2 groups, except for the following differences in group B: higher blood glucose level on admission (P=.015), lower serum albumin level (P=.005), and a more frequent extension of the infection to the heel (P=.005). Eradication of the infection was obtained in group A without amputation in 9 patients, with an amputation of 1 or more rays in 21, with metatarsal amputations in 12, and with a Chopart amputation in 1. In group B, incision and drainage alone were performed in 4 patients, amputation of 1 or more rays in 21, metatarsal amputations in 10, Chopart amputations in 23, and an above-the-ankle amputation in 5. The amputation level was significantly more proximal in group B (chi2=24.4, P<.001). There was no significant difference in the presence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease between the 2 groups (P=.841). Regression logistic analysis showed a significant relationship between the amputation level and the number of days elapsed before debridement (odds ratio, 1.61; P=.015; confidence interval, 1.10-2.36), but not with the presence of peripheral occlusive disease (odds ratio, 1.73; P=.376; confidence interval, 0.29-15.3). These data show that a delay in the surgical debridement of a deep space abscess increases the amputation level. Accuracy in the diagnosis of peripheral occlusive disease and immediate revascularization yield similar outcomes in patients with or without peripheral occlusive disease.

F. Fatores predisponentes para amputação de membro inferior em pacientes diabéticos internados com pés ulcerados no estado de Sergipe

OBJETIVO: Determinar os fatores predisponentes para a amputação de membros inferiores nos doentes internados com diabetes melito e úlceras nos pés. MÉTODOS: Foram acompanhados os pacientes diabéticos com úlceras nos pés internados no período de 6 meses e analisadas as amputações nesses doentes em relação à idade, sexo, amputação prévia, número de ulcerações, tempo de diagnóstico do diabete, tempo de ulceração, tempo médio de internação, gravidade das lesões, presença de pulso. RESULTADOS: Verificou-se que 55% (44/80) dos doentes evoluíram para algum tipo de amputação de membros inferiores; a mediana das idades foi de 61 anos, porém a ocorrência de amputação foi significativamente maior na faixa etária dos 60 aos 90 anos (P = 0,03). Não se observou uma variação significativa da mediana do tempo de diagnóstico do diabetes, do tempo de ulceração e do tempo médio de internação em relação ao grupo de pacientes que foram amputados. Entretanto, as lesões mais graves, quando avaliadas pela classificação de Wagner (P <0,001) e pela ausência de detecção dos dois pulsos distais (P <0,001) dos membros inferiores, revelaram-se bastante significativas com relação ao desfecho de amputação. CONCLUSÃO: Foram considerados fatores predisponentes para a ocorrência de amputação nesses doentes a gravidade das lesões, a ausência de pulsos e as idades acima de 60 anos.

Severely impaired insulin signaling in chronic wounds of diabetic ob/ob mice: a potential role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Wound-healing disorders are major complications of diabetes mellitus. Here, we investigated insulin-mediated signaling in nonwounded skin and in cutaneous tissue regeneration of healthy C57BL/6 and diabetes-impaired leptin-deficient obese/obese (ob/ob) mice. The insulin receptor (InsR) was abundantly expressed in wound margins and granulation tissue during acute healing in healthy mice. Remarkably, active signaling from the InsR, as assessed by phosphorylation of downstream targets such as protein tyrosine phosphatase-1B, glycogen synthase (GS), and GS kinase, was nearly absent in nonwounded and acutely healing skin from ob/ob mice. Systemic leptin administration to ob/ob mice reverted the diabetic phenotype and improved tissue regeneration as well as the impaired expression of InsR, insulin receptor substrate-1 and insulin receptor substrate-2, and downstream signaling (phosphorylation of GS kinase and GS) in late wounds and nonwounded skin of ob/ob mice. Importantly, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha was a mediator of insulin resistance in keratinocytes in vitro and in ob/ob wound tissue in vivo. Systemic administration of a monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibody (V1q) in wounded ob/ob mice attenuated wound inflammation, improved re-epithelialization, and restored InsR expression and signaling in wound tissue of ob/ob mice. These data suggest that InsR signaling in diabetes-impaired wounds is sensitive to inflammatory conditions and that anti-inflammatory approaches, such as anti-TNF-alpha strategies, improve diabetic wound healing.

