Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Clinical Differences in Patients with Severe Osteoporosis and Fragility Fractures.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and osteoporosis are two of the most widespread metabolic diseases in the world. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of DM among patients affected by osteoporosis and fragility fractures, and to search for differences in clinical characteristics. Methods: This is a single-center retrospective, case-controlled study. A total of 589 patients attending CTO Bone Unit between 2 January 2010 and 31 May 2023, due to osteoporosis and fragility fractures, were divided into two groups, according to the diagnosis of DM. The clinical and bone characteristics of patients were compared. Results: Prevalence of DM was 12.7%. Compared to patients without DM, the median age at the time of first fracture was similar: 72 years ± 13.5 interquartile range (IQR) vs. 71 years ± 12 IQR; prevalence of combination of vertebral and hip fractures was higher (p = 0.008), as well as prevalence of males (p = 0.016). Bone mineral density (BMD) at all sites was higher in DM group; trabecular bone score (TBS), instead, was significantly lower (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients with fragility fractures and DM more frequently show combination of major fractures with higher BMD levels. In these patients, TBS could be a better indicator of bone health than BMD and, therefore, might be used as a diagnostic tool in clinical practice.

The Appropriateness of Footwear in Diabetic Patients Observed during a Podiatric Examination: A Prospective Observational Study.

Background: Adequate compliance with wearing therapeutic footwear (TF) to prevent diabetic foot ulcers is known to be low. The primary aim of this study was to identify population awareness about the ulceration and/or recurrence risk according to footwear choice. The secondary aim was to evaluate the compliance level in footwear choice based on a patient's own risk. Methods: Forty podiatrists participated from 1 September 2017 to 31 August 2018, providing six-section forms which included personal data, risk classification, footwear characteristics and a knowledge questionnaire. Results: This study included 1507 patients. Those with active ulcers were excluded. A total of 43% of patients belonged to risk class 0, 19% to risk class 1, 19% to risk class 2 and 19% to risk class 3. A total of 58% had foot deformities. Conclusions: Nearly half of patients with a high risk of ulceration had knowledge of their own risk but the majority of them did not follow the recommendations. Only a small percentage (36%) of risk class 3 patients wore footwear suitable for their risk class. There was poor consideration of footwear choice among patients. We highlight critical issues in patient education and compliance with wearing footwear appropriate to their risk class.

Early Treatment of Acute Stage 0/1 Diabetic Charcot Foot Can Avoid Major Amputations at One Year.

Background: If unrecognized, Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy (CNO) can be a devastating complication of diabetes. Methods: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes in a cohort of diabetic patients diagnosed with active CNO managed in a tertiary level diabetic foot clinic (DFC). We included consecutive patients with active CNO, stage 0-1, according to the Eichenholtz-Shibata classification, who were referred from 1 January 2019 to 27 September 2022. Diagnosis of CNO was based on clinical signs and imaging (X-rays and magnetic resonance). All patients were completely offloaded by a total-contact cast (TCC) or removable knee-high device. Each patient was closely monitored monthly until CNO remission or another outcome. At 12 months of follow-up, the following outcomes were analyzed: remission, time to remission, major amputations (any above the ankle), and surgical indication. Results: Forty-three patients were included. The mean age was 57.6 ± 10.8 years; 65% were males and 88.4% had type 2 diabetes, with a mean duration of 20.6 ± 9.9 years. At baseline, 32.6% was affected by peripheral artery disease. Complete remission was recorded in 40/43 patients (93%), with a mean time to remission of 5.6 ± 1.5 months; major amputation and surgical indication occurred, respectively in 1/43 patients (2.3%) and 3/43 patients (7%). Conclusions: Early treatment of active Stage 0/1 CNO leads to high rates of remission and limb salvage.

Effect of a multidisciplinary team approach in patients with diabetic foot ulcers on major adverse limb events (MALEs): systematic review and meta-analysis for the development of the Italian guidelines for the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome.

