The marks of leprosy: disabilities caused by plantar lesions in discharged patients.

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease that has a slow evolution and is characterized by dermatoneurological involvement. The health challenges surrounding this disease are closely related to the stigma that results from the physical disabilities it causes. This is due to its high rate of late diagnosis and the peculiar deformities that occur in its advanced stage. Evaluate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of patients with plantar lesions who were treated for leprosy in a dermatology referral unit. This is a cross-sectional exploratory field study that was conducted at the Reference Center in Tropical Dermatology and Venereology Alfredo da Matta (FUHAM), in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. We evaluated 36 patients with disabilities as a result of leprosy and who had plantar lesions. The most common ulcer site was the medial region of the plantar surface, which presented dryness and maceration with yellowish seropurulent exudate, fibrinous tissue and grade 2 depth. The study made it possible to observe the evolution of plantar ulcers resulting from the disease process, then evaluate them and discuss recommendations regarding the treatment and prevention of this type of physical disability.

Epidemiological clinical profile and closure of chronic plantar ulcers in patients with leprosy sequelae undergoing orthopedic surgery in a municipality in western Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic plantar ulcers in leprosy are lesions resulting from motor and sensory alterations caused by Mycobacterium leprae. They are lesions refractory to conventional dressings and present high recurrence rates. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological clinical profile of patients with chronic plantar ulcers associated with bony prominences in the lesion bed and to evaluate the efficacy of orthopedic surgical treatment of these lesions. METHODS: This is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study with the evaluation of medical records of patients undergoing surgical treatment of chronic plantar ulcers from 2008 to 2018. The surgical technique applied consisted of corrective resection of bone prominences and the primary closure of the lesion with bipediculated local flap. RESULTS: 234 patients were submitted to surgery, 55.1% male with an average age of 69.5 years old. Of these, 82.9% were illiterate; and 88.5% with open lesions over 10 years. After surgical treatment, total wound healing occurred in an average time of 12 weeks. The variables that contributed to shorter healing time were: Patients' lower age group; regular use of orthopedic shoes and insoles and dressings performed by nurse aides in health units before surgery. Obesity was the factor that correlated with the delay of healing time. CONCLUSION: A higher incidence was observed in males and male and female illiterate patients. The regular use of shoes and insoles and dressings performed by nurse aides in health units contributed to shorter postoperative healing time. Orthopedic surgical treatment with corrective resection of bony prominences proved to be an efficient therapeutic method for the closure of chronic plantar ulcers. It is a reproducible method, justifying the importance of the orthopedic surgeon in the context of the multidisciplinary team to cope with these complex lesions.

Incidence, prevalence, and potential risk factors for diabetic foot ulceration: A retrospective review at a multidisciplinary centre in Barbados.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetes and lower extremity amputation rates in Barbados are among some of the highest globally, with peripheral neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease found to be independent risk factors for this population. Despite this, there is currently a lack of research evidence on rates of diabetic foot ulceration, which has amputation as its sequela. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and prevalence rates of active ulceration in a population of people with diabetes in Barbados. Secondly, we explored the risk factors for new/recurrent ulceration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the electronic medical records for the period January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 for a retrospective cross-sectional study for patients of a publicly-funded diabetes management programme. Eligible records included people aged 18 years and above with a diagnosis of type 1 or 2 diabetes. Potential risk factors were explored using univariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 225 patients were included in the study (96% type 2 diabetes, 70.7% female, 98.7% Black Caribbean). The 1-year period prevalence of diabetic foot ulceration was 14.7% (confidence interval [CI]: 10.5, 20.1). Incidence of ulceration in the same period was 4.4% (CI: 4.4, 4.5). Risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulceration included: retinopathy (OR 3.85, CI: 1.24, 11.93), chronic kidney disease (OR 9.86, CI: 1.31, 74.22), aspirin use (OR 3.326, CI: 1.02, 10.85), and clopidogrel use (OR 3.13, CI: 1.47, 6.68). CONCLUSION: This study provided some insight into potential risk factors for foot ulceration in this population, which previous studies have shown to have higher rates of lower extremity amputations. Further research in this understudied group through a larger prospective cohort would allow more meaningful associations with risk factors and would be useful for the creation of risk prediction models.

