Reevaluating the way we classify the diabetic foot: restructuring the diabetic foot risk classification system of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot

Recurrence of Diabetic Foot Complications: A Domino Effect Leading to Lethal Consequences-Insights From a National Longitudinal Study

Background

Foot complications are common in people with diabetes mellitus (DM), leading to increased health care utilization, heightened mortality risk, and notable recurrence rates even after treatment. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the impact of repeated occurrence of DM-related foot complications on the risk of all-cause mortality and to identify the potential risk factors associated with repeated events.

Methods

People with DM admitted with foot complications (ulcer, skin and soft tissue infection, or osteomyelitis) from 2012 to 2014 were identified from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database, with a 3-year follow-up for repeated events. We categorized the study subjects based on their cumulative number of hospital admissions with foot complications. Logistic regression was conducted to explore the potential risk factors associated with repeated diabetic foot events. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the associations between repeated diabetic foot events and all-cause mortality.

Results

In this study, 28 754 eligible individuals were enrolled and classified into 3 groups: no repeated diabetic foot events (76.1%), 1 repeated event (16.0%), and 2 or more repeated events (7.9%). Logistic regression revealed that advanced age, male sex, congestive heart failure, dyslipidemia, hypertension, nephropathy, retinopathy, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes-related preventable hospitalizations, and outpatient visits due to diabetic foot were significantly associated with repeated events of diabetic foot complications. Compared with those with no repeated events, the adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 1.26 (95% CI, 1.19-1.34) for 1 repeated event and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.26-1.47) for 2 or more repeated events.

Conclusions

The significant association between repeated diabetic foot and elevated mortality risk highlights the critical necessity for proactive and targeted patient care within clinical practice. More research to delve into the predictive factors related to the repeated occurrence of diabetic foot is needed to provide additional insights for prevention strategies.

Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery 2023 guidelines on the diabetic foot

The diabetic foot interacts with anatomical, vascular, and neurological factors that challenge clinical practice. This study aimed to compile the primary scientific evidence based on a review of the main guidelines, in addition to articles published on the Embase, Lilacs, and PubMed platforms. The European Society of Cardiology system was used to develop recommendation classes and levels of evidence. The themes were divided into six chapters (Chapter 1 - Prevention of foot ulcers in people with diabetes; Chapter 2 - Pressure relief from foot ulcers in people with diabetes; Chapter 3 -Classifications of diabetic foot ulcers; Chapter 4 - Foot and peripheral artery disease; Chapter 5 - Infection and the diabetic foot; Chapter 6 - Charcot's neuroarthropathy). This version of the Diabetic Foot Guidelines presents essential recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with diabetic foot, offering an objective guide for medical practice.

Prevalence of diabetic foot at risk of ulcer development and its components stratification according to the international working group on the diabetic foot (IWGDF): A systematic review with metanalysis

AIMS

To determine the overall prevalence of diabetic foot at risk according to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot stratification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. We included cross-sectional studies or cohorts from 1999 to March 2022. We performed a meta-analysis of proportions using a random-effects model. We assessed heterogeneity through subgroup analysis by continent and other characteristics.

RESULTS

We included 36 studies with a total population of 11,850 people from 23 countries. The estimated overall prevalence of diabetic foot at risk was 53.2% (95% CI: 45.1-61.3), I2 = 98.7%, p < 0.001. In the analysis by subgroups, South and Central America had the highest prevalence and Africa the lowest. The factors explaining the heterogeneity were the presence of chronic kidney disease, diagnostic method for peripheral arterial disease, and quality. The estimates presented very low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall prevalence of diabetic foot at risk is high. The high heterogeneity between continents can be explained by methodological aspects and the type of population. However, using the same classification is necessary for standardization of the way of measuring the components, as well as better designed general population-based studies.

IWGDF/IDSA Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetes-related Foot Infections (IWGDF/IDSA 2023)

The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence-based guidelines on the management and prevention of diabetes-related foot diseases since 1999. The present guideline is an update of the 2019 IWGDF guideline on the diagnosis and management of foot infections in persons with diabetes mellitus. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework was used for the development of this guideline. This was structured around identifying clinically relevant questions in the P(A)ICO format, determining patient-important outcomes, systematically reviewing the evidence, assessing the certainty of the evidence, and finally moving from evidence to the recommendation. This guideline was developed for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes-related foot care to inform clinical care around patient-important outcomes. Two systematic reviews from 2019 were updated to inform this guideline, and a total of 149 studies (62 new) meeting inclusion criteria were identified from the updated search and incorporated in this guideline. Updated recommendations are derived from these systematic reviews, and best practice statements made where evidence was not available. Evidence was weighed in light of benefits and harms to arrive at a recommendation. The certainty of the evidence for some recommendations was modified in this update with a more refined application of the GRADE framework centred around patient important outcomes. This is highlighted in the rationale section of this update. A note is also made where the newly identified evidence did not alter the strength or certainty of evidence for previous recommendations. The recommendations presented here continue to cover various aspects of diagnosing soft tissue and bone infections, including the classification scheme for diagnosing infection and its severity. Guidance on how to collect microbiological samples, and how to process them to identify causative pathogens, is also outlined. Finally, we present the approach to treating foot infections in persons with diabetes, including selecting appropriate empiric and definitive antimicrobial therapy for soft tissue and bone infections; when and how to approach surgical treatment; and which adjunctive treatments may or may not affect the infectious outcomes of diabetes-related foot problems. We believe that following these recommendations will help healthcare professionals provide better care for persons with diabetes and foot infections, prevent the number of foot and limb amputations, and reduce the patient and healthcare burden of diabetes-related foot disease.

Amino acid analysis as a method of discovering biomarkers for diagnosis of diabetes and its complications

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a severe chronic diseases with a global prevalence of 9%, leading to poor health and high health care costs, and is a direct cause of millions of deaths each year. The rising epidemic of diabetes and its complications, such as retinal and peripheral nerve disease, is a huge burden globally. A better understanding of the molecular pathways involved in the development and progression of diabetes and its complications can facilitate individualized prevention and treatment. High diabetes mellitus incidence rate is caused mainly by lack of non-invasive and reliable methods for early diagnosis, such as plasma biomarkers. The incidence of diabetes and its complications in the world still grows so it is crucial to develop a new, faster, high specificity and more sensitive diagnostic technologies. With the advancement of analytical techniques, metabolomics can identify and quantify multiple biomarkers simultaneously in a high-throughput manner, and effective biomarkers can greatly improve the efficiency of diabetes and its complications. By providing information on potential metabolic pathways, metabolomics can further define the mechanisms underlying the progression of diabetes and its complications, help identify potential therapeutic targets, and improve the prevention and management of T2D and its complications. The application of amino acid metabolomics in epidemiological studies has identified new biomarkers of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications, such as branched-chain amino acids, phenylalanine and arginine metabolites. This study focused on the analysis of metabolic amino acid profiling as a method for identifying biomarkers for the detection and screening of diabetes and its complications. The results presented are all from recent studies, and in all cases analyzed, there were significant changes in the amino acid profile of patients in the experimental group compared to the control group. This study demonstrates the potential of amino acid profiles as a detection method for diabetes and its complications.

Validation and application of the 2019 International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot risk stratification for diabetic foot in Chinese patients

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the validation and application of the 2019 International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) risk stratification system among Chinese patients with diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was carried out with 254 patients with diabetes, but without an active diabetic foot (DF) ulcer. Patients hospitalized from January to May 2017 were enrolled, and the follow-up period was from January to May 2020. Patients were stratified into four risk groups based on the 2019 IWGDF risk stratification system.

