Strategies to reduce severe diabetic foot infections and complications during epidemics (STRIDE)

AimsPatients with diabetes, including those with foot complications, are at highest risk for severe outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) present additional challenges given their superimposed risk for severe infections and amputations. The main objectives were to develop a triage algorithm to effectively risk-stratify all DFUs for potential complications, complying with social distancing regulations, preserving personal protective equipment, and to assess feasibility of virtual care for DFU.MethodsLongitudinal study during the COVID-19 pandemic performed at a large tertiary institution evaluating the effectiveness of a targeted triage protocol developed using a combined approach of virtual care, electronic medical record data mining, and tracing for rapid risk stratification to derive optimal care delivery methods. 2868 patients with diabetes at risk for foot complications within last 12 months were included and rates of encounters, hospitalizations, and minor amputations were compared to one year prior.ResultsThe STRIDE protocol was implemented in 1-week and eventually included 2600 patients (90.7%) demonstrating effective triage. During normal operations, 40% (938 of 2345) of all visits were due to DFUs and none were performed virtually. After implementation, 98% face-to-face visits were due to DFU, and virtual visits increased by 21,900%. This risk stratified approach led to similar low rates of DFU-related-hospitalization and minor amputation rates 20% versus 24% (p > 0.05) during and prior the pandemic, respectively.ConclusionsImplementation of STRIDE protocol was effective to risk-stratify and triage all patients with diabetic foot complications preventing increase in hospitalization and amputations while promoting both social and physical distancing.     

Heterogeneity in presentation of hyperglycaemia during COVID-19 pandemic: A proposed classification

Diabetes and hyperglycemia occurring during COVID-19 era have implications for COVID-19 related morbidity/mortality. In this brief review, we have attempted to categorise and classify such heterogenous hyperglycemic states. During COVID-19 pandemic broadly two types of hyperglycemia were seen: one in patients without COVID-19 infection and second in patients with COVID-19 infection. Patients not inflicted with COVID-19 infection and diagnosed with either type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) show more severe hyperglycemia and more ketoacidosis, respectively. In former, it could be attributed to weight gain, decreased exercise, stress and in both type of diabetes, due to delayed diagnosis during lockdown and pandemic. In patients with COVID-19 and associated pneumonia, altered glucose metabolism leading to hyperglycemia could be due to corticosteroids, cytokine storm, damage to pancreatic beta cells, or combination of these factors. Some of these patients present with diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state or both. We have provided a framework for categorisation of hyperglycemic states, which could be consolidated/revised in future based on new research data.     

Redefining diabetic foot disease management service during COVID-19 pandemic

Background & aimsDiabetic Foot Disease (DFD) management had to be redefined during COVID-19. We aim to evaluate the impact of this on diabetic foot care services and the strategies adopted to mitigate them.MethodsWe have performed a comprehensive review of the literature using suitable keywords on the Search engines of PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar and Research Gate in the first two weeks of May 2020. We have reviewed how the diabetic foot service in the hospital and community setting has been affected by the current Coronavirus outbreak.ResultsWe found considerable disruption in diabetic foot service provisions both in the primary care and in the hospital settings. Social distancing and shielding public health guidelines have impacted the delivery of diabetic foot services.ConclusionAs the COVID-19 pandemic spreads worldwide, health care systems are facing the tough challenges in delivering diabetic foot service to patients. Public health guidelines and the risk of virus transmission have resulted in reconfiguration of methods to support and manage diabetic foot patients including remote consultations.     

Application of tele-podiatry in diabetic foot management: A series of illustrative cases

Background and aimsTelemedicine had been proposed as a tool to manage diabetes, but its role in management of diabetic foot ulcer is still evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic and related social restrictions have necessitated the use of telemedicine in the management of diabetic foot disease (tele-podiatry), particularly of patients classified as low-risk.Materials and methodsWe present a report of three cases of varied diabetic foot problems assessed during the present pandemic using different forms of telemedicine for triaging, management of low-risk cases and for follow-up.ResultsTele-podiatry was effective in the management of low-risk subjects with diabetic foot ulcer, and also useful in referral of high-risk subjects for hospital/clinic visit, facilitating proper management. It also helped in the follow-up of the cases.ConclusionTelemedicine is a good screening tool for diagnosing and managing low-risk subjects with diabetic foot problems, and also enables a triaging system for deciding on hospital visits and hospitalization. Telemedicine offers several benefits in the management of diabetic foot disease, although it also has some limitations. Based on our experience during the pandemic, we recommend its judicious use in the triaging of patients of diabetic foot disease and management of low-risk cases. Future innovation in technology and artificial intelligence may help in better tele-podiatry care in the time to come.     

Evidence of greater severity of diabetic foot ulcers during COVID-19 pandemic: A real-life single-centre cohort study

Aims

In the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic era, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) manifested more severe forms of Sars-Cov-2 with greater mortality than non-diabetic patients. Several studies documented more aggressive forms of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) during the pandemic period even though the results were not unanimously confirmed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical-demographic differences between a cohort of Sicilian diabetic patients hospitalised for DFU in the pre-pandemic 3 years and a cohort of patients hospitalised in the pandemic 2 years.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and eleven patients from the pre-pandemic period 2017–2019 (Group A) and 86 patients from the pandemic period 2020–2021 (Group B) with DFU, admitted to the division of Endocrinology and Metabolism of the University Hospital of Palermo, were retrospectively evaluated. The clinical assessment of the type, staging and grading of the lesion, and the infective complication from DFU was performed.

