Diagnostic methods for measurement of peripheral blood flow during exercise in patients with type 2 diabetes and peripheral artery disease: a systematic review

Health-related quality of life outcomes and Hospitalization length of stay after micro-fragmented autologous adipose tissue injection in minor amputations for diabetic foot ulceration (MiFrAADiF trial): results from a randomized controlled single-center clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a high prevalence complication that significantly impairs the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and is characterized by prolonged hospital length of stay (LOS). The impact of the micro-fragmented autologous adipose tissue injection at the minor amputation wound in the case of DFU (MiFrAADiF) on HRQoL and LOS compared to the standard care has not been determined yet.

METHODS

This was a two-arm, 6-month, individually randomized controlled single-center clinical trial. A 1:1 randomization to local injection of autologous micro-fragmented adipose tissue (treatment group; n=57) or standard clinical care (control group; n=57) was performed. The primary objective was the HRQoL. The secondary endpoint was the LOS. HRQoL was assessed with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey which provides 2 scores focused on physical (PCS) and mental functioning (MCS). The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03276312).

RESULTS

The type of treatment (p=0.009) and the time elapsed since surgery (p= 0.0000) demonstrated a significant improvement on PCS. The MCS improvements resulted in a non-significant association with treatment (p= 0.21). The time elapsed since surgery showed a significant influence on the MCS (p= 0.0000). The mean LOS was 16.2 days and 24.4 days for the treatment and the control group respectively (p= 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The MiFrAADiF trial demonstrated a significant improvement in terms of physical HRQoL and a significant reduction of the hospital length of stay after injection of micro-fragmented autologous adipose tissue in diabetic patients' minor amputations wound.

The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on limb amputation and ulcer healing

INTRODUCTION

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is increasingly being used in the treatment of as diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). However, definitive evidence regarding its beneficial effects is still scarce. The present systematic review aims to analyse the role of HBOT in the prevention of limb amputation along with improvement of ulcer healing in patients with lower limbs DFU.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Three databases were searched: PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Knowledge. The search was enrolled during October 2020. Both titles and abstracts were examined by two independent reviewers. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting a comparison between standard DFU treatment and standard treatment associated with HBOT were included. In all studies eligibility was assessed and data regarding studies characteristics, methods and considered outcomes was obtained. Odds ratio (OR) was used to evaluate amputation and complete ulcer healing rates. Percentage of ulcer reduction at two weeks was evaluated using the inverse variance method, and the values were compared using mean difference values. Meta-analysis was done using a fixed-effect model if I2 values were under 50%, and a random-effects model if not.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Eleven RCTs were included, with a total of 668 patients studied. Patients undergoing HBOT had lower risk of amputation (OR 0.53 95% CI 0.32-0.90, I2=31%). No difference was found in minor amputations (OR 0.89 95% CI 0.35-2.24, I2=69%). Regarding, healing rates, HBOT patients had greater chances of ulcer healing (OR 4,00 95% CI 1.54-10.44, I2=70%). It has also shown higher percentage of ulcer area reduction after two weeks of treatment in the HBOT group (mean difference 23.19%; 95% CI 14.86-31.52; I2=0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The present review offers evidence that adjuvant HBOT decreases risk of major amputation while promoting wound healing when combined to standard treatment in the management of DFU. These findings may have clinical relevance in a selected group of patients, yet further larger studies are still needed.

Patients with Diabetes Complicated by Peripheral Artery Disease: the Current State of Knowledge on Physiotherapy Interventions

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the major public health problems that account for morbidity, mortality, and disability worldwide. The presence of DM increases the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), as well as accelerates its course, making these patients more susceptible to ischemic events and impaired functional status. Unfortunately, alternative treatments for vascular complications in diabetes are poorly researched. Physiotherapy (kinesitherapy combined with different physical therapy agents) in individuals with DM and coexisting PAD may offer an important complementary therapy alternative. Early therapeutic measures can significantly improve patient outcomes, reduce cardiovascular risk, and improve daily life quality. The article provides an update on the current state of knowledge on physiotherapy interventions in the course of DM in patients with coexisting PAD.