RESULTS

Of the 254 patients, four of 31 patients at risk 1 were diagnosed with DF within 3 years, whereas 12 of 26 patients at risk 2 and 16 of 20 patients at risk 3 developed DF. The area under the curve was 0.919 (P < 0.01, 95% confidence interval 0.893-0.945). Because DF risk 2 and greater (risk 2 + risk 3) was the optimal cut-off point, we simplified the risk stratification system by using two tiers, namely, low risk (risk 0 + 1) and high risk (risk 2 + 3). For the simplified risk stratification system, the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, percent agreement, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 87.5%, 91.8%, 10.607, 91.3%, 60.8% and 98.1%, respectively. The χ² -test showed that the odds ratio of the high-risk group (risk 2 + 3) was 29.33-fold that of the low-risk group (risk 0 + 1).

CONCLUSIONS

The 2019 IWGDF risk stratification system showed high validity and primary screening value in Chinese patients with diabetes. Thus, a simplified, two-tiered IWGDF stratification might be more efficient and cost-effective for predicting DF ulcers.

Chitosan-based electrospun nanofibers for diabetic foot ulcer management; recent advances

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) healing has long been a major medical challenge. The type of dressing is an essential factor in wound healing, prevention of local infection, and scar formation. Today, smart wound dressings or wound healing patches can precisely control drug delivery to the target tissue and prevent this significant complication. Nanofiber (NF) wound dressings are effective in reducing wound scarring and helping to speed up the healing process for DFU. The electrospun NFs have a suitable surface topography, density, and three-dimensional structure, which can be considered an efficient method to produce a substrate for tissue engineering and wound healing. Chitosan (CS) is one of the most well-known biopolymers in wound healing tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. The unique properties of CS make it suitable for biomedical applications. Based on new studies in the field of hemostatic and antimicrobial effects of CS in controlling bleeding and wound healing and application of NF wound dressings, the purpose of this study is a review relevant works on CS-based NFs to improve the DFU.

On diabetic foot ulcer knowledge gaps, innovation, evaluation, prediction markers, and clinical needs

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) remain a very prevalent and challenging complication of diabetes worldwide due to high morbidity, high risks of lower extremity amputation and associated mortality. Despite major advances in diabetes treatment in general, there is a paucity of FDA approved technologies and therapies to promote successful healing. Furthermore, accurate biomarkers to identify patients at risk of non-healing and monitor response-to-therapy are significantly lacking. To date, research has been slowed by a lack of coordinated efforts among basic scientists and clinical researchers and confounded by non-standardized heterogenous collection of biospecimen and patient associated data. Novel technologies, especially those in the single and 'multiomics' arena, are being used to advance the study of diabetic foot ulcers but require pragmatic study design to ensure broad adoption following validation. These high throughput analyses offer promise to investigate potential biomarkers across wound trajectories and may support information on wound healing and pathophysiology not previously well understood. Additionally, these biomarkers may be used at the point-of-care. In combination with national scalable research efforts, which seek to address the limitations and better inform clinical practice, coordinated and integrative insights may lead to improved limb salvage rates.

Evolving spectrum of diabetic wound: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic targets

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder resulting in an increased blood glucose level and prolonged hyperglycemia, causes long term health conse-quences. Chronic wound is frequently occurring in diabetes patients due to compromised wound healing capability. Management of wounds in diabetic patients remains a clinical challenge despite many advancements in the field of science and technology. Increasing evidence indicates that alteration of the biochemical milieu resulting from alteration in inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase, decrease in fibroblast and keratinocyte functioning, neuropathy, altered leukocyte functioning, infection, etc., plays a significant role in impaired wound healing in diabetic people. Apart from the current pharmacotherapy, different other approaches like the use of conventional drugs, antidiabetic medication, antibiotics, debridement, offloading, platelet-rich plasma, growth factor, oxygen therapy, negative pressure wound therapy, low-level laser, extracorporeal shock wave bioengineered substitute can be considered in the management of diabetic wounds. Drugs/therapeutic strategy that induce angiogenesis and collagen synthesis, inhibition of MMPs, reduction of oxidative stress, controlling hyperglycemia, increase growth factors, regulate inflammatory cytokines, cause NO induction, induce fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, control microbial infections are considered important in controlling diabetic wound. Further, medicinal plants and/or phytoconstituents also offer a viable alternative in the treatment of diabetic wound. The focus of the present review is to highlight the molecular and cellular mechanisms, and discuss the drug targets and treatment strategies involved in the diabetic wound.

Human amniotic membrane products for patients with diabetic foot ulcers. do they help? a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the most serious diabetic complications. DFU is an open wound that usually occurs in the foot sole due to poor blood glucose control, peripheral neuropathy, and poor circulation. The human amniotic allograft membrane is a biological wound dressing derived from the amniotic membrane. It contains amino acids, nutrients, cytokines, and growth factors that make the growth process easier.

Objective

To compare dehydrated human amnion and chorion allograft (DHACA) plus the standard of wound care (SOC) with the SOC alone.

Methods

We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science till April 2021 using relevant keywords. All search results were screened for eligibility. We extracted the data from the included trials and pooled them as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio (RR) with the 95% confidence interval (CI) using Review Manager software (ver. 5.4).

Results

The pooled effect estimate from 11 RCTs showed that DHACA was superior to SOC regarding the complete wound healing in both 6th and 12th week (RR = 3.78; 95% CI: [2.51, 5.70]; P < 0.00001) and (RR = 2.00; 95% CI: [1.67, 2.39], P < 0.00001 respectively). Also, the analysis favored the DHACA regarding the mean time to heal in the 12th-week (MD = -12.07, 95%CI: [-19.23, -4.91], P = 0.001). The wound size reduction was better with DHACA (MD = 1.18, 95%CI: [-0,10, 2.26], P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Using DHACA with SOC is safer and more effective than using SOC alone for DFU patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13047-022-00575-y.

Distal Metatarsal Osteotomies for Chronic Plantar Diabetic Foot Ulcers

In more than 30 years of scientific literature (1986-2021), the few published studies on the management of CPDFUs by DMOs showed satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes. Although these reports were all case series, their data suggest that DMOs, performed at a different level of the distal metatarsal bones, are an effective surgical treatment option for achieving rapid healing of CPDFUs and preventing their recurrence after balancing the pressures in diabetic forefeet. Hence, DMOs can be a valid alternative treatment method also for CPDFUs with chronic infection, ulcers penetrating deep structures, and even ulcers with osteomyelitis at the metatarsophalangeal level.

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.

Preulcerous Risk Situation in Diabetic Foot Syndrome: Proposal for a Simple Ulcer Prevention Score

BACKGROUND

Preulcerous risk situations in patients with diabetes are often undiagnosed and care administered too late. Even with regular medical check-ups and status documentation, foot examinations have not been given enough attention. Diagnosing an individual patients' risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers may increase vigilance for diabetic foot syndrome (DFS), and the appropriate prevention measures matching the risk involved may prevent the emergence of diabetic ulcers. The classical DFS risk factors are well established and have been extensively covered in the literature; however, there is a lack of efficient screening tools that could be used for a rapid assessment of diabetic foot ulcer risk.

METHODS

A methodical literature search was conducted to assess relevant publications for the preparation of a simple risk score for amputation related to diabetic foot ulcer. We then analyzed the risk factors for predictive value as odds ratios in foot ulcers and/or amputation. We used the available data to deduce a mean value to reflect the authors' consensus.

RESULTS

In view of the current literature on the matter, we have developed a semi-quantitative scoring system using just a few items to allow rapid and visual risk assessment for diabetic foot ulcers alongside recommendations for prevention and a sensible follow-up strategy to match the risk.

CONCLUSION

This relatively simple score enables rapid risk classification for patients that can ease the way for both physicians and patients in gaining an insight into individual risk situations. The score provides more effective preventative measures for high-risk patients against future complications.

Effect of allicin on wound healing: an experimental diabetes model

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of allicin on wound healing in an experimental diabetes model.