The treatment of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) is extremely complex, requiring a comprehensive approach that involves a variety of different healthcare professionals. Several studies have shown that a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach is useful to achieve good clinical outcomes, reducing major and minor amputation and increasing the chance of healing. Despite this, the multidisciplinary approach is not always a recognized treatment strategy. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effects of an MDT approach on major adverse limb events, healing, time-to-heal, all-cause mortality, and other clinical outcomes in patients with active DFUs. The present meta-analysis was performed for the purpose of developing Italian guidelines for the treatment of diabetic foot with the support of the Italian Society of Diabetology (Società Italiana di Diabetologia, SID) and the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (Associazione Medici Diabetologi, AMD). The study was performed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. All randomized clinical trials and observational studies, with a duration of at least 26 weeks, which compared the MDT approach with any other organizational strategy in the management of patients with DFUs were considered. Animal studies were excluded. A search of Medline and Embase databases was performed up until the May 1st, 2023. Patients managed by an MDT were reported to have better outcomes in terms of healing, minor and major amputation, and survival in comparison with those managed using other approaches. No data were found on quality of life, returning-to-walking, and emergency admission. Authors concluded that the MDT may be effective in improving outcomes in patients with DFUs.

Offloading systems for the treatment of neuropathic foot ulcers in patients with diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for the development of the Italian guidelines for the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of commonly used offloading devices for the treatment of neuropathic foot ulcers in patients with diabetes mellitus. This meta-analysis (MA) has been performed for giving an answer to clinical questions on this topic of the Italian guideline on diabetic foot syndrome. METHODS: The present MA includes randomized controlled studies (duration > 12 weeks) comparing, in patients with diabetes mellitus and non-infected neuropathic foot ulcer: any offloading device vs either no offloading device or conventional footwear; removable versus non-removable offloading devices; surgical procedure vs other offloading approaches. The primary endpoint was ulcer healing. RESULTS: A total of 184 studies were identified, and 18 were considered eligible for the analysis. We found that: any plantar off-loading, when compared to the absence of plantar offloading device, is associated with a higher ulcer healing (MH-OR: 3.13 [1.08, 9.11], p = 0.04, I2 = 0%); total contact cast or nonremovable knee-high walker, compared to other offloading devices, had a higher ulcer healing rate (MH-OR: 2.64 [1.43, 4.89], p = 0.002, I2 = 51%); surgical offloading for active ulcers in combination with post-surgery offloading achieves higher ulcer healing rate when compared to offloading devices alone (MH-OR: 6.77 [1.64, 27.93], p = 0.008, I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Any plantar offloading, compared to the absence of plantar offloading device, is associated with a higher ulcer healing rate. Total contact cast or nonremovable knee-high walker, compared to other offloading devices, is preferable. Surgical offloading for active ulcers, in combination with post-surgery offloading devices, achieves a higher ulcer healing rate when compared to other offloading devices alone. Further studies with a larger cohort of patients with diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers and extended follow-up periods are necessary.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma: ≤ 10 mm does not always mean pN0. A multicentric real-world study.

The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increasing and PTC ≤ 10 mm (PTMC) accounts for most new diagnoses. PTMCs are not always low risk, as detection of lymph nodes metastasis (LNM) may occur. The purpose of the study was to analyze the clinical pattern, frequency, and independent risk factors of patients with PTMC and LNM. From January 2022 to June 2023, PTCs managed at CTO Hospital, Rome; Policlinico Vanvitelli, Naples; and Garibaldi Nesima Hospital, Catania were included. PTC management followed the same diagnostic-therapeutic procedures according to the ATA guidelines. Variables such as age, sex, maximum diameter, histologic evidence of LNM (HELNM +), Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), multifocality, capsule invasion, and histological subtype were considered. PTCs were divided according to HELNM and size. Two hundred ninety-eight PTCs were included. PTMCs were 136 (45.6%) and LNM occurred in 27.2% of them. In the HELNM + group, analysis of PTMC vs 'MacroPTC' (PTC > 10 mm) did not show any statistical difference. Multivariate regression revealed that young age (OR 0.93; CI 95% 0.90-0.96; p < 0.01) and male sex (male OR 3.44; CI 95% 1.16-10.20; p = 0.03) were the only independent risk factors for HELNM + in PTMC. The risk of LNM in PTMC is not negligible; therefore, a careful evaluation by an expert thyroidologist is mandatory for patients with small thyroid nodule, especially in younger and male patients before excluding surgery. In the future, new tools are needed to detect early PTMC with LNM before surgery.

From a Spark to a Flame: The Evolution of Diabetic Foot Disease in the Last Two Decades.

Despite many improvements have been achieved, diabetic foot disease (DFD) remains a clinical, social, and economic burden. In the last years, DFD showed an evolution of its characteristics with an increase of the ischaemic/neuro-ischaemic foot in comparison to the pure neuropathic foot. Simultaneously, there was and increased incidence of concomitant cardiovascular co-morbidities, which influences the higher fragility of patients with DFS. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in subjects with diabetic foot seems to show a more aggressive pattern, being more distal and difficult to treat. Untreatable PAD remains the unmet need for clinicians and the main risk factor of major amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Authors aimed to describe the evolution of diabetic foot patients in the last two decades, describing also the current and future treatment which may improve outcomes in the next generations.

