Effect of Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) and Compression Therapy on Diabetic Foot Ulcer Healing.

PURPOSE: Knowing the effect of compression therapy on the value of the Ankle Brachial Index in the healing process of Diabetic Foot Ulcer. DESIGN: This study used a quasi-experimental method with pretest-posttest with control group design with purposive sampling and non-equivalent control groups for eight weeks of treatment. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Patients diagnosed with Diabetic Foot Ulcer have and have Peripheral Artery Disease, patient characteristics are homogenized, age >18 years, wound care every three days, Ankle Brachial Index values between 0.6-1.3 mmHg, research three clinics in Indonesia in February 2021. METHODS: The population with Diabetic Foot Ulcer was screened by inclusion criteria with Ankle Brachial Index and Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool instruments, a total of n=140; in the study, thirteen samples were excluded, the intervention group was given Compression Therapy n= 68, and the control group was compression stockings for eight weeks n=59, the data were statistically analyzed non-parametric test using Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that the mean difference in paired group means was 26.4%. Meanwhile, in the mean analysis, the difference in the post-test healing of diabetic foot ulcers was 2.83%; p=0.000 and improvement of peripheral microcirculation was 33.02%; p=0.000 in the eighth week. Thus, compression therapy intervention in diabetic foot ulcer patients can improve peripheral microcirculation and increase Diabetic Foot Ulcers healing compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Compression therapy tailored to the patient's needs and according to standard operating procedures can improve peripheral microcirculation, so that blood flow in the legs becomes normal; it can speed up the healing process of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Risk factors of foot ulcers in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis: A meta-analysis.

The present study aims to assess the risk factors for foot ulcers in patients undergoing dialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and to provide evidence-based guidance for prevention and treatment. A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and Wanfang Data from the database inception until May 2023 to identify relevant studies investigating the risk factors for foot ulcers in dialysis patients with ESRD. Two independent researchers conducted the literature screening and data extraction. The meta-analysis was performed using STATA 17.0 software. Ultimately, six articles comprising 1620 patients were included for analysis. The meta-analysis revealed that male (OR, 1.464; 95% CI: 1.082-1.980, p = 0.013), hypertension (OR, 1.781; 95% CI: 1.293-2.4550, p < 0.001), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (OR, 5.014; 95% CI: 2.514-9.998, p < 0.001), type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (OR, 2.993; 95% CI: 1.477-6.065, p = 0.002) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (OR, 2.498; 95% CI:1.466-4.256, p = 0.001) were risk factors for foot ulcers in dialysis patients with ESRD. Conversely, the female sex (OR, 0.683; 95% CI: 0.505-0.924, p = 0.013) was a protective factor against foot ulcers. Our analysis revealed that male sex, hypertension, PAD, T1DM and T2DM were risk factors for foot ulcers in patients undergoing dialysis for ESRD. Conversely, the female sex was a protective factor against foot ulcers. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen health education that targets patients with these risk factors and regularly screen high-risk individuals. Early detection and treatment can help delay disease progression.

Acupuncture for rheumatoid vasculitis complicated by refractory foot ulcer: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid vasculitis (RV) is a frequently encountered complication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), wherein skin vasculitis lesions are observed as a common clinical manifestation, encompassing skin purpura, erythema, vascular occlusion, ulcers, and gangrene. As a matter of fact, it marks the most severe extra-articular manifestation of RA. And the resultant ulcers tend to pose a greater challenge with regard to therapeutic interventions. We report a case of RV complicated by refractory foot ulcer that was successfully treated with puncture. CASE PRESENTATION: A 62-year-old man with RV caused by RA developed refractory foot ulcers. Despite the application of topical antibiotics, the wound gradually expanded and remained unhealed for 7 months. Consequently, the patient sought an integrated therapeutic approach involving Traditional Chinese Medicine and was subsequently treated with acupuncture. After 12 weeks of acupuncture, the foot ulcers healed completely. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture has the potential to facilitate wound healing and may serve as a viable alternative treatment modality for wounds unresponsive to traditional therapeutic interventions.

