Influence of diabetes on persistent nonhealing ischemic foot ulcer in end-stage renal disease

Risk factors for foot ulceration in adults with end-stage renal disease on dialysis: a prospective observational cohort study

Background

Dialysis patients experience high rates of foot ulceration. Although risk factors for ulceration have been extensively studied in patients with diabetes, there is limited high-quality, longitudinal evidence in the dialysis population. Therefore, this study investigated risk factors for foot ulceration in a stable dialysis cohort.

Methods

We prospectively collected clinical, demographic, health status, and foot examination information on 450 adults with end-stage renal disease from satellite and home-therapy dialysis units in Melbourne, Australia over 12 months. The primary outcome was foot ulceration. Cox proportional hazard modelling and multinomial regression were used to investigate risk factors.

Results

Among 450 dialysis patients (mean age, 67.5 years; 64.7% male; 94% hemodialysis; 50.2% diabetes), new cases of foot ulceration were identified in 81 (18%) participants. Overall, risk factors for foot ulceration were neuropathy (HR 3.02; 95% CI 1.48 to 6.15) and previous ulceration (HR 2.86; CI 1.53 to 5.34). In those without history of ulceration, nail pathology (RR 3.85; CI 1.08 to 13.75) and neuropathy (RR 2.66; CI 1.04 to 6.82) were risk factors. In those with history of ulceration, neuropathy (RR 11.23; CI 3.16 to 39.87), peripheral arterial disease (RR 7.15; CI 2.24 to 22.82) and cerebrovascular disease (RR 2.08; CI 1.04 to 4.16) were risk factors. There were 12 (2.7%) new amputations, 96 (21.3%) infections, 24 (5.3%) revascularizations, 42 (9.3%) foot-related hospitalizations, and 52 (11.6%) deaths.

Conclusions

Neuropathy and previous ulceration are major risk factors for foot ulceration in dialysis patients. Risk factors differ between those with and without prior ulceration. The risk factors identified will help to reduce the incidence of ulceration and its associated complications.

Factors associated with foot ulceration and amputation in adults on dialysis: a cross-sectional observational study

BACKGROUND

Adults on dialysis are at increased risk of foot ulceration, which commonly precedes more serious lower limb complications, including amputation. Limited data exist regarding the prevalence and factors associated with foot disease in this population. Hence, this study set out to investigate factors associated with foot ulceration and amputation in a dialysis cohort.

METHODS

This study presents a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a multi-center prospective cohort study. We recruited 450 adults with end-stage renal disease on dialysis from multiple satellite and home-therapy dialysis units in Melbourne, Australia from January to December 2014. Data collection consisted of a participant interview, medical record review, health-status questionnaire and non-invasive foot examination. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between screened variables and study outcomes.

RESULTS

Mean age was 67.5 (SD, 13.2) years, 64.7% were male, 94% were on hemodialysis, median dialysis duration was 36.9 (IQR, 16.6 to 70.1) months, and 50.2% had diabetes. There was a high prevalence of previous ulceration (21.6%) and amputation (10.2%), 10% had current foot ulceration, and 50% had neuropathy and/or peripheral arterial disease. Factors associated with foot ulceration were previous amputation (OR, 10.19), peripheral arterial disease (OR, 6.16) and serum albumin (OR, 0.87); whereas previous and/or current ulceration (OR, 167.24 and 7.49, respectively) and foot deformity (OR, 15.28) were associated with amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

Dialysis patients have a high burden of lower limb complications. There are markedly higher risks of foot ulceration and/or amputation in those with previous and/or current ulceration, previous amputation, peripheral arterial disease, lower serum albumin, and foot deformity. Although not a major risk factor, diabetes in men was an important effect modifier for risk of ulceration.

