A retrospective cohort study on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) has been successfully integrated into a diverse array of surgical fields to improve the quality and efficacy of treatment intervention. Nonetheless, the application of the ERAS protocol for patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) subsequent to undergoing surgical procedures has not been previously explored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of an enhanced recovery protocol on perioperative outcomes in patients with DFU following surgical procedures. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 112 patients with DFU who underwent surgery between January 2020 and December 2021 at a tertiary referral care center. In total, 57 patients received standard perioperative care (the non-ERAS group), and 55 patients received ERAS care (the ERAS group). The primary outcomes included the length of stay (LOS), wound healing time, patient satisfaction, and costs, serving as the basis for assessing the effectiveness of the two approaches. Secondary outcomes included preoperative anxiety (APAIS score), nutritional status (PG-SGA), pain (NRS score), the incidence of lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), the reduction in lower-limb circumference, and the activity of daily living scale (Barthel Index). The ERAS group exhibited significantly shorter LOS (11.36 vs. 26.74 days; P < 0.001) and lower hospital costs (CNY 62,165.27 vs. CNY 118,326.84; P < 0.001), as well as a higher patient satisfaction score and Barthel Index score (P < 0.05). Additionally, we found a lower APAIS score, incidence of DVT, and circumference reduction in lower limbs in the ERAS group compared to the non-ERAS group (P < 0.05). In comparison, the wound healing time, nutritional status, and pain levels of participants in both groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). By reducing the LOS and hospital costs, and by minimizing perioperative complications, the ERAS protocol improves the quality and efficacy of treatment intervention in patients with DFU who underwent surgical procedures.Trial registration number: ChiCTR 2200064223 (Registration Date: 30/09/2022).

Prospective Evaluation of Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc Deficiencies in Patients with Active Foot Ulceration

Objective: This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the relationship between serum vitamin C, D, and zinc on foot wound healing and compare time to healing in individuals who are deficient versus those who have adequate levels. Approach: One hundred adults with foot wounds were recruited from Blacktown high-risk foot service with a follow-up period of 12 months. Serum vitamin C, D, and zinc as well as routine baseline blood testing was undertaken. Wounds were measured using a three-dimensional wound camera and classified using the Wound Ischemia and Foot Infection system at regular intervals. Results: Vitamin C deficiency was present in 75% of participants, 50% had vitamin D deficiency, and 38% had zinc deficiency. Diabetes was present in 91% of participants, and 50% had a history of previous amputation. Wound chronicity (p = 0.03) and toe pressures (p = 0.04) were predictive of wound healing. Serum vitamin C, D, and zinc were not associated with significant differences in wound healing or time to wound healing. Innovation: Deficiencies in vitamin C, D, and zinc were highly prevalent in participants with active foot ulceration. Wound chronicity was predictive of healing outcomes, highlighting the importance of rapid access to best practice care. Conclusion: This cohort had high deficiency rates of vitamin C, D, and zinc consistent with previous literature; however, there was no relationship between these deficiencies and wound healing or time to heal. Large randomized controlled trials are required to comprehensively determine if adequate levels of these nutrients improve wound healing outcomes.

Risk factors for malnutrition in patients with diabetic foot ulcer and its association with prolonged length of hospitalization

PURPOSE

The study was designed to investigate the occurrence and risk factors of malnutrition in diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) patients and examine the association between malnutrition and length of stay (LOS).

METHODS

This observational study included DFU hospitalized patients in two campuses of a hospital from January 2021 to June 2023. The diagnosis standard of malnutrition was established by using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. Patients were followed up to ascertain the length of hospitalization, and hospital stays longer than 17 days were considered as prolonged LOS. To explore the risk factors of malnutrition and the association between malnutrition and LOS, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Overall 219 DFU patients were enrolled, malnutrition was identified in 38.36% of patients according to GLIM criteria, and 92 patients (42%) were recognized as prolonged LOS. Logistic regression analyses showed that BMI (P <0.001), Alb (P = 0.002), HbA1c (P <0.001), ulcer infection (P <0.001), LOS (P = 0.010), and ABI (P = 0.024) were independent risk factors for malnutrition. Besides, malnutrition by GLIM criteria was closely related to prolonged LOS and malnourished DFU patients were 2.857 times (95% CI, 1.497-5.450; P = 0.001) likely to present prolonged LOS than that of normal nutrition.