Final efficacy and cost analysis of a fish skin graft vs standard of care in the management of chronic diabetic foot ulcers: a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: DFUs remain a cause of significant morbidity. OBJECTIVE: This is the third of 3 planned articles reporting on a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial evaluating the use of omega-3-rich acellular FSG compared with CAT in the management of DFUs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 102 patients with a DFU (n = 51 FSG, n = 51 CAT) participated in the trial as ITT candidates, with 77 of those patients included in the PP analysis (n = 43 FSG, n = 34 CAT). Six months after treatment, patients with healed ulcers were followed up for ulcer recurrence. A cost analysis model was applied in both treatment groups. RESULTS: The proportion of closed wounds at 12 weeks was compared, as were the secondary outcomes of healing rate and mean PAR. Diabetic foot wounds treated with FSG were significantly more likely to achieve closure than those managed with CAT (ITT: 56.9% vs 31.4%; P =.0163). The mean PAR at 12 weeks was 86.3% for FSG vs 64.0% for CAT (P =.0282). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of DFUs with FSG resulted in significantly more wounds healed and an annualized cost savings of $2818 compared with CAT.

Determinants of healing of diabetic foot ulcer comparing two offloading modalities: A randomized prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Healing of Diabetic Foot ulcer is crucial to prevent amputation. Offloading is key treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, but choosing which offloading modality is still not clear. Besides, other factors that control ulcer healing, is a question that needs to be determined. OBJECTIVE: to assess factors that affect ulcer healing, comparing two commonly used offloading devices, removable walker and cast-shoe. METHODS: This is a Randomized Clinical Trial which recruited 87 patients with active diabetic foot ulcers randomly assigned to either a removable walker (W-arm) or a cast-shoe (C-arm) at 3:2 ratio. Both groups received the routine ulcer care, and were followed-up for 24 weeks. Different possible factors related to healing were assessed, and a regression model was built for the most predictive factors. RESULTS: The 24-week healing rate was 81% for the walker group and 62 % for the cast-shoe group. The mean adherence was 55 % ± 26 % and 46 % ± 29 for the walker and cast shoe groups respectively. Ulcer healing was significantly positively associated with: better adherence, device type (walker), less SINBAD score (2 or less), absence of ischemia, absence of infection, smaller ulcer area, superficial ulcer, better 4-week area reduction, and better blood glucose control. The most important predictors were adherence, total SINBAD score and 4-week area reduction. CONCLUSION: SINBAD score at initial presentation and the degree of adherence to offloading device, are two major determinants of ulcer healing. Ulcer area reduction at 4 weeks represents an important clinical parameter to predict and guide the success of ulcer management.

Offloading of Diabetic Neuropathic Plantar Ulcers: Secondary Analysis of Step Activity and Ulcer Healing.

OBJECTIVE: Although it is well-known that offloading devices facilitate healing in people with diabetes and neuropathic plantar ulcers, little is known about how step activity affects healing. The purposes of this study were to compare: (1) healing outcomes (time to healing, percentage of ulcers healed); (2) healing rates by ulcer location; and (3) step activity (daily step count, daily peak mean cadence) among patients using either total contact casts (TCCs) or removable cast walker boots (RCWs). METHODS: The study included 55 participants (TCC, 29; RCW, 26) with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and a Wagner grade 1 or 2 neuropathic plantar ulcer. Each participant wore an activity monitor for 14 consecutive days. Step activity and healing variables were assessed using independent t tests, Kruskal-Wallis, Kaplan-Meier, and Mantel-Cox log-rank tests. RESULTS: Mean participant age was 55 (SD, 11) years. The percentage of ulcers healed was lower in the RCW group versus the TCC group (65% vs 93%). If healed, average healing rate was 77 (SD, 48) days in the TCC group and 138 (SD, 143) days in the RCW group. Survival distribution by ulcer location was different for RCW forefoot than other locations (132 ± 13 days vs 91 ± 15, 75 ± 11, and 102 ± 36 days for TCC forefoot, TCC-midfoot/hindfoot, and RCW-midfoot/hindfoot, respectively; χ2 = 10.69, P = .014). Average step count was 2,597 in the RCW group versus 1,813 steps in the TCC group (P = .07). The daily peak mean cadence for 20-, 30-, or 60-minute periods was greater with RCW use. CONCLUSIONS: Step activity in participants with RCWs was increased compared with those with TCCs. Because of their potential to be easily removable, RCWs may impair ulcer healing by allowing greater step activity.