Diagnostic imaging of the diabetic foot: an EANM evidence-based guidance.

PURPOSE: Consensus on the choice of the most accurate imaging strategy in diabetic foot infective and non-infective complications is still lacking. This document provides evidence-based recommendations, aiming at defining which imaging modality should be preferred in different clinical settings. METHODS: This working group includes 8 nuclear medicine physicians appointed by the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM), 3 radiologists and 3 clinicians (one diabetologist, one podiatrist and one infectious diseases specialist) selected for their expertise in diabetic foot. The latter members formulated some clinical questions that are not completely covered by current guidelines. These questions were converted into statements and addressed through a systematic analysis of available literature by using the PICO (Population/Problem-Intervention/Indicator-Comparator-Outcome) strategy. Each consensus statement was scored for level of evidence and for recommendation grade, according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) criteria. RESULTS: Nine clinical questions were formulated by clinicians and used to provide 7 evidence-based recommendations: (1) A patient with a positive probe-to-bone test, positive plain X-rays and elevated ESR should be treated for presumptive osteomyelitis (OM). (2) Advanced imaging with MRI and WBC scintigraphy, or [18F]FDG PET/CT, should be considered when it is needed to better evaluate the location, extent or severity of the infection, in order to plan more tailored treatment. (3) In a patient with suspected OM, positive PTB test but negative plain X-rays, advanced imaging with MRI or WBC scintigraphy + SPECT/CT, or with [18F]FDG PET/CT, is needed to accurately assess the extent of the infection. (4) There are no evidence-based data to definitively prefer one imaging modality over the others for detecting OM or STI in fore- mid- and hind-foot. MRI is generally the first advanced imaging modality to be performed. In case of equivocal results, radiolabelled WBC imaging or [18F]FDG PET/CT should be used to detect OM or STI. (5) MRI is the method of choice for diagnosing or excluding Charcot neuro-osteoarthropathy; [18F]FDG PET/CT can be used as an alternative. (6) If assessing whether a patient with a Charcot foot has a superimposed infection, however, WBC scintigraphy may be more accurate than [18F]FDG PET/CT in differentiating OM from Charcot arthropathy. (7) Whenever possible, microbiological or histological assessment should be performed to confirm the diagnosis. (8) Consider appealing to an additional imaging modality in a patient with persisting clinical suspicion of infection, but negative imaging. CONCLUSION: These practical recommendations highlight, and should assist clinicians in understanding, the role of imaging in the diagnostic workup of diabetic foot complications.

Bypass surgery versus endovascular revascularization for occlusive infrainguinal peripheral artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for the development of the Italian Guidelines for the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome.

