Significant J-shaped association between body mass index (BMI) and diabetic foot ulcers

The incidence of lower extremity amputation and its associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis

This study analysed the incidence of lower extremity amputation and its associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This study systematically searched both Chinese and English databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science, to identify cohort studies related to lower extremity amputation and associated risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers up to October 2023. The patients were stratified based on whether they underwent lower extremity amputation, and relevant data, including basic information, patient characteristics, complications, comorbidities and pertinent laboratory test data, were extracted from the included studies. The literature quality assessment in this study utilized the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale to screen for high-quality literature, resulting in the inclusion of 16 cohort studies, all of which were of at least moderate quality. Meta-analysis of outcome indicators was conducted using the Stata 14.0 software. The results indicate that the overall amputation rate of lower extremities in patients with diabetic foot ulcers is 31% (0.25, 0.38). Among the 16 variables evaluated, gender (male), smoking history, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, white blood cell count, haemoglobin and albumin levels were found to be correlated with the occurrence of lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. However, no significant correlation was observed between age, diabetes type, duration of diabetes, stroke, glycosylated haemoglobin, creatinine and total cholesterol levels and lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This meta-analysis indicates that the overall amputation rate in patients with diabetic foot ulcers is 31%. Factors such as gender (male), smoking history, high BMI, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, white blood cell count, haemoglobin and albumin levels are identified as significant risk factors for lower extremity amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients. These findings suggest that attention should be focused on these risk factors in patients with diabetic foot ulcers to reduce the risk of lower extremity amputation. Therefore, preventive and intervention measures targeting these risk factors are of significant importance in clinical practice. (Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier [CRD42024497538]).

Correlation between initial serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and granulation growth in diabetic foot ulcers

OBJECTIVE

To determine the correlation between initial serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with granulation growth in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) after 21 days of treatment.

METHOD

This cohort study involved patients with type 2 diabetes who had a DFU treated at hospital. Blood samples were taken from patients on admission. The chemiluminescent immunoassay technique was used to measure 25(OH)D levels. Granulation tissue growth was analysed by comparing the photographs from the initial treatment to day 21 of treatment.

RESULTS

The median value of 25(OH)D levels at initial treatment was 8 ng/ml. The result showed no correlation between 25(OH)D levels and the granulation growth in DFUs (p=0.86).

CONCLUSION

The initial serum 25(OH)D level was not correlated with the growth of granulation tissue in DFUs.

Effect of diabetic foot ulcers and other risk factors on the prevalence of lower extremity amputation: A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis study was conducted to measure the consequence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and other risk factors (RFs) on the prevalence of lower extremity amputation (LEA). A comprehensive literature inspection till February 2023 was applied and 2765 interrelated studies were reviewed. Of the 32 chosen studies enclosed, 9934 subjects were in the chosen studies' starting point, and 2906 of them were with LEA. Odds ratio (OR) in addition to 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to compute the value of the effect of DFUs and other RFs on the prevalence of LEA by the continuous and dichotomous approaches and a fixed or random effect model. Male gender (OR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.17-1.44, P < .001), smoking (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53, P = .04), previous foot ulcer (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.93-3.74, P < .001), osteomyelitis (OR, 3.87; 95% CI, 2.28-6.57, P < .001), gangrene (OR, 14.45; 95% CI, 7.03-29.72, P < .001), hypertension (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03-1.33, P = .01), and white blood cells count (WBCC) (MD, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.37-2.74, P < .001) were significantly shown to be an RF in LEA in subjects with DFUs. Age (MD, 0.81; 95% CI, -0.75 to 2.37, P = .31), body mass index (MD, -0.55; 95% CI, -1.15 to 0.05, P = .07), diabetes mellitus type (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.63-1.56, P = .96), and glycated haemoglobin (MD, 0.33; 95% CI, -0.15 to 0.81, P = .17) were not shown to be an RF in LEA in subjects with DFUs. Male gender, smoking, previous foot ulcer, osteomyelitis, gangrene, hypertension, and WBCC were significantly shown to be an RF in LEA in subjects with DFUs. However, age and diabetes mellitus type were not shown to be RF in LEA in subjects with DFUs. However, caused of the small sample sizes of several chosen studies for this meta-analysis, care must be exercised when dealing with its values.

Predictive factors and clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine Shengji ointment in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly: a prospective study

Objective: This study aims to investigate the predictive factors and efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine Shengji Ointment in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly population, with the intent of formulating an effective predictive model for deep diabetic foot ulcer healing. The importance of this research lies in its provision of new perspectives and tools for addressing the severe health impact of diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly population, considering the complexity and diversity of its treatment methods. Methods: The study includes 180 elderly patients with Wagner grade 3-4 diabetic foot ulcers that involve the tendon or fascia. The dependent variable is the initiation time of granulation tissue development. Independent variables encompass demographic information, a treatment strategy including Shengji Ointment, pre-treatment trauma assessment data, routine blood count, and biochemical index test results. Lasso regression is employed for variable selection, and Cox regression is utilized for the construction of a prediction model. A nomogram is generated to authenticate the model. Results: The Chinese Medicine treatment approach, ulcer location, creatinine levels, BMI, and haemoglobin levels are identified as independent predictors of granulation tissue development in diabetic foot ulcers. The combined treatment of Chinese herbal Shengji ointment and bromelain positively influenced granulation tissue development. The location of plantar ulcers, impaired renal functionality, obesity, and anaemia are established as independent risk factors that might influence the speed and probability of ulcer healing. The area under the time-dependent ROC curve fluctuates between 0.7 and 0.8, demonstrating substantial discrimination and calibration of the model. Conclusion: The study ascertains that a combined treatment strategy incorporating Shengji Ointment demonstrates greater effectiveness than the use of cleansing gel debridement alone in facilitating the healing of Wagner grade 3 or higher diabetic foot ulcers. Furthermore, the predictive model developed in this research serves as a valuable tool in evaluating the efficacy of Chinese Medicine treatments like Shengji Ointment for diabetic foot ulcers in the elderly. It aids clinicians in effectively assessing and adjusting treatment strategies, thereby proving its significant application value in clinical practice. Clinical Trial Registration: (https://www.chictr.org.cn/hvshowproject.html?id=73862&v=1.5&u_atoken=b403af53-d3b9-41ae-a7e2-db5498609b0c&u_asession=01tNh69p235bMUO4CmHIXcv8Hxirl5-557Duue9QB5lGfl3mf8IvPlcs2kN2zC30voX0KNBwm7Lovlpxjd_P_q4JsKWYrT3W_NKPr8w6oU7K_AyPrQhedMUWBMR2-ZDL_KO0uwDPR9XlF566xraDvT9mBkFo3NEHBv0PZUm6pbxQU&u_asig=05Kd_Q8fjv-24MVbZpOS9ef3xuCCN-tSVH5eUoJKgNLM7E0-n0zMpW6xLq9gh9aUhkKEEA15rdDoCydncF99APBwVSaTPgEG_V_B1iT4wimdCTxV_4ZVbTlDewxyQtE4YgU4-Oza7KPi94RJ64Utel0yZfqg3Tlm-bVxFNOY-zXFP9JS7q8ZD7Xtz2Ly-b0kmuyAKRFSVJkkdwVUnyHAIJzSYJ6SfhFl0WMTCCasZ7zV2I2qfyrp5m-SELPVeREKgX_6yRmLu26qT8kGfcS-Yaeu3h9VXwMyh6PgyDIVSG1W-7D_Sko5YQtpDbs3uvezYkZcUUY4o9-zDPaoYelmMDs8u7I4TPvtCXaPp44YUJcQ9bHr-_RmKA5V8nji3daArhmWspDxyAEEo4kbsryBKb9Q&u_aref=NNH1nHSUCE6pNvCilV%2F1MD0aERs%3D), identifier (ChiCTR2000039327).

Prevalence of diabetes foot ulcers and associated factors among adult diabetic patients in three referral hospitals in Mogadishu, Somalia

Background

Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes significant morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Somalia. Among diabetic patients, diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) constitute the largest proportion of admissions, amputations, and mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers and subsequently determine factors associated with it among diabetic patients at three major hospitals in Somalia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 diabetic patients between August and November 2022. All eligible diabetes patients who were attending De Martini Hospital, Madina General Hospital, and Deynile General Hospital during the study period were included in the study. Patients were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. We collected demographic, clinical, and behavioral variables from all participants. A bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer. An odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was computed to determine the level of significance.

Result

The mean age of the study's participants was 50.9 ± 13.6 years. The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 15%. Patients who were either overweight or obese (OR 4.63, CI: 2.08-10.30), had a lack of family support in managing diabetes (OR 3.33, CI: 1.74-6.36), and did not check their feet regularly were more likely to develop DFU (OR 1.99, CI:1.08-3.66).

Conclusion

Increased body mass index, lack of family support, and not checking feet regularly were associated with DFUs. The high prevalence of DFUs and the plethora of needs of people with DFUs pose challenges for health care. A coordinated health care system is necessary to meet the needs of diabetic patients and prevent DFUs.