Risk factors for plantar foot ulcer recurrence in patients with diabetes - A prospective pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) with established recurrence risk factors evaluating patients from United States or Europe. There are scarce studies in developing countries about these risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with DFU recurrence in a Brazilian prospective cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective cohort of patients with healed DFU followed from January 2014 to June 2017 in Curitiba, Brazil. Periodic home visits from a specialist nurse in DFU were performed during the period of the study to evaluate recurrence of ulcer. The presence of risk factors in the group of patients that developed an ulcer in the follow-up period was compared with the presence of these factors in the group of patients without recurrence. At enrollment, 35 subjects presented a previous ulcer distal with complete healing to follow-up. RESULTS: From 35 patients, 15 were male (43%) and the mean age was of 65.8 ± 10.9 years (48-85 year). Most patients were married with a low income (

Protein profile of leprosy patients with plantar ulcers from the Eastern Amazon region.

BACKGROUND: Studies investigating the nutritional status of patients with leprosy and plantar ulcers are sparse. Therefore, the objective of this study was to describe the protein profile of leprosy patients with plantar ulcers from the Eastern Amazon region. METHODS: A case record form was created for 75 patients with leprosy (31 with plantar ulcers and 44 without plantar ulcers) with the following data: sociodemographic characteristics, clinical form of leprosy, presence or absence of plantar ulcers, and nutritional assessment using anthropometry consisting of the measurement of body mass index, arm circumference, arm muscle circumference, and triceps skinfold. Levels of blood albumin, transferrin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. Data regarding protein intake were obtained using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. RESULTS: Plantar ulcers occurred more frequently in male patients (67.7%), patients aged 40-49 years (mean ± SD: 47.3 ± 8.0 years), and patients receiving 300 or 600 USD (71.0%). The mean weight and height of patients were 71.6 ± 11.4 kg and 1.62 ± 0.1 m, respectively. High levels of CRP were detected in 51.6% of leprosy patients with plantar ulcers and only 9.1% of patients without plantar ulcers (P < 0.001). Nutritional depletion of transferrin was observed in 14.3% of patients with paucibacillary leprosy and 44.3% of patients with multibacillary leprosy (P = 0.0447). Most patients had normal levels of serum albumin (74.2% with plantar ulcers and 77.3% without plantar ulcers). CONCLUSIONS: Most leprosy patients with plantar ulcers have normal levels of serum albumin and transferrin and high CRP levels, which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process. Our findings suggest the need to monitor patients with leprosy to prevent the occurrence of plantar ulcers and to provide adequate treatment for patients with existing plantar ulcers.

The prevention of diabetic foot ulceration: how biomechanical research informs clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: Implementation of interprofessional clinical guidelines for the prevention of neuropathic diabetic foot ulceration has demonstrated positive effects regarding ulceration and amputation rates. Current foot care recommendations are primarily based on research regarding the prevention of ulcer recurrence and focused on reducing the magnitude of plantar stress (pressure overload). Yet, foot ulceration remains to be a prevalent and debilitating consequence of Diabetes Mellitus. There is limited evidence targeting the prevention of first-time ulceration, and there is a need to consider additional factors of plantar stress to supplement current guidelines. OBJECTIVES: The first purpose of this article is to discuss the biomechanical theory underpinning diabetic foot ulcerations and illustrate how plantar tissue underloading may precede overloading and breakdown. The second purpose of this commentary is to discuss how advances in biomechanical foot modeling can inform clinical practice in the prevention of first-time ulceration. DISCUSSION: Research demonstrates that progressive weight-bearing activity programs to address the frequency of plantar stress and avoid underloading do not increase ulceration risk. Multi-segment foot modeling studies indicate that dynamic foot function of the midfoot and forefoot is compromised in people with diabetes. Emerging research demonstrates that implementation of foot-specific exercises may positively influence dynamic foot function and improve plantar stress in people with diabetes. CONCLUSION: Continued work is needed to determine how to best design and integrate activity recommendations and foot-specific exercise programs into the current interprofessional paradigm for the prevention of first-time ulceration in people with Diabetes Mellitus.