CONCLUSION

Malnutrition was considered to be extremely prevalent in DFU patients and was associated with approximately three times higher likelihood of prolonged LOS. Implementing and disseminating the diagnostic criteria during routine practice is crucial, given the predictive efficacy of GLIM criteria.

Prevalence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of vitamin C deficiency in adult hospitalized patients in high-income countries: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Assessment for vitamin C deficiency (VCD) is rarely undertaken in an acute hospital setting in high-income countries. However, with growing interest in VCD in community settings, there is emerging evidence investigating the prevalence and impact of VCD during hospitalization.

OBJECTIVES

In this scoping review, the prevalence of VCD in adult hospitalized patients is explored, patient characteristics are described, and risk factors and clinical outcomes associated with VCD are identified.

METHODS

A systematic scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR framework. The Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, CINAHL Plus, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for interventional, comparative, and case-series studies that met eligibility criteria, including adult hospital inpatients in high-income countries, as defined by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, that reported VCD prevalence using World Health Organization reference standards. These standards define VCD deficiency as plasma or serum vitamin C level <11.4 µmol/L, wholeblood level <17 µmol/L, or leukocytes <57 nmol/108 cells.

RESULTS

Twenty-three articles were included, representing 22 studies. The cumulative prevalence of VCD was 27.7% (n = 2494; 95% confidence interval [CI], 21.3-34.0). High prevalence of VCD was observed in patients with severe acute illness and poor nutritional status. Scurvy was present in 48% to 62% of patients with VCD assessed in 2 studies (n = 71). Being retired (P = 0.015) and using excessive amounts of alcohol and tobacco (P = 0.0003) were independent risk factors for VCD (n = 184). Age was not conclusively associated with VCD (n = 631). Two studies examined nutrition associations (n = 309); results were inconsistent. Clinical outcomes for VCD included increased risk of frailty (adjusted odds ratio, 4.3; 95%CI, 1.33-13.86; P = 0.015) and cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 2.93; 95%CI, 1.05-8.19, P = 0.031) (n = 160).

CONCLUSIONS

VCD is a nutritional challenge facing the healthcare systems of high-income countries. Research focused on early identification and treatment of patients with VCD is warranted.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework ( https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/AJGHX ).

Handgrip Strength But Not Malnutrition According to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition Criteria Is a Risk Factor for Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with Ischemic Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Objective: This study aimed to test the hypothesis that patients with malnutrition and impaired muscle function determined by hand grip strength (HGS) will have adverse outcomes. Approach: We conducted a prospective observational study of 77 patients admitted for ischemic diabetic foot ulcers (IDFU). Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria were used to diagnose malnutrition. Values obtained with a dynamometer were dichotomized into values < and ≥ mean according to the values obtained in both sexes. The Cox proportional hazards model and the Kaplan-Meier method were applied. STROBE guidelines for cohorts were met in the present study. Results: In total, 55 patients (71.4%) were malnourished. Malnutrition according to GLIM criteria was not associated with adverse outcomes. HGS < mean was associated with patient age, duration of diabetes mellitus, body mass index, brachial circumference, plasma albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin, transferrin, and HbA_1c levels. Predictive variables of mortality after applying multivariate Cox model were age >69years (hazard ratio [HR] 4.0, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-12.0, p = 0.01), and HGS < mean (HR 3.7, 95% CI 1.2-11.3, p = 0.01). Survival time in patients with HGS < mean was shorter than in those with HGS ≥ mean, p < 0.01. Innovation: HGS is an easy and useful tool associated with nutritional parameters and with prognosis in patients admitted for IDFU. Conclusions: Neither malnutrition nor muscle function impairment were associated with limb loss or a need for readmission. Patients with HGS < mean presented shorter survival times. As HGS is a simple and cost-effective tool, it should be implemented as part of the nutritional admission evaluation.

Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Low vitamin D levels have been associated with several diseases as its receptors are expressed in almost all tissues of the human body. Literature data have shown delayed diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing in patients with low vitamin D; however, data on the association between vitamin D levels and DFU in Mediterranean countries are scarce. In this cross-sectional study we examined for differences in serum vitamin D levels between patients with DFU, people with diabetes mellitus (DM) without DFU and healthy individuals in a Southern European country. A total of 96 subjects (33 patients with DFU, 35 patients without DFU and 28 healthy controls) were recruited. Medical and dietary history was obtained and total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were determined. Serum vitamin D levels differed significantly among the three groups of participants; sub-analysis showed that healthy individuals had higher vitamin D levels when compared with patients with and without DFU, while vitamin D levels did not differ between patients with and without DFU (17.9 ± 6.7 vs. 19.8 ± 8.7 ng/mL, P = 0.329, respectively). More than half of patients with DM with or without DFU had vitamin D levels <20 ng/ml. A positive correlation was found between vitamin D and sun exposure duration in participants without DFU. In conclusion, although serum vitamin D levels did not differ between people with and without DFU, the prevalence of deficiency and insufficiency was high in both groups in a Mediterranean country. This finding highlights the need for screening and supplementation with vitamin D in individuals with DM.

Allogenic Adipose-Derived Stem Cells in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment: Clinical Effectiveness, Safety, Survival in the Wound Site, and Proteomic Impact

Although encouraging results of adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC) use in wound healing are available, the mechanism of action has been studied mainly in vitro and in animals. This work aimed to examine the safety and efficacy of allogenic ADSCs in human diabetic foot ulcer treatment, in combination with the analyses of the wound. Equal groups of 23 participants each received fibrin gel with ADSCs or fibrin gel alone. The clinical effects were assessed at four time points: days 7, 14, 21 and 49. Material collected during debridement from a subset of each group was analyzed for the presence of ADSC donor DNA and proteomic changes. The reduction in wound size was greater at all subsequent visits, significantly on day 21 and 49, and the time to 50% reduction in the wound size was significantly shorter in patients who received ADSCs. Complete healing was achieved at the end of the study in seven patients treated with ADSCs vs. one treated without ADSCs. One week after ADSC application, 34 proteins significantly differentiated the material from both groups, seven of which, i.e., GAPDH, CAT, ACTN1, KRT1, KRT9, SCL4A1, and TPI, positively correlated with the healing rate. We detected ADSC donor DNA up to 21 days after administration. We confirmed ADSC-related improvement in wound healing that correlated with the molecular background, which provides insights into the role of ADSCs in wound healing-a step toward the development of cell-based therapies.

Vitamin C supplementation for diabetes management: A comprehensive narrative review

Growing evidence suggests that vitamin C supplementation may be an effective adjunct therapy in the management of people with diabetes. This paper critically reviews the current evidence on effects of vitamin C supplementation and its potential mechanisms in diabetes management. Evidence from meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show favourable effects of vitamin C on glycaemic control and blood pressure that may be clinically meaningful, and mixed effects on blood lipids and endothelial function. However, evidence is mostly of low evidence certainty. Emerging evidence is promising for effects of vitamin C supplementation on some diabetes complications, particularly diabetic foot ulcers. However, there is a notable lack of robust and well-designed studies exploring effects of vitamin C as a single compound supplement on diabetes prevention and patient-important outcomes (i.e. prevention and amelioration of diabetes complications). RCTs are also required to investigate potential preventative or ameliorative effects of vitamin C on gestational diabetes outcomes. Oral vitamin C doses of 500-1000 mg per day are potentially effective, safe, and affordable for many individuals with diabetes. However, personalisation of supplementation regimens that consider factors such as vitamin C status, disease status, current glycaemic control, vitamin C intake, redox status, and genotype is important to optimize vitamin C's therapeutic effects safely. Finally, given a high prevalence of vitamin C deficiency in patients with complications, it is recommended that plasma vitamin C concentration be measured and monitored in the clinic setting.