Establishment and validation of a nomogram for progression to diabetic foot ulcers in elderly diabetic patients

Background

Many diabetic patients develop and progress to diabetic foot ulcers, which seriously affect health and quality of life and cause great economic and psychological stress, especially in elderly diabetic patients who often have various underlying diseases, and the consequences of their progression to diabetic foot ulcers are more serious and seriously affect elderly patients in surgery. Therefore, it is particularly important to analyze the influencing factors related to the progression of elderly diabetic patients to diabetic foot, and the column line graph prediction model is drawn based on regression analysis to derive the influencing factors of the progression of elderly diabetic patients to diabetic foot, and the total score derived from the combination of various influencing factors can visually calculate the probability of the progression of elderly diabetic patients to diabetic foot.

Objective

The influencing factors of progression deterioration to diabetic foot in elderly diabetic patients based on LASSO regression analysis and logistics regression analysis, and the column line graph prediction model was established by statistically significant risk factors.

Methods

The clinical data of elderly diabetic patients aged 60 years or older in the orthopedic ward and endocrine ward of the Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University from 2015-01-01 to 2021-12-31 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into a modeling population (211) and an internal validation population (88) according to the random assignment principle. Firstly, LASSO regression analysis was performed based on the modeling population to screen out the independent influencing factors for progression to diabetic foot in elderly diabetic patients; Logistics univariate and multifactor regressions were performed by the screened influencing factors, and then column line graph prediction models for progression to diabetic foot in elderly diabetic patients were made by these influencing factors, using ROC (subject working characteristic curve) and AUC (their area under the curve), C-index validation, and calibration curve to initially evaluate the model discrimination and calibration. Model validation was performed by the internal validation set, and the ROC curve, C-index and calibration curve were used to further evaluate the column line graph model performance. Finally, using DCA (decision curve analysis), we observed whether the model could be used better in clinical settings.

Results and conclusions

(1) LASSO (Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator) regression analysis yielded a more significant significance on risk factors for progression to diabetic foot in elderly diabetic patients, such as age, presence of peripheral neuropathy, history of smoking, duration of disease, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and high-density cholesterol; (2) Based on the influencing factors and existing theories, a column line graph prediction model for progression to diabetic foot in elderly diabetic patients was constructed. The working characteristic curves of subjects in the training group and their area under the curve (area under the curve = 0.840) were also analyzed simultaneously with the working characteristic curves of subjects in the external validation population and their area under the curve (area under the curve = 0.934), which finally showed that the model was effective in predicting column line graphs; (iii) the C-index in the modeled cohort was 0.840 (95%CI: 0.779-0.901) and the C-index in the validation cohort was 0.934 (95%CI: 0.887-0.981), indicating that the model had good predictive accuracy; the calibration curve fit was good; (iv) the results of the decision curve analysis showed that the model would have good results in clinical use; (v) it indicated that the established predictive model for predicting progression to diabetic foot in elderly diabetic patients had good test efficacy and helped clinically screen the possibility of progression to diabetic foot in elderly diabetic patients and give personalized interventions to different patients in time.

Prevalence of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A nationwide cross-sectional study in mainland China

AIM

The study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (PDPN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in mainland China.

METHODS

This nationwide cross-sectional study enrolled T2DM patients with DPN from 25 provinces in China between July 2017 and December 2017. The prevalence, characteristics, and risk factors of PDPN were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among 25,710 patients with T2DM and DPN, 14,699 (57.2%) had PDPN. The median age was 63 years old. Age over 40 years old, education level, hypertension, myocardial infarction, duration of diabetes of over five years, diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy, moderate total cholesterol, moderate and higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) increased uric acid (UA) and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were independently associated with PDPN (all P < 0.05). Compared with low levels of C-peptide, moderate levels were independently associated with a higher risk of PDPN, while high levels were associated with a lower risk (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In mainland China, more than half of the patients with DPN have neuropathic pain. Patients with older age, lower education level, longer duration of diabetes, lower LDL, increased UA, decreased eGFR, and comorbidities had an increased risk of PDPN.

Ulcer occurrence on adjacent toes and hallux valgus deformity after amputation of the second toe in diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Amputation of the second toe is associated with destabilization of the first toe. Possible consequences are hallux valgus deformity and subsequent pressure ulcers on the lateral side of the first or on the medial side of the third toe. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and possible influencing factors of interdigital ulcer development and hallux valgus deformity after second toe amputation.

METHODS

Twenty-four cases of amputation of the second toe between 2004 and 2020 (mean age 68 ± 12 years; 79% males) were included with a mean follow-up of 36 ± 15 months. Ulcer development on the first, third, or fourth toe after amputation, the body mass index (BMI) and the amputation level (toe exarticulation versus transmetatarsal amputation) were recorded. Pre- and postoperative foot radiographs were evaluated for the shape of the first metatarsal head (round, flat, chevron-type), the hallux valgus angle, the first-second intermetatarsal angle, the distal metatarsal articular angle and the hallux valgus interphalangeal angle by two orthopedic surgeons for interobserver reliability.

RESULTS

After amputation of the second toe, the interdigital ulcer rate on the adjacent toes was 50% and the postoperative hallux valgus rate was 71%. Neither the presence of hallux valgus deformity itself (r = .19, p = .37), nor the BMI (r = .09, p = .68), the shape of the first metatarsal head (r = - .09, p = .67), or the amputation level (r = .09, p = .69) was significantly correlated with ulcer development. The interobserver reliability of radiographic measurements was high, oscillating between 0.978 (p = .01) and 0.999 (p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The interdigital ulcer rate on the first or third toe after second toe amputation was 50% and hallux valgus development was high. To date, evidence on influencing factors is lacking and this study could not identify parameters such as the BMI, the shape of the first metatarsal head or the amputation level as risk factors for the development of either hallux valgus deformity or ulcer occurrence after second toe amputation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

BASEC-Nr. 2019-01791.

Risk assessment of amputation in patients with diabetic foot

The prevalence of diabetes has increased dramatically over the past decade, especially in developing countries, reaching pandemic proportions. Although has been the most important factor influencing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is on the increase among younger adults. The subsequent rate of increase with age is variable, which is more evident in societies where the general prevalence of the disease is higher. Based on clinical and statistical data obtained from the patients who were admitted to The First and Second Surgery Wards in the Sibiu County Emergency University Clinical Hospital (Sibiu, Romania) and the Proctoven Clinic (Sibiu, Romania) between January 2018 and December 2020, the present study attempted to devise a risk score that can be applied for the benefit of patients. The ultimate aim was that this risk score may be eventually applied by diabetologists and surgeons to assess the risk of amputation in patients with diabetic foot lesions. An important part in the therapeutic management of diabetic foot injuries is the assessment of risk factors. Using this risk score system devised, the risk factors that were found to exert influence in aggravating diabetic foot injuries are smoking, obesity, dyslipidaemia, unbalanced diabetes mellitus (glycated haemoglobin ≥7.5%), duration of diabetes >5 years, hepatic steatosis and the co-existence of various heart diseases. To conclude, all these risk factors aforementioned can decrease the effectiveness of treatment and can have a significant impact on the quality of life, if they are not well known.

Association among Current Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, Regular Exercise, and Lower Extremity Amputation in Patients with Diabetic Foot: Nationwide Population-Based Study

BACKGRUOUND

The present study investigates whether modifiable behavioral factors of current cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and regular exercise are associated with risk of lower extremity amputation (LEA) in diabetic patients.

METHODS

A total of 2,644,440 diabetic patients (aged ≥20 years) was analyzed using the database of the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to assess adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for the behavioral factors with risk of LEA under adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The risk of LEA was significantly increased by current cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol consumption (HR, 1.436; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.367 to 1.508 and HR, 1.082; 95% CI, 1.011 to 1.158) but significantly decreased with regular exercise (HR, 0.745; 95% CI, 0.706 to 0.786) after adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, low income, hypertension, dyslipidemia, body mass index, using insulin or oral antidiabetic drugs, and diabetic duration. A synergistically increased risk of LEA was observed with larger number of risky behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Modification of behaviors of current smoking, heavy alcohol intake, and exercise prevents LEA and can improve physical, emotional, and social quality of life in diabetic patients.

Real-world risk of lower-limb amputation associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors versus metformin: A propensity score-matched model analysis in Japan

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

We aimed to clarify the real-world risk of lower-limb amputation and identify factors related to increased risk in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes using sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out a retrospective observational cohort study utilizing the Japanese Medical Data Vision, a diagnosis procedure combination database. We identified 107,296 patients with type 2 diabetes who were initiated on SGLT2is or metformin (control; n = 53,648 per group) using 1:1 propensity score matching from April 2014 to October 2019. The hazard ratio (HR) for the risk of lower-limb amputation was analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for patients' baseline characteristics and use of concomitant medical agents.