Risk factors for major limb amputations in diabetic foot gangrene patients

We analyzed the clinical picture of diabetic foot lesion patients to investigate the risk factors for major limb amputations. The subjects were 210 diabetic foot lesion patients treated at our department over the past 9 years. The mean follow-up period was 604.5 [standard deviation (S.D.) 451.2] days with a median value of 492 days. There were 113 men and 97 women. By the final follow-up day, 18 underwent bypass surgeries (9%) and 13 skin grafts (6%), while 110 patients (52%) finally required limb amputation. The breakdown was 45 major amputations above or below the knee and 65 minor amputations of the toes or metatarsals. The outcomes of the major amputations were retrospectively analyzed by group. The blood glucose control was poor in all 45 major amputees, and their mean HbA1c (8.80%) was higher than that in the minor or non-amputation group (7.79%, P = 0.035). In the major amputation group, two patients had loss of vision due to retinopathy, and 30 patients received long-term hemodialysis due to nephropathy. The rate of arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) was higher in the major amputation group than in the minor or non-amputation group, and arteriography showed significantly high rates of multiple stenosis. Multivariate analysis of these results by the proportional hazard model showed that ASO with multiple stenosis (hazard ratio 3.23, 95% CI: 1.12-5.10), hemodialysis (2.14, 95% CI: 1.17-3.44), and HbA1c (1.20, 95% CI: 1.03-1.41) were independent risk factors for major amputation. The 3-year survival rate was 24.1% in the major amputation group and 93.0% in the minor or non-amputation group, and the life expectancy was significantly lower for the major amputees than the minor or non-amputees (P<0.0001). Together with early detection and treatment of foot lesions, good blood glucose control and early management of systemic complications such as nephropathy and arteriosclerosis are considered important to avoid major amputations.

Ulcer-free survival following management of foot ulcers in diabetes

AIMS

Measures of healing rate may not give a complete indication of the effectiveness of overall management of diabetic foot ulcers. Apart from healing and speed of healing, the outcomes of greatest importance to the patient are avoidance of any amputation and remaining free from any recurrence. We have documented the number of patients presenting with diabetic foot ulcers who become ulcer free and examined the value of documenting ulcer-free survival.

METHODS

All referrals to a specialist diabetic foot clinic over a 31-month period were analysed and outcomes were determined after a minimum follow-up of 6 months.

RESULTS

Three hundred and seventy patients were referred with a total of 1031 ulcers. One hundred and twenty-one (32.7%) never became ulcer free: 56 (46.3% of 121) remained unhealed, the ulcers of 12 (9.9% of 121) had been resolved by amputation, two remained unhealed after amputation (1.7% of 121) and 51 (13.8% of 370) had died. Two hundred and thirty-one (62.4% of 370) became ulcer free at some stage. Five of these were excluded because of an earlier amputation. Ninety-one of the remaining 226 (40.3%) developed a recurrent or new ulcer after a median 126 days. Of the 135 who did not have a recurrence, 133 (58.8% of 226; 35.9% of 370) survived ulcer free and with limbs intact, while two died. Outcome was unknown in 18 (4.9%). Those who never became ulcer free were older (P < 0.001) and with a greater prevalence of ischaemia (P < 0.001). Those who healed but went on to suffer a new ulcer had a greater prevalence of neuropathy (P = 0.027) than those who remained ulcer free.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ulcer-free survival can be used as an indication of the effectiveness of foot ulcer management. It could be adopted as a measure to compare performance between different specialist units.