The association between micronutrient levels and diabetic foot ulcer: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are a major complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Nutrient deficiencies are among the major risk factors in DFU development and healing. In this context, we aimed to investigate the possible association between micronutrient status and risk of DFU.

METHODS

A systematic review (Prospero registration: CRD42021259817) of articles, published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL Complete, and Embase, that measured the status of micronutrients in DFU patients was performed.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven studies were considered, of which thirty were included for meta-analysis. These studies reported levels of 11 micronutrients: vitamins B9, B12, C, D, E, calcium, magnesium, iron, selenium, copper, and zinc. DFU, compared to healthy controls (HC) had significantly lower vitamin D (MD: -10.82 14 ng/ml, 95% CI: -20.47, -1.16), magnesium (MD: -0.45 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.78, -0.12) and selenium (MD: -0.33 µmol/L, 95% CI: -0.34, -0.32) levels. DFU, compared to DM patients without DFU, had significantly lower vitamin D (MD: -5.41 ng/ml, 95% CI: -8.06, -2.76), and magnesium (MD: -0.20 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.25, -0.15) levels. The overall analysis showed lower levels of vitamin D [15.55ng/ml (95% CI:13.44, 17.65)], vitamin C [4.99µmol/L (95% CI:3.16, 6.83)], magnesium [1.53mg/dL (95% CI:1.28, 1.78)] and selenium [0.54µmol/L (95% CI:0.45, 0.64)].

CONCLUSION

This review provides evidence that micronutrient levels significantly differ in DFU patients, suggesting an association between micronutrient status and risk of DFU. Therefore, routine monitoring and supplementations are warranted in DFU patients. We suggest that personalized nutrition therapy may be considered in the DFU management guidelines.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=259817, identifier CRD42021259817.

Machine learning for the prediction of minor amputation in University of Texas grade 3 diabetic foot ulcers

Minor amputations are performed in a large proportion of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and early identification of the outcome of minor amputations facilitates medical decision-making and ultimately reduces major amputations and deaths. However, there are currently no clinical predictive tools for minor amputations in patients with DFU. We aim to establish a predictive model based on machine learning to quickly identify patients requiring minor amputation among newly admitted patients with DFU. Overall, 362 cases with University of Texas grade (UT) 3 DFU were screened from tertiary care hospitals in East China. We utilized the synthetic minority oversampling strategy to compensate for the disparity in the initial dataset. A univariable analysis revealed nine variables to be included in the model: random blood glucose, years with diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, peripheral arterial diseases, DFU history, smoking history, albumin, creatinine, and C-reactive protein. Then, risk prediction models based on five machine learning algorithms: decision tree, random forest, logistic regression, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) were independently developed with these variables. After evaluation, XGBoost earned the highest score (accuracy 0.814, precision 0.846, recall 0.767, F1-score 0.805, and AUC 0.881). For convenience, a web-based calculator based on our data and the XGBoost algorithm was established (https://dfuprediction.azurewebsites.net/). These findings imply that XGBoost can be used to develop a reliable prediction model for minor amputations in patients with UT3 DFU, and that our online calculator will make it easier for clinicians to assess the risk of minor amputations and make proactive decisions.

Vitamin B12 and Diabetic Foot: Α Mini-Review

This narrative mini-review article aimed to investigate the potential association of vitamin B12 levels with diabetic neuropathy (DN) and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). It was demonstrated that B12 deficiency seems to be related to DFUs in cases of metformin administration and bariatric surgery. B12 supplementation with dietary measures and agents may improve DN and quality of life (QoL). However, data are still preliminary and more experience is needed.

Nutritional supplementation on wound healing in diabetic foot: What is known and what is new?