RESULTS

Of the 107,296 patients, 66 (0.06%); that is, 41 (0.08%) in the SGLT2is group and 25 (0.05%) in the metformin group, underwent amputation, with no significant difference in the proportions between the groups. There was no significant difference in the risk of amputation between the SGLT2is and metformin groups (HR 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-2.24). However, female sex (HR 2.78, 95% CI 1.12-6.94) and use of strong statins (HR 2.68; 95% CI 1.18-8.20) were significantly associated with a higher risk of amputation in the SGLT2is group than in the metformin group.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT2is might not be related to an increased risk of lower-limb amputation in patients with type 2 diabetes in real-world clinical practice. The possible increased risk of SGLT2is-associated amputation in female patients with type 2 diabetes and patients with type 2 diabetes requiring strong statins is notable.

Omentin-1 and diabetic foot

Introduction: Diabetic foot disease is an advanced complication of diabetes mellitus, which is associated with severe invalidization and high mortality rate among affected people. Many factors are involved in its pathogenesis but not all of them are fully elucidated. Objectives: Adipose tissue and its hormones - adipokines, are related to diabetic complications and metabolic disorders. Until now, there are limited data on their role in diabetic foot. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to determine the levels of the adipokine omentin-1 in people with and without diabetic foot disease and to look for its potential involvement in this complication. Methods: Eighty patients with type 2 diabetes and mean age of 60.8±10.5 years were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: with (n=36) and without (n=44) diabetic foot disease. Standard antrometric, clinical and laboratory tests were made. Body composition was analyzed by bioelectrical impedance based device. Serum omentin-1 was measured using ELISA method. Results: Levels of omentin-1 were significantly higher among people with diabetic foot disease (700.2±345.1 ng/ml), compared to the other group (560.2±176.7 ng/ml). This difference remained significant even after adjusting for potential confounders. In a regression model omentin-1 proved its predictive value for development of diabetic foot. Conclusion: Adipokines, and particularly omentin-1, might be included in the pathogenesis of diabetic foot disease.

Three Years Survival and Factor Predicting Amputation or Mortality in Patients with High Risk for Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Fatmawati General Hospital, Jakarta

Background:

Diabetic foot is one of major complication in diabetes patients with unfavorable outcome. Survival study in outpatients is limited and factors related are inconsistent. Survival and its modifiable risk factors should be identified early since the foot at risk status to reduce amputation/mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective:

The aims of this study were to investigate survival probability for amputation or mortality, compare different ulcer risk classification, and figure out the relation of status of ulcer risk, age, gender, diabetes duration, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1C, and LDL with amputation or mortality.

Methods:

This is a retrospective cohort study of 487 T2DM subjects who visited internal medicine outpatient clinic in Fatmawati General Hospital since January-December 2016. Status of ulcer risk and risk factors were extracted from medical record and lower-extremity amputation or mortality was observed in 3 years from baseline.

Result:

Three years overall survival is 85.7% (SE 0.17). Patients with high risk for foot ulcer have survival probability of 80.2% (SE 0.027), which is lower compared to non-high risk for foot ulcer with survival probability of 91.8% (SE 0.019). Patients with high risk for foot ulcer (aHR 2.386 [95% CI 1.356-4.20]; P = .003), aged ≥60 years old (aHR 2.051 [95% CI 1.173-3.585]; P = .012), and HbA1C ≥7% (aHR 2.022 [95% CI 1.067-3.830]; P = .031) were independently associated with amputation or mortality.

Conclusion:

T2DM patients with high risk for foot ulcer have lower survival probability and higher risk for amputation or mortality in 3 years compared to patients with non-high risk for foot ulcer. Status of ulcer risk, age ≥60 years, and HbA1C ≥7% were associated with amputation or mortality in 3 years observation.

Risk Factors for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy, Peripheral Artery Disease, and Foot Deformity Among the Population With Diabetes in Beijing, China: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), peripheral artery disease (PAD), and foot deformity are the most common causes of diabetic foot, which can considerably worsen the patient's quality of life. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with DPN, PAD, and foot deformity among patients with diabetes living in Beijing, China. In total, 3,898 diabetes patients from 11 hospitals in Beijing were evaluated using questionnaires and physical examinations, and 3,758 patients were included in the analysis. We compared the demographic, clinical, biological characteristics, and comorbidities of patients with and without DPN, PAD, or foot deformity, and used binary logistic regression analysis to identify potential factors associated with these outcomes. Overall, 882 patients (23.5%) had DPN, 437 patients (11.6%) had PAD, and 1,117 patients (29.7%) had foot deformities, including callus. The risk factors for DPN included: age ≥40 years, a ≥10+year duration of diabetes, a body mass index of <18.5 kg/m² or ≥24 kg/m², a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of ≥140 mm Hg, a hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level of ≥7%, chronic kidney disease, and cerebrovascular disease. The risk factors for PAD included: a 15+ year diabetes duration, a body mass index of <18.5 kg/m², a SBP of ≥140 mm Hg, a HbA_1c level of ≥7%, chronic kidney disease, coronary heart disease, and cerebrovascular disease. The risk factors for skeletal foot deformities included: women, age ≥40 years, a SBP ≥140 mm Hg, and hyperlipidemia. The risk factors for callus formation included: women, a SBP ≥140 mm Hg, and hyperlipidemia. In conclusion, the prevalence of foot deformities was higher than DPN and PAD in patients with diabetes. Managing the risk factors for DPN, PAD, and foot deformity is important for reducing the risk of diabetic foot.

Narrative Review of the Relationship Between CKD and Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are 2 significant complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Up to 40% of patients with DM are expected to also develop CKD, and 19% to 34% will suffer from DFU during their lifetimes. However, data on the link between podiatric risk and the extent of CKD are scarce. Neuropathy, a key element of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) classification, nevertheless appears to be related to the CKD stage. The incidence of DFU and its poor evolution also appear to be linked to the stage of CKD, with mortality reaching its peak in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Whatever, the decrease in the rate of diabetic foot amputation observed worldwide, especially for major amputations, is also observed in patients with ESRD. Specific actions taken for patients undergoing dialysis seems to improve the DFU prognosis. CKD and DFU share a number of elements of pathophysiology, the first of which is peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Uremic neuropathy and nutritional status also seem to create a link between the development of the 2 complications. This literature review provides an update on the complex and dynamic relationship between DFU and CKD. It examines the epidemiologic link between CKD and diabetic foot risk, CKD and DFU occurrence, and CKD and DFU prognosis. It focuses on the pathophysiological links between these 2 complications. Finally, it highlights the actions taken to improve management in the ESRD population that have reduced the rate of major amputations in this population by more than half.

Retrospective Observational Study on Microbial Contamination of Ulcerative Foot Lesions in Diabetic Patients

According to recent studies, there are almost 435 million people worldwide with diabetes mellitus. It is estimated that of these 148 million will develop Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) during their lifetime, of which 35 to 50% will be infected. In this scenario, the presence and frequency of pathogenic microorganisms and their level of susceptibility to the most frequent classes of antibiotics used to treat this pathological condition from patients with DFUs admitted to the outpatient clinic of vascular surgery of the Federico II University Hospital of Naples from January 2019 to March 2021 were investigated. Furthermore, the diabetic population characteristics under study (i.e., general, clinical, and comorbidities) and the pathogenic bacteria isolated from lesions were also considered. Bacterial strains poorly susceptible to antibiotics were more frequent in polymicrobial infections than in monomicrobial infections. β-Lactams showed the highest levels of resistance, followed by fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and finally macrolides. The main findings of the study demonstrated that the occurrence of resistant microorganisms is the dominant factor in ulcer healing; thus it is essential to investigate the antibiotics’ susceptibility before setting antibiotic therapy to avoid inappropriate prescriptions that would affect the treatment and increase the development and spread of antibiotic resistance.

Risk factors for diabetic foot complications among patients with type 2 diabetes in Austria-A registry-based retrospective cohort study

Aims

Diabetic foot complications, a serious consequence of diabetes mellitus, are associated with a tremendous burden on both individual patients and health care systems. Since prevention strategies may reduce the incidence of this complication, identification of risk factors in large longitudinal studies is essential to optimize early detection and personalized screening of patients at increased risk.

Materials and methods

We conducted a registry‐based retrospective cohort study using data from 10,688 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus aged ≥18 years. Cox regression models were used to identify risk factors for foot complications while adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

We observed 140 diabetic foot complications in our patient cohort. The multivariate Cox regression model revealed neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and male gender as being positively associated with foot complications. The same effect was detected for nephropathy in the time >10 years after T2DM diagnosis. For higher age at diagnosis and use of insulin, however, a negative association was retrieved.

Conclusion

Male gender and several diabetes‐related comorbidities were identified as risk factors for subsequent initial foot complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. These findings suggest that personalized early detection of patients at increased risk might be feasible by using information on demographics, medical history and comorbidities.

Association of overweight and obesity with the prevalence and incidence of pressure ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND & AIM

Pressure ulcers challenge the health status, complicate medical conditions, and affect quality of life. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the role of obesity and body weight status, as potentially modifiable risk factors, in the incidence and prevalence of pressure ulcers.