Rehabilitation for people wearing offloading devices for diabetes-related foot ulcers: a systematic review and meta-analyses.

BACKGROUND: Offloading devices improve healing of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs) but they can limit mobilisation. Rehabilitation during or after removal of these devices may promote physical activity in a population at risk of poor health outcomes for which inactivity is a reversible risk factor. METHODS: This systematic review examined the effectiveness of rehabilitation interventions to promote physical activity during and/or after wearing an offloading device to treat diabetes-related foot ulcers. Searches using MESH terms and free-text combinations: 'foot ulcer', 'diabetic foot', 'casts, surgical', 'orthotic devices' were applied to MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library and clinical trial registers for randomised and observational studies published to September 2022. Methodological quality assessment of included studies was undertaken using the Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) and Risk of Bias In Non-randomised studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools. RESULTS: Of 3332 records identified, eight studies (441 participants), four clinical trials and four cohort studies, were included. None delivered or tested a structured rehabilitation programme, but all reported physical activity outcomes during or after device use. People wearing non-removable total contact casts were less active than those wearing devices (SMD -0.45; 95% CI - 0.87 to - 0.04; p = 0.03; I2 56%; 4 trials). Diabetes-related foot ulcers in people wearing total contact casts were more likely to heal compared to removable devices at 12 weeks (OR 2.69; 95% CI 0.97 to 7.45; p = 0.06; I2 = 64%; 4 trials) and 20 weeks (OR 2.35; 95% CI 0.95 to 5.82; p = 0.07; I2 = 65%; 4 trials). CONCLUSIONS: Despite physical activity being low throughout off-loading treatment, no studies have specifically tested rehabilitation. There is a need to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes in this population. High quality trials are needed to provide robust evidence to support to rehabilitation after DFU treatment.

The efficacy of topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium versus framycetin gauze dressing in chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy: A randomized controlled trial.

Background Wound healing shows a unique interaction of several cells, growth factors and cytokines. The healing of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy is influenced by various factors, one of which is the concentration of growth factors and cytokines related to the pathogenesis of impaired wound healing. Growth factors and cytokines can be found in the secretome of adipose mesenchymal stem cells. Aim To compare the effectiveness of topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium and framycetin gauze dressing only on the healing of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy. Methods In this randomised controlled trial, 32 patients with chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy were recruited. After detailed clinical and initial debridement, patients were randomised to two groups to receive either topical adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (n = 16) or framycetin gauze dressing only (n = 16) applied every three days for up to eight weeks, following which the ulcer size, adverse reactions and complications if any were monitored weekly. Results Healing percentage increased each week in all groups. Statistical differences between groups (P < 0.05) were observed from week 2 onwards for ulcer mean size reduction and from week 3 onwards for ulcer mean depth reduction. There were no adverse reactions or complications. Limitations Off-loading on subjects were not performed. Conclusion Adipose mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium is a potential therapeutic agent in the management of chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy.

Re-Ulceration Is Common in Persons with Diabetes and Healed Foot Ulcer After Participant-Driven Education in Group: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To compare the number of ulcer-free days during 24 months in persons with diabetes and a healed foot ulcer below the ankle provided with adjusted therapeutic shoes who were given standard information and participated in participant-driven group education compared with standard information alone. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was designed to evaluate the number of ulcer-free days after participant-driven group education in addition to standard information compared with standard information alone. The number needed to treat (N = 174) was not met, as only 138 persons with diabetes and previously healed foot ulcer were recruited (age median 63 years [34-79], 101 men/37 women). Results: A total of 138 persons were recruited, of whom 107 (77.5%) completed the study, 7 (5%) dropped out, and 12 (9%) deceased. No statistically significant difference was found between the intervention group compared with the control group after 6, 18, or 24 months. After 12 months, more patients in the intervention group had developed ulcers. Seventy-seven participants (56%) developed new foot ulcers, irrespective of side and site. Development of one ulcer appeared in 36 participants, two ulcers in 19, and 22 participants developed three ulcers. Forty-eight participants remained ulcer-free (35%) during the 24-month follow-up. Median ulcer-free days until first ulceration were 368 (4-720); until second ulceration, 404 (206-631); and until third ulceration, 660 (505-701). The participants wore prescribed therapeutic shoes during 88% of the follow-up visits. Conclusions: One-third of the participants remained ulcer-free for 24 months. Patient-driven education in groups did not give better results than standard information in this underpowered study. This study illustrates the challenges to perform comparative preventive studies in this group of patients with extensive comorbidity. Further studies are needed to evaluate interventions on ulceration in persons with a healed foot ulcer.