Non-healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are the most notable and striking complications of diabetes mellitus. More than 25% of nonhealing DFU can ultimately lead to amputation of the lower extremity within 6-18 mo after the first manifestation of the wound. Although wound healing is complex, nutritional status is crucial in soft tissue repair. Malnutrition is highly prevalent and overlooked in patients with diabetes and chronic wounds. Moreover, to date, we do not have clear recommendations or evidence about the use of nutritional supplements for improving wound healing in patients with DFU. In this article the authors briefly analyzed the current evidence on the use of nutritional supplements of proteins or amino acids, fatty acids, probiotics, vitamins, and trace elements in the wound healing process in patients with DFU.

Associations between Adherence to the Taiwan Dietary Reference Intakes of Micronutrients and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

The dietary reference intakes (DRIs) were established as guidance for the intake of micronutrients and other nutrients. However, how DRIs affect disease status has not been thoroughly examined. The aim of this study is to examine the associations between adherence to the DRIs of selected micronutrients and type 2 diabetes. A populational and cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT) 2013-2016. A total of 14 nutrient intakes, including those for vitamin A, C, D, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, iron, magnesium, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus, were evaluated using the 24 h dietary recall method. Type 2 diabetes was defined as a fasting serum HbA1c level of 6.5% or higher and excluded participants who had received treatments for type 2 diabetes or reported a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes by physicians to avoid the possible inverse association. A total of 2685 participants aged 19 and above were included in the final analysis. After adjusting for confounders, we found that adherence to the DRI of vitamin A was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes among men. The odds ratio (OR) was 0.64 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.42-0.99) compared with men who did not adhere to the DRI. As for women, we found that adherence to the DRI of vitamin B1 was associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. The OR was 0.59 (95% CI = 0.35-0.97) compared with that for women who did not adhere to the DRI. This study showed that adherence to Taiwan DRIs of vitamin A for men and vitamin B1 for women might have beneficial effects on type 2 diabetes.

Dietary Risk Factors and Eating Behaviors in Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)

Dietary risk factors play a fundamental role in the prevention and progression of atherosclerosis and PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease). The impact of nutrition, however, defined as the process of taking in food and using it for growth, metabolism and repair, remains undefined with regard to PAD. This article describes the interplay between nutrition and the development/progression of PAD. We reviewed 688 articles, including key articles, narrative and systematic reviews, meta-analyses and clinical studies. We analyzed the interaction between nutrition and PAD predictors, and subsequently created four descriptive tables to summarize the relationship between PAD, dietary risk factors and outcomes. We comprehensively reviewed the role of well-studied diets (Mediterranean, vegetarian/vegan, low-carbohydrate ketogenic and intermittent fasting diet) and prevalent eating behaviors (emotional and binge eating, night eating and sleeping disorders, anorexia, bulimia, skipping meals, home cooking and fast/ultra-processed food consumption) on the traditional risk factors of PAD. Moreover, we analyzed the interplay between PAD and nutritional status, nutrients, dietary patterns and eating habits. Dietary patterns and eating disorders affect the development and progression of PAD, as well as its disabling complications including major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse limb events (MALE). Nutrition and dietary risk factor modification are important targets to reduce the risk of PAD as well as the subsequent development of MACE and MALE.

Association between hemoglobin A1c, Vitamin C, and microbiome in diabetic foot ulcers and intact skin: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aims

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) add billions of dollars to the direct annual costs associated with diabetes. Despite various treatments, many DFUs do not heal and become infected. Both skin-associated microbial communities and glycemic control are believed to be important in nonhealing DFUs. Recent studies have linked serum Vitamin C levels with glycemic control and DFUs. This cross-sectional study assessed skin microbiome in DFUs, intact diabetic skin, and nondiabetic skin to identify correlations between hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), Vitamin C, and microbial community structure. Correlations between Vitamin C, HbA1c, wound size, and ulcer duration were also determined.

Methods

Participants had their DFUs or intact skin culture swabbed. HbA1c was obtained via point-of-care fingerstick testing and serum Vitamin C was obtained via venipuncture. All participants completed a dietary questionnaire. Participants with ulcers were stratified into the controlled (≤8.0%) or uncontrolled (>8.0%) HbA1c group. Analysis of microbial communities was performed via 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene amplicon sequencing and bacterial load was measured by the domain-level quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the 16S rRNA gene.