To report a review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing bypass surgery (BS) and endovascular treatment (ET) in infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease (PAD) for several endpoints, such as major and minor amputation, major adverse limb events (MALEs), ulcer healing, time to healing, and all-cause mortality to support the development of the Italian Guidelines for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Syndrome (DFS). A MEDLINE and EMBASE search was performed to identify RCTs, published since 1991 up to June 21, 2023, enrolling patients with lower limb ischemia due to atherosclerotic disease (Rutherford I-VI). Any surgical BS or ET was allowed, irrespective of the approach, route, or graft employed, from iliac to below-the-knee district. Primary endpoint was major amputation rate. Secondary endpoints were amputation-free survival major adverse limb events (MALEs), minor amputation rate, all-cause mortality, ulcer healing rate, time to healing, pain, transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) or ankle-brachial index (ABI), quality of life, need for a new procedure, periprocedural serious adverse events (SAE; within 30 days from the procedure), hospital lenght of stay, and operative time. Twelve RCTs were included, one enrolled two separate cohorts of patients, and therefore, the studies included in the analyses were 13. Participants treated with ET had a similar rate of major amputations to participants treated with BS (MH-OR 0.85 [0.60, 1.20], p = 0.36); only one trial reported separately data on patients with diabetes (N = 1), showing no significant difference between ET and BS (MH-OR: 0.67 [0.09, 5.13], p = 0.70). For minor amputation, no between-group significant differences were reported: MH-OR for ET vs BS: 0.83 [0.21, 3.30], p = 0.80). No significant difference in amputation-free survival between the two treatment modalities was identified (MH-OR 0.94 [0.59, 1.49], p = 0.80); only one study reported subgroup analyses on diabetes, with a non-statistical trend toward reduction in favor of ET (MH-OR 0.62 [0.37, 1.04], p = 0.07). No significant difference between treatments was found for all-cause mortality (MH-OR for ET vs BS: 0.98 [0.80, 1.21], p = 0.88). A significantly higher rate of MALE was reported in participants treated with ET (MH-OR: 1.44 [1.05, 1.98], p = 0.03); in diabetes subgroup analysis showed no differences between-group for this outcome (MH-OR: 1.34 [0.76, 2.37], p = 0.30). Operative duration and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter for ET (WMD: - 101.53 [- 127.71, - 75.35] min, p < 0.001, and, - 4.15 [- 5.73, - 2.57] days, p < 0.001 =, respectively). ET was associated with a significantly lower risk of any SAE within 30 days in comparison with BS (MH-OR: 0.60 [0.42, 0.86], p = 0.006). ET was associated with a significantly higher risk of reintervention (MH-OR: 1.57 [1.10, 2.24], p = 0.01). No significant between-group differences were reported for ulcer healing (MH-OR: 1.19 [0.53, 2.69], p = 0.67), although time to healing was shorter (- 1.00 [0.18, 1.82] months, p = 0.02) with BS. No differences were found in terms of quality of life and pain. ABI at the end of the study was reported by 7 studies showing a significant superiority of BS in comparison with ET (WMD: 0.09[0.02; 0.15] points, p = 0.01). The results of this meta-analysis showed no clear superiority of either ET or BS for the treatment of infrainguinal PAD also in diabetic patients. Further high-quality studies are needed, focusing on clinical outcomes, including pre-planned subgroup analyses on specific categories of patients, such as those with diabetes and detailing multidisciplinary team approach and structured follow-up.

Hospital Readmission in Patients With Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Prevalence, Causes, and Outcomes.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the rate of readmission in patients affected by diabetes and foot ulcers (DFUs), and causes and outcomes of patients requiring a new hospitalization. The current study is a retrospective observational study including patients who have required hospitalization since January 2019 to September 2022 due to a DFU. Once patients were discharged, they were regularly followed as outpatients. Within 6 months of follow-up, the rate of hospital readmission for a diabetic foot problem was recorded. According to the readmission or not, patients were divided into 2 groups, readmitted and not readmitted patients, respectively. Hence, all patients were followed for 6 months more and outcomes of the 2 groups were analyzed and compared. Overall, 310 patients were included. The mean age was 68 ± 12 years, the majority of patients reported type 2 diabetes (>90%), and the mean diabetes duration was approximately 20 years. Sixty-eight (21.9%) patients were readmitted. The main reason for hospital readmission was the presence of critical limb ischemia (CLI) in the contralateral limb (6.1%), the recurrence of CLI in the previous treated limb (4.5%), and the onset of new infected DFU in the contralateral foot (4.5%). Readmitted patients reported lower rate of healing (51.5% vs 89.2%, P < .0001) and higher rate of major amputation (10.3% vs 4.5%, P = .2) in comparison to not readmitted patients. Critical limb ischemia resulted in the only independent predictor of hospital readmission. Hospital readmission is a frequent issue among patients with DFUs, and readmitted patients showed a lower chance of wound healing. Critical limb ischemia resulted in the main cause of new hospitalization.

Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells: A New Frontier in the Management of Patients with Diabetes and No-Option Critical Limb Ischaemia.

The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PB-MNC) therapy as adjuvant treatment for patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and no-option critical limb ischaemia (NO-CLI). The study is a prospective, noncontrolled, observational study including patients with neuro-ischaemic DFUs and NO-CLI who had unsuccessful revascularization below the ankle (BTA) and persistence of foot ischaemia defined by TcPO2 values less than 30 mmHg. All patients received three cycles of PB-MNC therapy administered through a "below-the-ankle approach" in the affected foot along the wound-related artery according to the angiosome theory. The primary outcome measures were healing, major amputation, and survival after 1 year of follow-up. The secondary outcome measures were the evaluation of tissue perfusion by TcPO2 and foot pain defined by the numerical rating scale (NRS). Fifty-five patients were included. They were aged >70 years old and the majority were male and affected by type 2 diabetes with a long diabetes duration (>20 years); the majority of DFUs were infected and nearly 90% were assessed as gangrene. Overall, 69.1% of patients healed and survived, 3.6% healed and deceased, 10.9% did not heal and deceased, and 16.4% had a major amputation. At baseline and after PB-MNC therapy, the TcPO2 values were 17 ± 11 and 41 ± 12 mmHg, respectively (p < 0.0001), while the pain values (NRS) were 6.8 ± 1.7 vs. 2.8 ± 1.7, respectively (p < 0.0001). Any adverse event was recorded during the PB-MNC therapy. Adjuvant PB-MNC therapy seems to promote good outcomes in patients with NO-CLI and neuro-ischaemic DFUs.

