Clinical characteristics of patients with diabetic foot using WIfI classification-A pilot study in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND: Due to its effect on patient health and healthcare resources, the study of diabetic foot is essential. Despite the existence of classification and grading systems, further evidence is required. Current systems are prone to a lack of validation in specific populations, inadequate consideration of regional variations, and an incomplete evaluation of risk factors and outcomes. The prevalence and complications of diabetes, such as diabetic foot, are on the rise worldwide, necessitating regionally specific research. To fill these gaps, this study focuses on a Southeast Asian subpopulation. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics of diabetic foot patients using the WIfI classification system, and to develop a risk calculator for patients to predict and evaluate potential outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of patients with diabetic foot who visited a tertiary hospital in Vietnam between December 2021 and July 2022. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were collected and classified according to the WIfI (Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection) classification system. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and a multivariable logistic regression model was employed to develop a risk calculator. RESULTS: The study included 60 patients with diabetic foot. Gender distribution was similar (56.7% male), with a mean age of 44 years. Most patients had ulcers of varying degrees, while ischemia contributed to higher grades, placing 43.3% at moderate-to-high risk of amputation (stages 3 and 4). HbA1c positively correlated with amputation risk (p<0.05), while ABI, TBI, and TP showed inverse correlations (p<0.001). The amputation risk equation based on the WIfI scale was: risk=3.701-0.788ABI-1.260TP. A risk calculator was developed using these predictors to estimate adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: In diabetic foot patients, early identification and management of risk factors are crucial. The findings of this study highlight the importance of ischemia and its association with amputation risk. Incorporating HbA1c, ABI, and TP, the risk calculator enables personalized assessments of amputation risk, thereby assisting healthcare professionals in treatment planning. Further validation and refinement of the risk calculator is required for broader clinical application.

Factors Associated With Key Outcomes in Diabetes Related Foot Disease: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic foot disease is a serious and common complication of diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to assess limb and patient factors associated with key clinical outcomes in diabetic patients with foot ulcers. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study of diabetic patients with foot wounds admitted to a major tertiary teaching hospital in South Australia or seen at associated multidisciplinary foot clinics between February 2017 and December 2018. Patient demographic and clinical data were collected, including limb status severity assessed by the WIfI system and grip strength. Participants were followed up for 12 months. The primary outcomes were major amputation, death, amputation free survival, and completion of healing of the index wound within one year. RESULTS: A total of 153 participants were recruited and outcome data were obtained for 152. Forty-two participants underwent revascularisation during the research period. Eighteen participants (11.8%) suffered major amputation of the index limb and 16 (10.5%) died during follow up. Complete wound healing was achieved in 106 (70%) participants. There was a statistically significant association between WIfI stage and major amputation (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 2.75), mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.60), amputation free survival (odds ratio [OR] 0.32), and wound healing (SHR 0.69). There was also a statistically significant association between time to healing and grip strength (SHR 0.50), and previous amputations (major or minor) (SHR 0.57). CONCLUSION: This prospective study supports the ability of the WIfI classification system to predict one year key clinical outcomes in a diabetic population with foot ulcers. It also demonstrated that grip strength may be a useful predictor of wound healing.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Bone Culture Versus Biopsy in Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of bone culture (microbiology) and biopsy (histology) in patients with acute or chronic diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO). METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved patients for whom providers had a clinical suspicion of DFO. Two bone samples were taken: one for microbiologic testing and another for histologic testing. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and likelihood ratio were calculated for bone culture results in relation to the probability of DFO diagnosis. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were included; 69% had positive bone culture results, and 90.4% had positive histology results (P = .013), and of those 90.4%, 25.5% had acute and 74.5% had chronic DFO. The sensitivity of the microbiologic bone culture result was 0.70, the specificity was 0.40, the positive predictive value was 0.92, and the negative predictive value was 0.13. CONCLUSIONS: Histology provides more accurate diagnosis of DFO than microbiology, especially for patients with chronic DFO. These patients could be underdiagnosed because of false-negative results provided by bone culture. Providers should perform both tests to confirm the presence of DFO.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de pie diabético basado en clasificación Wagner / Surgical treatment of diabetic foot based on Wagner classification