Failure rates of artificial dermis products in treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a frequent complication in diabetic patients, occurring in up to 25% of those affected. Among the treatments available to clinicians, the use of bioengineered skin substitutes is an attractive alternative. Artificial dermis functions as a matrix, covering the wound and supporting healing and reconstruction of the lost tissue. This study was aimed at reviewing the use of five regeneration matrices (namely, Integra, Nevelia, Matriderm, Pelnac, and Renoskin) as reported by clinical trials. We searched Medline, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases for relevant studies. Risk of failure rates was analysed by relative risk ratio method and complete ulcer healing was studied using network meta-analysis. Thirteen studies (12 randomized clinical trials and one cohort study) were eligible for analysis. The network meta-analysis based on a single study for Matriderm and 12 studies for other products showed that Matriderm was statistically inferior in achieving complete ulcer healing, as compared to all other products combined. In the second phase analysis, which was limited to three studies using artificial dermis products, there was a 57% reduction in the risk of reepithelialization failure for DFU patients who used Matriderm or Pelnac, compared to those who used Pelnac with basic fibroblast growth factor spray or skin grafting. The data showed an overall low failure rate suggesting that these bioengineered skin products provide a suitable support and microenvironment for healing of DFUs with low ulcer recurrence rates. This systematic review with meta-analysis highlights the pressing need for more studies investigating the safety, efficacy and failure rates of regeneration matrices in the treatment of DFUs.

Risk factors for foot ulceration in adults with end-stage renal disease on dialysis: study protocol for a prospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Adults with end-stage renal disease treated with dialysis experience a high burden of foot ulceration and lower extremity amputation. However, the risk factors for foot ulceration in the dialysis population are incompletely understood due to the lack of high-quality prospective evidence. This article outlines the design of a prospective observational cohort study, which aims to investigate the risk factors for foot ulceration in adults on dialysis.

METHODS/DESIGN

This study will recruit 430 participants with end-stage renal disease on dialysis from satellite and home-therapy dialysis units across multiple health organisations in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Data collection at baseline will include a participant interview, medical record review, completion of a health-status questionnaire and a non-invasive foot assessment. Twenty participants will also be recruited to a reliability study to evaluate the reproducibility of testing procedures. Primary outcome data includes: new foot ulcer(s). Secondary outcome data includes: number of new foot ulcers, time to onset of new foot ulcer(s), new lower extremity amputation(s), episodes of infection of the foot or lower extremity, episodes of osteomyelitis, foot-related hospitalisations, revascularisation procedure(s) of the lower extremity, new podiatry interventions, kidney transplantation, and mortality. Participants will be assessed at baseline, and at 12 months they will be evaluated for the primary and secondary outcomes. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models will be used to assess predictors of new foot ulceration and time to event secondary outcomes. Logistic regression will be used for binary outcomes including prevalence of foot ulcerations.

DISCUSSION

This is the first multi-centre prospective observational cohort study to investigate risk factors for foot ulceration in adults with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. This study will improve on prior studies by using prospective methods, multi-centre recruitment, statistical methods to control for confounding variables, and a pre-specified sample size estimation. The findings can inform the design of future trials evaluating the effectiveness of clinical interventions, which may lead to improved patient outcomes in the dialysis setting.

Factors associated with failed hardware salvage in high-risk patients after microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction

BACKGROUND

Lower extremity hardware salvage remains challenging in patients with complex comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with failed hardware salvage after microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction.

METHODS

A retrospective, institutional review board-approved review was performed of patients who underwent lower extremity hardware salvage via free tissue transfer from 2004 to 2010. Outcomes were binarized into successful versus failed hardware salvage, with failure defined as nonelective removal. Patient demographics, wound characteristics, microbiology, and pathology were compared.

RESULTS

Thirty-four patients underwent lower extremity hardware salvage via free tissue transfer, with an average follow-up of 3.2 years (range, 0.3-7.0 years). Of these patients, 15 (44.1%) had successful hardware salvage and 19 (55.9%) required hardware removal. By demographics, a higher prevalence of multiple comorbidities was found in patients with failed hardware salvage. Wound characteristics revealed a significantly longer time to hardware coverage and longer duration of intravenous antibiotics in failed versus successful hardware salvage patients (38.9 vs 9.3 weeks, P=0.02; 6.5 vs 4.1 weeks, P=0.03, respectively). Initial wound cultures demonstrated a significantly higher frequency of positive growth in patients with failed versus successful hardware salvage (100.0% vs 57.1%, P=0.003). Initial pathology revealed a borderline-significantly higher frequency of chronic osteomyelitis in failed versus successful salvage patients (66.7% vs 33.3%, P=0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective review of microsurgical lower extremity reconstruction, factors associated with failed hardware salvage included multiple comorbidities, longer time to hardware coverage, increased duration of intravenous antibiotics, positive initial wound cultures, and chronic osteomyelitis on initial pathology.