Fatores relacionados ao desenvolvimento de úlceras em pacientes com diabetes mellitus / Factors related to the development of ulcers in patients with diabetes mellitus / Factores relacionados al desarrollo de úlceras en pacientes con diabetes mellitus

Objective: To identify factors related to the development of ulcers in the lower limbs of insulin-dependent users residing in the city of São José de Mipibu/RN. Method: Quantitative research; we obtained data thought interview followed by static inspection and application of Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments to assess the threshold of plantar tactile sensitivity. The Ethics Committee of the Potiguar University of Natal/RN approved this research, under the Certificate of Presentation for Ethical Consideration number 0037.0.052.000-11. Results: The age range was 21-72 years old; 68.4% were female; 63.3% were living in urban areas. We can highlight as factors related to development of ulcers in the lower limbs: sedentary lifestyle (71.6%), hypertension (65%) and a history of cardiovascular disease (56.7%). In the evaluation of the feet, 26.7% had dry skin; 15% had scaly skin; 38.3%, farinaceous nails; 30%, thickened nails and 35%, dermatitis. Regarding the tactile sensitivity, 18.3% had anesthesia of the affected limb. Conclusion: The data suggests that this population is likely to develop more severe and disabling complications of Diabetes Mellitus.

Objetivo: Identificar fatores relacionados ao desenvolvimento de úlceras em membros inferiores de usuários insulinodependentes residentes no município de São José de Mipibu/RN. Método: Pesquisa quantitativa; os dados foram obtidos mediante entrevista seguida da inspeção estática e aplicação dos monofilamento de Semmes-Weinstein para avaliação do limiar da sensibilidade tátil plantar. Pesquisa aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Potiguar de Natal/RN, CAAE 0037.0.052.000-11. Resultados: A faixa etária foi de 21 a 72 anos; 68,4% do sexo feminino; 63,3% residentes em zona urbana. Fatores relacionados ao desenvolvimento de úlceras em membros inferiores: sedentarismo (71,6%), hipertensão (65%) e antecedentes de doenças cardiovasculares (56,7%). Na avaliação dos pés, 26,7% pele ressecada, 15% descamativa, 38,3% unhas farináceas, 30% espessadas e 35% dermatites. Quanto à sensibilidade tátil, 18,3% apresentaram anestesia do membro afetado. Conclusão: Os dados sugerem que a população estudada é suscetível a desenvolver complicações mais severas e incapacitantes do Diabetes Mellitus.

Objetivo: Identificar factores relacionados al desarrollo de úlceras en miembros inferiores de usuarios insulinodependientes residentes en el municipio de São José de Mipibu/RN. Método: Investigación cuantitativa; los dados fueron obtenidos mediante entrevista seguida de la inspección estática y aplicación de los monofilamentos de Semmes-Weinstein para evaluación del umbral de la sensibilidad táctil plantar. Investigación aprobada por el Comité de Ética en Investigación de la Universidad Potiguar de Natal/RN, CAAE 0037.0.052.000-11. Resultados: El grupo fue de 21 a 72 años; 68,4% de sexo femenino; 63,3% residentes en zona urbana. Factores relacionados al desarrollo de úlceras en miembros inferiores: sedentarismo (71,6%), hipertensión (65%) y antecedentes de enfermedades cardiovasculares (56,7%). En la evaluación de los pies, 26,7% piel resecada, 15% descamada, 38,3% uñas farináceas, 30% espesadas y 35% dermatitis. Referente a la sensibilidad táctil, 18,3% presentaron anestesia del miembro afectado. Conclusión: Los datos sugieren que la población estudiada es susceptible a desarrollar complicaciones más severas e incapacitantes del Diabetes Mellitus.