Se realizó un estudio que caracterizó a los pacientes que reciben tratamiento quirúrgico en el Hospital Roosevelt por pie diabético según la Clasificación Wagner. El objetivo era determinar el tratamiento quirúrgico brindado al paciente con pie diabético, basado en la clasificación Wagner, en el Departamento de Cirugía del Hospital Roosevelt durante el período de enero a octubre 2015. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo estudiando a los pacientes con diagnóstico de pie diabético, con una muestra de 81 pacientes. Se encontró que 56% presentaron grado IV, edad de 56-65 años en 38%, de sexo masculino 65%. 134 procedimientos quirúrgicos realizados, más común lavado y desbridamiento en 38%. Principalmente diagnóstico de Diabetes mellitus tipo II, con tiempo diagnóstico mayor a 10 años en 51%. Uso de hipoglucemiantes orales 49%. De los estudiados, 41% no presentaba ninguna comorbilidad. Se concluyó que el tratamiento quirúrgico más frecuente para Pie diabético Wagner II y III fue el lavado y desbridamiento, grado IV amputación de dedos y grado V las amputaciones femorales supracondíleas. Caracterizados como pacientes en rango de edad entre los 56-65 años, de sexo masculino, que padece Diabetes mellitus tipo II, clasificado como pie diabético Wagner IV, ameritando tratamiento quirúrgico como amputación de dedos seguido de amputaciones radicales descritas como amputación supracondílea, con tiempo de diagnóstico mayor a 10 años, con tratamiento de hipoglucemiantes orales, y sin ninguna comorbilidad médica asociada. (AU)

A study was conducted that characterized patients receiving surgical treatment at Roosevelt Hospital for diabetic foot according to the Wagner Classification. The objective was to determine the surgical treatment provided to the patient with diabetic foot, based on the Wagner classification, in the Department of Surgery at Roosevelt Hospital during the period from January to October 2015. A descriptive study was carried out studying patients with a diagnosis of diabetic foot, with a sample of 81 patients. It was found that 56% had grade IV, age 56-65 years in 38%, male 65%. 134 surgical procedures performed, the most common was lavage and debridement in 38%. Mainly diagnosis of type II diabetes mellitus, with a diagnosis time greater than 10 years in 51%. Use of oral hypoglycemic agents 49%. Of those studied, 41% did not present any comorbidity. The conclusion was that the most frequent surgical treatment for Wagner II and III was lavage and debridement, grade IV finger amputation and grade V supracondylar femoral amputations. Characterized as patients in the age range between 56-65 years, male, suffering from type II diabetes mellitus, classified as Wagner IV diabetic foot, meriting surgical treatment such as amputation of fingers followed by radical amputations described as supracondylar amputation, with time of diagnosis greater than 10 years, with treatment of oral ypoglycemic agents, and without any associated medical comorbidity. (AU)

Assessment of diabetic foot ulcers based on pictorial material: an interobserver study.

OBJECTIVE: The frequent change in clinicians, and the emerging use of photographic documentation in wound management, could require a more diverse treatment of patients due to poor interobserver agreement. The aim of this study was to assess the interobserver agreement of a commonly used classification system for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), the Meggitt-Wagner classification, and to compare the agreement on classification with the agreement in treatment recommendations. METHOD: An interobserver study was conducted based on a questionnaire linked to 30 photographs of DFUs. Different groups of observers were tested to investigate whether there was a difference between professions or level of education: experienced orthopaedic wound care doctors (n=7); nurses specialised in wound care (n=8) and untrained nurses assigned to a diabetic wound care training course (n=23). Krippendorff's alpha was used to calculate interobserver agreement, and an agreement of >0.67 was defined as substantial. RESULTS: The Krippendorff's alpha value for interobserver agreement on the Meggitt-Wagner classification was 0.52 for the doctors group, 0.67 for the specialised nurses and 0.61 for the untrained nurses. The corresponding values regarding agreement on recommendation of surgical revision of the wound were 0.35, 0.22 and 0.15, respectively. The choice of dressing type or antibiotic treatment had even lower interobserver agreement. CONCLUSIONS: The interobserver agreement on the Meggitt-Wagner classification was substantial in the specialised nurse group, but the evaluation and treatment of DFUs should not be exclusively based on pictorial materials.