Results

Forty-two patients were recruited over 6 months. Bacteria from the genera Staphylococcus and Stenotrophomonas were present in all samples and often dominant, but a shift towards anaerobic pathogenic taxa was observed in ulcers. No global significant differences were observed for HbA1c and Vitamin C levels in the microbial community structure (R < 0.013/p > 0.375). Bacterial loads were 4-5 orders of magnitude higher in ulcers than in intact skin samples. Bacterial load was not significantly higher in the uncontrolled HbA1c group (p = 0.67). Larger wound sizes (p = 0.46) were observed in the uncontrolled HbA1c group compared to the control. Lower Vitamin C levels (p = 0.002) were observed in the uncontrolled HbA1c group compared to nondiabetic controls.

Conclusion

Understanding the link between Vitamin C and HbA1c and DFU microbiome may aid in new therapies.

Vitamin C and the management of diabetic foot ulcers: a literature review

OBJECTIVE

The lifetime risk of developing a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in people with diabetes is as high as 25%. A trio of factors constitute the diabetic foot syndrome that characterises DFUs, including neuropathy, vascular disease and infections. Vitamin C has important functions in the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems that are implicated in DFU development. Furthermore, vitamin C deficiency has been observed in individuals with DFUs, suggesting an important function of vitamin C in DFU management and treatment. Therefore, this literature review evaluates the role of vitamin C in the nervous, cardiovascular and immune systems in relation to wound healing and DFUs, as well as discussing vitamin C's lesser known role in depression, a condition that affects many individuals with a DFU.

METHOD

A literature search was done using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, Computer Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects, and NIH Clinical Center. Search terms included 'diabetic foot ulcer,' 'diabetic foot,' 'vitamin C,' and 'ascorbic acid.'

RESULTS

Of the 71 studies initially identified, seven studies met the inclusion criteria, and only three were human clinical trials. Overall, the literature on this subject is limited, with mainly observational and animal studies, and few human clinical trials.

CONCLUSION

There is a need for additional human clinical trials on vitamin C supplementation in individuals with a DFU to fill the knowledge gap and guide clinical practice.

Challenges in the diagnosis and management of wound infection

Human epithelia are constantly exposed to microorganisms present in the environment or residing as part of commensal flora. Despite this exposure, infections involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue in healthy individuals are, fortunately, quite rare. Many of the wounds that afflict the human body occur in individuals of ill health and/or where the mechanism of wounding is impeded by host immunological, physiological or regenerative dysfunction. The interplay between microorganisms and host immunity is complex and remains ill defined; however, the interpretation of downstream manifestations of the host response to invading microorganisms is still based largely on the clinical signs and symptoms of an active infectious process. In this review article we will provide a brief overview of the current challenges clinicians face in diagnosing wound infections, how chronic infections caused by biofilms are a major challenge, and how there have been minimal advancements in developing new diagnostics or therapeutics in the identification and management of wound infections.

A Retrospective Analysis of the Relationship Between 25-OH-Vitamin D and Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Background

The fat-soluble molecule vitamin D has attracted much attention since its pleiotropism was discovered. Its effectiveness can be attributed to the presence of vitamin D receptors in most of the body's tissues. Based on the classical role of vitamin D in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism and maintaining bone health, the role of vitamin D in immunity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), tumor and cardiovascular diseases has been further discovered. Some experiments have shown that vitamin D can restore the production of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in primary diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) cells, which can improve in vitro wound healing, indicating its potential therapeutic use in DFU therapy. In addition, vitamin D can also inhibit the secretion of T-helper type 1 (Th1) cytokines IFN-Y and IL-2 while stimulating the production of Th2 cytokines, thereby promoting wound healing.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between 25-OH-vitamin D level and DFU in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients, and to provide a theoretical basis for the early prevention and treatment of DFU.