METHODS

A systematic search of observational studies was performed to assess documents published between January 1990 and December 2019 in PubMed and Scopus. Finally, 17 articles with total sample size of 2228724 in the prevalence and 218178 in the incidence study were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The pooled data analysis showed no significant effect of obesity on odds of pressure ulcers' prevalence (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.27, P = 0.579, I² = 84.8%) or incidence (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.66, P = 0.905, I² = 89.8%) compared with non-obese individuals. Overweight was associated with significantly lower odds of prevalence of pressure ulcers compared to non-overweight individuals (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.88, P = 0.014, I² = 90.2%). The subgroup analyses showed significantly higher odds of prevalence (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.72 to 3.29, P < 0.001, I² = 63.4%) and incidence (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.77 to 2.94, P < 0.001, I² = 27.9%) of pressure ulcers in the underweight compared to normal weight groups. Pooled data analyses showed significantly lower odds of prevalence (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.96, P = 0.034, I² = 82%) and incidence (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.98, P = 0.039, I² = 67.1%) of pressure ulcers in the overweight than normal weight individuals. The findings showed no significant differences in the odds of prevalence or incidence of pressure ulcers in the obese and morbidly obese compared to normal weight individuals.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed no significant effect of obesity or morbid obesity on the odds of pressure ulcers. Additionally, overweight was associated with lower odds of pressure ulcers while underweight significantly increased the odds of pressure injuries.

Low and High Frequency Vibration Perception Thresholds Can Improve the Diagnosis of Diabetic Neuropathy

Recent studies demonstrate neuropathic changes with respect to vibration sensitivity for different measurement frequencies. This study investigates the relationship between vibration perception thresholds (VPTs) at low and high frequencies at two plantar locations and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) severity in diabetes mellitus (DM) subjects with DPN. We examine differences of VPTs between participants with DM, with DPN, as well as healthy controls. The influence of anthropometric, demographic parameters, and DM duration on VPTs is studied. Thirty-three healthy control group subjects (CG: 56.3 ± 9.9 years) and 33 with DM are studied. DM participants are subdivided into DM group (DM without DPN, n = 20, 53.3 ± 15.1 years), and DPN group (DM with DPN, n = 13, 61.0 ± 14.5 years). VPTs are measured at the first metatarsal head (MTH1) and heel (30 Hz, 200 Hz), using a customized vibration exciter. Spearman and Pearson correlations are used to identify relationships between VPTs and clinical parameters. ANOVAs are calculated to compare VPTs among groups. Significant correlations are observed between DPN severity (by fuzzy scores) and VPTs at both locations and frequencies (MTH1_30 Hz vs. fuzzy: r = 0.68, p = 0.011; Heel_30 Hz vs. fuzzy: r = 0.66, p = 0.014; MTH1_200 Hz vs. fuzzy: r = 0.73, p = 0.005; Heel_200 Hz vs. fuzzy: r = 0.60, p = 0.032). VPTs in CG and DM groups are significantly smaller than the DPN group, showing higher contrasts for the 30 Hz compared to the 200 Hz measurement. The correlations between fuzzy scores and VPTs confirm the relevance of using low and high frequencies to assess a comprehensive foot sensitivity status in people with DM.

Association of glycaemic status and outcomes in diabetic foot problems: a retrospective evidence from South India

OBJECTIVES

Emerging shreds of evidence indicates that the risk of diabetic foot ulcer and associated morbidity can be reduced through the intensive glycemic control. There are very few studies which assessed the effects of glycemic control on diabetic foot problems among Indian patients. We aimed to assess the effect of glycemic control on the outcomes of diabetic foot problems among adult type 2 diabetes (T2DM) patients with foot ulcers.

METHODS

A cross sectional study was conducted among the T2DM patients from a tertiary care teaching hospital in South India. The demographic characters, risk factors, treatment characters, glycemic status were collected among the patients and analyzed against the outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers by reviewing their medical records. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. The Chi-square test and ANOVA were used for was used for the categorical variables and continuous parameters to identify the factors affecting the outcomes, respectively. All analysis was performed in SPSS v21.

RESULTS

Out of the 100 participants included in the study, 70% were male. The majority (78%) were from an age group of 40 to 70 years, and the mean age was found to be 59.91 ± 10.6 years. The mean duration of diabetes was 9.66 years. Only ankle-brachial Index score (p=0.001) was significantly associated with the type of ulcers, whereas other factors not (p>0.05). A high level of average HbA_1c, BMI, ABI index and poor glycemic status was associated with a significant debridement strategy and longer duration of hospitalization; however, it was not substantial.

CONCLUSION

Our study inferred that poor glycemic status is associated with a significant debridement strategy and longer duration of hospitalization. However, these findings need to be strengthened with adequately powered prospective studies.

Prevalence and associated factors of diabetic foot ulcers among type 2 diabetic patients attending chronic follow-up clinics at governmental hospitals of Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia: A 5-year (2013-2017) retrospective study

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic foot disease is a growing major public health problem and the leading cause of prolonged hospital admission, health-related costs, and reduced quality of life for diabetes patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and its associated factors among type 2 diabetes patients in Harari Region, East Ethiopia.

METHODS

An institution-based retrospective study was conducted from 28 March to 30 April 2018, among type 2 diabetes patients diagnosed between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017, at three government hospitals of Harari Region. Data were collected using a standard checklist format. Data were entered into Epi Info Version 7 and analyzed using SPSS 24. Binary and multiple logistic regression models were used to determine the associated factors. Odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was used to determine level of association.

RESULT

A document of 502 type 2 diabetes patients was reviewed and included in the final analysis in this study. The prevalence of DFU among type 2 diabetes patients was 21.1%. Being currently married decreased the odds of DFU by 60% (adjusted odds ratio = 0.40; 95% confidence interval: 0.17-0.96). Factors associated with increased diabetes ulcers chance were physical inactivity 2.29 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.29; 95% confidence interval: 1.17-4.48), starting treatment with insulin 4.43 times (adjusted odds ratio = 4.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.84-10.67), obesity 27.76 (adjusted odds ratio = 27.76; 95% confidence interval: 13.96-55.23), delay to start follow-up 2.22 (adjusted odds ratio = 2.22; 95% confidence interval: 1.03-4.82), history of infection 3.50 (adjusted odds ratio= 3.50; 95% confidence interval: 1.83-6.69), and hypertension 3.99 (adjusted odds ratio = 3.99; 95% confidence interval: 2.08-7.65).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of DFU among type 2 diabetes is substantially high as more than one in five patients have this complication. Moreover, marital status, physical activity, baseline medication, obesity, delay for follow-up, infection history, and hypertension were significantly associated with the development of DFU.

Severity of albuminuria as an early indicator for wound healing in type 2 diabetic foot ulcers

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the severity of albuminuria and wound healing in type 2 diabetic foot ulcers. A total of 121 patients with diabetic foot ulcers were recruited from January 2015 to June 2017 and divided into nonproliferation and proliferation groups according to their healing status. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess the risk factors of wound proliferation. Skin biopsies were also taken from normal tissue near the wound in 54 participants. The microvessel density as well as the relationships among the microvessel density, albuminuria and wound proliferation were evaluated. Results showed that in a multiple linear regression model, factors including body-mass index, microalbuminuria, and macroalbuminuria showed independently significant association with wound healing in patients. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated albuminuria as a predicator for wound healing with a cutoff value of 32 mg/g. Meanwhile, normoalbuminuric patients showed significantly higher level of skin microvessels density than microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria patients, while microalbuminuria patients also had statistically more microvessels that macroalbuminuria patients. The microvessel density were statistically significantly higher in the proliferation group than that in the nonproliferation group. In summary, this study suggested that albuminuria can be used as an independent indicator for the healing of type 2 diabetic foot ulcers.

Evaluating the effects of sedentary behaviour on plantar skin health in people with diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes-Related Foot Ulcers (DRFUs) are a common and devastating consequence of Diabetes Mellitus and are associated with high morbidity, mortality, social and economic costs. Whilst peak plantar pressures during gait are implicated cited as a major contributory factor, DRFU occurrence has also been associated with increased periods of sedentary behaviour. The present study was designed aimed to assess the effects of sitting postures on plantar tissue health.

METHODS

After a period of acclimatisation, transcutaneous oxygen tensions (T_CPO₂) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α and IL-1RA) were measured at the dorsal and plantar aspects of the forefoot before, during and after a 20-min period of seated-weight-bearing in participants with diabetes (n = 11) and no diabetes (n = 10). Corresponding interface pressures at the plantar site were also measured.

RESULTS

During weight-bearing, participants with diabetes showed increases in tissue ischaemia which were linearly correlated proportional to plantar pressures (Pearson's r = 0.81; p < 0.05). Within the healthy group, no such correlation was evident (p > 0.05). There were also significant increases in post seated weight-bearing values for ratio for IL-1α and IL-1RA, normalised to total protein, post seated weight-bearing in participants with diabetes compared to healthy controls.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that prolonged sitting may be detrimental to plantar skin health. It highlights the need to further examine the effects of prolonged sitting in individuals, who may have a reduced tolerance to loading in the plantar skin and soft tissues.

Risk factors for lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

A considerable number of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients require amputation every year, which worsens their quality of life, aggravates the social burden, and shortens their life expectancy. Considering these negative effects, it is important to explore the relative risk factors affecting amputation in DFU patients.