The prevention of diabetic foot ulceration: how biomechanical research informs clinical practice

ABSTRACT Background Implementation of interprofessional clinical guidelines for the prevention of neuropathic diabetic foot ulceration has demonstrated positive effects regarding ulceration and amputation rates. Current foot care recommendations are primarily based on research regarding the prevention of ulcer recurrence and focused on reducing the magnitude of plantar stress (pressure overload). Yet, foot ulceration remains to be a prevalent and debilitating consequence of Diabetes Mellitus. There is limited evidence targeting the prevention of first-time ulceration, and there is a need to consider additional factors of plantar stress to supplement current guidelines. Objectives The first purpose of this article is to discuss the biomechanical theory underpinning diabetic foot ulcerations and illustrate how plantar tissue underloading may precede overloading and breakdown. The second purpose of this commentary is to discuss how advances in biomechanical foot modeling can inform clinical practice in the prevention of first-time ulceration. Discussion Research demonstrates that progressive weight-bearing activity programs to address the frequency of plantar stress and avoid underloading do not increase ulceration risk. Multi-segment foot modeling studies indicate that dynamic foot function of the midfoot and forefoot is compromised in people with diabetes. Emerging research demonstrates that implementation of foot-specific exercises may positively influence dynamic foot function and improve plantar stress in people with diabetes. Conclusion Continued work is needed to determine how to best design and integrate activity recommendations and foot-specific exercise programs into the current interprofessional paradigm for the prevention of first-time ulceration in people with Diabetes Mellitus.

[Marjolin's ulcer. A 10 year experience in a diabetic foot unit]. / Úlcera de Marjolin: experiencia de 10 años en una unidad de pie diabético.

BACKGROUND: Marjolin's ulcer is defined as the appearance of a neoplasm within a chronic wound. The most common histological type is squamous. A total of 2 cases treated in our hospital are presented. CLINICAL CASE: Case 1. A 71 year old man who presented with redness and suppuration from the wounds he had in his right foot after an electric shock 40 years earlier. The radiology showed involvement of the 4° and 5° metatarsal. Supracondylar amputation was performed, showing a well-differentiated invasive squamous cell carcinoma. CASE 2: A 56 year old male, paraplegic for 20 years. He was treated due to an infected right heel ulcer, with partial improvement, but the ulcers persisted. Biopsy was performed, reporting as epidermoid carcinoma. Infracondylar amputation was performed. The diagnosis was a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma infiltrating the dermis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Marjolin's ulcer is 1.3-2.2% of all ulcers. Diagnosis is difficult, so biopsy is recommended on any suspicious lesion or ulcer that has received conservative treatment for one month without improvement, although this time limit is not clear. The treatment is the surgery. Local excision with a margin of an inch is enough. If the ulcer is extensive, amputation is required. Survival is estimated between 66 and 80% at 2 years, with recurrence rates of 23%. Unfavourable factors are poor tumour differentiation and metástasis, appearing in 20% of cases.

[Autologous mesenchymal stem cells and cutaneus autograft as a treatment for chronic ulcer secondary to diabetes mellitus 2]. / Células troncales mesenquimales autólogas e injerto cutáneo autólogo para tratamiento de una úlcera crónica secundaria a diabetes mellitus tipo2.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus 2 has become a global problem. It is estimated that 15% to 25% of patients could develop a chronic ulcer in their life, and nearly 33% of direct care costs of the diabetes mellitus 2 is spent on treating these ulcers. Mesenchymal stem cells have emerged as a promising cell source for the treatment of these ulcers. CLINICAL CASE: The case is presented of a 67 year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus, acute myocardial infarction, and food ulcer chronic involving right foot and part of his leg. He was treated with mesenchymal stem cell management, resulting in skin graft integration and full coverage of the lesion. CONCLUSION: The implementation of mesenchymal stem cell techniques for treatment of chronic ulcer is feasible. The impact on the population would lead to a significant improvement in their quality of life and reduce healthcare spending.

[Device to assess in-socket pressure distribution for partial foot amputation]. / Dispositivo para medir la distribución de presión en el encaje de prótesis para amputación parcial de pie.