METHOD

In this randomised controlled study, 50 Wistar albino rats (25 females, 25 males) each weighing 200-300g were used. To develop the diabetes model, 30 rats were induced with 50mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ); 20 rats were not induced in order to compare diabetic and nondiabetic rats. The diabetic rats were divided into three groups, according to dressing material used (allicin, physiological serum and control, where no dressing was used), and the nondiabetic rats were divided into two groups (allicin and control, where no dressing was used). The wound area was calculated and recorded on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. In addition, biopsies were taken from the wound area on days 0, 7, 14 and 21 and used for microscopic examination. Day 0 was used as a reference to calculate wound healing percentage.

RESULTS

On days 7 and 14, there were statistically significant differences between groups. Wound surface areas were smaller in the allicin group than in other groups on days 7 and 14. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups on day 21. In addition, it was determined that neutrophil, mononuclear cell, intraepithelial oedema and dermal oedema density were lower and fibroblast, angiogenesis and collagen density were higher in the allicin groups on days 7 and 14.

CONCLUSION

In this study, allicin was found to be potentially effective on wound healing. Future research should be conducted in order to clarify how it affects wound healing.

Medical Versus Surgical Treatment for the Management of Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis: A Systematic Review

A systematic review and quality assessment was performed to assess the management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis by medical or surgical treatment. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist was used. All selected studies were evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool to assess the risk of bias for randomized controlled trials. The literature was revised using PubMed (Medline) and Embase (Elsevier) up to September 2020 to identify clinical trials assessing medical or surgical treatment to manage diabetic foot osteomyelitis. A total of six clinical trials that met our inclusion criteria, with a total of 308 participants. Healing rate, complete closure of the wound, and type of complications were the outcomes evaluated. Risk of bias assessment showed that only two of the six clinical trials included in the systematic review had a low risk of bias. Based on our findings, we believe that the management of diabetic foot osteomyelitis remains challenging. There are few high-quality clinical trials that both stratify clinical presentations and compare these treatments. We conclude that the available evidence is insufficient to identify the best option to cure diabetic foot osteomyelitis.

Effect of tap dance on plantar pressure, postural stability and lower body function in older patients at risk of diabetic foot: a randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

To examine the effects of tap dance (TD) on dynamic plantar pressure, static postural stability, ankle range of motion (ROM), and lower extremity functional strength in patients at risk of diabetic foot (DF).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomised, single-blinded, two-arm prospective study of 40 patients at risk of DF was conducted. The intervention group (n=20) received 16 weeks of TD training (60 min/session×3 sessions/week). The control group attended four educational workshops (1 hour/session×1 session/month). Plantar pressure, represented by the primary outcomes of peak pressure (PP) and pressure-time integral (PTI) over 10 areas on each foot, was measured using the Footscan platform system. Secondary outcomes comprised static postural stability, ankle ROM and lower extremity functional strength.

RESULTS

Reductions in intervention group PP (right foot: mean differences=4.50~27.1, decrease%=25.6~72.0; left foot: mean differences=-5.90~6.33, decrease%=-22.6~53.2) and PTI at 10 areas of each foot (right foot: mean differences=1.00~12.5, decrease%=10.4~63.6; left foot: mean differences=0.590~25.3, decrease%=21.9~72.6) were observed. Substantial PP and PTI differences were noted at the second through fourth metatarsals, medial heel and lateral heel in the right foot. Substantial PP and PTI differences were detected at metatarsals 1 and 2 and metatarsal 2 in the left foot, respectively. Moderate training effects were found in plantar flexion ROM of both feet, lower extremity functional strength, and length of center-of-pressure trajectory with eyes closed and open (r=0.321-0.376, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A 16-week TD training program can significantly improve ankle ROM, lower extremity functional strength, and static postural stability. To attain greater improvements in plantar pressure, a longer training period is necessary.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR1800014714.

Safety and clinical efficacy of the secretome of stressed peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with diabetic foot ulcer-study protocol of the randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter, international phase II clinical trial MARSYAS II

Background

Diabetes and its sequelae such as diabetic foot ulcer are rising health hazards not only in western countries but all over the world. Effective, yet safe treatments are desperately sought for by physicians, healthcare providers, and of course patients.

Methods/design

APOSEC, a novel, innovative drug, is tested in the phase I/II study MARSYAS II, where its efficacy to promote healing of diabetic foot ulcers will be determined. To this end, the cell-free secretome of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (APOSEC) blended with a hydrogel will be applied topically three times weekly for 4 weeks. APOSEC is predominantly effective in hypoxia-induced tissue damages by modulating the immune system and enhancing angiogenesis, whereby its anti-microbial ability and neuro-regenerative capacity will exert further positive effects. In total, 132 patients will be enrolled in the multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, dose-ranging phase I/II study and treated with APOSEC at three dose levels or placebo for 4 weeks, followed by an 8-week follow-up period to evaluate safety and efficacy of the drug. Wound area reduction after 4 weeks of treatment will serve as the primary endpoint.

Conclusion

We consider our study protocol to be suitable to test topically administered APOSEC in patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers in a clinical phase I/II trial.

Trial registration

EudraCT 2018-001653-27. Registered on 30 July 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04277598. Registered on 20 February 2020. Title: “A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study to evaluate safety and dose-dependent clinical efficacy of APO-2 at three different doses in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (MARSYAS II)”

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-020-04948-1.

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.

The effect of continuous diffusion of oxygen treatment on cytokines, perfusion, bacterial load, and healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers

To evaluate continuous diffusion of oxygen therapy (CDO) on cytokines, perfusion, and bacterial load in diabetic foot ulcers we evaluated 23 patients for 3 weeks. Tissues biopsies were obtained at each visit to evaluate cytokines and quantitative bacterial cultures. Perfusion was measured with hyperspectral imaging and transcutaneous oxygen. We used paired T tests to compare continuous variables and independent T tests to compare healers and nonhealers. There was an increase from baseline to week 1 in TGF-β (P = .008), TNF-α (P = .014), VEGF (P = .008), PDGF (P = .087), and IGF-1 (P = .058); baseline to week 2 in TGF-β (P = .010), VEGF (P = .051), and IL-6 (P = .031); and baseline to week 3 with TGF-β (P = .055) and IL-6 (P = .054). There was a significant increase in transcutaneous oxygen after 1 week of treatment on both medial and lateral foot (P = .086 and .025). Fifty-three percent of the patients had at least a 50% wound area reduction (healers). At baseline, there were no differences in cytokines between healers and nonhealers. However, there was an increase in CXCL8 after 1 week of treatment (P = .080) and IL-6 after 3 weeks of treatment in nonhealers (P = .099). There were no differences in quantitative cultures in healers and nonhealers.

Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials reporting the effect of home foot temperature monitoring, patient education or offloading footwear on the incidence of diabetes-related foot ulcers

AIM

The aim of this study was to perform an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the efficacy of home foot temperature monitoring, patient education and offloading footwear in reducing the incidence of diabetes-related foot ulcers.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Cochrane databases to identify relevant original studies. Meta-analyses were performed using intention-to-treat principals for worst (main analysis) and best (sub-analysis) case scenarios. Leave-one-out sensitivity analyses were used to assess the consistency of findings.

RESULTS

Of 7575 unique records, 17 RCTs involving 2729 participants were included. Four tested home foot temperature monitoring (n = 468), six examined patient education (n = 823) and seven assessed offloading footwear (n = 1438). Participants' who performed home foot temperature monitoring [odds ratio (OR) 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 0.84; n = 468] and those provided offloading footwear (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.80; n = 1438) were less likely to develop a diabetes-related foot ulcer. Patient education programmes did not significantly reduce diabetes-related foot ulcer incidence (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.20; n = 823). Sensitivity analyses suggested that offloading footwear findings were consistent, but home foot temperature findings were dependent on the individual inclusion of one trial. All RCTs had either high or unclear risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that offloading footwear is effective in reducing the incidence of diabetes-related foot ulcers. Home foot temperature monitoring also appears beneficial but larger trials are needed (PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42019135226).