METHODS

The PubMed, SCIE and Embase databases were comprehensively searched for prospective or retrospective studies published before October 31, 2019. All English language studies involving DFU patients were included, and RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis includes 21 studies involving 6505 participants, including 2006 patients who required a lower limb amputation. The following variables were associated with an increased risk of amputation: male sex (odds ratios (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16~1.46, P<0.00001), smoking history (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04~1.35, P = 0.009), a history of foot ulcers (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 2.00~3.07, P<0.00001), osteomyelitis (OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 3.02~4.53, P<0.00001), gangrene (OR = 10.90, 95% CI = 5.73~20.8, P<0.00001), a lower body mass index (mean difference IV (MD) = -0.88, 95% CI = -1.30~-0.47, P<0.0001), and a higher white blood cell count (MD = 2.42, 95% CI = 2.02~2.82, P<0.00001). However, age (MD = 1.24, 95% CI = -0.45~2.93, P = 0.15), type of diabetes (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.61~1.52, P = 0.86), hypertension (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.96~1.47, P = 0.12), and HbA1c level (MD = 0.02, 95% CI = -0.28~0.33, P = 0.87) were not associated with amputation in patients with DFU.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis identified several risk factors for amputation in DFU patients, including the male sex, a smoking history, a history of foot ulcers, osteomyelitis, gangrene, a lower body mass index, and a higher white blood cell count. Once gangrene occurs, the risk of amputation rapidly increases.

Risk assessment for foot ulcers among Tunisian subjects with diabetes: a cross sectional outpatient study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot is an underestimated and redoubtable diabetes complication. The aims of our study were to assess diabetic foot ulcer risk factors according to International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) classification, stratify patients into risk categories and identify factors associated with higher-risk grade.

METHODS

Cross-sectional setting over a period of 07 months, patients were randomly selected from the diabetic outpatients attending our unit of diabetology. Questionnaire and clinical examination were made by the same physician. Patients free of active foot ulcer were included.

RESULTS

Among 230 patients evaluated, 10 had an active foot ulcer and were excluded. Five patients (2.27%) had a history of foot ulcer and 3(1.36%) had a lower-limb amputation. Sensory neuropathy, as measured by the 5.07(10 g) Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing, was present in 23.63% of patients, whereas 36.82% had a peripheral arterial disease based on clinical findings, and 43.63% had foot deformities. According to the IWGDF classification, Group 0: 72.72%, Group 1: 5.9%, Group 2: 17.73% and Group 3: 3.63%. After univariate analysis, patients in higher-risk groups were significantly more often female, had higher age and BMI, longer diabetes duration, elevated waist circumference, low school level, retinopathy and hyperkeratosis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified 3 significant independent factors associated with high-risk groups: retinopathy (OR = 2.529, CI95 [1.131-5.655], p = 0.024), hyperkeratosis (OR = 2.658, CI95 [1.222-5.783], p = 0.014) and school level (OR = 0.489, CI95 [0.253-9.44], p = 0.033).

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for foot ulceration were rather common in outpatients with diabetes. The screening of patients at risk for foot ulceration should start early, integrated with sustainable patient education.

Clinical, Pathological and Microbiological Evaluation of Diabetic Foot Syndrome

Background and objectives: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the serious complications of diabetes, being related to frequent and long-term hospitalisation, reduced quality of life of the patient, amputations, a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The bacterial aetiology is complex, sometimes involving more than one pathogen, playing a major role in the infection prognosis and development of microbial resistance. This study evaluated the current state of the aetiology, clinical and pathological characteristics of DFU in a single diabetes centre in order to provide some specific measures to prevent it. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on patients with diabetes mellitus (252 individuals diagnosed with DFU) between January 2018–December 2019. All participants were assessed based on their clinical characteristics, including complications of diabetes and pathological and microbiological evaluations. Results: The present research revealed that diabetic foot ulcer prevalence was higher in males than in females and higher in type 2 diabetic patients than in type 1 diabetic patients. The patients with diabetic foot ulcer were older, had a higher body mass index (BMI), longer diabetic duration and had more diabetic complications, such as retinopathy, diabetic polyneuropathy and diabetic kidney disease, than patients without diabetic foot ulceration. Conclusions: Taking into account all factors involved, including the aetiology and the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of these isolates, planning the suitable treatment options of patients is possible.

Comparison of Group Medical Visits Combined With Intensive Weight Management vs Group Medical Visits Alone for Glycemia in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Noninferiority Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Traditionally, group medical visits (GMVs) for persons with diabetes improved glycemia by intensifying medications, which infrequently led to weight loss. Incorporating GMVs with intensive dietary change could enable weight loss and improve glycemia while decreasing medication intensity.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether a program of GMVs combined with intensive weight management (WM) is noninferior to GMVs alone for change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level at 48 weeks (prespecified margin of 0.5%) and superior to GMVs alone for hypoglycemic events, diabetes medication intensity, and weight loss.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This randomized clinical trial identified via the electronic medical record 2814 outpatients with type 2 diabetes, uncontrolled HbA1c, and body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) of 27 or higher from Veterans Affairs Medical Center clinics in Durham and Greenville, North Carolina. Between January 12, 2015, and May 30, 2017, 263 outpatients started the intervention.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants randomized to the GMV group (n = 136) received counseling about diabetes-related topics with medication optimization every 4 weeks for 16 weeks, then every 8 weeks (9 visits). Participants randomized to the WM/GMV group (n = 127) received low-carbohydrate diet counseling with baseline medication reduction and subsequent medication optimization every 2 weeks for 16 weeks followed by an abbreviated GMV intervention every 8 weeks (13 visits).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Outcomes included HbA1c level, hypoglycemic events, diabetes medication effect score, and weight at 48 weeks analyzed using hierarchical generalized mixed models to account for clustering within group sessions.

RESULTS

Among 263 participants (mean [SD] age, 60.7 [8.2] years; 235 [89.4%] men; 143 [54.4%] black), baseline HbA1c level was 9.1% (1.3%) and BMI was 35.3 (5.1). At 48 weeks, HbA1c level was improved in both study arms (8.2% in the WM/GMV arm and 8.3% in the GMV arm; mean difference, -0.1%; 95% CI, -0.5% to 0.2%; upper 95% CI, <0.5% threshold; P = .44). The WM/GMV arm had lower diabetes medication use (mean difference in medication effect score, -0.5; 95% CI, -0.6 to -0.3; P < .001) and greater weight loss (mean difference, -3.7 kg; 95% CI, -5.5 to -1.9 kg; P < .001) than did the GMV arm at 48 weeks and approximately 50% fewer hypoglycemic events (incidence rate ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.27 to 0.71; P < .001) during the 48-week period.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In GMVs for diabetes, addition of WM using a low-carbohydrate diet was noninferior for lowering HbA1c levels compared with conventional medication management and showed advantages in other clinically important outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01973972.

Evaluation of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Diabetic Foot Infections: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Background

The impact of diabetic foot infections is enormous in India. Studies on vitamin D levels in diabetes mellitus foot infections are scarce. The primary objective of the present study was to compare the serum vitamin D level between diabetics with foot infections and those without foot infections and the secondary objective was to assess the association between the vitamin D level and the severity of foot infections and outcomes.

Methods

The study included 176 type 2 diabetics who attended Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India, between September 2012 and June 2014. The serum vitamin D level was measured for 88 diabetics with foot infections (Group 1) and 88 without foot infections (Group 2) using the ELISA 25OH vitamin D DIAsource kit (DIAsource ImmunoAssays S.A., Belgium) and compared. Both groups were followed up for 6 months for outcomes. The qualitative variables were analyzed using the χ2 test and the quantitative variables using the Student t test. The statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 17.0. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

The mean serum vitamin D level was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.306). Among the patients in Group 1 who either required amputations or died, 97.44% had subnormal vitamin D levels in contrast to 59.18% in those who were grafted or achieved wound healing (P=0.001). Among those who achieved wound healing within 6 months, 78.9% had normal vitamin D levels (P=0.0006).

Conclusion

The study found no significant difference in the serum level of vitamin D between diabetics with and without foot infections. However, vitamin D deficiency was associated with a poor outcome in diabetics with foot infections.

Prospective exploration of the effect of adiposity and associated microbial factors on healing and progression of diabetic foot ulcers in Tanzania: study protocol of a longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. This coexists with an increasing prevalence of obesity which has been reported to alter antimicrobial susceptibility and potentially affect the outcome of infected foot ulcers. This study aims to determine whether adiposity and local microbial factors affect the progression and healing of foot ulcers in people with type 2 diabetes in hospital settings in Tanzania.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A prospective cohort of 300 individuals with type 2 diabetes presenting with DFUs at an outpatient clinic will be enrolled into the study. At baseline, participants will be stratified into normal and high adiposity groups (150 per group) as measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Both groups will receive DFU management according to locally appropriate standards of care and will be followed up for 24 weeks or until complete wound healing, whichever occurs first. The primary end point is complete wound healing at 24 weeks while secondary end points are ulcer progression (worsening or improving), amputation and death. Enrolling 150 participants per group will have a minimum power of 80% to detect a 20% difference in cumulative incidence of complete ulcer healing (at the 5% level of statistical significance) between the normal and high adiposity groups.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS

This study will be conducted in compliance with the independent institutional review boards (IRBs), informed consent guidelines, the declaration of Helsinki and International Conference on Harmonisation, Good Clinical Practice Guidelines. Ethical clearance has been granted by the Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences ethical review board (MUHAS Ref. No. DA.282/298/01 .C/). Permissions to conduct the study have been granted by the Abbas Medical Centre and the Muhimbili Academic Medical Centre (MAMC).Progress and results emanating from this work will be communicated to the scientific community through conference presentations, short communications (using journal letters and interesting case reports) and peer-reviewed publications. When necessary, through proper channels, popular means of communication (newspapers, magazines and online communications) will be used to inform policy and the public.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03960255; Pre-results.