Injectable allograft adipose matrices in the management of chronic and postoperative wounds: a retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Clinical options are lacking for the management of chronic wounds or ulcers following failed debridement, skin grafting, or negative pressure wound therapy dressings. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case series evaluated the efficacy of injectable AAM in the management and closure of chronic wounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with nonhealing wounds of any etiology, anatomic location, and length of chronicity were included; those with multiple chronic wounds or prior skin grafting for wound repair were excluded. Data on location, etiology, chronicity, and number of AAM applications were collected for each wound. Patients were evaluated for possible complications related to wound healing and infection. Eleven patients (7 males, 4 females), each with 1 chronic wound, were recruited (average age, 65 years). Wound etiologies were postoperative (n = 7), traumatic (n = 2), and foot ulcer (n = 2). Average wound dimensions were 8.45 mm × 7.36 mm, and the average chronicity was 3.77 months. Ten patients received only 1 application of AAM, and 1 patient received 2 treatments 5 days apart. Average follow-up time was 6.6 weeks. RESULTS: Seven patients (63%) achieved wound closure, 4 of which (57%) healed within 1 week of application. CONCLUSION: Most patients with chronic wounds treated with AAM experienced complete wound closure. AAM shows promising results for enhancing wound healing by providing scaffolding for cell growth.

A Pragmatic, Single-Center, Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial of Adjunct Hemoglobin-Mediated Granulox Topical Oxygen Therapy Twice Weekly for Foot Ulcers.

BACKGROUND: Achieving timely healing of foot ulcers can help avoid complications such as infection and amputation; topical oxygen therapy has shown promise in achieving this. We evaluated the clinical effectiveness of Granulox, a hemoglobin spray device designed to deliver oxygen to the surface of wounds, for the healing of foot ulcers. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing standard of care (once-weekly podiatric medical clinic visits) versus standard care plus adjunct Granulox therapy twice weekly in adults with foot ulcers. After a 2-week screening phase, patients in whom the index wound had healed by less than 50% were randomized 1:1. Outcome measures were collated during the trial phase at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Of 79 patients enrolled, 38 were randomized. After 12 weeks, the median percentage wound size reduction compared with the size of the ulcer at the start of the trial phase was 100% for the control arm and 48% for the Granulox arm (P = .21, Mann-Whitney U test). In the former, eight of 14 foot ulcers had healed; in the latter, four of 15 (P = .14, Fisher exact test). In the control arm, two amputations and one withdrawal occurred, whereas in the Granulox arm, one unrelated death and five withdrawals were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: We could not replicate the favorable healing associated with use of Granulox as published by others. Differences in wound chronicity and frequency of Granulox application might have influenced differences in study results. Granulox might perform best when used as an adjunct for treatment of chronic wounds at least 8 weeks old.

Proteomics changes after negative pressure wound therapy in diabetic foot ulcers.

Label­free quantitative mass spectrometry was used to analyze the differences in the granulation tissue protein expression profiles of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) before and after negative­pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to understand how NPWT promotes the healing of diabetic foot wounds. A total of three patients with DFUs hospitalized for Wagner grade 3 were enrolled. The patients received NPWT for one week. The granulation tissue samples of the patients prior to and following NPWT for one week were collected. The protein expression profiles were analyzed with label­free quantitative mass spectrometry and the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the DFU patients prior to and following NPWT for one week were identified. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were conducted to annotate the DEPs and DEP­associated signaling pathways. Western blotting and ELISA were performed to validate the results. By comparing the differences in the protein profiles of granulation tissue samples prior to and following NPWT for one week, 36 proteins with significant differences were identified (P<0.05); 33 of these proteins were upregulated and three proteins were downregulated. NPWT altered proteins mainly associated with antioxidation and detoxification, the cytoskeleton, regulation of the inflammatory response, complement and coagulation cascades and lipid metabolism. The functional validation of the DEPs demonstrated that the levels of cathepsin S in peripheral blood and granulation tissue were significantly lower than those prior to NPWT (P<0.05), while the levels of protein S isoform 1, inter α­trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 and peroxiredoxin­2 in peripheral blood and granulation tissue were significantly higher than those prior to NPWT (P<0.05). The present study identified multiple novel proteins altered by NPWT and laid a foundation for further studies investigating the mechanism of action of NPWT.