Nutritional interventions for treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes

BACKGROUND

Foot ulcers in people with diabetes are non-healing, or poorly healing, partial, or full-thickness wounds below the ankle. These ulcers are common, expensive to manage and cause significant morbidity and mortality. The presence of a wound has an impact on nutritional status because of the metabolic cost of repairing tissue damage, in addition to the nutrient losses via wound fluid. Nutritional interventions may improve wound healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of nutritional interventions on the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes.

SEARCH METHODS

In March 2020 we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries for ongoing and unpublished studies, and scanned reference lists of relevant included studies as well as reviews, meta-analyses and health technology reports to identify additional studies. There were no restrictions with respect to language, date of publication or study setting.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effect of nutritional interventions on the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors, working independently, assessed included RCTs for their risk of bias and rated the certainty of evidence using GRADE methodology, using pre-determined inclusion and quality criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified nine RCTs (629 participants). Studies explored oral nutritional interventions as follows: a protein (20 g protein per 200 mL bottle), 1 kcal/mL ready-to-drink, nutritional supplement with added vitamins, minerals and trace elements; arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement; 220 mg zinc sulphate supplements; 250 mg magnesium oxide supplements; 1000 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid from flaxseed oil; 150,000 IU of vitamin D, versus 300,000 IU of vitamin D; 250 mg magnesium oxide plus 400 IU vitamin E and 50,000 IU vitamin D supplements. The comparator in eight studies was placebo, and in one study a different dose of vitamin D. Eight studies reported the primary outcome measure of ulcer healing; only two studies reported a measure of complete healing. Six further studies reported measures of change in ulcer dimension, these studies reported only individual parameters of ulcer dimensions (i.e. length, width and depth) and not change in ulcer volume. All of the evidence identified was very low certainty. We downgraded it for risks of bias, indirectness and imprecision. It is uncertain whether oral nutritional supplement with 20 g protein per 200 mL bottle, 1 kcal/mL, nutritional supplement with added vitamins, minerals and trace elements, increases the proportion of ulcers healed at six months more than placebo (risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42 to 1.53). It is also uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement increases the proportion of ulcers healed at 16 weeks compared with placebo (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.40). It is uncertain whether the following interventions change parameters of ulcer dimensions over time when compared with placebo; 220 mg zinc sulphate supplement containing 50 mg elemental zinc, 250 mg magnesium oxide supplement, 1000 mg/day omega-3 fatty acid from flaxseed oil supplement, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation and vitamin D supplementation. It is also uncertain whether 150,000 IU of vitamin D, impacts ulcer dimensions when compared with 300,000 IU of vitamin D. Two studies explored some of the secondary outcomes of interest for this review. It is uncertain whether oral nutritional supplement with 20 g protein per 200 mL bottle, 1 kcal/mL, nutritional supplement with added vitamins, minerals and trace elements, reduces the number of deaths (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.06 to 14.60) or amputations (RR 4.82, 95% CI 0.24 to 95.88) more than placebo. It is uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement increases health-related quality of life at 16 weeks more than placebo (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.03). It is also uncertain whether arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement reduces the numbers of new ulcers (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.51), or amputations (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.16 to 2.69) more than placebo. None of the included studies reported the secondary outcomes cost of intervention, acceptability of the intervention (or satisfaction) with respect to patient comfort, length of patient hospital stay, surgical interventions, or osteomyelitis incidence. One study exploring the impact of arginine, glutamine and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate supplement versus placebo did not report on any relevant outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence for the impact of nutritional interventions on the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes compared with no nutritional supplementation, or compared with a different dose of nutritional supplementation, remains uncertain, with eight studies showing no clear benefit or harm. It is also uncertain whether there is a difference in rates of adverse events, amputation rate, development of new foot ulcers, or quality of life, between nutritional interventions and placebo. More research is needed to clarify the impact of nutritional interventions on the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes.

Validated 60-Second General Foot Screen: A Pilot Trial and Guide to Diagnoses and Treatment

GENERAL PURPOSE

To provide information on a 60-second General Foot Screen to assist in the prevention and/or identification and management of common foot problems.

TARGET AUDIENCE

This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurses with an interest in skin and wound care.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES

After participating in this educational activity, the participant should be better able to:1. Use the 60-second General Foot Screen to assist healthcare professionals in the recognition of common foot problems.2. Identify risk factors, causes, and treatment of selected foot problems.

ABSTRACT

Foot health is important to overall patient health. Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, neuropathy, fungal foot infections, foot deformity, and vascular disease/lower leg edema can improve patient quality of life. One way to achieve this is effective screening. To this end, researchers piloted a validated 10-item screening tool to assess foot health on 120 patients; 74.17% had at least one positive abnormality, demonstrating the critical importance of these early findings. Only 25.83% of individuals had completely low-risk feet. This easy-to-use tool can assist healthcare professionals in the recognition and treatment of common foot problems. The article also outlines the early signs of disease by screening item and provides a guide to treatment to enable effective prevention and quality care.

Guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of foot infection in persons with diabetes (IWGDF 2019 update)

The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has published evidence-based guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease since 1999. This guideline is on the diagnosis and treatment of foot infection in persons with diabetes and updates the 2015 IWGDF infection guideline. On the basis of patient, intervention, comparison, outcomes (PICOs) developed by the infection committee, in conjunction with internal and external reviewers and consultants, and on systematic reviews the committee conducted on the diagnosis of infection (new) and treatment of infection (updated from 2015), we offer 27 recommendations. These cover various aspects of diagnosing soft tissue and bone infection, including the classification scheme for diagnosing infection and its severity. Of note, we have updated this scheme for the first time since we developed it 15 years ago. We also review the microbiology of diabetic foot infections, including how to collect samples and to process them to identify causative pathogens. Finally, we discuss the approach to treating diabetic foot infections, including selecting appropriate empiric and definitive antimicrobial therapy for soft tissue and for bone infections, when and how to approach surgical treatment, and which adjunctive treatments we think are or are not useful for the infectious aspects of diabetic foot problems. For this version of the guideline, we also updated four tables and one figure from the 2016 guideline. We think that following the principles of diagnosing and treating diabetic foot infections outlined in this guideline can help clinicians to provide better care for these patients.

Treatment of modifiable risk factors for foot ulceration in persons with diabetes: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Prevention of diabetic foot ulcers is important. Preventative treatment mostly targets and aims to improve modifiable risk factors of foot ulceration. While effectiveness of interventions in ulcer prevention has been systematically reviewed, their effectiveness in improving modifiable risk factors is unknown.

METHODS

The available medical scientific literature in PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, and the Cochrane database was searched for original research studies on six interventions to treat modifiable risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration (ie, education for patients; education for professionals; self-management; pre-ulcer treatment; orthotic interventions; and foot- and mobility-related exercises). We assessed interventions for eight outcomes (ie, patients' knowledge; treatment adherence; professionals' knowledge; pre-ulcers; mechanical stress; neuropathy symptoms; foot/ankle joint mobility; and foot function). Both controlled and noncontrolled studies were selected. Data from controlled studies were assessed for methodological quality by two independent reviewers and extracted and presented in evidence and risk of bias tables.

RESULTS

We included 72 publications (26 with a controlled study design and 46 noncontrolled). We found that structured education may improve foot self-care behaviour of patients, yearly foot examinations, and foot disease knowledge of health care professionals. Callus removal reduces peak plantar pressure. Custom-made therapeutic footwear can be effective in reducing plantar pressure and may reduce callus. Foot- and mobility-related exercises may improve neuropathy symptoms and foot and ankle joint range of motion, while they do not seem to reduce peak plantar pressure; evidence for their effect on foot strength is conflicting.

CONCLUSIONS

Structured education for patients and health care professionals, callus removal, custom-made therapeutic footwear, and foot- and mobility-related exercises may be beneficial for improving modifiable risk factors for foot ulceration. However, we generally found low quality of evidence for interventions targeting modifiable risk factors for ulceration in persons with diabetes, with frequently inconsistent or limited results available per intervention and outcome.