Wound inflammation in diabetic ob/ob mice: functional coupling of prostaglandin biosynthesis to cyclooxygenase-1 activity in diabetes-impaired wound healing

This study focused on the regulation of prostaglandin (PG) production in diabetes-impaired wound tissue. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 expression and activity were severely dysregulated in chronic wounds of diabetic ob/ob mice. Those wounds were characterized by a reduced expression of COX-1 and the presence of strongly elevated levels of COX-2 when compared with conditions observed in healthy animals. Resolution of the diabetic and impaired wound-healing phenotype by systemic administration of leptin into ob/ob mice increased COX-1 expression in wound margin keratinocytes and decreased COX-2 expression in inner wound areas to levels found in wild-type animals. Notably, improved wound healing was characterized by a marked increase in PGE2/PGD2 biosynthesis that colocalized with induced COX-1 in new tissue at the margin of the wound. COX-2 expression did not significantly contribute to PGE2/PGD2 production in impaired wound tissue. Accordingly, only late wound tissue from SC-560-treated (selective COX-1 inhibitor) but not celecoxib-treated (selective COX-2 inhibitor) ob/ob mice exhibited a severe loss in PGE2, PGD2, and prostacyclin at the wound site, and this change was associated with reduced keratinocyte numbers in the neo-epithelia. These data constitute strong evidence that a dysregulation of COX-1-coupled prostaglandin contributes to diabetes-impaired wound healing.

Pé diabético: estratégias para prevenção

Aproximadamente 50% das amputações não-traumáticas em membros inferiores ocorrem entre pessoas com diabetes. As amputações são precedidas por úlceras, caracterizadas por lesões cutâneas, com perda do epitélio, que podem estender-se até a derme ou chegar a tecidos profundos. As úlceras, geralmente, são acompanhadas de insensibilidade por neuropatia periférica crônica e associadas a pequenos traumas que se originam do uso de calçados inapropriados, dermatoses comuns ou manipulações incorretas dos pés. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as principais estratégias para avaliar fatores de risco que conduzem ao desenvolvimento de complicações nos membros inferiores entre pessoas com diabetes, bem como considerá-las uma responsabilidade da equipe de assistência primária. É um trabalho de revisão da literatura, com ênfase na avaliação dos pés como medida preventiva fundamental, para identificar, precocemente, as alterações neurológica e vascular periféricas e disfunções biomecânicas. Destaca-se a avaliação dos calçados como fator externo.

Optimal treatment of infected diabetic foot ulcers

Foot ulceration can lead to devastating consequences in diabetic patients. They are not only associated with increased morbidity but also mortality. Foot infections result as a consequence of foot ulceration, which can occasionally lead to deep tissue infections and osteomyelitis; both of which can result in loss of limb. To prevent amputations prompt diagnosis and treatment is required. Understanding the pathology of the diabetic foot will help in the planning of appropriate investigations and treatment. Clinical diagnosis of infection is based on the presence of discharge from the ulcer, cellulitis, warmth and signs of toxicity; though the latter is uncommon. Deep tissue samples from the ulcer and/or blood cultures should be taken before, but without delaying the start of antibacterial treatment in limb and life-threatening infections. In milder infections wound sampling may direct appropriate antibacterial treatment. Staphylococcus aureus, followed by streptococci are the most common organisms causing infection and antibacterial treatment should be targeted against these organisms in mild infection possibly with monotherapy. But in serious infections combination therapy is required because these are usually caused by multiple organisms including anaerobes. Drug-resistant organisms are becoming more prevalent and methicillin-resistant infections can be treated effectively with a number of oral antibacterials either as monotherapy or in combination. Surgical treatment with debridement, for example, callus removal or drainage of pus form an important part of diabetic foot ulcer management especially in the presence of infection. Occasionally limited surgery including dead infected bone removal may be necessary for resolution of infection. Amputation is sometimes required as a last resort for limb or life preservation.

Changing the Natural History of Diabetic Neuropathy: Incidence of Ulcer/Amputation in the Contralateral Limb of Patients With a Unilateral Nerve Decompression Procedure

The natural history of diabetes neuropathy is progressive and irreversible loss of sensibility in the feet, leading to ulceration and/or amputation in 15% of patients. The prevalence of neuropathy is more than 50% in those who have been diabetic for 20 years. Decompression of the tibial and peroneal nerves in those with diabetic neuropathy improves sensation in 70% of patients. The impact of this surgery on the development of ulcers and amputations in both the operated and the contralateral, nonoperated limb was evaluated in a retrospective analysis of 50 patients with diabetes a mean of 4.5 years (range, 2-7 years) from the date of surgery. No ulcers or amputations occurred in the index limb of these patients. In contrast, there were 12 ulcers and 3 amputations in 15 different patients in contralateral limbs. This difference was significant at P < 0.001. It is concluded that decompression of lower extremity nerves in diabetic neuropathy changes the natural history of this disease, representing a paradigm shift in health care costs.