Experiencia con el uso de plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo en el tratamiento de las úlceras del pie diabético / Use of platelet rich plasma in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. Report of the experience / Experiência com o uso de plasma autólogo rico em plaquetas no tratamento de úlceras do pé diabético

Resumen: Las úlceras de pie diabético (UPD) generan un alto costo para el paciente y el sistema de salud. Una deficiente vascularización, la inhibición de la generación de factores de crecimiento y la migración celular, entre otros factores, influyen en su cronicidad. Los factores de crecimiento derivados de las plaquetas (PDGF) estimulan la quimiotaxis, la neovascularización y la regeneración tisular. Objetivo: evaluar la efectividad de una formulación de plasma rico en plaquetas autólogo (PRP) como una modalidad complementaria para el tratamiento de UPD, valorando su seguridad y efectos adversos. Materiales: estudio observacional. Se aplicó PRP a seis pacientes con UPD crónicas, Wagner II, III, con una media en el retraso de la cicatrización de 94 semanas. Se administró mediante punción y como gel sobre la lesión una vez por semana hasta el cierre de la úlcera o durante12 semanas. Las UPD se analizaron con respecto al área y su progresión mediante Mobile Wound Analyzer (MOWA), software de análisis de imágenes de úlceras. El porcentaje de reducción del área se calculó entre la medición inicial y la semana 12. Como criterio de mejoría se eligió una reducción >70% de la lesión. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino con una media de edad de 53 años ± 7,3. Luego de 12 semanas de tratamiento, se reportó una reducción media del tamaño de la úlcera de 78%, con dos cicatrizaciones completas y dos en 99%. Un paciente recibió una amputación luego de presentar infección no controlada. Conclusión: la aplicación del PRP mejoró la regeneración de tejidos, acortando la duración de la úlcera, promoviendo su curación sin efectos adversos, al tiempo que eliminó la necesidad de procedimientos de manejo en una úlcera crónica.

Summary: Diabetic foot ulcers imply high expenditure for both patients and the health system. Vascular impairment, growth factor inhibition and cell migration, among other factors, affect the chronicity of the condition. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) stimulate chemotaxis, neovascularization and tissue regeneration. Objective: to evaluate effectiveness of a formulation of autologous platelet-rich plasma to complement the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer, assessing safety and adverse effects. Material: observational study. Platelet rich plasma was applied to six patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcer Wagner II, III, with an average delayed healing of 94 weeks. PRP gel was administered by puncture technique on the lesion, once a week until the ulcer healed or for 12 weeks. Diabetic foot ulcers were analysed in regards to surface area and progression through the Mobile Wound Analyzer (MOWA) software to analyse ulcer images. The area reduction percentage was calculated comparing the initial measurement and that of week 12. The improvement criteria was defined in a reduction that is >70% of the lesion. Results: men prevailed with an average age of 53 years ± 7.3. After 12 weeks of treatment an average reduction of 78% of the size of the ulcer was reported, two complete healings and two 99% healed. One patient required amputation because of uncontrolled infection. Conclusion: the application of PRP improved tissue regeneration and shortened the duration of the ulcer, promoting healing with no adverse effects, and it likewise eliminated the need for procedures to handle chronic ulcers.