Stratification of Highest-Risk Patients with Chronic Skin Ulcers in a Stanford Retrospective Cohort Includes Diabetes, Need for Systemic Antibiotics, and Albumin Levels

Chronic nonsurgical skin wounds such as venous stasis and diabetic ulcers have been associated with a number of comorbid conditions; however, the strength of these associations has not been compared. We utilized the Stanford Translational Research Integrated Database Environment (STRIDE) system to identify a cohort of 637 patients with chronic skin ulcers. Preliminary analysis () showed that 49.7% of the patients had a poor prognosis such as amputation or a nonhealing ulcer for at least a year. Factors significantly associated () with these outcomes included diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and need for systemic antibiotics. Patients with poor outcomes also tended to have lower hemoglobin levels (), higher WBC levels (), and lower albumin levels (). On multivariate analysis, however, only diabetes mellitus (OR 5.87, 1.36–25.3), need for systemic antibiotics (OR 3.88, 1.06–14.2), and albumin levels (0.20 per unit, 0.07–0.60) remained significant independent predictors of poor wound-healing outcomes. These data identify patients at the highest risk for poor wound-healing and who may benefit the most from more aggressive wound care and treatment.

The impact of creatinine clearance on the outcome of diabetic foot ulcers in north Indian tertiary care hospital

AIM

Wound healing has been reported to be poor in diabetic patients with impaired kidney functions that usually accompanies retinopathy and neuropathy. The insensitive foot is vulnerable to repeated trauma and development of ulcer precedes 70-80% of non-traumatic lower extremity amputation. The present study was aimed to study the impact of creatinine clearance (CCre) on the outcome of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data from 162 DFU patients admitted to Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology of J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India, between December 2009 and March 2011 were analyzed. Detailed history and patient's profile, grade of DFU, co-morbidities and complications, laboratory data, microbiological profile and final outcome were collected. CCre was calculated according to MDRD formula.

RESULTS

The study revealed that, DFU healing was worst in patients with decreased CCre than in those who had normal CCre. Other factors associated with poor outcome were, higher grade of ulcer, infection type (subcutaneous and osteomyelitis) and biofilm infection. Amputation rates were also found to be higher in those with poor renal functions.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that CCre is an important factor affecting wound healing in patients with DFUs. The automatic reporting of eGFR each time a serum creatinine concentration is requested will increase the awareness of significant kidney dysfunction in clinical practice especially in DFU patients and appropriate measures will improve the outcome.

The effect of creatinine clearance on the short-term outcome of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers

Reduced creatinine clearance is related to an increased risk for diabetic foot ulcer development. Wound healing has been reported to be worse in diabetic patients with impaired kidney functions than general diabetic population. This study aimed to investigate the effect of creatinine clearance on the short-term outcome of neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. Data from 147 neuropathic diabetic foot ulcer episodes were included in this observational study. Patients were admitted to Dokuz Eylul University Hospital between January 2003 and June 2008. Patients were excluded if they had limb ischemia. Diabetic nephropathy was investigated by 24h urinary albumin excretion and serum creatinine levels. Creatinine clearance was calculated according to Cockcroft-Gault formula. Foot ulcers were followed up for 6 months to determine the outcome. Our short-term follow-up revealed that neuropathic diabetic ulcers healed worse in patients with decreased creatinine clearance than in those who had normal creatinine clearance. Amputation rates were also found to be higher. Our results suggest that creatinine clearance is an important factor affecting wound healing in patients with neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers.