Inter-rater reliability of four validated diabetic foot ulcer classification systems.

BACKGROUND: The need to classify, score and describe diabetic foot ulcerations is needed for accurate clinical documentation. An agreed wound classification can improve communication between health care professionals, and improve ease of discussion regarding potential outcomes. This study aimed to determine the inter-rater reliability between four validated wound classification systems. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD: A prospective non-experimental comparative study was conducted. Forty patients with diabetes presenting with a new or long-standing ulceration were recruited. Each ulcer was graded/scored by three clinicians using four widely used classification systems; namely the University of Texas, SINBAD, Meggitt-Wagner and the PEDIS scoring systems. RESULTS: All classifications had a satisfactory inter-rater agreement when evaluated by three raters of various clinical experience, however, the strength of the agreement varied between classifications. The Meggitt-Wagner system had an almost perfect agreement, the SINBAD and UT systems had a strong inter-rater agreement whilst the PEDIS had a moderate inter-rater agreement. CONCLUSION: Results of study serve as assurance and provides the evidence that these systems may be reliably used by different clinicians, even those with varied experience in wound care.

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

BACKGROUND: Diabetes-Related Foot Ulcers (DRFUs) are a common and devastating consequence of Diabetes Mellitus and are associated with high morbidity, mortality, social and economic costs. Whilst peak plantar pressures during gait are implicated cited as a major contributory factor, DRFU occurrence has also been associated with increased periods of sedentary behaviour. The present study was designed aimed to assess the effects of sitting postures on plantar tissue health. METHODS: After a period of acclimatisation, transcutaneous oxygen tensions (TCPO2) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-1α and IL-1RA) were measured at the dorsal and plantar aspects of the forefoot before, during and after a 20-min period of seated-weight-bearing in participants with diabetes (n = 11) and no diabetes (n = 10). Corresponding interface pressures at the plantar site were also measured. RESULTS: During weight-bearing, participants with diabetes showed increases in tissue ischaemia which were linearly correlated proportional to plantar pressures (Pearson's r = 0.81; p < 0.05). Within the healthy group, no such correlation was evident (p > 0.05). There were also significant increases in post seated weight-bearing values for ratio for IL-1α and IL-1RA, normalised to total protein, post seated weight-bearing in participants with diabetes compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSION: This study shows that prolonged sitting may be detrimental to plantar skin health. It highlights the need to further examine the effects of prolonged sitting in individuals, who may have a reduced tolerance to loading in the plantar skin and soft tissues.

Deep Learning Classification for Diabetic Foot Thermograms.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. It is also associated with a high mortality index. Diabetic foot is one of its main complications, and it comprises the development of plantar ulcers that could result in an amputation. Several works report that thermography is useful to detect changes in the plantar temperature, which could give rise to a higher risk of ulceration. However, the plantar temperature distribution does not follow a particular pattern in diabetic patients, thereby making it difficult to measure the changes. Thus, there is an interest in improving the success of the analysis and classification methods that help to detect abnormal changes in the plantar temperature. All this leads to the use of computer-aided systems, such as those involved in artificial intelligence (AI), which operate with highly complex data structures. This paper compares machine learning-based techniques with Deep Learning (DL) structures. We tested common structures in the mode of transfer learning, including AlexNet and GoogleNet. Moreover, we designed a new DL-structure, which is trained from scratch and is able to reach higher values in terms of accuracy and other quality measures. The main goal of this work is to analyze the use of AI and DL for the classification of diabetic foot thermograms, highlighting their advantages and limitations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first proposal of DL networks applied to the classification of diabetic foot thermograms. The experiments are conducted over thermograms of DM and control groups. After that, a multi-level classification is performed based on a previously reported thermal change index. The high accuracy obtained shows the usefulness of AI and DL as auxiliary tools to aid during the medical diagnosis.

Guidelines on the classification of diabetic foot ulcers (IWGDF 2019).