A device for dynamic acquisition and distribution analysis of in-socket pressure for patients with partial foot amputation is presented in this work. By using the developed system, we measured and generated pressure distribution graphs, obtained maximal pressure, and calculated pressure-time integral (PTI) of three subjects with partial foot amputation and of a group of Healthy subjects (Hs) (n = 10). Average maximal pressure in the healthy group was 19.4 ± 4.11 PSI, while for the three amputated patients, this was 27.8 ± 1.38, 17.6 ± 1.15, 29.10 ± 3.9 PSI, respectively. Maximal pressure-time integral for healthy subjects was 11.56 ± 2.83 PSI*s, and for study subjects was 19.54 ± 1.9, 12.35 ± 1.48, and 13.17 ± 1.31 PSI*s, respectively. The results of the control group agree with those previously reported in the literature. The pressure distribution pattern showed clear differences between study subjects and those of the control group; these graphs allowed us to identify the pressure in regions-of-interest that could be critical, such as surgical scars. The system presented in this work will aid to assess the effectiveness with which prosthetic systems distribute load, given that the formation of ulcers is highly linked to the pressure exercised at the point of contact; in addition, these results will help to investigate the comfort perception of the prosthesis, a factor directly influenced by the stump's pressure distribution.

[Paradoxical reactions and responses during antibiotic treatment for Mycobacterium ulcerans infection (Buruli ulcer). Four cases from French Guiana]. / Réponses et réactions paradoxales au cours du traitement médicamenteux de l'infection à Mycobacterium ulcerans (ulcère de Buruli). Quatre observations en Guyane française.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, first-line therapy for Mycobacterium ulcerans infection in French Guiana has consisted of antibiotics active against this organism. Two regimens are used comprising rifampicin associated with clarithromycin or amikacin. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe four patients presenting apparent worsening of their lesions during treatment: ulceration of a nodular lesion in a 32-year-old woman and worsening of an ulcerated lesion in three patients aged 16, 27 and 79 years. DISCUSSION: In these 4 patients, we concluded that the symptoms were caused by a paradoxical response or a reaction, a phenomenon already described in tuberculosis and leprosy. Such worsening is transient and must not be misinterpreted as failure to respond to treatment. The most plausible pathophysiological hypothesis involves the re-emergence of potentially necrotizing cellular immunity secondary to the loss of mycolactone, a necrotizing and immunosuppressive toxin produced by M. ulcerans, resulting from the action of the antibiotics.

Prevention of recurrent foot ulcers with plantar pressure-based in-shoe orthoses: the CareFUL prevention multicenter randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of in-shoe orthoses that were designed based on shape and barefoot plantar pressure in reducing the incidence of submetatarsal head plantar ulcers in people with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and a history of similar prior ulceration. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Single-blinded multicenter randomized controlled trial with subjects randomized to wear shape- and pressure-based orthoses (experimental, n = 66) or standard-of-care A5513 orthoses (control, n = 64). Patients were followed for 15 months, until a study end point (forefoot plantar ulcer or nonulcerative plantar forefoot lesion) or to study termination. Proportional hazards regression was used for analysis. RESULTS: There was a trend in the composite primary end point (both ulcers and nonulcerative lesions) across the full follow-up period (P = 0.13) in favor of the experimental orthoses. This trend was due to a marked difference in ulcer occurrence (P = 0.007) but no difference in the rate of nonulcerative lesions (P = 0.76). At 180 days, the ulcer prevention effect of the experimental orthoses was already significant (P = 0.003) when compared with control, and the benefit of the experimental orthoses with respect to the composite end point was also significant (P = 0.042). The hazard ratio was 3.4 (95% CI 1.3-8.7) for the occurrence of a submetatarsal head plantar ulcer in the control compared with experimental arm over the duration of the study. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that shape- and barefoot plantar pressure-based orthoses were more effective in reducing submetatarsal head plantar ulcer recurrence than current standard-of-care orthoses, but they did not significantly reduce nonulcerative lesions.

Raynaud, digital ulcers and calcinosis in scleroderma.

Raynaud, digital ulcers and calcinosis are frequent manifestations of patients with systemic sclerosis. Digital ulcers are seen in more than half of the patients with scleroderma. Hospitalizations, ischemic complications and impairment of hand function are frequently observed in patients with digital ulcers, especially if treatment is delayed. Rapid and intensive treatment escalation in patients with scleroderma and refractory Raynaud's phenomenon is one of the most effective preventive action available in order to avoid the development of digital ulcers and tissue loss.