Determinants of wound healing in bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix treatment: impact of microcirculatory response to surgical debridement

Although previous reports have suggested the efficacy of autologous bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix experimentally and clinically, we occasionally encounter difficult wounds that fail to respond to the treatment. The current study retrospectively investigated the factors that affect clinical outcomes based on the hypothesis that periwound microcirculation may play a significant role. Fifty-three patients with chronic wounds received surgical debridement, followed by application of an autologous bone marrow-impregnated collagen matrix. The periwound transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO(2)) was evaluated (n=39). The patients were retrospectively divided into successful and unsuccessful subgroups. Successful treatment was defined as wound closure by spontaneous healing or skin graft. The TcPO(2) of the unsuccessful subgroup significantly decreased after debridement while that of the successful subgroup increased. Among various parameters, the TcPO(2) at 4 days after debridement showed the strongest association with the success of the treatment. As reference data, we collected the information of the patients (n=22) who received standard wound care, and they showed the same trend wherein the TcPO(2) of the unsuccessful subgroup markedly decreased after debridement. Reactivity of the wound microcirculation to increased wound perfusion in response to the surgical debridement might be a key determinant for successful wound healing.

Complex wounds tend to develop more rapidly in patients receiving hemodialysis because of diabetes mellitus

The number of patients requiring dialysis because of diabetes mellitus is increasing and such patients often have complex chronic wounds, which are difficult to heal. However, there are few retrospective studies of wounds requiring surgical treatment. We evaluated 14 patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) (8 because of diabetes and 6 because of other diseases) who had extremity wounds and underwent surgical treatment in our unit from 2004 through 2007. We investigated differences in the cause of wounds, and in the interval between the start of HD and wound development. Wounds in patients undergoing HD because of diabetes originated due to ischemia in 2 cases (25%), trauma in 2 cases (25%), and infection in 4 cases (50%). Seven of 8 wounds developed infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Wounds in patients undergoing HD because of other diseases developed due to ischemia in 2 cases (33%) and trauma in 4 cases (67%). Three of 6 wounds developed infection and MRSA were isolated from 2 wounds. The interval between the start of HD and wound development was significantly shorter in patients with diabetes than in patients without diabetes. All patients with infectious wounds required immediate debridement. We conclude that patients receiving HD because of diabetes are likely to have more severe and rapidly developing wounds due to infections. Thus, they usually require immediate debridement before blood access shunt infection occurs.

Frequency of risk factors for foot ulceration in individuals with chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been associated with foot ulceration, the pathological pathway involved remains unclear. This pilot study was designed to investigate the risk factors for foot ulceration in individuals with CKD who do not have diabetes. The aims of this study were to establish the risk status for foot ulceration in individuals with CKD and to identify the particular foot ulcer risk factors most prevalent in this group.

METHODS

One hundred outpatients were recruited from a metropolitan hospital and allocated into one of four groups: (i) control: neither diabetes nor CKD, (ii) diabetes alone, (iii) coexisting CKD and diabetes and (iv) CKD alone. All participants were assessed for past/current foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, structural deformity and skin pathology. Comparisons were made between the groups regarding the prevalence of these factors.

RESULTS

Participants with CKD who did not have diabetes displayed no significant differences in risk factor presentation from those with diabetes alone. Of the participants with CKD and no diabetes, 36% had peripheral neuropathy, 20% had vascular insufficiency and 24% had the copresentation of peripheral neuropathy and structural deformity. Overall, participants with both CKD and diabetes had the highest presentation of past/current foot ulcers, peripheral neuropathy and vascular insufficiency, all significantly more frequent in this group than in controls (P < 0.05). Eight of the total 10 participants found to have a past/current foot ulcer were in end-stage kidney failure.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with CKD frequently display risk factors for foot ulceration. Risk factors are more prevalent in individuals who also have diabetes and foot ulcers become more frequent with progression to end-stage kidney failure. Risk assessment and patient awareness strategies should therefore be extended to include all patients with CKD so as to reduce future foot ulcer development.