The International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) has been publishing evidence-based guidelines on the prevention and management of diabetic foot disease since 1999. This publication represents a new guideline addressing the use of classifications of diabetic foot ulcers in routine clinical practice and reviews those which have been published. We only consider systems of classification used for active diabetic foot ulcers and do not include those that might be used to define risk of future ulceration. The guidelines are based on a review of the available literature and on expert opinion leading to the identification of eight key factors judged to contribute most to clinical outcomes. Classifications are graded on the number of key factors included as well as on internal and external validation and the use for which a classification is intended. Key factors judged to contribute to the scoring of classifications are of three types: patient related (end-stage renal failure), limb-related (peripheral artery disease and loss of protective sensation), and ulcer-related (area, depth, site, single, or multiple and infection). Particular systems considered for each of the following five clinical situations: (a) communication among health professionals, (b) predicting the outcome of an individual ulcer, (c) as an aid to clinical decision-making for an individual case, (d) assessment of a wound, with/without infection, and peripheral artery disease (assessment of perfusion and potential benefit from revascularisation), and (d) audit of outcome in local, regional, or national populations. We recommend: (a) for communication among health professionals the use of the SINBAD system (that includes Site, Ischaemia, Neuropathy, Bacterial Infection and Depth); (b) no existing classification for predicting outcome of an individual ulcer; (c) the Infectious Diseases Society of America/IWGDF (IDSA/IWGDF) classification for assessment of infection; (d) the WIfI (Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection) system for the assessment of perfusion and the likely benefit of revascularisation; and (e) the SINBAD classification for the audit of outcome of populations.

Diabetic foot ulcer classifications: A critical review.

Classification and scoring systems can help both clinical management and audit outcomes of routine care. The aim of this study was to assess published systems of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) to determine which should be recommended for a given clinical purpose. Published classifications had to have been validated in populations of > 75% people with diabetes and a foot ulcer. Each study was assessed for internal and external validity and reliability. Eight key factors associated with failure to heal were identified from large clinical series and each classification was scored on the number of these key factors included. Classifications were then arranged according to their proposed purpose into one or more of four groups: (a) aid communication between health professionals, (b) predict clinical outcome of individual ulcers, (c) aid clinical management decision making for an individual case, and (d) audit to compare outcome in different populations. Thirty-seven classification systems were identified of which 18 were excluded for not being validated in a population of >75% DFUs. The included 19 classifications had different purposes and were derived from different populations. Only six were developed in multicentre studies, just 13 were externally validated, and very few had evaluated reliability.Classifications varied in the number (4 - 30), and definition of individual items and the diagnostic tools required. Clinical outcomes were not standardized but included ulcer-free survival, ulcer healing, hospitalization, limb amputation, mortality, and cost. Despite the limitations, there was sufficient evidence to make recommendations on the use of particular classifications for the indications listed above.

Outcome predictors for wound healing in patients with a diabetic foot ulcer.

The aim of this study was to identify diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients at risk for the development of a hard-to-heal wound. This is a post-hoc analysis of a prospective cohort study including a total of 208 patients with a DFU. The primary endpoints were time to healing and the development of a hard-to-heal-wound. Univariable and multivariable logistic and Cox regression analysis were used to study the associations of patient characteristics with the primary endpoints. The number of previous DFUs [odds ratio (OR): 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-1.99, P = .04], University of Texas (UT) classification grade 2 (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.27-6.72, P = .01), UT classification grade 3 (OR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.17-6.71, P = .02), and a diagnosis of foot stand deformation (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.77-3.08, P = .05) were significantly associated with the development of a hard-to-heal wound. Only UT classification grade 3 (HR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.41-0.90, P = .01) was associated with time to healing. The number of previous DFUs, UT classification grade, and a diagnosis of foot deformation are significantly associated with development of a hard-to-heal wound in patients with a DFU. The only predictor significantly associated with time to healing was UT classification grade 3. These patient characteristics can be used to identify patients at risk for the development of hard-to-heal wounds, who might need an early intervention to prevent wound problems.

Principles of STAGE Management for Diabetic Foot Ulcers Based on the Wagner and Texas Classification Systems.