Diabetic Polyneuropathy and Physical Activity in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to access whether a personal attitude to physical activity (PA) may influence the appearance of diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) patients with well-controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Ninety patients attending the diabetes technology outpatient clinic were enrolled. DPN was investigated according to the Toronto consensus diagnostic criteria. PA was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: PA was low in 21.1%, moderate in 42.2% and high in 36.7% of patients. According to Toronto criteria, we defined two categories: the first one with DPN absent or possible (57 (63.3%)) and a second one with DPN certain or probable (33 (36.7%)). The χ2-test of the PA groups and the DPN categories showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001), with less neuropathy in patients belonging to the group of moderate/high PA. Exposure to a minimum of 600 MET minutes/week was protective factor against the onset of DPN (odd ratio 0.221, c.i. 0.068-0.720, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that DPN is less present in type 1 diabetic patients with good metabolic control and a good personal habit of PA. Moderate-to-vigorous PA of at least 600 MET minutes/week might be a protective factor against DPN.

Risk Factors for Ulcer Recurrence in Diabetic Patients Managed by an Integrated Foot Care Protocol.

The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in a selected population of patients in secondary prevention treated, according to International Guidelines, with an integrated foot care protocol by a referral diabetic foot clinic. A retrospective study was performed with the inclusion of selected outpatients with diabetes at higher risk for ulceration with a history of previous ulcer and/or amputation followed in our diabetic foot clinic between January 2015 and December 2021. According to the presence or absence of recurrence, patients were divided into 2 groups: ulcer recurrence and without ulcer recurrence. One hundred twenty-seven (127) patients were included, 47 patients (37%) developed an ulcer recurrence while 80 patients (63%) did not. The mean age was 71.7 years; 65% were male; 97% were affected by type 2 diabetes with a mean duration of 21.1 years, the mean HbA1c was 63 + 21 mmol/mol. Both groups of patients had foot deformities, such as claw and hammertoes; hallux valgus, and prominent metatarsal heads (MTHs). The presence of deformity was significantly associated with ulceration. The group with ulcer recurrence showed a higher rate of prominence MTHs in comparison to a group without ulcer recurrence. The MTHs resulted as the only independent predictor for recurrence. This study shows that the presence of the prominent MTH is a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence in a selected population of diabetic foot patients treated in the best way with integrated foot care.

Prolonged clinical remission of type 1 diabetes sustained by calcifediol and low-dose basal insulin: a case report.

Herein, we describe an unusually prolonged duration (31 months) of the clinical remission phase in a 22-year-old Italian man with new-onset type 1 diabetes. Shortly after the disease diagnosis, the patient was treated with calcifediol (also known as 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 or calcidiol), coupled with low-dose basal insulin, to correct hypovitaminosis D and to exploit the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of vitamin D. During the follow-up period, the patient retained a substantial residual ß-cell function and remained within the clinical remission phase, as evidenced by an insulin dose-adjusted glycated hemoglobin value <9. At 24 months, we detected a peculiar immunoregulatory profile of peripheral blood cells, which may explain the prolonged duration of the clinical remission sustained by calcifediol as add-on treatment to insulin.

We describe the case of a 22-year-old Italian man who was treated with a form of vitamin D called calcifediol shortly after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition leading to insulin deficiency and to the lifelong need for insulin therapy. Calcifediol was administered, coupled with low-dose insulin, to correct vitamin D insufficiency and to exploit the anti-inflammatory properties of vitamin D. During the follow-up period (31 months), the patient unexpectedly remained on once-daily insulin injection therapy and maintained near-normal blood glucose levels. These findings suggest that calcifediol administration may represent a valid add-on treatment to insulin, with the aim of reducing daily insulin requirements and improving glucose control in patients with recent-onset type 1 diabetes.