Risk of diabetic foot ulcer and its associated factors among Bangladeshi subjects: a multicentric cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) and find out its associated factors among subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) of Bangladesh.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

This cross-sectional study recruited 1200 subjects with T2D who visited 16 centres of Health Care Development Project run by Diabetic Association of Bangladesh.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Risk of DFU was assessed using a modified version of International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) Risk Classification System. The modified system was based on five parameters, namely peripheral neuropathy (PN), peripheral arterial diseases (PAD), deformity, ulcer history and amputation. The risks were categorised as group 0 (no PN, no PAD), group 1 (PN, no PAD and no deformity), group 2A (PN and deformity, no PAD), group 2B (PAD), group 3A (ulcer history) and group 3B (amputation). The associated factors of DFU risk were determined using multinomial logistic regression for each risk category separately.

RESULTS

Overall, 44.5% of the subjects were found 'at risk' of DFU. This risk was higher among men (45.6%) than women and among those who lived in rural areas (45.5%) as compared with the urban population. According to IWGDF categories, the risk was distributed as 55.5%, 4.2%, 11.6%, 0.3%, 20.6% and 7.9% for group 0, group 1, group 2A, group 2B, group 3A and group 3B, respectively. The associated factors of DFU (OR >1) were age ≥50 years, rural area, low economic status, insulin use, history of trauma, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic nephropathy.

CONCLUSION

A significant number of the subjects with T2D under study were at risk of DFU, which demands an effective screening programme to reduce DFU-related morbidity and mortality.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D Deficiency: Impacting Deep-Wound Infection and Poor Healing Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes

BACKGROUND

The Kingdom of Bahrain has a high incidence of diabetes and associated foot complications. Simultaneously, low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels are common in this population and may be associated with the traditional clothing used in desert climates.

METHODS

This investigation compared 25(OH)D levels and glycemic control with quantifiable wound healing parameters in a prospective, analytic, nonexperimental, cross-sectional pilot study. Consecutive consenting adult patients (N = 80) who presented to the regional wound care unit in January 2016 with either an existing or new wound were included. Collected data included three-dimensional wound photography, NERDS and STONEES criteria, and an X-ray with a positive probe-to-bone test. Blood values for 25(OH)D and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were collected simultaneously.

RESULTS

Diabetes mellitus (types 1 and 2) was present in 90% of the sample patients. No patient had sufficient 25(OH)D levels; 15% had insufficient levels (30-50 ng/mL), and deficiency (levels <#20 ng/mL) was found in 85% of the sample. Males were slightly less affected by 25(OH)D deficiency compared with females (82.4% vs 91.3%). Poor glycemic control (HbA1c levels >#6.8%) was found in 69.4% (n = 50) of the persons with diabetes included in the sample. Those with both diabetes mellitus and a 25(OH)D deficiency (76.3%; n = 61) were more likely to demonstrate healing difficulty (40.9%; n = 25) or present with a stalled or deteriorating wound (44.2%, n = 27). A 3° F or higher periwound surface temperature elevation over a mirror image site was present in 82.5% of all wounds. Exposed bone in the ulcer base was found in 50% of the cases. For persons with diabetes, general linear modeling statistical analysis (adjusted R value = 47.9%) linked poor wound healing with three studied variables: 25(OH)D deficiency, poor glycemic control, and an exposed bone in the wound bed.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D may be an overlooked factor in the pathophysiology of diabetic foot ulcer development and subsequent delay in wound healing outcomes. The authors recommend adding 25(OH)D deficiency to the list of multifactorial aggravating factors providers should consider correcting in this subgroup of patients.

The Frequency and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Recurrence Among Jordanian Patients with Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot is a major public health problem and their complications are an imperative cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the rate of recurrence of foot ulcers post two years of follow-up, including the associated risk factors in the patients attending the diabetic foot clinic at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics (NCDEG), Amman, Jordan.

METHODS

A historical cohort design was adopted for the patients who presented for the first time to the diabetic foot clinic at the NCDEG. Every patient who came to the clinic was reviewed by using his or her medical files with respect to diabetic foot-related complaints. Patients were classified under four categories: (1) Recurrent foot ulcers (2) chronic foot ulcer (3) free of recurrence, and (4) no foot ulcers. Among the four groups, group 1 (recurrent foot ulcers, n=76) and group 3 (free of recurrence, n=54) were included for the analysis.

RESULTS

Among the 141 patients who presented to the diabetic foot clinic during the two-year study period, 76 (53.9%) of them experienced ulcer recurrences, 54 (38.3%) were recurrence-free, and 11 (7.8%) had chronic ulceration. The two-year recurrence rate was 58.5%. The presence of deformity and osteomyelitis were the statistically significant independent risk factors for recurrent foot ulceration.

CONCLUSION

This study of recurrences was clearly related to the type and complications of the ulcers rather than to the other variables. Recurrent foot ulceration is linked to the presence of osteomyelitis and/or deformities.

Diabetic foot self-care and concordance of 3diabetic foot risk stratification systems in a basic health area of Gran Canaria

OBJECTIVE

To assess the level of self-care in the population with diabetes and determine the risk of diabetic foot lesions through the use of 3stratification systems as well as to establish the degree of concordance between these systems.

METHOD

Observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study carried out in the Basic Health Area of Santa Brígida (Gran Canaria-Canary Islands-Spain) in people diagnosed with diabetes (DM Type 1/DM Type 2) (n=182). Interview, physical examination, review of clinical history and completion of the Diabetic Foot Self-Care questionnaire of the University of Malaga were carried out. The risk stratification was then calculated using 3systems (System of the National Institute for Health Care Excellence, Classification of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot and High-Risk Diabetic Foot-60-Second Tool©-2012). The Kappa index was calculated to study the concordance between systems, the relative risk of negative screening of one method against another was estimated and the exact Fisher test to establish whether there were differences.

RESULTS

30.2% of diabetics had a low level of self-care, 45.1% a medium level and 24.7% a high level. The risk levels calculated were: National Institute for Health Care Excellence Classification (Negative Risk 71.4%-Positive Risk 28.6%), International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot Classification (Negative Risk 67.0%-Positive Risk 33.0%) and High-Risk Diabetic Foot-60-Second Tool© (Negative Risk 62.6%-Positive Risk 37.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

All 3systems have good concordance with each other. The High-Risk Diabetic Foot-60-Second Tool© only distinguishes 2levels of risk but detects a higher percentage of people at risk. The Diabetic Foot Self-Care questionnaire of the University of Malaga may be useful in the context of Primary Care to assess the level of self-care of people with diabetes.

Clinical efficacy of therapeutic footwear with a rigid rocker sole in the prevention of recurrence in patients with diabetes mellitus and diabetic polineuropathy: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Therapeutic footwear becomes the first treatment line in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcer and future complications of diabetes. Previous studies and the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot have described therapeutic footwear as a protective factor to reduce the risk of re-ulceration. In this study, we aimed to analyze the efficacy of a rigid rocker sole to reduce the recurrence rate of plantar ulcers in patients with diabetic foot.

Methods

Between June 2016 and December 2017, we conducted a randomized controlled trial in a specialized diabetic foot unit.

Participants and intervention

Fifty-one patients with diabetic neuropathy who had a recently healed plantar ulcer were randomized consecutively into the following two groups: therapeutic footwear with semi-rigid sole (control) or therapeutic footwear with a rigid rocker sole (experimental). All patients included in the study were followed up for 6 months (one visit each 30 ± 2 days) or until the development of a recurrence event.

Main outcome and measure

Primary outcome measure was recurrence of ulcers in the plantar aspect of the foot.

Findings

A total of 51 patients were randomized to the control and experimental groups. The median follow-up time was 26 [IQR—4.4—26.1] weeks for both groups. On an intention-to-treat basis, 16 (64%) and 6 (23%) patients in the control and experimental groups had ulcer recurrence, respectively. Among the group with >60% adherence to therapeutic footwear, multivariate analysis showed that the rigid rocker sole improved ulcer recurrence-free survival time in diabetes patients with polyneuropathy and DFU history (P = 0.019; 95% confidence interval, 0.086–0.807; hazard ratio, 0.263).

