Microbiological evaluation of resection margins of the infected diabetic foot ulcer.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of surgical debridement on the microbiology of resection margins of an infected diabetic foot ulcer and to compare the use of marginal sampling as a guide for antimicrobial therapy. METHODS: Forty consecutive participants were studied. Tissue samples from infected diabetic foot ulcers were obtained at first contact by podiatrists. After surgical debridement to macroscopically healthy tissue, multiple samples were obtained from the margins of the residuum and also from excised non-viable tissue. Debridement was done by a single surgeon. Bacterial species were classified according to pathogenic potential a priori into Red Group-Definite pathogen causing infection, Yellow Group-Likely to be causing infection if present in more than one specimen and Green Group -Commensals, not causing infection. RESULTS: There was a relative reduction of 49% (p = 0.002) in bacteria in the most pathogenic (red) group, and 59% (p = 0.002) in the yellow group in podiatry samples compared with resection specimen. Positive cultures from margins of the residuum were observed in 75% of cases. There was a relative reduction of 67% (p = 0.0001) in bacteria in the red and 48% (p = 0.06) in the yellow group in marginal samples from the residuum compared with podiatry samples. CONCLUSIONS: After surgical debridement to healthy tissue, positive cultures from marginal tissue samples provided vital information on the presence of pathogenic bacteria. This allowed antibiotics to be individualised post-surgical debridement.

Prediction of stump healing in lower limb amputation: a narrative review.

Both types of diabetes, as well as different forms of acquired diabetes, are associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) is the condition most commonly related to somatic peripheral neuropathy, often leading to gangrene and limb amputation. Independent from large-vessel disease, sensory loss may result in DFU development and even amputation. The crucial part of any lower limb amputation is the stump healing process, which represents the central goal of postoperative management. Despite the importance attributed to this process, a standard set of guidelines regarding efficient healing methods is yet to be formulated. Health professionals are faced with the challenge of assessing the different risk factors and deciding which has a greater influence on the stump healing rate. There is currently an insufficient number of studies regarding factors effecting lower limb amputation. The main purpose of this review is to discuss the markers that can be helpful in the prediction of stump healing in patients who have undergone lower limb amputation.

Predictive parameters of arteriovenous fistula maturation in patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND: The objevctive of the present study was to explore the potential influence of blood markers and patient factors such as risk factors, kidney function profile, coagulation profile, lipid profile, body mass index, blood pressure, and vein diameter on the maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with end-stage renal disease. METHODS: Retrospective data from 300 patients who had undergone AVF creation at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were examined. A predictive logistic regression model was developed using a backward stepwise procedure. Model performance, discrimination, and calibration were assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. The final model was externally validated by 100 prospective patients who received a new fistula at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh. RESULTS: A total of 400 (300 retrospective and 100 prospective) patients were recruited for this study, with a mean age of 60.14 ± 15.9 years (development set) and 58 ± 15 years (validation set), respectively (P = 0.208). Study results showed that males were twice as likely to undergo fistula maturation as females, while patients with no evidence of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) were three times more likely to mature their fistula and a preoperative vein diameter > 2.5 mm resulted in a fivefold increase in fistula maturation as compared with a vein size of less than 2.5 mm. The model for fistula maturation had fair discrimination, as indicated by the area under the ROC curve (0.68), but good calibration as indicated by the Hosmer-Lemeshow test (P = 0.79). The area under the receiver operating curve for the validation model in the validation set was 0.59. Similarly, in the validation set, the Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic indicated an agreement between the observed and predicted probabilities of maturation (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Gender, PVD, and vein size are independent predictors of AVF maturation. The clinical utility of these risk categories in the maturation of AVF requires further evaluation in longer follow-up.

Maturation of arteriovenous fistula: Analysis of key factors.

The growing proportion of individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease has considerable repercussions for both kidney specialists and primary care. Progressive and permanent renal failure is most frequently treated with hemodialysis. The efficiency of hemodialysis treatment relies on the functional status of vascular access. Determining the type of vascular access has prime significance for maximizing successful maturation of a fistula and avoiding surgical revision. Despite the frequency of arteriovenous fistula procedures, there are no consistent criteria applied before creation of arteriovenous fistulae. Increased prevalence and use of arteriovenous fistulae would result if there were reliable criteria to assess which arteriovenous fistulae are more likely to reach maturity without additional procedures. Published studies assessing the predictive markers of fistula maturation vary to a great extent with regard to definitions, design, study size, patient sample, and clinical factors. As a result, surgeons and specialists must decide which possible risk factors are most likely to occur, as well as which parameters to employ when evaluating the success rate of fistula development in patients awaiting the creation of permanent access. The purpose of this literature review is to discuss the role of patient factors and blood markers in the development of arteriovenous fistulae.

The psychosocial impact of diabetes in adolescents: a review.

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus is known to have a major psychological impact on adolescents. Different types of therapies have been developed to support the patient as well as their families to deal with this impact. These include Behavioral Family Systems Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. However, studies conducted recently, though few in numbers have shown a direct relationship between general psychological functioning and metabolic control. Self-management of diabetes and its complication therefore, is an integral part of these program. This review looks into the various studies carried out that decide the best approach towards addressing the psychological aspect of type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.