Resumo: As úlceras do pé diabético (UPD) geram alto custo para o paciente e para o sistema de saúde. A vascularização deficiente, a inibição da geração de fatores de crescimento e migração celular, entre outros fatores, influenciam sua cronicidade. Os fatores de crescimento derivados de plaquetas (PDGF) estimulam a quimiotaxia, a neovascularização e a regeneração de tecidos. Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia de uma formulação autóloga de plasma rico em plaquetas (PRP) como modalidade complementar para o tratamento da UPD, avaliando sua segurança e efeitos adversos. Materiais: estudo observacional. O PRP foi aplicado a 6 pacientes com UPD crônica, Wagner II, III, com um atraso médio na cicatrização de 94 semanas. Foi administrado por punção e como gel sobre a lesão uma vez por semana até o fechamento da úlcera ou por 12 semanas. As UPD foram analisadas em relação à área e sua progressão, utilizando o software de análise de imagem de úlcera Mobile Wound Analyzer (MOWA). A redução percentual da área foi calculada entre a medição inicial e a semana 12. Como critério de melhora, optou-se pela redução > 70% da lesão. Resultados: predominou o sexo masculino com média de idade de 53 ± 7,3 anos. Após 12 semanas de tratamento, foi relatada uma redução média no tamanho da úlcera de 78%, sendo 2 com cicatrização completa e 2 em 99%. Um paciente foi amputado após desenvolver infecção descontrolada. Conclusão: a aplicação do PRP melhorou a regeneração tecidual, encurtando o tempo de duração da úlcera, promovendo sua cicatrização sem efeitos adversos, ao mesmo tempo que eliminava a necessidade de procedimentos de manejo na úlcera crônica.

Stimul W® y Heberprot-P® unidos en el tratamiento de la úlcera del pie diabético / Stimul W® and Heberprot-P® combined for treating diabetic foot ulcer

Introducción: Las úlceras del pie diabético resultan las complicaciones más frecuentes en las personas con diabetes. Se conocen diferentes formas de tratamiento para esta enfermedad, con más o menos efectividad, pero no resuelven el problema en la totalidad de los casos. El estimulador eléctrico Stimul W® y el medicamento Heberprot-P® se han empleado, de manera independiente y con resultados satisfactorios, como alternativas para el tratamiento de estas lesiones. Comprobar si la acción combinada de ambos procedimientos permite alcanzar mejores resultados, permitiría contribuir a resolver un problema de alta prevalencia mundial. Objetivo: Exponer el resultado de la aplicación de la combinación del estimulador Stimul W® y el medicamento Heberprot-P® en el tratamiento de un paciente con úlcera del pie diabético. Presentación del caso: Paciente masculino de 69 años de edad, con diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, que presentaba una úlcera del pie diabético en la parte externa del pie derecho, con abundante tejido necrótico en forma de fístula en la base de los dos dedos restantes y falta de granulación. Los tratamientos anteriores no dieron el resultado esperado. Se decidió, como terapia de curación, aplicar durante 12 sesiones la combinación del estimulador Stimul W® y el medicamento Heberprot-P®. Conclusiones: Se logró la cicatrización de la lesión, al obtener un 100 por ciento de tejido de granulación y la disminución significativa de sus dimensiones, lo que mostró que la terapia aplicada constituye una alternativa para el tratamiento de este tipo de úlcera(AU)

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers are the most frequent complications in people with diabetes. Different forms of treatment for this disease are known, with more or less effectiveness; but they do not solve the problem in all cases. The electrical stimulator Stimul W® and the drug Heberprot-P® have been used independently, and with satisfactory outcomes, as alternatives for the treatment of these lesions. Checking whether the combined action of both procedures allows to achieve better outcomes would contribute to solve a problem of high worldwide prevalence. Objective: To present the outcomes of applying the combination of the stimulator Stimul W® and the drug Heberprot-P® for treating a patient with diabetic foot ulcer. Case presentation: A 69-year-old male patient, with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who presented with a diabetic foot ulcer on the outside of the right foot, with abundant necrotic tissue in the form of a fistula at the base of the two remaining toes and lack of granulation. The previous treatments did not permit the expected outcomes. It was decided, as a healing therapy, to apply the combination of the stimulator Stimul W® and the drug Heberprot-P® for twelve sessions. Conclusions: Healing of the lesion was achieved by obtaining 100 percent granulation tissue and a significant reduction in its dimensions, which showed that the applied therapy constitutes an alternative for the treatment of this type of ulcer(AU)

Human Wound and Its Burden: Updated 2020 Compendium of Estimates.