Conclusions

We recommend the use of therapeutic footwear with a rigid rocker sole in patients with diabetes with polyneuropathy and history of diabetic foot ulcer to reduce the risk of plantar ulcer recurrence.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02995863.

Diabetic Foot Syndrome in the Twenty-First Century

Diabetes mellitus is an international epidemic. In the United States, the prevalence of diabetes has increased from estimates in 1990 when 6.5% of the population was affected and 6.2 million people had diabetes compared with the estimates in 2017 with 24.7 million people with diabetes or accounting 9.6% of the adult population. The diabetic foot syndrome manifests as a combination of diabetes-related diseases including diabetic sensory neuropathy, limited joint mobility, immunopathy, peripheral arterial disease, foot ulceration, and Charcot arthropathy. The culmination of these provides an ideal environment for unrecognized tissue injury that leads to ulceration, infection, infection, and amputation.

Advantages of early diagnosis of diabetic neuropathy in the prevention of diabetic foot ulcers

AIMS

To evaluate the utility of the sudomotor function test (SFT) as a clinical tool in the Risk Stratification System of diabetic patients and to demonstrate the earlier detection of the risk of developing diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) compared to the standard clinical tests.

METHODS

Prospective follow-up study on 263 patients enrolled consecutively over 3.5 years. Diabetic patients without active DFU were classified according to the International Working Group Risk Stratification System (RSS) and categorized according to the results of the Semmes-Wenstein Monofilament (SWM) and biothesiometer measurements or the SFT. The main outcome evaluated was the development of DFU.

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 42 [38-44] months. Sixty patients (22.8%) developed DFU after a median of 6.2 [3-17] months. Ten patients that were included in the no-risk group (group 0) based on the SWM and biothesiometer results developed DFU. Thus the sensitivity of this approach was 83.33% and the specificity was 50.47%. Based on the SFT results, all patients that developed DFU were included in the correct risk group. This approach had 100% sensitivity and 31.53% specificity. Regarding the diagnostic accuracy of the two Methods, the respective AUC values were 0.776 (95% CI 0.702-0.849) and 0.816 (95% CI 0.757-0.874).

CONCLUSIONS

SFT improved RSS in diabetic patients in a specialized diabetic foot unit. SFT categorized patients correctly according to the risk of developing DFU.

Cost-effectiveness of telemonitoring screening for diabetic foot ulcer: a mathematical model

BACKGROUND

One of the most common (and costly) complications of diabetes are diabetic foot ulcers, which often result in lower-extremity amputation. Regular foot care can reduce complications; however, roughly half of Canadians with diabetes do not participate in screening. We sought to evaluate the economic effects of using telemonitoring for diabetic foot ulcer prevention using mathematical modelling.

METHODS

We used Markov modelling to compare current screening standards (standard care) to population-wide and targeted (high-risk) telemonitoring programs in a hypothetical cohort of Canadian patients aged 60 years. We varied the effectiveness (or outcome), defined as the proportion of diabetic foot ulcers prevented, to explore cost-effectiveness using model parameters from published literature and clinical experts.

RESULTS

At 20%-40% effectiveness, population-based prevention resulted in 0.00399-0.00790 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) gained per person over 5 years and an incremental cost of $479-$402 compared to standard care. At 15%-40% effectiveness, high-risk prevention resulted in a cost decrease per person over 5 years ($1.26-$25.55), with health benefits of 0.000207-0.00058 QALYs gained.

INTERPRETATION

The use of telemonitoring in the diabetic lower extremity can offer patients better quality of life and can be cost-effective compared to current Canadian screening practices. Future work should focus on developing and validating technologies based on objective outcome measures for remote monitoring of the diabetic foot.

Evaluation of Nurses' Knowledge Levels of Diabetic Foot Care Management

BACKGROUND

Nurses, important members of the diabetes treatment team, have an essential role in the prevention of diabetic foot problems and in the care and education of patients at risk of diabetic foot problems.

OBJECTIVE

The study evaluated the knowledge levels of nurses regarding diabetic foot care management and determined influencing factors.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. The research sample comprised 435 nurses who worked in a private hospital. The research data were collected using the "Nurse Information Form" and "Nurses' Knowledge Level Form on Diabetic Foot Management".

RESULTS

It was found that 66% of the nurses did not receive training in diabetic foot care, 80.9% did not educate patients with diabetic foot problems, and 77.5% did not perform foot examinations on diabetic patients.

CONCLUSION

Nurses' knowledge level scores regarding diabetic foot management are adequate, but this knowledge is not used during patient care. In order to facilitate nurses' involvement in diabetic foot management, theoretical and practical training programs should be organized and nurses should be encouraged to participate in these programs.

Surgical offloading procedures for diabetic foot ulcers compared to best non-surgical treatment: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers are frequently related to elevated pressure under a bony prominence. Conservative treatment includes offloading with orthopaedic shoes and custom made orthotics or plaster casts. While casting in plaster is usually effective in achieving primary closure of foot ulcers, recurrence rates are high. Minimally invasive surgical offloading that includes correction of foot deformities has good short and long term results. The surgery alleviates the pressure under the bony prominence, thus enabling prompt ulcer healing, negating the patient's dependence on expensive shoes and orthotics, with a lower chance of recurrence. The purpose of this protocol is to compare offloading surgery (percutaneous flexor tenotomy, mini-invasive floating metatarsal osteotomy or Keller arthroplasty) to non-surgical treatment for patients with diabetic foot ulcers in a semi-crossover designed RCT.

Methods

One hundred patients with diabetic neuropathy related foot ulcers (tip of toe ulcers, ulcers under metatarsal heads and ulcers under the hallux interphalangeal joint) will be randomized (2:3) to a surgical offloading procedure or best available non-surgical treatment. Group 1 (surgery) will have surgery within 1 week. Group 2 (controls) will be prescribed an offloading cast applied for up to 12 weeks (based on clinical considerations). Following successful offloading treatment (ulcer closure with complete epithelization) patients will be prescribed orthopaedic shoes and custom made orthotics. If offloading by cast for at least 6 weeks fails, or the ulcer recurs, patients will be offered surgical offloading. Follow-up will take place till 2 years following randomization. Outcome criteria will be time to healing of the primary ulcer (complete epithelization), time to healing of surgical wound, recurrence of ulcer, time to recurrence and complications.

Discussion

The high recurrence rate of foot ulcers and their dire consequences justify attempts to find better solutions than the non-surgical options available at present. To promote surgery, RCT level evidence of efficacy is necessary.

Trial registration

Israel MOH_2017-08-10_000719. NIH: NCT03414216.

Dysfunctional Wound Healing in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: New Crossroads

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Diabetic foot ulcerations (DFU) affect 25% of patients with diabetes mellitus during their lifetime and constitute a major health problem as they are often recalcitrant to healing due to a constellation of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The purpose of this review is to (1) detail the current mechanistic understanding of DFU formation and (2) highlight future therapeutic targets.

RECENT FINDINGS

From a molecular perspective, DFUs exhibit a chronic inflammatory predisposition. In addition, increased local hypoxic conditions and impaired cellular responses to hypoxia are pathogenic factors that contribute to delayed wound healing. Finally, recent evidence suggests a role for epigenetic alterations, including microRNAs, in delayed DFU healing due to the complex interplay between genes and the environment. In this regard, notable progress has been made in the molecular and genetic understanding of DFU formation. However, further studies are needed to translate preclinical investigations into clinical therapies.

Growth factors for diabetic foot ulcers: mixed treatment comparison analysis of randomized clinical trials

AIMS

Topical growth factors accelerate wound healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Due to the absence of head-to-head comparisons, we carried out Bayesian network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of growth factors.