The current Wagner and Texas classifications of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are used worldwide to assess the extent of foot lesions, but wound treatment principles based on both the classification systems are lacking. We have summarized the STAGE principles of wound treatment for clinical practice based on the Wagner and Texas classification systems. The STAGE principles refer to the principles of surgical intervention during wound treatment of DFUs and emphasize that "based on anatomical layers, the management focuses on blood supply and includes layer-by-layer incision to the infected area, maintenance of effective wound drainage, and step-by-step treatment of the wound." During treatment, microcirculation improvement and microvascular angiogenesis (A) are essential for granulation tissue formation in the bone (skeleton, S) and tendons (T) and healing of the wound with reepithelialization (E). We defined the above mentioned steps as the STAGE principles, namely, layer-by-layer incision and step-by-step management (Phase A is essential for the treatments in Phases S-T and G-E). Ulcers or gangrene formed during Phases S-T or T should be treated according to the STAGE or TAGE principles, respectively. Similar treatment principles are applied in the other phases. However, treatments at each phase are not isolated and can be performed simultaneously. The STAGE principle can be combined with the tissue, infection, moisture, and wound edge (TIME) and TIME-H chronic wound treatment principles to eliminate the shortcomings of a single principle in wound management.

Degree of risk for foot ulcer due to diabetes: nursing assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To classify the level of risk for foot ulcers in people with diabetes mellitus and identify their main predictive risk factors. METHOD: Exploratory, descriptive study, in which patients were assessed in a municipal ambulatory of São Paulo through nursing consultation, following the guidelines of the International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. Data were descriptively analyzed. RESULTS: The analyzed population was composed of 50 longevous and retired people, with household income of up to two minimum wages, with dermato-neurofunctional risk factors and unfavorable clinical indicators, and 66% had Risk 1; 16% Risk 2; 6% Risk 3 and 12% Risk 4. Of this analyzed total, 96% never had their feet examined with the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. CONCLUSION: The data found indicate the importance of careful feet examination in people with diabetes by the nursing staff to identify future risks of ulcers and, thus, prevent them.

Ulcer-risk classification and plantar pressure distribution in patients with diabetic polyneuropathy: exploring the factors that can lead to foot ulceration.

Plantar pressure is critical in the onset of neuropathic foot ulcers. However, risk classifications do not consider it as a stratification parameter. Whether plantar pressure distribution affects ulcer-risk was investigated. Patients from a research study (n. 134) and from a clinical environment (n. 83) were classified into ulcer-risk groups according to the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot guidelines. Pressure distribution was acquired during gait (Pedar-X System), and assessed for hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot and toes (1way- and 2way-ANOVAs, p < 0.05). Pressure distribution changed with polyneuropathy even in the low-risk groups: median p = 0.048 (0.001-0.223). Risk classification correlated poorly with pressure distribution: median p = 0.686 (0.374-0.828). BMI, age and walking speed influenced most parameters and rendered the studies almost impossible to compare (2-way ANOVA factor A > 0.05). Pressure-time integral, the only comparable parameter between the two studies, may increase the predictive capacity of ulcer-risk stratification models.

Úlceras del pie diabético: importancia del manejo multidisciplinario y salvataje microquirúrgico de la extremidad / Diabetic foot ulcers: importance of a multidisciplinary approach and microsurgical limb rescue

Las úlceras del pie diabético son el principal factor de riesgo para las amputaciones no traumáticas en personas con diabetes. El éxito de la intervención requiere un completo entendimiento de la patogénesis y una implementación oportuna y estandarizada de un tratamiento efectivo. Es necesario un enfoque multidisciplinario para inicialmente controlar y tratar múltiples factores causantes de la ulceración severa del pie diabético. El desbridamiento, control de la infección y revascularización son pasos clave para la estabilización de la herida y su preparación para una reconstrucción exitosa. La microcirugía y supermicrocirugía permite proporcionar un tejido bien vascularizado para controlar la infección, un contorno adecuado para el calzado, durabilidad y anclaje sólido para resistir las fuerzas de cizallamiento durante la marcha. De esta manera, se puede lograr el salvataje de la extremidad, mejorando la calidad de vida y aumentando la sobrevida.