Increasing SBP variability is associated with an increased risk of developing incident diabetic foot ulcers

OBJECTIVE

SBP variability may be a target for mitigating end-organ damage associated with vascular disease. We evaluated the relationship between increased SBP variability and risk of incident diabetic foot ulceration.

METHODS

Using a nested case-control design, we followed patients diagnosed with diabetes and treated within the US Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare system for development of a diabetic foot ulcer (event) between 2006 and 2010. Each case was randomly matched to up to five controls based on age, sex, race/ethnicity, and calendar time. SBP variability was computed using at least three blood pressure measurements from the year preceding the event. The association between SBP variability and foot ulceration was examined using conditional logistic regression. Potential protective effects of calcium channel blockers, which blunt SBP variability, were also explored.

RESULTS

The study sample included 51 111 cases and 129 247 controls. Compared with those in quartile 1 (lowest variability), patients in quartiles 2-4 had higher adjusted odds ratios for diabetic foot ulcer development: 1.11 (95% CI 1.07-1.16), 1.20 (95% CI 1.15-1.25), 1.29 (95% CI 1.24-1.34) (P for trend <0.001). Calcium channel blockers were associated with reduced risks of ulceration for those without peripheral vascular disease (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.84-0.90, P < 0.001) or neuropathy (OR = 0.85, 95% CI 0.82-0.89, P < 0.001) in adjusted subgroup analyses.

CONCLUSION

This study describes a graded relationship between SBP variability and risk of diabetic foot ulceration, providing a potential new and modifiable target to reduce this common complication.

Effect of a group medical clinic for veterans with diabetes on body mass index

Objective

To assess the impact of a group medical clinic designed for patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension on body mass index.

Methods

Using data from a randomized trial of 239 veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus, we performed a secondary analysis using analysis of covariance mixed models to explore the effect of a 12-month group medical clinic intervention on change in body mass index vs. usual care. In an exploratory subgroup analysis, we compared change in body mass index between treatment arms stratified by whether patients had >0.5% reduction in hemoglobin A1c at 12 months.

Results

Baseline body mass index was 33.5 kg/m2. At 12 months, there was no significant difference in change in body mass index between treatment arms (estimate=−0.02, 95% CI −0.51 to 5.05; P = 0.94); body mass index increased by approximately 0.20 points in both groups. There was also no significant difference in change in body mass index between treatment arms by whether or not patients had >0.5% reduction in hemoglobin A1c (estimate=−0.14, 95% CI −1.21 to −0.92; P = 0.79).

Discussion

Improved glycemic control was not associated with improved body mass index in the group medical clinic intervention. Given their positive effects on other outcomes, group medical clinics for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may be more beneficial if focus is shifted towards weight loss.

Association of diabetic foot ulcers with chronic vascular diabetic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes

CONTEXT

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease which is prevalent globally, presenting with chronic complications and constitutes a major risk to the patient. Diabetic foot ulcers are the single biggest risk factor for non-traumatic lower limb amputations in persons with diabetes. We aimed to screen for the chronic vascular diabetic complications in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and to assess the association of diabetic foot ulcers with these complications in the study group.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 180 type 2 diabetic patients (aged 30-70 years) with diabetic foot ulcers who attended the Outpatient Clinic of Diabetes in Alexandria Main University Hospital. Full diabetic foot examination was done to all study subjects. DFUs were assessed using University of Texas Diabetic Wound Classification System. HbA1c, LDL-C, serum creatinine, and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) were measured for all study subjects. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using CKD-EPI equation. Fundus examination was done for all study subjects.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR) was 86.1% and 90% respectively among the study group. 86.7% of patients had neuropathic DFUs, 11.1% of them had ischemic DFUs and 2.2% had neuro-ischemic DFUs. Regarding diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as risk factors for developing DFU, the prevalence of both of them respectively was 82% and 20% among the study group. There was statistically significant association between both DKD, DR and peripheral neuropathy. There was also statistically significant association between both DKD, DR and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

CONCLUSION

Chronic vascular diabetic complications are common among type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic foot ulcers. There is statistically significant association between these complications and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Jump starting shared medical appointments for diabetes with weight management: Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Rates of glycemic control remain suboptimal nationwide. Medication intensification for diabetes can have undesirable side effects (weight gain, hypoglycemia), which offset the benefits of glycemic control. A Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) intervention for diabetes that emphasizes weight management could improve glycemic outcomes and reduce weight while simultaneously lowering diabetes medication needs, resulting in less hypoglycemia and better quality of life. We describe the rationale and design for a study evaluating a novel SMA intervention for diabetes that primarily emphasizes low-carbohydrate diet-focused weight management.

METHODS

Jump Starting Shared Medical Appointments for Diabetes with Weight Management (Jump Start) is a randomized, controlled trial that is allocating overweight Veterans (body mass index≥27kg/m²) with type 2 diabetes into two arms: 1) a traditional SMA group focusing on medication management and self-management counseling; or 2) an SMA group that combines low-carbohydrate diet-focused weight management (WM/SMA) with medication management. Hemoglobin A1c reduction at 48weeks is the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes include hypoglycemic events, diabetes medication use, weight, medication adherence, diabetes-related quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. We hypothesize that WM/SMA will be non-inferior to standard SMA for glycemic control, and will reduce hypoglycemia, diabetes medication use, and weight relative to standard SMA, while also improving quality of life and costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Jump Start targets two common problems that are closely related but infrequently managed together: diabetes and obesity. By focusing on diet and weight loss as the primary means to control diabetes, this intervention may improve several meaningful patient-centered outcomes related to diabetes.

Global epidemiology of diabetic foot ulceration: a systematic review and meta-analysis †

Diabetic foot is a severe public health issue, yet rare studies investigated its global epidemiology. Here we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis through searching PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of science, and Cochrane database. We found that that global diabetic foot ulcer prevalence was 6.3% (95%CI: 5.4-7.3%), which was higher in males (4.5%, 95%CI: 3.7-5.2%) than in females (3.5%, 95%CI: 2.8-4.2%), and higher in type 2 diabetic patients (6.4%, 95%CI: 4.6-8.1%) than in type 1 diabetics (5.5%, 95%CI: 3.2-7.7%). North America had the highest prevalence (13.0%, 95%CI: 10.0-15.9%), Oceania had the lowest (3.0%, 95% CI: 0.9-5.0%), and the prevalence in Asia, Europe, and Africa were 5.5% (95%CI: 4.6-6.4%), 5.1% (95%CI: 4.1-6.0%), and 7.2% (95%CI: 5.1-9.3%), respectively. Australia has the lowest (1.5%, 95%CI: 0.7-2.4%) and Belgium has the highest prevalence (16.6%, 95%CI: 10.7-22.4%), followed by Canada (14.8%, 95%CI: 9.4-20.1%) and USA (13.0%, 95%CI: 8.3-17.7%). The patients with diabetic foot ulcer were older, had a lower body mass index, longer diabetic duration, and had more hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and smoking history than patients without diabetic foot ulceration. Our results provide suggestions for policy makers in deciding preventing strategy of diabetic foot ulceration in the future. Key messages Global prevalence of diabetic foot is 6.3% (95%CI: 5.4-7.3%), and the prevalence in North America, Asia, Europe, Africa and Oceania was 13.0% (95%CI: 10.0-15.9%), 5.5% (95%CI: 4.6-6.4%), 5.1% (95%CI: 4.1-6.0%), 7.2% (95%CI: 5.1-9.3%), and 3.0% (95% CI: 0.9-5.0%). Diabetic foot was more prevalent in males than in females, and more prevalent in type 2 diabetic foot patients than in type 1 diabetic foot patients. The patients with diabetic foot were older, had a lower body mass index, longer diabetic duration, and had more hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and smoking history than patients without diabetic foot.

American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons® Clinical Consensus Statement: Perioperative Management

A wide range of factors contribute to the complexity of the management plan for an individual patient, and it is the surgeon's responsibility to consider the clinical variables and to guide the patient through the perioperative period. In an effort to address a number of important variables, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons convened a panel of experts to derive a clinical consensus statement to address selected issues associated with the perioperative management of foot and ankle surgical patients.

The effect of cumulative glycemic burden on the incidence of diabetic foot disease

BACKGROUND

Glycemic control is a known modifiable risk factor for diabetic foot disease. Prior attempts to define its relationship with diabetic foot ulcer and Charcot arthropathy fail to account for variability in control and duration of diabetic disease. We developed a novel metric to reflect aggregate disease exposure in a diabetic, termed cumulative glycemic burden. We hypothesized that it would be positively associated with both diabetic foot ulcer and radiographically diagnosed Charcot arthropathy.