The diabetic foot in end stage renal disease

Diabetic foot lesions remain a major cause of morbidity in patients with renal failure, especially those on dialysis. Foot complications are encountered at a more than twofold frequency in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease, and the rate of amputations is 6.5-10 times higher in comparison to the general diabetic population. The causal pathways of the diabetic foot in renal failure are multiple and inter-related. Three major pathologies--neuropathy, ischemia, and infection--are the main contributory factors. Increased awareness of this condition and careful clinical examination are indispensable to avoid serious complications. Appropriate management needs to address all contributory factors. Treatment options include revascularization, off-loading to relieve high-pressure areas, and aggressive control of infection. Equally important is the collaboration between health care providers in a multidisciplinary foot care setting. Moreover, patient education on the measures required to achieve both primary and secondary prevention is of great value. Certainly, technical innovations have made considerable progress possible, but there is a need for further improvement to reduce the number of amputations.

Diabetic patients treated with dialysis: complications and quality of life

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of complications, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the influence of beliefs about control over health in diabetic dialysis patients.

METHODS

Of 53 eligible diabetic patients on chronic dialysis during January 2004 in our clinic, 38 (76%) completed a kidney-specific (Kidney Disease Quality of Life) and a generic (SF-36) questionnaire and were characterised in terms of cardiovascular diseases and diabetic complications. Matched groups of non-diabetic dialysis patients (n = 40) and diabetic patients with a long duration of diabetes and normal kidney function (n = 38) served as controls. Generic HRQOL was compared with matched data from a survey on the Danish general population (n = 2248).

RESULTS

Micro- and macrovascular complications were significantly more frequent in diabetic dialysis patients than in diabetic patients without renal disease. Self-rated physical health was significantly worse (p < 0.01) in diabetic dialysis patients (35 +/- 9 [mean +/- SD]) compared with non-diabetic dialysis patients (41 +/- 10), diabetic patients with normal kidney function (45 +/- 12) and the matched general population (47 +/- 19). The diabetic dialysis patients had similar levels of kidney-specific quality of life and mental health compared with the control groups. Reduced physical health was predicted by the presence of end-stage renal disease, diabetes and short time spent in education. Among the diabetic patients, those who believed more on their own ability to control their diabetes and less on chance reported better mental health and were less likely to be on dialysis.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS

Diabetic dialysis patients are characterised by a high prevalence of diabetic complications, reduced self-rated physical health but relatively good mental health.

Foot and ankle problems of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

There is little information available about the profile of lower extremity morbidity in diabetic patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the Canadian Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal population.

METHOD

A retrospective review of medical records in 127 diabetic patients on hemodialysis at a tertiary health care center was performed. Patient interviews and physical examinations were performed in 77 of these patients (36 Aboriginal, 41 non-Aboriginal), and followup evaluation was done in 39 patients at an average of 1 year later.

RESULTS

Aboriginal patients were an average of 7 years younger than non-Aboriginal patients. Comorbidities of diabetes and ESRD were frequent. Peripheral neuropathy and inability to occlude the vessels were present in the majority of feet. Lower extremity complications were frequent, including prior foot ulcer in the majority of patients and an amputation in more than one fourth of the patients. Aboriginal patients had a significantly greater frequency of prior foot ulcer, mean number of foot ulcers per patient, amputation, prior osteomyelitis, and Charcot foot than non-Aboriginal patients. Almost all patients were at risk for future foot ulcer, but many patients did not inspect their feet daily. Home care was significantly less frequently available for Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal patients. The majority of patients had inadequate custom or prefabricated shoes and did not wear insoles on the day of examination. Aboriginal patients cited financial cost, insufficient family support, and language barriers as reasons for inadequate foot care and footwear more frequently than non-Aboriginal subjects. A significantly smaller frequency of Aboriginal patients had good knowledge of footwear or diet than non-Aboriginal patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower extremity complications were significantly more frequent in Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal diabetic patients with ESRD. Financial cost and knowledge deficit were barriers to adequate foot care and footwear. These findings support the need for a formal foot care and footwear program for this high-risk population.