Diabetic foot ulcers are the main risk factor for non-traumatic amputations in people with diabetes. A succesful intervention requires a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis and a timely and standardized implementation of an effective treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to initially control and treat multiple factors that cause severe diabetic foot ulceration. Debridement, infection control, and revascularization are key steps in wound stabilization and preparation for successful reconstruction. Microsurgery and supermicrosurgery provide a well-vascularized tissue to control infection, an adequate shoe contour, durability and solid anchorage to resist shearing forces during gait. In this way, the salvage of the limb can be achieved, improving the quality of life and increasing the survival rate.

Degree of risk for foot ulcer due to diabetes: nursing assessment / Grado de riesgo para las úlceras en los pies por diabetes: evaluación de enfermería / Grau de risco para úlceras nos pés por diabetes: avaliação de enfermagem

ABSTRACT Objective: To classify the level of risk for foot ulcers in people with diabetes mellitus and identify their main predictive risk factors. Method: Exploratory, descriptive study, in which patients were assessed in a municipal ambulatory of São Paulo through nursing consultation, following the guidelines of the International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. Data were descriptively analyzed. Results: The analyzed population was composed of 50 longevous and retired people, with household income of up to two minimum wages, with dermato-neurofunctional risk factors and unfavorable clinical indicators, and 66% had Risk 1; 16% Risk 2; 6% Risk 3 and 12% Risk 4. Of this analyzed total, 96% never had their feet examined with the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament. Conclusion: The data found indicate the importance of careful feet examination in people with diabetes by the nursing staff to identify future risks of ulcers and, thus, prevent them.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Clasificar el grado de riesgo para las ulceraciones en los pies de las personas con diabetes mellitus e identificar sus principales factores de riesgo predictivos. Método: Estudio exploratorio, descriptivo, en el cual los pacientes fueron evaluados en un ambulatorio municipal de São Paulo por medio de la consulta de enfermería, según las directrices del International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. Los datos fueron analizados descriptivamente. Resultados: La población analizada fue de 50 personas, longevos jóvenes, jubilados, con ingresos familiares de hasta dos salarios mínimos, con factores de riesgo dermato-neurofuncionales e indicadores clínicos desfavorables, siendo que el 66% presentó riesgo 1; el 16% de riesgo 2; el 6% riesgo 3; y el 12% de riesgo 4. De ese total analizado, el 96% nunca tuvo los pies examinados con el monofilamento de Semmes-Weinstein. Conclusión: Los datos encontrados apuntan la importancia de la evaluación cuidadosa de los pies de las personas con diabetes por la enfermería para identificar los riesgos futuros de ulceraciones y, de esta forma, prevenirlos.

RESUMO Objetivo: Classificar o grau de risco para ulcerações nos pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus e identificar seus principais fatores de risco preditivos. Método: Estudo exploratório, descritivo, onde os pacientes foram avaliados em um ambulatório municipal de São Paulo por meio da consulta de enfermagem, segundo diretrizes do International Consensus on the Diabetic Foot. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente. Resultados: a população analisada foi de 50 pessoas, longevos jovens, aposentados, renda familiar de até dois salários mínimos, com fatores de risco dermato-neuro-funcionais e indicadores clínicos desfavoráveis, sendo que 66% apresentaram risco 1; 16% risco 2; 6% risco 3 e 12% risco 4. Dentre estes, 96% nunca tiveram seus pés examinados com o monofilamento de Semmes Weinstein. Conclusão: Os dados encontrados apontam a importância da avaliação criteriosa dos pés das pessoas com diabetes pela enfermagem para identificar os riscos futuros de ulcerações, e desta forma trabalhar a prevenção dos mesmos.

Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Diabetic Foot Ulcers Based on Wagner Classification.