METHODS

Patients aged 18 to 90 years with ≥3 hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) values were identified retrospectively at a single institution over a 15-year period. Primary outcomes were ICD-9 diagnosis of foot ulcer and radiographically diagnosed Charcot arthropathy. Cumulative glycemic burden was calculated by trapezoidal integration of the area under a curve defined by HbA1c values above 7 over time. Patients were stratified into quartiles based on cumulative glycemic burden (excellent, good, fair, and poor control). χ ² tests compared the proportion of foot ulcer and Charcot across quartiles. Regression analysis identified associated demographic and comorbidity factors with diabetic foot disease. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

RESULTS

Out of 22,913 diabetics, 1643 (7.2%) had a foot ulcer; 54 out of 771 diabetics (7.0%) had radiographic Charcot arthropathy. There was a statistically significant stepwise increase in the incidence of foot ulcer with increasing cumulative glycemic burden by patient quartile (5.2 vs. 6.4 vs. 7.9 vs. 13.9%; P < .001). No significant trend was seen between incidence of Charcot arthropathy and greater cumulative glycemic burden (7.8 vs. 5.6 vs. 4.4 vs. 10.0%; P = .469). Peripheral vascular disease was most strongly associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Hypertension and diabetic neuropathy were independently associated with Charcot arthropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing cumulative glycemic burden is positively associated with diabetic foot ulcer. Greater attention should be paid towards the most poorly controlled diabetics with the longest duration of disease to reduce their risk. Cumulative glycemic burden is not associated with Charcot arthropathy.

Identifying at-risk foot among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes: A cross-sectional study in one Chinese tertiary hospital

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prevalence of diabetic at-risk foot and its associated factors.

METHODS

A total of 838 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes were screened for at-risk foot. Neural and vascular disorders were evaluated by assessing vibration perception thresholds and ankle brachial indexes (ABIs). After excluding 12 patients with abnormally high ABIs, remaining individuals with neural and/or vascular disorder were identified as at-risk patients and further classified into three subtypes: isolated neural disorder, isolated vascular disorder and mixed disorder. Potential associated factors were examined using Logistic regression models.

RESULTS

In the final sample of 826 individuals, the prevalence of diabetic at-risk foot was 30.6%. Among all at-risk patients, isolated neural disorders (69.6%) were more common than mixed (16.2%) or isolated vascular disorders (14.2%). Isolated neural and vascular disorders shared specific risk factors, including age per 20-year increment (odds ratio [95% CI], 3.73 [2.59-5.37] and 4.01 [1.98-8.11]), diabetic duration ≥10 years (1.69 [1.13-2.54] and 3.29 [1.49-7.24]) and systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg (1.96 [1.31-2.93] and 2.90 [1.38-6.10]) respectively. In addition, isolated neural disorders were associated with a heavy smoking history (95%CI 2.69 [1.15-6.31]), increased high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (95%CI 1.30 [1.04-1.62]) and mild obesity (95%CI 0.49 [0.20-1.24]). Isolated vascular disorders were linked with decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (95%CI 3.42 [1.31-8.96]) and increased triglycerides levels (95%CI 2.74 [1.26-5.97]).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetic at-risk foot is epidemic among hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes. Aging, long-term diabetes, hypertension, smoking, inflammatory response and dyslipidemia may be associated with the prevalence of diabetic at-risk foot.

Diabetic foot complications and their risk factors from a large retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Foot complications are considered to be a serious consequence of diabetes mellitus, posing a major medical and economical threat. Identifying the extent of this problem and its risk factors will enable health providers to set up better prevention programs. Saudi National Diabetes Registry (SNDR), being a large database source, would be the best tool to evaluate this problem.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of 62,681 patients aged ≥ 25 years from SNDR database, selected for studying foot complications associated with diabetes and related risk factors.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of diabetic foot complications was 3.3% with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of (3.16%-3.44%), whilst the prevalences of foot ulcer, gangrene, and amputations were 2.05% (1.94%-2.16%), 0.19% (0.16%-0.22%), and 1.06% (0.98%-1.14%), respectively. The prevalence of foot complications increased with age and diabetes duration predominantly amongst the male patients. Diabetic foot is more commonly seen among type 2 patients, although it is more prevalent among type 1 diabetic patients. The Univariate analysis showed Charcot joints, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), neuropathy, diabetes duration ≥ 10 years, insulin use, retinopathy, nephropathy, age ≥ 45 years, cerebral vascular disease (CVD), poor glycemic control, coronary artery disease (CAD), male gender, smoking, and hypertension to be significant risk factors with odds ratio and 95% CI at 42.53 (18.16-99.62), 14.47 (8.99-23.31), 12.06 (10.54-13.80), 7.22 (6.10-8.55), 4.69 (4.28-5.14), 4.45 (4.05-4.89), 2.88 (2.43-3.40), 2.81 (2.31-3.43), 2.24 (1.98-2.45), 2.02 (1.84-2.22), 1.54 (1.29-1.83), and 1.51 (1.38-1.65), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for diabetic foot complications are highly prevalent; they have put these complications at a higher rate and warrant primary and secondary prevention programs to minimize morbidity and mortality in addition to economic impact of the complications. Other measurements, such as decompression of lower extremity nerves, should be considered among diabetic patients.

Diabetic foot: infections and outcomes in Iranian admitted patients

Background:

Diabetes mellitus (along with its complications) has become a global problem. Diabetic foot infection, among the most common complications, is responsible for 40 to 50% of foot amputations. Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, however, have compromised empiric therapy in the infected patients.

Objectives:

The current study aimed to determine the most common microorganisms involved in diabetic foot infection in order to minimize the failure of antibiotic therapy and the risk of developing complications.

Patients and Methods:

All patients with diabetic foot infection admitted to the infectious diseases, surgery and endocrinology wards of two teaching hospitals from 2007 to 2010 (n = 196) were recruited. In this retrospective study, demographic characteristics, type of lesions, history of hospitalization/antibiotic therapy, isolated microorganisms, clinical complications, administered treatment (medical or surgical) and outcome were recorded.

Results:

Patients’ mean age was 60.84 (± 10.30) years. Totally, 113 (57.65%) of the patients were male and 83 (42.35%) were female. According to Wagner’s grading, deep ulcers with/without osteomyelitis accounted for the majority of lesions. A single microorganism was isolated (most common: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella spp.) from 81 of the patients (80.20%); while for the remaining polymicrobial infection was reported. Isolated pathogens showed no significant correlation with duration of diabetes, type of the lesions (P = 0.13) and history of hospitalization (P = 0.61). The majority of patients (n = 118, 60.20%) were treated surgically; however 11 patients expired due to sepsis. Amputation (most common at toes and below the knee) was performed for 89 patients (45.40%). The response rate to medical treatment was 31.6% for single-pathogen and 10% for polymicrobial infection (with a 30% mortality rate).

Conclusions:

Physicians are recommended to take microbiological cultures before starting empirical therapy recommended to cover Gram-negative microorganisms in order to lower the risk of antibiotic resistance.

A comparison of two total contact cast constructs with variable body mass

OBJECTIVE

There is a growing body of evidence implicating obesity as having a negative effect on the development and treatment of diabetic foot disease. The aim of this study was to increase the body of knowledge on the effects of obesity on foot function, specifically as it relates to peak plantar pressures in the total contact cast (TCC). Our investigational objectives were to compare the effect of two different TCC designs on mean peak plantar pressures, and to evaluate the efficacy of two TCC constructs with increasing body mass.

METHOD

The primary outcome measure was mean peak plantar pressure in the heel, midfoot, forefoot and first metatarsal as measured with an in-shoe pressure measurement system. The variables were patient weight (from 'normal' body mass index (BMI) to 'overweight', 'obese' and 'morbidly obese') and the TCC construct (with both a standard and alternate cast design). The standard TCC is considered the gold standard for off-loading of the diabetic foot. The alternate TCC was designed to use the essential offloading component of the traditional TCC, namely the total contact leg section, with use of an open cell polyurethane foam to transfer load from the foot to the lower leg, thereby offloading the foot by suspending it within a padded fiberglass walking cast.

RESULTS

We did not observe statistically significant differences in mean peak plantar pressures in any plantar foot anatomic area or with any body mass between the two TCC designs.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results, we concluded that the alternate TCC design provides another viable TCC construct option for practitioners working with the neuropathic foot. This investigation also provides specific data on changes that occur in peak plantar pressures with use of the total contact cast and variable BMIs.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

none.