Nutritional supplementation for diabetic foot ulcers: the first RCT

OBJECTIVE

To determine if oral nutritional supplementation improved wound healing in malnourished patients with diabetic foot ulcers when compared with a placebo.

METHOD

This prospective randomised controlled double-blind trial involved patients aged over 60 with diabetes mellitus and a Wagner grade I-II foot ulcer of over four weeks' duration. Patients received either 400 ml (400 kcal) oral nutritional supplementation (n = 26) or 400 ml placebo (n = 27) daily for six months. Patients were followed monthly for six months and after one and two years.

RESULTS

A third of the patients were classified as having protein-energy malnutrition at inclusion, with no difference between the two groups. Critical leg ischaemia was more common in the intervention group than in the placebo group (p = 0.008). Nine patients in the intervention group (35%) and four in the placebo group (15%) dropped out of the study (not significant). Of those who completed the study, the wound had healed at six months in eight out of 23 patients (41%) (placebo) and in seven out of 17 (35%) (intervention) (not significant). Twenty-four per cent of patients with protein-energy malnutrition at inclusion had healed at six months compared with 50% of those without it (not significant).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to evaluate the possible benefits of nutritional supplementation on diabetic foot ulcers. A third of patients were malnourished. We encountered several methodological problems and were unable to demonstrate an improved wound healing rate in these patients.

Mortality in diabetic and nondiabetic patients after amputations performed from 1990 to 1995: a 5-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

To compare survival rates after first amputation between patients with and without diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AAND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all nontraumatic amputations performed at our center in the years 1990-1995 in patients with (n = 100) and without (n = 151) diabetes. Survival status was assessed from the first amputation until 31 December 2001.

RESULTS

Altogether, 61% of the patients with and 54.3% of those without diabetes died 5.2 (4.5-5.8) and 5.3 (4.7-5.9) [mean (95% CI)] years after the first amputation, respectively (P = 0.80). Survival was not different between patients with and without diabetes after controlling for the level (major versus minor) (P = 0.67) or the cause (ischemia versus infection) of amputation (P = 0.72). No sex differences were found for survival in either study group. Independent predictors of mortality in the diabetic group were duration of diabetes (P = 0.05), history of stroke (P = 0.02), and serum creatinine level (P < 0.0001), while in the nondiabetic group independent predictors were history of stroke (P = 0.04), serum creatinine level (P = 0.005), and higher white blood cell count (P = 0.02). The peak incidence of amputations was observed in the decade of 67-76 years of age in both groups. Major amputations were more common among nondiabetic patients in all age-groups. Median hospital stay and postoperative complications were comparable between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

All-cause mortality is high after an amputation in both diabetic and nondiabetic patients. Mortality rates, hospital stay, and postoperative complications are not different between diabetic and nondiabetic amputees. No modifiable factors, with the exception of nephropathy, were found to improve survival in amputees. Peripheral vascular disease and neuropathy are the main cause of amputations; prevention, therefore, of these complications is warranted to prevent amputations and the subsequent high mortality.

Cost-effectiveness of prevention and treatment of the diabetic foot: a Markov analysis

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the lifetime health and economic effects of optimal prevention and treatment of the diabetic foot according to international standards and to determine the cost-effectiveness of these interventions in the Netherlands.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A risk-based Markov model was developed to simulate the onset and progression of diabetic foot disease in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes managed with care according to guidelines for their lifetime. Mean survival time, quality of life, foot complications, and costs were the outcome measures assessed. Current care was the reference comparison. Data from Dutch studies on the epidemiology of diabetic foot disease, health care use, and costs, complemented with information from international studies, were used to feed the model.