Causas referidas para o desenvolvimento de úlceras em pés de pessoas com diabetes mellitus / Root causes for the development of foot ulcers of people with diabetes mellitus

OBJETIVO: Analisar as causas referidas na etiologia das úlceras em pés de pessoas com Diabetes mellitus (DM). MÉTODOS: Estudo seccional, quantitativo, realizado no Ambulatório de Diabetes de um Hospital Universitário em Ribeirão Preto - SP. Os dados foram coletados com instrumento estruturado e exame físico dos pés de amostra de 30 pacientes diabéticos. RESULTADOS: Amostra com idade média de 57,5 anos, predominância do sexo masculino e baixa escolaridade; 90% possuíam DM tipo 2, de longa duração e mal controlado; obesidade/sobrepeso em 77% e insensibilidade plantar em 93,3%. A região metatarsiana foi o local de úlcera referido com maior frequência, e a causa foi a calosidade. CONCLUSÃO: as causas referidas envolvidas na etiologia das úlceras correspondem, de forma direta ou indireta, a fatores extrínsecos que podem ser prevenidos com cuidados básicos e de baixo custo. A insensibilidade plantar, fator fundamental desencadeador das úlceras, no entanto não foi reconhecida pelas pessoas.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the root causes referred to in the etiology of foot ulcers in people with diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS: A sectional study, quantitative, conducted at the Diabetes Clinic of a University Hospital in Ribeirão Preto - SP (Brazil). Data were collected using a structured instrument and physical examination of the feet of a sample of 30 diabetic patients. RESULTS: The sample had a mean age of 57.5 years, was predominantly male with a low educational level; 90% had type 2 DM, long-term and poorly controlled; obesity / overweight in 77%; and, 93.3% had plantar insensitivity. The metatarsal region was the site of ulcer most frequently mentioned, and the cause was the callus. CONCLUSION: The root causes involved in the etiology of these ulcers correspond, directly or indirectly, to extrinsic factors that can be prevented with basic care and at low cost. The plantar insensitivity, a key factor triggering the ulcers, was not recognized by these people.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las causas referidas en la etiología de las úlceras en piés de personas con Diabetes mellitus (DM). MÉTODOS: Estudio seccional, cuantitativo, realizado en el consultorio externo de Diabetes de un Hospital Universitario en Ribeirão Preto - SP. Los datos fueron recolectados con un instrumento estructurado y examen físico de los piés de una muestra de 30 pacientes diabéticos. RESULTADOS: muestra conformada por personas con una edad promedio de 57,5 años, predominio del sexo masculino y baja escolaridad;el 90% poseían DM tipo 2, de larga duración y mal controlado; obesidad/sobre peso en el 77% e insensibilidad plantar en el 93,3%. La región metatarsiana fue referida, con mayor frecuencia, como el lugar de la úlcera y la causa fue la callosidad. CONCLUSIÓN: Las causas que están involucradas en la etiología de las úlceras corresponden, de forma directa o indirecta, a factores extrínsecos que pueden ser prevenidos con cuidados básicos y de bajo costo. Entre tanto la insensibilidad plantar, factor fundamental desencadenante de las úlceras, no fue reconocida por las personas.

Estudo comparativo da sensibilidade nos pés de diabéticos com e sem úlceras utilizando o PSSDÕ / Comparative study of the sensitivity of diabetic lower extremities with and without ulcers using the PSSDÕ

INTRODUÇÃO: Determinar e comparar limiares de sensibilidade cutânea nos pés de pacientes diabéticos com úlcera em apenas um dos membros inferiores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: 20 pacientes foram estudados, a média de idade e de conhecimento do diabetes foi 61,6 e 12,4 anos, respectivamente. Todos os pacientes foram previamente testados com o monofilamento de Semmes-Weinstein nº 5,07. A sensibilidade foi avaliada usando o teste de discriminação entre dois pontos e o PSSDÕ (Pressure-Specified Sensory Device) para avaliar os limiares de sensibilidade de maneira quantitativa, em g/mm². Testadas três áreas da pele: polpa do hálux, dorso do pé e parte medial do calcâneo, incluindo-se quatro testes, um ponto estático, um ponto dinâmico, dois pontos estáticos e dois pontos dinâmicos. RESULTADOS: A distância média de discriminação de dois pontos em mm foi superior nos pés com úlceras, mas a diferença entre os membros inferiores teve significância estatística apenas para o hálux. Com o PSSDÕ, todos os pacientes tiveram limiares de pressão superior nos pés com úlcera, em comparação com os pés sem úlcera, em todos os testes e com significância estatística. CONCLUSÃO: O PSSDÕ foi capaz de diferenciar níveis de sensibilidade entre membros com e sem úlcera em pacientes diabéticos, com significância estatística.