METHODS

Using an appropriate search strategy, randomized controlled trials on topical growth factors compared with standard of care in patients with DFU, were included. Proportion of patients with complete healing was the primary outcome. Odds ratio (95% confidence interval) was used as the effect estimate and random effects model was used for both direct and indirect comparisons. Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation was used to obtain pooled estimates. Rankogram was generated based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).

RESULTS

A total of 26 studies with 2088 participants and 1018 events were included. The pooled estimates for recombinant epidermal growth factor (rhEGF), autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP), recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF) were 5.72 [3.34, 10.37], 2.65 [1.60, 4.54] and 1.97 [1.54, 2.55] respectively. SUCRA for rhEGF was 0.95. Sensitivity analyses did not reveal significant changes from the pooled estimates and rankogram. No differences were observed in the overall risk of adverse events between the growth factors. However, the growth factors were observed to lower the risk of lower limb amputation compared to standard of care.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, rhEGF, rhPDGF and autologous PRP significantly improved the healing rate when used as adjuvants to standard of care, of which rhEGF may perform better than other growth factors. The strength of most of the outcomes assessed was low and the findings may not be applicable for DFU with infection or osteomyelitis. The findings of this study needs to be considered with caution as the results might change with findings from head-to-head studies.

Does the Start of Dialysis Initiate a Period of Increased Risk of Ulceration or Amputation?

BACKGROUND

Dialysis therapy is associated with an increased incidence of lower-extremity wounds and amputations. We compared the incidence of foot ulcers and amputations before and after the start of dialysis.

METHODS

We evaluated 150 consecutive diabetic patients receiving dialysis and compared the incidence of foot complications 30 months before and after initiation of hemodialysis. We used claims data for diabetes, ulceration, and dialysis and abstracted medical records to verify diagnoses and dates of ulcers and amputations. We compared initial and cumulative ulcer/amputation incidence to account for multiple events in the same person over time. We used the same formula to determine the incidence rate difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to compare new ulcers and amputations during the study.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the incidence of first foot ulcers before (91.7 per 1,000 patient-years; 95% CI, 73.7-112.3 per 1,000 patient-years) and after (82.7; 95% CI, 65.7-102.3) the start of hemodialysis. The incidence of cumulative ulcers was significantly higher before (304.0 per 1,000 patient-years; 95% CI, 270.8-340.2) compared with after (210.7 per 1,000 patient-years; 95% CI, 183.0-240.9) dialysis. There was no difference in the incidence of first amputation before (29.3 per 1,000 patient-years; 95% CI, 1 9.4-41.7 per 1,000 patient-years) and after (37.3 per 1,000 patient-years; 95% CI, 19.4-41.7 per 1,000 patient-years) dialysis or in the cumulative incidence of amputations before (61.3 per 1,000 patient-years; 95% CI, 46.7-8.4 per 1,000 patient-years) and after (58.7 per 1,000 patient-years; 95% CI, 44.5-75.5 per 1,000 patient-years) dialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no increase in the incidence of ulcers or amputations after beginning hemodialysis.

Novel In-Shoe Exoskeleton for Offloading of Forefoot Pressure for Individuals With Diabetic Foot Pathology

INTRODUCTION

Infected diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of lower limb amputation. This study evaluated the ability of in-shoe exoskeletons to redirect forces outside of body and through an exoskeleton as an effective means of offloading plantar pressure, the major contributing factor of ulceration.

METHODS

We compared pressure in the forefoot and hind-foot of participants (n = 5) shod with novel exoskeleton footwear. Plantar pressure readings were taken during a 6-m walk at participant's self-selected speed, and five strides were averaged. Results were taken with Achilles exotendon springs disengaged as a baseline, followed by measurements taken with the springs engaged.

RESULTS

When springs were engaged, all participants demonstrated a decrease in forefoot pressure, averaging a 22% reduction ( P < .050). Patient feedback was universally positive, preferring the exotendon springs to be engaged and active.

CONCLUSIONS

Offloading is standard of care for reducing harmful plantar pressure, which may lead to foot ulcers. However, current offloading modalities are limited and have issues. This proof-of-concept study proposed a novel offloading approach based on an exoskeleton solution. Results suggest that when the novel exoskeletons were deployed in footwear and exotendon springs engaged, force was successfully transferred from the lower leg through the exoskeleton-enabled shoe to ground, reducing load on the forefoot. The results need to be confirmed in a larger sample. Another study is warranted to examine the effectiveness of this offloading to prevent diabetic foot ulcer, while minimizing gait alteration in daily physical activities.

[Podiatric risk screening in patients with type 2 diabetes in Antananarivo]

Diabetic foot disease heavily weighs upon diabetics, being a significant cause of morbidity and severe disability. Their prevention is indispensable. Our study aimed to reduce the rate of amputations in diabetics. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional, multicenter study of podiatric risk screening in patients with type 2 diabetes in the Endocrinology Department at the University Hospital of Befelatanana and at the Amadia Clinic, Faravohitra, over a period of 6 months. The average age of our patients was 54.43 years. Male sex predominated (60%). The patients suffered from diabetes which had evolved, on average, over a period of 7.35 years. The most common patient's history was smoking and chronic ulcerations of the foot. More than half of patients had an imbalance of diabetes, microalbuminuria and retinopathy. 56.50% of patients were aware of their risk but less than 46% of patients gave specific examples of appropriate behaviour. Only 13.33% of patients had undergone foot examination before this study. Their podiatric risk was very high. Predictive factors for ulceration included smoking, a history of chronic ulcer of the lower limbs, an imbalance of diabetes and foot deformity. Effective prevention strategies for amputations should include the screening and the identification of population at risk of ulceration.

Health Care Service and Outcomes Among an Estimated 6.7 Million Ambulatory Care Diabetic Foot Cases in the U.S

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate ambulatory clinical cases of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and diabetic foot infections (DFIs) in the U.S. from 2007 to 2013 and to assess outcomes of emergency department or inpatient (ED/IP) admission, number of clinic visits per year, and physician time spent per visit.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A cross-sectional historical cohort analysis was conducted by using the nationally representative Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data from 2007 to 2013, including patients age ≥18 years with diabetes and either DFIs or DFUs. Study outcomes were analyzed by using generalized linear models controlling for key demographics and chronic conditions.

RESULTS

Across the estimated 5.6 billion ambulatory care visits between 2007 and 2013, 784.8 million involved diabetes and ∼6.7 million (0.8%) were for DFUs (0.3%) or DFIs (0.5%). Relative to other ambulatory clinical cases, multivariable analyses indicated that DFUs were associated with a 3.4 times higher odds of direct ED/IP admission (CI 1.01-11.28; P = 0.049), 2.1 times higher odds of referral to another physician (CI 1.14-3.71; P = 0.017), 1.9 times more visits in the past 12 months (CI 1.41-2.42; P < 0.001), and 1.4 times longer time spent per visit with the physician (CI 1.03-1.87; P = 0.033). DFIs were independently associated with a 6.7 times higher odds of direct ED referral or IP admission (CI 2.25-19.51; P < 0.001) and 1.5 times more visits in the past 12 months (CI 1.14-1.90; P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation of an estimated 6.7 million diabetic foot cases indicates markedly greater risks for both ED/IP admissions and number of outpatient visits, with DFUs also associated with a higher odds of referrals to other physicians and longer physician visit times.

Relationship between limited joint mobility of the hand and diabetic foot risk in patients with type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Foot ulceration is a serious problem for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), and the early detection of risks for this condition is important to prevent complications. The present cross-sectional study in T2D patients determined the relationship between limited joint mobility (LJM) of the hand and diabetic foot risk classified using the criteria of the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF).

METHODS

Relationships between LJM of the hand and foot risk according to IWGDF category, HbA1c, age, body mass index, blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR), and diabetic complications (including diabetic peripheral neuropathy [DPN] and peripheral arterial disease [PAD]) were evaluated in 528 consecutive T2D patients. Poor glycemic control was defined as HbA1c ≥ 7%.