RESULTS

Compared with current care, guideline-based care resulted in improved life expectancy, gain of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and reduced incidence of foot complications. The lifetime costs of management of the diabetic foot following guideline-based care resulted in a cost per QALY gained of < 25,000 US dollars, even for levels of preventive foot care as low as 10%. The cost-effectiveness varied sharply, depending on the level of foot ulcer reduction attained.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of the diabetic foot according to guideline-based care improves survival, reduces diabetic foot complications, and is cost-effective and even cost saving compared with standard care.

External fixation in the management of Charcot neuroarthropathy

Charcot neuroarthropathy is a complex sequela of neuropathies associated with diabetes mellitus, syringomyelia, alcoholism, and other disorders. The treatment of deformities associated with Charcot neuroarthropathy is evolving from a passive approach to one in which an earlier recognition of the emergence of the event permits an avoidance of deformity. As the understanding of the etiology and natural history of Charcot neuroarthropathy deepens, it has become apparent that many of the deformities that do develop may be reconstructed expeditiously by the surgeon with a thorough understanding of the diabetic foot and experience in the use of external fixation.

Predicted costs and outcomes from reduced vibration detection in people with diabetes in the U.S

OBJECTIVE

The ability to perceive vibration (vibration detection) has been shown to be a good predictor of the long-term complications of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). We aimed to estimate the predicted complications and costs for the U.S. health care system associated with reduced vibration detection (vibration perception threshold >or=25 V), estimated using a quantitative sensory testing device.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A Markov model was constructed for a hypothetical cohort of people with DPN. The model was run over a 10-year period using Monte Carlo simulations to estimate disease progression, predicted costs, and complications according to vibration detection levels.

RESULTS

The average individual with reduced vibration detection incurs approximately five times more direct medical costs for foot ulcer and amputations, yields 0.18 fewer quality-adjusted life-years, and lives for approximately 2 months less than an average individual with normal vibration detection.

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of foot ulceration and amputation is time-consuming and expensive. If individuals with reduced vibration detection could be identified, then preventative care could be concentrated on those patients, potentially saving valuable resources and improving health outcomes.

Ulcer recurrence following first ray amputation in diabetic patients: a cohort prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the reulceration and reamputation rates in a cohort of diabetic patients following first ray amputation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We evaluated a cohort of 89 diabetic patients, 63 men and 26 women, who underwent first ray amputation in the period from January 2000 to December 2001. The first ray lesions were Wagner grade 2 in 3 patients, Wagner grade 3 in 47 patients, and Wagner grade 4 in 39 patients. Following surgical wound healing, all patients wore special footwear with rocker bottom soles and custom molded insoles and were put on an intensive secondary prevention program.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up duration was 16.35 +/- 6.76 months (range 7-28). Fifteen patients developed new ulcerations, with 11 lesions occurring ipsilaterally and 4 contralaterally to the first ray amputation. In seven patients, the new lesion was treated and healed with dressing. Eight patients underwent a new surgical procedure: panmetatarsal head resection in four patients, toe amputation in two patients, a transmetatarsal amputation in one patient, and Lisfranc's amputation in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

In the population studied, the first ray amputation presented a lower reulceration and reamputation rate with respect to that reported in the literature. This finding should therefore be attributed to the follow-up program, which uses shoes with a rocker bottom sole and custom molded insoles and intensive ambulatory check-ups.

Diabetic foot ulcers

Ulceration of the foot in diabetes is common and disabling and frequently leads to amputation of the leg. Mortality is high and healed ulcers often recur. The pathogenesis of foot ulceration is complex, clinical presentation variable, and management requires early expert assessment. Interventions should be directed at infection, peripheral ischaemia, and abnormal pressure loading caused by peripheral neuropathy and limited joint mobility. Despite treatment, ulcers readily become chronic wounds. Diabetic foot ulcers have been neglected in health-care research and planning, and clinical practice is based more on opinion than scientific fact. Furthermore, the pathological processes are poorly understood and poorly taught and communication between the many specialties involved is disjointed and insensitive to the needs of patients.