Significance: Chronic wounds impact the quality of life (QoL) of nearly 2.5% of the total population in the United States and the management of wounds has a significant economic impact on health care. Given the aging population, the continued threat of diabetes and obesity worldwide, and the persistent problem of infection, it is expected that chronic wounds will continue to be a substantial clinical, social, and economic challenge. In 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic dramatically disrupted health care worldwide, including wound care. A chronic nonhealing wound (CNHW) is typically correlated with comorbidities such as diabetes, vascular deficits, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. These risk factors make persons with CNHW at high risk for severe, sometimes lethal outcomes if infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (pathogen causing COVID-19). The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted several aspects of the wound care continuum, including compliance with wound care visits, prompting alternative approaches (use of telemedicine and creation of videos to help with wound dressing changes among others), and encouraging a do-it-yourself wound dressing protocol and use of homemade remedies/substitutions. Recent Advances: There is a developing interest in understanding how the social determinants of health impact the QoL and outcomes of wound care patients. Furthermore, addressing wound care in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of telemedicine options in the continuum of care. Future Directions: The economic, clinical, and social impact of wounds continues to rise and requires appropriate investment and a structured approach to wound care, education, and related research.

Should weight-bearing activity be reduced during healing of plantar diabetic foot ulcers, even when using appropriate offloading devices?

Physical activity is an essential part of general health and diabetes management. However, recommending weight-bearing physical activity for people with plantar diabetic foot ulcers is controversial, even when gold standard offloading devices are used, as it is commonly thought to delay healing. We aimed to narratively review relevant studies investigating the relationship between plantar diabetic foot ulcer healing and weight-bearing activity, plantar pressure and device adherence. We defined relevant studies as those from two systematic reviews, along with those identified since using a similar updated Pubmed search strategy. We identified six studies. One study found that more daily steps were associated with worse ulcer healing, three found no significant association between steps and ulcer healing, and in two others the association was unclear. Thus, there is weak evidence for an inverse relationship between weight-bearing physical activity and plantar ulcer healing while utilizing offloading devices. We propose a Diabetic foot Offloading and Activity framework to guide future research to find the optimal balance between the positive and negative effects of weight-bearing activity in the context of foot ulcers. We hope such future studies will shed more conclusive light on the impact of weight-bearing activity on healing of plantar diabetic foot ulcers.

Extent of heel ulceration influences the outcomes in patients with isolated infrapopliteal limb threatening critical ischemia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the extent of heel ulceration on the outcomes of limb threatening critical ischemia due to isolated infrapopliteal disease. METHODS: A retrospective review identified 989 patients with isolated infrapopliteal disease and heel ulceration treated from 2001 to 2018. The heel was defined as the back of the foot, extending from the Achilles tendon to around the plantar surface and covering the apex of the calcaneum bone. Heel ulceration was categorized into three groups by area: <5 cm2, 5 to 10 cm2, and >10 cm2. The interventions were endovascular, open bypass, major amputation, and wound care. An intention-to-treat analysis by patient group was performed. The 30-day outcomes and amputation-free survival (AFS; survival without a major amputation) were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 989 patients, 384 (58% male; average age, 65 years; n = 768 vessels) had undergone isolated endovascular tibial intervention, 124 (45% male; average age, 59 years) had undergone popliteal tibial vein bypass for limb threatening critical ischemia, 219 (52% male; average age, 67 years) had undergone major amputation, and 242 (49% male; average age, 66 years) had received wound care. No difference was found in the 30-day major adverse cardiac events in the endovascular and open bypass groups, with significantly more events in the major amputation group (P = .03). The 30-day major adverse limb events and 30-day amputation rates were equivalent between the open bypass and endovascular groups. The 5-year AFS rate was superior in the open bypass group (37% ± 8%; mean ± standard error of the mean) compared with the endovascular group (27% ± 9%; P = .04). The wound care group had a 5-year AFS rate of 20% ± 9%, which was not significantly different from that of the endovascular group. Patients with heel ulcers of <5 cm2 had better AFS (47% ± 8%) than those with 5- to 10- cm2 heel ulceration (24% ± 9%). Heel ulcers >10 cm2 were associated with markedly worse 5-year AFS outcomes (0% ± 0%). The presence of end-stage renal disease, osteomyelitis, uncontrolled diabetes (hemoglobin A1c >10%), and/or frailty combined with a heel ulcer >10 cm2 were predictive of poor AFS. CONCLUSIONS: An increasing heel ulcer area combined with osteomyelitis and systemic comorbidities was associated with worsening 30-day outcomes and 5-year AFS, irrespective of the therapy chosen.