A multidisciplinary team reduces in-hospital clinical complications and mortality in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

AIMS: The current study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary diabetic foot team (MDFT) in the management of in-patients affected by diabetic foot problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a retrospective observational study. Consecutive patients with a diabetic foot problem requiring hospitalisation were included. All patients were managed by a MDFT led by diabetologists according to the guidance. The rate of in-hospital complications (IHCs), major amputation, and survival were recorded at the end of patient's hospitalisation. IHC was defined as any new infection different from wound infection, cardiovascular events, acute renal injury, severe anaemia requiring blood transfusion, and any other clinical problem not present at the assessment. RESULTS: Overall, 350 patients were included. The mean age was 67.9 ± 12.6 years, 254 (72.6%) were males, 323 (92, 3%) showed Type 2 diabetes with a mean duration of 20.2 ± 9.6 years; 224 (64%) had ischaemic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and 299 (85.4%) had infected DFUs. IHCs were recorded in 30/350 (8.6%) patients. The main reasons for IHCs were anaemia requiring blood transfusion (2.8%), pneumonia (1.7%), acute kidney failure (1.1%). Patients with IHCs showed a higher rate of major amputation (13.3 vs. 3.1%, p = 0.02) and mortality (16.7 vs. 0.6%, p < 0.0001) in comparison to those without. Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) and wound duration at the assessment (>1 month) were independent predictors of IHC, whereas IHCs, heart failure, and dialysis were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The multidisciplinary management of diabetic foot problems leads to an IHC rate of 8%. The risk of IHCs is higher in patients with IHD and long wound duration.

Development of the Italian clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome: design and methodological aspects.

AIMS: Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) and its complications are a growing public health concern. The Italian Society of Diabetology (SID) and the Italian Association of Clinical Diabetologists (AMD), in collaboration with other scientific societies, will develop the first Italian guidelines for the treatment of DFS. METHODS: The creation of SID/AMD Guidelines is based on an extended work made by 19 panelists and 12 members of the Evidence Review Team. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology has been used to decide aims, reference population, and target health professionals. Clinical questions have been created using PICO (Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) conceptual framework. The definition of questions has been performed using a two-step web-based Delphi methodology, a structured technique aimed at obtaining by repeated rounds of questionnaires a consensus opinion from a panel of experts in areas wherein evidence is scarce or conflicting, and opinion is important. RESULTS: The mean age of panelists (26.3% women) was 53.7 ± 10.6 years. The panel proposed 34 questions. A consensus was immediately reached for all the proposed questions, 32 were approved and 2 were rejected. CONCLUSIONS: The areas covered by clinical questions included diagnosis of ischemia and infection, treatment of ischemic, neuropathic, and infected ulcers, prevention of foot ulceration, organization and education issues, and surgical management. The PICO presented in this paper are designed to provide indications for healthcare professionals in charge of diabetic foot treatment and prevention, primarily based on clinical needs of people with diabetic foot syndrome and considering the existing organization of health care.

Microbiological and Clinical Characteristics of Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcers Managed in a Tertiary Level Diabetic Foot Service.

The study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological characteristics of diabetic foot infections (DFIs) in patients referring to a specialized diabetic foot service (DFS). The study is a retrospective observational study conducted in a single center, including patients who were referred for a new DFI. All patients were managed through a limb salvage protocol according to international guidelines. The following items were recorded: type of bacteria, presence of single or polymicrobial infection, and the antibiotic resistance. Overall, 268 patients were included. The mean age was 68.9 ± 10.9 years, 75% were male, and 97.2% had type 2 diabetes with a mean diabetes duration of 16 ± 9 years. One hundred thirty-nine (51.9%) DFU were ischemic, 120 (44.7%) patients had osteomyelitis, 107 (39.9%) had gangrene, 37 (13.9%) had phlegmon/abscess/cellulitis and 4 (1.5%) had necrotizing fasciitis. Among 370 bacteria isolated, gram positive were found in 207 (55.9%) cases, and gram negative in 163 (44.1%) cases. The higher rates of isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (32.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.8%), and Enterococcus faecalis (8.9%). Polymicrobial infection was reported in 33.6% of cases and antibiotic resistance was recorded in 16.5% of isolates. Among them, 10.3% were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Antibiotic resistance was detected in 40.9% of cases in association with gangrene and osteomyelitis. The current study shows as polymicrobial infections and antibiotic resistance is frequently reported in DFIs, and antibiotic resistance was more associated with gangrene and osteomyelitis. Among bacteria reporting antimicrobial resistance, the highest rate was found for MRSA.