Amputation and mortality in new-onset diabetic foot ulcers stratified by etiology

OBJECTIVE

Foot ulcers and their complications are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. The present study aims to examine the long-term outcome in terms of amputations and mortality in patients with new-onset diabetic foot ulcers in subgroups stratified by etiology.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients presenting with new ulcers (duration <1 month) to a dedicated diabetic foot clinic between 1994 and 1998 were studied. Outcomes were determined until March 2000 (or death) from podiatry, hospital, and district registers. Baseline clinical examination was done to classify ulcers as neuropathic, ischemic, or neuroischemic. Five-year amputation and mortality rates were derived from Kaplan-Meier survival analysis curves.

RESULTS

Of the 185 patients studied, 41% had peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and 61% had neuropathy; 45%, 16%, and 24% of patients had neuropathic, ischemic, and neuroischemic ulcers, respectively. The mean follow-up period was 34 months (range 1-65) including survivors and patients who died during the study period. Five-year amputation rates were higher for ischemic (29%) and neuroischemic (25%) than neuropathic (11%) ulcers. Five-year mortality was 45%, 18%, and 55% for neuropathic, neuroischemic, and ischemic ulcers, respectively. Mortality was higher in ischemic ulcers than neuropathic ulcers. On multivariate regression analysis, only increasing age predicted shorter survival time.

CONCLUSIONS

All types of diabetic foot ulcers are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The increased mortality appears to be independent of factors increasing ulcer risk-that is, neuropathy and PVD-in patients with established foot ulcers.

Extensive use of peripheral angioplasty, particularly infrapopliteal, in the treatment of ischaemic diabetic foot ulcers: clinical results of a multicentric study of 221 consecutive diabetic subjects

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, technical effectiveness and limb salvage potential of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), particularly infrapopliteal, in diabetic subjects with ischaemic foot ulcer.

DESIGN

Intervention study with PTA in consecutive series.

SETTING

Six Diabetology Foot Centres and one Cardiovascular Catheterization Laboratory in Italy.

SUBJECTS

Two hundred and twenty-one consecutive diabetic subjects hospitalized for ischaemic foot ulcer.

INTERVENTION

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) was investigated by means of foot pulses assessment, ankle-brachial-index (ABI), transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) and duplex scanning. If non-invasive parameters suggested PAOD, angiography was performed and a PTA was carried out during the same session.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

PTA feasibility, improvement of ABI and TcPO2, limb salvage rate, clinical recurrence.

RESULTS

On angiography, two patients had stenoses which were <50% of the vessel diameter. PTA was performed in 191 (85.3%) of the 219 subjects with stenoses >50%, even when longer than 10 cm and/or multiple/calcified. In 11 patients (5.8%) PTA was performed in the proximal axis exclusively, in 81 (42.4%) patients in the infrapopliteal axis exclusively and in 99 (51.8%) in both the femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal axis. Both ABI and TcPO2 improved significantly after PTA (P < 0.0001). Clinical recurrence occurred in 14 subjects: 10 of whom underwent a second successful PTA. Of the 191 patients who underwent PTA, 10 (5.2%) underwent an above-the-ankle amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

PTA, including infrapopliteal, is feasible in most diabetic subjects with ischaemic foot ulcer and is effective for foot revascularization. Clinical recurrence was infrequent and the procedure could successfully be repeated in most cases. In subjects treated successfully with PTA the above-the-ankle amputation rate was low. PTA should be considered as the revascularization treatment of first choice in all diabetic subjects with foot ulcer and PAOD.

Treatments for diabetic neuropathy

The management of symptomatic diabetic sensory neuropathy presents a therapeutic challenge to the practicing physician. Two approaches are outlined in this article. First, symptomatic therapies, which will not influence the natural history of painful neuropathy, are discussed. These include, in addition to the stable glycemic control, tricyclic drugs, a number of anticonvulsant and antiarrhythmic agents, and opioid-like medications. Topical therapies and nonpharmalogic approaches are also discussed. With the exception of near normoglycemia, treatments that may slow the progression of neuropathy are experimental and include aldose reductase inhibitors, antioxidants, and other agents. Finally, the approach to patients without symptoms but with sensory loss is discussed.