RESULTS

Patients with LJM of the hand were older and had a longer duration of diabetes, a higher prevalence of diabetic complications, including DPN and PAD, and a higher IWDGF category (all P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the foot risk assessed with IWDGF category was correlated with age (odds ratio [OR] 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.06; P = 0.001), poor glycemic control (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.00-2.77; P = 0.04), eGFR (OR 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99; P = 0.02), and the presence of LJM of the hand (OR 3.86; 95% CI 2.21-6.86; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate a correlation between LJM of the hand and foot risk. Diagnosis of diabetic hand is simple and non-invasive, and is thus a useful method for assessing the risk of diabetic foot in T2D patients.

A model to estimate cost-savings in diabetic foot ulcer prevention efforts

BACKGROUND

Sustained efforts at preventing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and subsequent leg amputations are sporadic in most health care systems despite the high costs associated with such complications. We sought to estimate effectiveness targets at which cost-savings (i.e. improved health outcomes at decreased total costs) might occur.

METHODS

A Markov model with probabilistic sensitivity analyses was used to simulate the five-year survival, incidence of foot complications, and total health care costs in a hypothetical population of 100,000 people with diabetes. Clinical event and cost estimates were obtained from previously-published trials and studies. A population without previous DFU but with 17% neuropathy and 11% peripheral artery disease (PAD) prevalence was assumed. Primary prevention (PP) was defined as reducing initial DFU incidence.

RESULTS

PP was more than 90% likely to provide cost-savings when annual prevention costs are less than $50/person and/or annual DFU incidence is reduced by at least 25%. Efforts directed at patients with diabetes who were at moderate or high risk for DFUs were very likely to provide cost-savings if DFU incidence was decreased by at least 10% and/or the cost was less than $150 per person per year.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-cost DFU primary prevention efforts producing even small decreases in DFU incidence may provide the best opportunity for cost-savings, especially if focused on patients with neuropathy and/or PAD. Mobile phone-based reminders, self-identification of risk factors (ex. Ipswich touch test), and written brochures may be among such low-cost interventions that should be investigated for cost-savings potential.

2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

Since 1980, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) have translated scientific evidence into clinical practice guidelines with recommendations to improve cardiovascular health. These guidelines, based on systematic methods to evaluate and classify evidence, provide a cornerstone of quality cardiovascular care.

In response to reports from the Institute of Medicine1 ,2 and a mandate to evaluate new knowledge and maintain relevance at the point of care, the ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines (Task Force) modified its methodology.3 –5 The relationships among guidelines, data standards, appropriate use criteria, and performance measures are addressed elsewhere.5

Peripheral nerve crushing to relieve chronic pain in diabetic and ischaemic foot ulcers

OBJECTIVE

We retrospectively assessed the effectiveness of peripheral nerve crushing (Smithwick operation) in relieving intractable chronic pain associated with foot ulcers caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) or atherosclerosis.

METHOD

From April 2009 to April 2012, patients underwent peripheral nerve crushing in the leg affected by foot ulceration. The cause of ulceration was either DM alone, atherosclerosis alone, or both DM and atherosclerosis. Because sensation in the foot is associated with five nerves: the tibial, deep peroneal, superficial peroneal, sural, and saphenous, one or more of these nerves were crushed over a length of 1.5cm by using a 'pean' in the distal third of leg the where there are no major motor nerves.

RESULTS

There were 36 patients recruited with ulcers grade 3-5 according to the Wagner ulcer classification system that affected the toes, dorsum pedis, or any part of the plantar surface or the heel. The mean duration of foot ulcerations before the nerve crushing was 22.3±9.7 weeks. In all 36 patients, the nerve crushing was performed successfully without any perioperative surgical complication. Of the 36 patients, 34 (94.4%) had substantial pain relief immediately after nerve crushing. While the mean pain level before the procedure was 86.6±0.51mm on visual analogue scale (VAS), pain level dropped significantly after the operation to 18.6 ± 5.4mm at one week, 14.8±4.8mm at one month, 13.7±4.1mm at two months, 9.8±4.1mm at three months, 11.8±5.7mm at four months, 10.1±4.7mm at five months and 8.8±3.3mm at six months. The time to regeneration of the sensory nerves was 121±6.5 days (range: 80-181 days). The surgical complications were wound infection (6 patients) and temporary toe paralysis (three patients). The foot ulcers in 20 of the 36 patients (55.6%) were resolved by debridement or minor amputation. In seven patients (19.4%), a major amputation (five below and two above the knee) was required because of ischemia or infection. No patient died within 30 days of the operation, while nine patients died during the observation period because of comorbid conditions.

CONCLUSION

Peripheral nerve crushing could be the alternative procedure for achieving analgesia in patients with intractable chronic pain from foot ulcers caused by DM or atherosclerosis.

Fracture healing and biomarker expression in a diabetic Zucker rat model

BACKGROUND

Persons with diabetes have a higher incidence of fractures compared with persons without diabetes. However, there is little published information concerning the deleterious effect of late-stage diabetes on fracture healing. There are no studies using animal models that evaluate the effect of advanced diabetes on fracture healing. The purpose of our study was to evaluate cytokine expression, specifically macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor, in fracture healing in a type 2 diabetes rat model.

METHODS

We evaluated biomarker expression after femur fracture using a rat model. The two groups consisted of 24 Zucker diabetic rats (study group) and 12 Zucker lean rats (control group). An independent reviewer was used to assess delayed union. We evaluated serum samples 2, 4, 7, and 14 days after surgery for MIP-1, vascular endothelial growth factor, leptin, and other cytokine levels.

RESULTS

At 3 weeks, Kaplan-Meier estimates showed that 45.8% of femur fractures in Zucker diabetic rats had healed, whereas 81.8% of those in Zucker lean rats had healed (P = .02). A logistic regression model to predict fast healing that included the three cytokines and diabetes status showed that the only factor achieving significance was MIP-1α. Vascular endothelial growth factor was the only biomarker to show significance compared with delayed healing.

CONCLUSIONS

These results confirm significant differences in biomarker expression between diabetic and nondiabetic rats during bone healing. The key factors for bone healing may appear early in the healing process, whereas differences in diabetes versus nondiabetes are seen later in the healing process. Increased levels of MIP-1α were associated with the likelihood of delayed healing.

The care of transmetatarsal amputation in diabetic foot gangrene

Diabetic foot ulcerations may determine minor or major amputation, with a high impact on patients' life expectation and quality of life and on economic burden. Among minor amputations, transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) appears to be the most effective in terms of limb salvage rates and in maintaining foot and ankle biomechanics. In spite of this, TMA needs particular pre- and postoperative management in order to avoid the frequent failure rates. A systematic review was undertaken of studies concerning TMA and its care in diabetic foot gangrene. Studies were identified by searching the MEDLINE, Scopus and Science Direct databases until 13 January 2016. All studies were assessed using the Downs and Black quality checklist. Of the 348 records found, 86 matched our inclusion criteria. After reading the full-text articles, we decided to exclude 35 manuscripts because of the following reasons: (1) no innovative or important content, (2) no multivariable analysis, (3) insufficient data, (4) no clear potential biases or strategies to solve them, (5) no clear endpoints and (6) inconsistent or arbitrary conclusions. The final set included 51 articles. In the current literature, there are less data about TMA, indication for the selection of patients, outcomes and complications. Generally, the judgment of an experienced physician is one of the best indicators of subsequent healing. Ankle brachial indices, toe pressures, laser Doppler skin perfusion pressures, angiography and Doppler assessment of foot vasculature may help physicians in this decision. In any case, despite the presumed lower healing rate, it is reasonable to pursue a TMA in a patient with a higher likelihood of continued ambulation. Furthermore, tailored wound closure, adjuvant local treatments and the choice of the most appropriate antibiotic therapy, when infection occurs, are pivotal elements for the success of TMA procedures. TMA is a valuable option for diabetic foot gangrene that can prevent major limb loss and minimise loss of function, thus improving the quality of life for diabetic patients.