Methods

The clinical data of 429 hospitalized patients with DM were retrospectively analyzed in this case-control study. The patients were divided into the DFU group (n = 242) and non-DFU group (n = 187). Fasting venous blood was drawn from all subjects to detect serum 25-OH-vitamin D levels and blood biochemical parameters, the difference of parameters between DFU group and non-DFU group were analyzed, and the risk factors of DFU were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

The difference between the two groups in age, DM duration, gender, diastolic blood pressure, serum creatinine, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, 25-OH-vitamin D was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that 25-OH-vitamin D is an independent protective factor for DFU [OR 95%, CI 0.984 (0.969, 0.998), p < 0.05]. 25-OH-vitamin D nutrition status distribution was different between non-DFU group and DFU group (P < 0.05). Vitamin D deficiency (< 50 nmol/L) accounted for 86.78% of all DFU patients, which was only 74.33% in non-DFU patients. The 25-OH-vitamin D levels of DFU patients from Wagner Grades 1 to 5 showed a downward trend (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study confirms that 25-OH-vitamin D is closely correlated with DFU and that 25-OH-vitamin D is an independent protective factor for DFU. Therefore, vitamin D screening or supplementation might be beneficial to prevent DFU and improve the prognosis of DM patients.

The "1-4-4-2" Model for the Diabetic Foot Team

The cause of diabetic foot complications is often multifactorial; therefore, expertise from multiple surgical and medical specialties is warranted for improved clinical outcomes. Teamwork should be carefully coordinated with strategic planning and treatment should be adaptable to the given clinical scenario. This article describes the formation and interplay of an effective multidisciplinary team for the treatment of the diabetic foot analogous to that seen in elite team sports.

Vitamin C improves healing of foot ulcers: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Chronic foot ulcers are associated with a high risk of osteomyelitis, poor quality of life, amputations and disability. Few strategies improve their healing, and amputation rates in high-risk foot services are usually over 30 %. We conducted a randomised, inactive-placebo controlled, double-blind trial of 500 mg of slow-release vitamin C in sixteen people with foot ulcers in the Foot Wound Clinic at Westmead Hospital. Nine were randomised to control and seven to vitamin C. When serum vitamin C results become available at 4 weeks, all people with deficiency were offered both vitamin C and glucosamine tablets for the next 4 weeks. Patients without baseline deficiency continued their original assigned treatment. The primary outcome was percentage ulcer healing (reduction in ulcer size) at 8 weeks. Fifty percentage of subjects had baseline vitamin C deficiency, half having undetectable levels. Healing at 8 weeks was significantly better in the vitamin C group (median 100 v. -14 %, P = 0·041). Healing without amputation occurred in all patients in the vitamin C group. In contrast, 44 % of controls had not healed their ulcer at the end of the study period. Vitamin C improved healing of foot ulcers. Further studies are needed to determine whether there is a threshold effect for serum vitamin C above which therapy is ineffective and whether there are better or lesser responding subgroups. Because of its low cost and ease of access and administration, we recommend offering vitamin C therapy to all people who have chronic foot ulcers and potentially suboptimal vitamin C intake. Trial registration number: ACTRN12617001142325.

Clinical, microbiological and inflammatory markers of severe diabetic foot infections

AIMS

In addition to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), various clinical signs, microbiological findings and inflammatory markers could be associated with severe diabetic foot infections (DFI).

METHODS

This study included a retrospective cohort of 245 patients with DFI treated at San Juan de Dios Hospital in San José de Costa Rica. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), CRP/albumin ratio, peripheral blood leucocyte ratios and the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) scoring system were evaluated. Univariate analysis was carried out between moderate and severe infections. ROC curves were plotted. Cut-off value of inflammatory markers for diagnosing severe infections was established and then dichotomized to be included in a logistic regression model. A score was designed based on its results.

RESULTS

Skin necrosis (p < 0.01, OR = 8.5, 95% CI = 3.5-20.9), ESR > 94 mm/h (p < 0.01, OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.2-5.1), albumin < 2.8 g/dl (p = 0.04, OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.0-4.1) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) > 4.52 (p < 0.01, OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.6-6.5) were found to be predictive of severe infections. Score >5 had a good diagnosis performance for classifying severe infections. Moderate infections with a score >5 had a worse prognosis than moderate ones.