Effect of variable body mass on plantar foot pressure and off-loading device efficacy

An increasing body of evidence has implicated obesity as having a negative effect on the development, treatment, and outcome of lower extremity pathologic entities, including diabetic foot disease. The objective of the present study was to increase the body of knowledge with respect to the effects of obesity on foot function. Specifically, we attempted to (1) describe the relationship between an increasing body mass index (BMI) on plantar foot pressures during gait, and (2) evaluate the efficacy of commonly prescribed off-loading devices with an increasing BMI. A repeated measures design was used to compare the peak plantar foot pressures under multiple test conditions, with the volunteers acting as their own controls. The primary outcome measure was the mean peak plantar pressure in the heel, midfoot, forefoot, and first metatarsal, and the 2 variables were modification of patient weight (from "normal" BMI to "overweight," "obese," and "morbidly obese") and footwear (from an athletic sneaker to a surgical shoe, controlled ankle motion walker, and total contact cast). Statistically significant increases in the peak plantar pressures were observed with increasing volunteer BMI weight class, regardless of the off-loading device used. The present investigation has provided unique and specific data with respect to the changes that occur in the peak plantar pressures with variable BMIs across different anatomic levels and with commonly used off-loading devices. From our results, we have concluded that although the plantar pressures increase with increasing weight, it appears that at least some reduction in pressure can be achieved with an off-loading device, most effectively with the total contact cast, regardless of the patient's BMI.

Can foot and ankle surgeons accurately estimate patient body mass index?

The body mass index (BMI) is an objective patient finding that has been established to have a negative effect on the development and outcomes of podiatric pathologic entities and interventions. The objective of the present investigation was to assess the ability of podiatric physicians to estimate the patient BMI from clinical and radiographic observation. For the clinical estimation of the patient BMI, podiatric specialists across 3 levels of experience (i.e., students, residents, and practicing clinicians) performed 294 estimations on 72 patients in 3 clinical situations (standing, sitting in a treatment chair, and lying in a hospital bed). It was more common to inaccurately estimate the patient BMI (77.9%) than it was to correctly estimate it (22.1%), with underestimations being the most common error (48.3%). The estimations were particularly inaccurate when the patients were in the common clinical situation of sitting in a treatment chair or lying in a hospital bed and with patients actually classified as obese. For the radiographic estimation of patient BMI, 150 consecutive lateral ankle radiographs were analyzed, with the ratio of the overlying soft tissue diameter to the underlying bone diameter calculated and compared. Positive, but weak, relationships were observed with these ratios. From these data, we have concluded that podiatric practitioners should perform an actual calculation of the patient BMI during the patient examination and medical decision-making process to fully appreciate the potential risks inherent to the treatment of obese patients.

Prevalence and risk factors for diabetes-related foot complications in Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes (TRIAD)

AIMS

The objective was to describe the prevalence of diabetes-related foot complications in a managed care population and to identify the demographic and biological risk factors.

METHODS

We assessed the period prevalence of foot complications on 6992 patients using ICD-9 diagnosis codes from health plan administrative data. Demographic and biological variables were ascertained from surveys and medical record reviews. We defined four mutually exclusive groups: any Charcot foot, DFU with debridement, amputation±DFU and debridement, and no foot conditions.

RESULTS

Overall, 55 (0.8%) patients had Charcot foot, 205 (2.9%) had DFU with debridement, and 101 (1.4%) had a lower-extremity amputation. There were 6631 patients with no prevalent foot conditions. Racial/ethnic minorities were less likely to have Charcot foot (OR=0.21; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.46) or DFU (OR=0.61; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.84) compared to non-Hispanic Whites, but there were no racial/ethnic differences in amputation. Histories of micro- or macrovascular disease were associated with a two- to four-fold increase in the odds of foot complications.

CONCLUSION

In managed care patients with uniform access to health care, we found a relatively high prevalence of foot complications, but attenuation of the racial/ethnic differences of rates reported in the literature.

Blood viscosity and the expression of inflammatory and adhesion markers in homozygous sickle cell disease subjects with chronic leg ulcers

OBJECTIVE

To determine differences in TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, sICAM-1 concentrations, leg hypoxia and whole blood viscosity (WBV) at shear rates of 46 sec(-1) and 230 sec(-1) in persons with homozygous S sickle cell disease (SCD) with and without chronic leg ulceration and in AA genotype controls.

DESIGN

&

METHODS

fifty-five age-matched participants were recruited into the study: 31 SS subjects without leg ulcers (SSn), 24 SS subjects with leg ulcers (SSu) and 18 AA controls. Haematological indices were measured using an AC.Tron Coulter Counter. Quantification of inflammatory, anti-inflammatory and adhesion molecules was performed by ELISA. Measurement of whole blood viscosity was done using a Wells Brookfield cone-plate viscometer. Quantification of microvascular tissue oxygenation was done by Visible Lightguide spectrophotometry.

RESULTS

TNF-α and whole blood viscosity at 46 sec(-1) and 230 sec(-1) (1.75, 2.02 vs. 0.83, 1.26, p<0.05) were significantly greater in sickle cell disease subjects than in controls. There were no differences in plasma concentration of sICAM-1, IL-1β and IL-10 between SCD subjects and controls. IL-1β (median, IQR: 0.96, 1.7 vs. 0, 0.87; p<0.01) and sICAM-1 (226.5, 156.48 vs. 107.63, 121.5, p<0.005) were significantly greater in SSu group compared with SSn. However there were no differences in TNF-α (2, 3.98 vs. 0, 2.66) and IL-10 (13.34, 5.95 vs. 11.92, 2.99) concentrations between SSu and SSn. WBV in the SSu group at 46 sec(-1) and at 230 Sec 1 were 1.9 (95%CI; 1.2, 3.1) and 2.3 (1.2, 4.4) times greater than in the SSn group. There were no differences in the degree of tissue hypoxia as determined by lightguide spectrophotometry.

CONCLUSION

Inflammatory, adhesion markers and WBV may be associated with leg ulceration in sickle cell disease by way of inflammation-mediated vasoocclusion/vasoconstriction. Impaired skin oxygenation does not appear to be associated with chronic ulcers in these subjects with sickle cell disease.

Nutritional status deteriorates as the severity of diabetic foot ulcers increases and independently associates with prognosis

The prognosis for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remains poor. Nutritional status has not been identified as one of the factors affecting the outcome of DFUs. Therefore, indicators correlated with nutritional status and outcome were analyzed to investigate their relationship. A total of 192 hospitalized patients with Wagner grade 1–5 ulcers and 60 patients with Wagner grade 0 ulcers (all had type 2 diabetes) were assessed by the following: subjective global assessment (SGA), anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators and physical examinations to evaluate nutritional status, severity of infection and complications. Patient outcome was recorded as healing of the ulcer and the patients were followed up for 6 months or until the wound was healed. The percentage of malnutrition was 62.0% in the DFU patients. The SGA was closely correlated with infection (r=0.64), outcome (r=0.37) and BMI (r=−0.36), all P<0.001. The risk of poor outcome increased with malnutrition [odds ratio (OR), 10.6, P<0.001]. The nutritional status of the DFU patients was independently correlated with the severity of infection and outcome (both P<0.001) and Wagner grades and nutritional status (SGA) were independent risk factors for patient outcome (both P<0.001). Nutritional status deteriorated as the severity of the DFU increased, and malnutrition was a predictor of poor prognosis.

Obesity paradox in amputation risk among nonelderly diabetic men

The association between BMI and amputation risk is not currently well known. We used data for a cohort of diabetic patients treated in the US Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in 2003. Men aged <65 years at the end of follow-up were examined for their amputation risk and amputation-free survival during the next 5 years (2004-2008). Compared to overweight individuals (BMI 25-29.9 kg/m(2)), the risks of amputation and treatment failure (amputation or death) were higher for patients with BMI <25 kg/m(2) and were lower for those with BMI ≥30 kg/m(2). Individuals with BMI ≥40 kg/m(2) were only half as likely to experience any (hazard ratios (HR) = 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30-0.80) and major amputations (HR = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.39-0.73) during follow-up as overweight individuals. While the amputation risk continued to decrease for higher BMI, amputation-free survival showed a slight upturn at BMI >40 kg/m(2). The association between obesity and amputation risk in our data shows a pattern consistent with "obesity paradox" observed in many health conditions. More research is needed to better understand pathophysiological mechanisms that may explain the paradoxical association between obesity and lower-extremity amputation (LEA) risk.

Clinical and behavioral factors associated with management outcome in hospitalized patients with diabetic foot ulcer

OBJECTIVES

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) has been linked to high mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. In spite of the increasing prevalence of diabetes and its complications, this issue has not been adequately studied in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study we attempt to describe the prevalence of diabetic foot amputation in patients admitted to our training hospitals in Urmia, Iran, and also to determine the associated demographic, behavioral, and clinical factors.

RESULTS

Of 94 patients with DFU, 34 (32%) had amputation. Those with amputation were significantly older and were also less educated than those without amputation, had longer duration of diabetes (hence were more likely to suffer from complications), and had high-risk wounds plus a poor glycemic control. On logistic regression analysis two variables were associated with amputation: Wagner classification ≥3 and HbA(1c). On a receiver operating characteristics curve, the HbA(1c) cutoff point of 9.7% significantly discriminated to predict increasing risk of amputation.

CONCLUSION

Both glycemic control and promoting the knowledge of patients and health care professionals in order to diagnose DFU in the early stages and to prevent development of the high-grade wounds would be a significant step in reducing the burden of DFU and its effect on quality of life in Iran.