INTRODUCTION: To determine and compare thresholds of cutaneous sensitivity of lower extremities in diabetic patients with an ulcer on only one lower extremity. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study group included 20 patients with mean age of 61.6 and average time with diabetes of 12.4 years. All patients were previously tested using Semmes-Weinstein monofilament 5.07. Sensitivity was evaluated using the two point discrimination test and the PSSDÕ (Pressure-Specified Sensory Device) in order to assess touch thresholds in a quantitative manner, in g/mm². Three skin areas were tested: hallux pulp, dorsum of foot and medial heel, including four tests: 1 point static, 1 point moving, 2 points static and 2 points moving. RESULTS: Mean 2 point discrimination distance in mm was higher in feet with ulcers, but the difference between extremities was only statistically significant for the hallux. With the PSSDÕ, all patients had higher pressure thresholds in feet with ulcers when compared with feet without ulcers, in all tests, with statistical significance. CONCLUSION: The PSSDÕ was able to differentiate levels of sensation between extremities with and without ulcers in diabetic patients, with statistical significance.

Características dos pacientes de um programa de prevenção do pé diabético atendidos em consulta de enfermagem / Profile of patients participating in a diabetic foot prevention program provided by nursing staff

Introdução: O pé diabético é o evento final das complicações crônicas do diabetes melito (DM) e inclui vasculopatia e neuropatia diabética. Isoladamente ou em conjunto, representam uma problemática para os pés dos pacientes tornando-os vulneráveis. Objetivo: Identificar o tipo de pé e seus fatores de risco em pacientes ambulatoriais de um hospital geral de atenção terciária. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, sendo realizado em prontuários. Incluiu-se 1189 pacientes, DM 1 e 2 que tiveram seus pés examinados pela primeira vez na consulta de enfermagem de 1997 a 2008. A amostra foi por conveniência e os dados foram coletados em duas etapas: 1)de um livro de registros preenchido após o primeiro exame; 2)dos prontuários dos pacientes. Resultados: Apresentaram DM2 93,1% dos pacientes, 87,5% caucasianos, 50,1% de mulheres, aposentados (33,1%), até oito anos de estudo e casados (66,6%). Tinham pés alterados 676 pacientes (neuropáticos e mistos 27%/28,3%), 69,5% de homens, (P=0,001). A média da hemoglobina glicada foi 7,83±2,16 e os com alterações nos pés tinham mais tempo de duração da doença (12,6 anos), eram mais idosos (63 anos) e tabagistas, tinham algum grau de retinopatia, nefropatia, cardiopatia isquêmica, os achados com significância estatística (P=0,001). Conclusão: Múltiplos fatores de risco diretos e indiretos para o desenvolvimento de úlceras foram identificados nos pacientes, os quais podem aumentar o risco de amputações trazendo um custo pessoal e social elevados.

Background: Diabetic foot is the final event of chronic complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), including diabetic vasculopathy and neuropathy. Whether isolated or not, these events pose difficulties for diabetic patients' feet and make them vulnerable. Aim: The present study was to identify the type of diabetic foot and the risk factors in outpatients of a tertiary-care general hospital. Methods: Cross-sectional and retrospective study. Data were collected from medical records. We included 1,189 patients with type 1 and 2 DM who had their feet examined for the first time by the nursing staff between 1997 and 2008. We used a convenience sample and data were collected in two phases: first we analyzed the data recorded after the first examination, and then we analyzed the medical records. Results: DM2 was present in 93.1% of the patients, of whom 87.5% were Caucasians, 50.1% were women, 33.1% were retired, and 66.6% had at most 8 years of schooling and married. In our sample, 676 patients had diabetic feet (27% neuropathic and 28.3% mixed) and 69.5% were men (P=0.001). Mean glycated hemoglobin was 7.83±2.16 and the patients with diabetic feet had a longer duration of DM (12.6 years), were older (63 years) and smokers, had some degree of retinopathy, nephropathy, and ischemic heart disease. All these findings showed statistical significance (P=0.001). Conclusion: Multiple direct and indirect risks factors for the development of ulcers were found in these patients. These factors may increase the chance of amputations leading to high personal and social cost.