CONCLUSIONS

We found an association of necrosis, serum albumin, ESR and NLR values with severe DFI. The presence of these predictive factors of severity in cases of moderate infections was significantly associated with a higher rate of amputations and recurrences, longer duration of antibiotic treatment and longer hospital stays. DFI could be classified as mild, moderate, severe without SIRS and severe.

How to Prevent Surgical Site Infection in Vascular Surgery: A Review of the Evidence

BACKGROUND

This review aims to identify and review the current evidence for preventing postoperative surgical site infections in abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery or infrainguinal arterial surgery.

METHODS

Extended literature review of clinical trials that examined the prevention of postoperative surgical site infections in abdominal aortic aneurysm or infrainguinal arterial surgery. Searches were conducted on Ovid MEDLINE (1950 - 13 March 2020) using key terms for vascular surgery, surgical site infections and specific preventative techniques. Articles were included if they discussed a relationship between a preventative technique and surgical site infections in abdominal aortic aneurysm or infrainguinal arterial surgery. The GRADE guidelines were used to assess the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

21 techniques and 81 studies were included. Prophylactic antibiotics and negative pressure wound therapy have a high quality of evidence for the prevention of surgical site infections in abdominal aortic aneurysm or infrainguinal arterial surgery. A moderate quality evidence base was identified for gentamicin containing collagen implant (confined to high surgical site infection risk centers). Currently, there is a low or very low quality of evidence to suggest a reduction in the surgical site infection rate for combination therapy, glycaemic control, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus screening and absorbable suture. Evidence suggests no beneficial effect for nutritional supplementation, chlorhexidine bath, hair removal therapy, Staphylococcus aureus nasal eradication, cyanoacrylate microsealant, silver grafts, rifampicin bonded grafts, triclosan coated suture and postoperative wound drains. Endoscopic saphenous vein harvest may reduce surgical site infection rate (very low quality of evidence) but may lower long-term patency. Autologous vein grafts may increase surgical site infections (very low quality of evidence) but may provide better long-term patency rates in above-knee infrainguinal bypass surgery. There was no identified evidence for perioperative normothermia, electrosurgical bipolar vessel sealer or Dermabond and Tegaderm for surgical site infection prevention in vascular surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic antibiotics and postoperative negative pressure wound therapy are effective in the prevention of postoperative surgical site infection in abdominal aortic aneurysm or infrainguinal arterial surgery. There exists a significant risk of bias in the literature for many preventative techniques and further studies are required to investigate the efficacy of gentamicin containing collagen implant, and specific combination therapies.

Biomarker Prediction of Postoperative Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Retrospective Observational Study of Serum Albumin

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship and to determine potential usefulness of serum albumin as a biomarker for predicting postoperative diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SUBJECTS AND SETTING

The sample comprised 266 inpatients with type 2 diabetes receiving care in The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China. Among them, 174 had DFUs and underwent surgery for foot DFUs including amputation, skin grafting, and flap procedures. A comparison group consisted of 92 inpatients without a DFU or surgery.

METHODS

The association between healing and preoperative albumin levels was analyzed via a logistic regression model and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

RESULTS

The albumin value of patients with DFU grade 3 or more (3.23 ± 0.58 g/dL) was lower than that of patients with DFU grade 1-2 (3.58 ± 0.5 g/dL), and both were lower than that of the comparison group (3.89 ± 0.3 g/dL). Patients with a DFU with hypoalbuminemia (<3.5 g/dL) had a 2.5-fold higher risk of nonhealing at postoperative 28 days than patients with normal levels (odds ratio = 3.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.75-7.06; P < .001). For patients with a DFU overall, the ROC curve showed a preoperative albumin cutoff of 3.44 g/dL for DFU wound healing.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with a DFU undergoing surgery, preoperative serum albumin may be used as a biomarker for predicting postoperative healing.