Diabetic foot ulcer is a common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus. In addition to conventional primary therapy, there are adjuvant therapy methods such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the healing of diabetic foot ulcer wounds. The present study aimed to determine the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in diabetic foot ulcers based on Wagner classification. It was performed retrospectively from prospectively collected data. One hundred thirty patients with diabetic foot ulcers were assessed in 2 groups: 1 group received hyperbaric oxygen therapy; the other group did not. Patients were examined according to age, sex, ulcer grade based on Wagner classification; ulcer healing status; whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy was received; duration of diabetes in years; HbA1C, sedimentation, C-reactive protein levels; and presence of accompanying diseases, including peripheral arterial disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy. The mean follow-up period was 19.5 ±â€¯4.45 months (range 12 to 28 months). Seventy-one (54.6%) patients received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, and 59 (45.4%) patients did not. All patients in Wagner grade 2 healed in both groups. In the group that received hyperbaric oxygen therapy for grade 3 and 4 patients, 35 (87.5%) and 11 (84.6%) healed, respectively. In total, 60 (84.5%) patients in the group that received hyperbaric oxygen therapy healed. The subgroup comparison conducted according to Wagner classification revealed no differences between the 2 groups of grades 2 and 5 patients. It also revealed that treatment had higher levels of efficacy in the healing of ulcers in grade 3 and 4 patients.

Updates on Diabetic Foot and Charcot Osteopathic Arthropathy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Diabetes mellitus affects approximately 30.8 million people currently living in the USA. Chronic diabetes complications, including diabetic foot complications, remain prevalent and challenging to treat. We review clinical diagnosis and challenges providers may encounter when managing diabetic foot ulcers and Charcot neuroarthropathy. RECENT FINDINGS: Mechanisms controlling these diseases are being elucidated and not fully understood. Offloading is paramount to heal and manage diabetic foot ulcers and Charcot neuroarthropathy. Diabetic foot ulcers recur and the importance of routine surveillance and multidisciplinary approach is essential. Several predictors of failure in Charcot foot include a related diabetic foot ulcer, midfoot or rearfoot location of the Charcot event, and progressive bony changes on interval radiographs. Patients with diabetic foot ulcer and/or Charcot neuroarthropathy are in need of consistent and regular special multidisciplinary care. If not diagnosed early and managed effectively, morbidity and mortality significantly increase.

The Predictive Factors Associated With Comorbidities for Treatment Response in Outpatients With King Classification III Diabetes Foot Ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate the preexisting predictive factors associated with comorbidities for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in King classification III at an outpatient clinic. METHOD: This prospective study included 100 patients with DFU in King classification III treated at outpatient clinics in Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital from January 2011 to December 2011. The least follow-up time was 1 year. Medical documentations were in respect of patient's baseline characteristics, associated history, presence of comorbidities, follow-up time, and condition of wounds. Patients were divided into success group (healed or healing with wound reduction), stagnate group, and failure group (amputation or infection, need in-hospital medical service) in accordance with the treatment response of wounds. χ Test, Fisher exact test, and 1-way analysis of variance were used for variables in 3-group comparison, whereas Student t test was applied in 2-group comparison. The predictive factors with P value less than 0.1 were further investigated using the model of univariate logistic regression. RESULTS: With 3-group stratification according to treatment response-failure (n = 8), stagnate (n = 22), and success (n = 70)-the occurrence rate of retinopathy was higher in the treatment stagnate group (42.1%) than in the treatment failure (14.3%) and success groups (12.5%; P = 0.019); the rate of previous percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) history was higher in the treatment failure group (25%) than in the treatment stagnate (4.8%) and success groups (1.5%; P = 0.020). With 2-group stratification-failure (n = 8) versus nonfailure (n = 92), and success (n = 70) versus nonsuccess (n = 30)-PTA history was strongly associated with treatment failure (odds ratio [OR], 14.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-120.32; P = 0.014), whereas retinopathy (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07-0.65; P = 0.006) was the major negative predictor for treatment success. Previous debridement met borderline significance to predict treatment nonsuccess (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01-1.01; P = 0.051). Sex, age, associated history, dyslipidemia, hypertension, coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular accident, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease and wound condition had no statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Previous PTA and retinopathy, which indicated preexisting severe vasculopathy, are univariate predictive factors for treatment failure and nonsuccess, respectively, in patients with King classification III DFU. With the subdivision of King classification III DFU, medical history taking and fundus examination are acceptable methods for risk screening at an outpatient clinic.