Plantar pressure distribution patterns during gait in diabetic neuropathy patients with a history of foot ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the influence of a previous history of foot ulcers on plantar pressure variables during gait of patients with diabetic neuropathy. INTRODUCTION: Foot ulcers may be an indicator of worsening diabetic neuropathy. However, the behavior of plantar pressure patterns over time and during the progression of neuropathy, especially in patients who have a clinical history of foot ulcers, is still unclear. METHODS: Subjects were divided into the following groups: control group, 20 subjects; diabetic neuropathy patients without foot ulcers, 17 subjects; and diabetic neuropathy patients with at least one healed foot ulcer within the last year, 10 subjects. Plantar pressure distribution was recorded during barefoot gait using the Pedar-X system. RESULTS: Neuropathic subjects from both the diabetic neuropathy and DNU groups showed higher plantar pressure than control subjects. At midfoot, the peak pressure was significantly different among all groups: control group (139.4+/-76.4 kPa), diabetic neuropathy (205.3+/-118.6 kPa) and DNU (290.7+/-151.5 kPa) (p=0.008). The pressure-time integral was significantly higher in the ulcerated neuropathic groups at midfoot (CG: 37.3+/-11.4 kPa.s; DN: 43.3+/-9.1 kPa.s; DNU: 68.7+/-36.5 kPa.s; p=0.002) and rearfoot (CG: 83.3+/-21.2 kPa.s; DN: 94.9+/-29.4 kPa.s; DNU: 102.5+/-37.9 kPa.s; p=0.048). CONCLUSION: A history of foot ulcers in the clinical history of diabetic neuropathy subjects influenced plantar pressure distribution, resulting in an increased load under the midfoot and rearfoot and an increase in the variability of plantar pressure during barefoot gait. The progression of diabetic neuropathy was not found to influence plantar pressure distribution.

Plantar pressure distribution patterns during gait in diabetic neuropathy patients with a history of foot ulcers

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the influence of a previous history of foot ulcers on plantar pressure variables during gait of patients with diabetic neuropathy. INTRODUCTION: Foot ulcers may be an indicator of worsening diabetic neuropathy. However, the behavior of plantar pressure patterns over time and during the progression of neuropathy, especially in patients who have a clinical history of foot ulcers, is still unclear. METHODS: Subjects were divided into the following groups: control group, 20 subjects; diabetic neuropathy patients without foot ulcers, 17 subjects; and diabetic neuropathy patients with at least one healed foot ulcer within the last year, 10 subjects. Plantar pressure distribution was recorded during barefoot gait using the Pedar-X system. RESULTS: Neuropathic subjects from both the diabetic neuropathy and DNU groups showed higher plantar pressure than control subjects. At midfoot, the peak pressure was significantly different among all groups: control group (139.4±76.4 kPa), diabetic neuropathy (205.3±118.6 kPa) and DNU (290.7±151.5 kPa) (p=0.008). The pressure-time integral was significantly higher in the ulcerated neuropathic groups at midfoot (CG: 37.3±11.4 kPa.s; DN: 43.3±9.1 kPa.s; DNU: 68.7±36.5 kPa.s; p=0.002) and rearfoot (CG: 83.3±21.2 kPa.s; DN: 94.9±29.4 kPa.s; DNU: 102.5±37.9 kPa.s; p=0.048). CONCLUSION: A history of foot ulcers in the clinical history of diabetic neuropathy subjects influenced plantar pressure distribution, resulting in an increased load under the midfoot and rearfoot and an increase in the variability of plantar pressure during barefoot gait. The progression of diabetic neuropathy was not found to influence plantar pressure distribution.