Results

No differences in HbA1c values were observed between the two groups. Group B showed a significantly higher prevalence of male subjects (p = 0.010), neuro-ischaemic ulcers (p < 0.001), deep ulcers with involvement of bones (p < 0.001), white blood count levels (p < 0.001), and reactive C protein (p = 0.001) compared to group A.

Conclusions

Our data show that in the COVID-19 pandemic, a greater severity of ulcers requiring a significantly greater number of revascularisations and more expensive therapy, but without an increase in the amputation rate, was observed. These data provide novel information on the impact of the pandemic on diabetic foot ulcer risk and progression.     

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an increasing problem in a diabetic foot clinic.

AIM: To study the prevalence of pathogenic organisms and the prevalence and outcome of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection in foot ulcers in diabetic patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of wound swabs taken from infected foot ulcers in diabetic patients, selected from an outpatient diabetic foot clinic. Seventy-five patients (79 ulcers) with positive wound swabs were included. Size of ulcer and time to healing, in particular for MRSA-infected ulcers, were measured in all patients. RESULTS: Gram-positive aerobic bacteria were the commonest micro-organism isolated (56.7%) followed by gram-negative aerobic bacteria and anaerobes (29.8% and 13.5%, respectively). Of the gram-positive aerobes, S. aureus was found most frequently and 40% were MRSA. MRSA was isolated more commonly in patients treated with antibiotics prior to the swab compared to those who had not received antibiotics (P = 0.01). Patients whose foot ulcers were infected by MRSA had longer healing time than patients whose ulcers were infected by methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (mean (range) 35.4 (19-64) and 17.8 (8-24) weeks, respectively, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: MRSA infection is common in diabetic foot ulcers and is associated with previous antibiotic treatment and prolonged time to healing. Further studies are required to assess the need for antibiotics in treating foot ulcers in diabetes and to assess the optimum therapeutic approach to this problem.     

Psychological adaptive difficulties and their management during COVID-19 pandemic in people with diabetes mellitus

Background and aimsPeople with diabetes have multiple psychosocial issues related to diabetes and its complications and this may be exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe reviewed the psychological adaptative difficulties in people with diabetes especially during natural disasters including the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsThere are significant concerns regarding worsening of glycemic control, unavailability of appropriate medicines, inaccessibility to health care or acquiring SARS- CoV-2 infection and subsequent poorer outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although there are some guidance documents for managing diabetes and associated complications during COVID-19 pandemic but very few address the psychological issues in people with diabetes. We discuss the psychological adaptive difficulties and an approach to address the psychosocial concerns in people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.ConclusionsPeople with diabetes have significant diabetes distress and psychological adaptive difficulties that is aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. An integrated multidisciplinary approach is needed to manage the prevailing psychological issues amongst people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic.     

The pivotal role of offloading in the management of neuropathic foot ulceration

Lower extremity amputations among persons with diabetes are generally preceded by neuropathic foot ulcerations. Healing of diabetic ulcerations in a timely manner is of central importance in any plan for amputation prevention. With sufficient vascular supply, appropriate débridement, and infection control, the primary mode of healing a diabetic neuropathic foot ulcer is pressure dispersion. The total contact cast has been deemed by many to be the gold standard in offloading; however, modification of a standard removable cast walker to ensure patient compliance may be as efficacious in healing diabetic foot ulcers as the total contact cast. Combining an effective, easy to use offloading device that ensures patient compliance with advanced wound healing modalities may form a formidable team in healing ulcers and potentially averting lower limb amputations.     

新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情防控期间ERCP 诊疗专家共识

为降低新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情防控期间经内镜逆行胰胆管造影术（endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography,ERCP）诊疗工作中医患感染的风险,国家消化内镜专业质控中心联合中国医师协会内镜医师分会、中华医学会消化内镜学分会组织相关专家制定了《新型冠状病毒肺炎疫情防控期间ERCP诊疗专家共识》,旨在规范诊疗流程、防控与洗消措施,确保医患双方的诊疗安全。     

Management of an endoscopy center during the outbreak of COVID-19: Experience from West China Hospital

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), various measures have been taken to protect against the infection. As droplet and contact transmission are the main routes of COVID-19 infection, endoscopy centers are considered to be high-risk areas for exposure to COVID-19. We have undertaken severalcountermeasures in our endoscopic center during the pandemic, and have gained significant experience in terms of prevention and control of COVID-19. We here present our experience and strategies adopted for preventing hospital infection in our endoscopy center during the COVID-19 pandemic. We describe our management of the environment, endoscope, patients, and medical staff, and our self-made masks.     

TB positive cases go up in ongoing COVID-19 pandemic despite lower testing of TB: An observational study from a hospital from Northern India

The whole world is wrestling against SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19). COVID-19-TB co-infection is also reported but there are limited number of studies which analyze the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in TB diagnosis and management. In this retrospective study, we observed that the TB diagnosis was reduced in pandemic time. Before COVID-19 pandemic (March–December 2019), there were 644 TB tests out of which 127 were TB positive. In ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (January–October 2020), 484 TB tests were performed and 146 patients were TB positive. Male accounted for 64%/57% of TB cases in 2019/2020 whereas female patients were 35%/42% in 2019/2020. Increase in female TB positive cases was a noticeable feature. The newly diagnosed with TB cases in 2019/2020 were 112/130 respectively. Though, we have seen only 7 COVID-TB co-infection cases, we could not establish the causal relationship in COVID-TB co-infection. The increase in the number of TB positive cases during COVID-19 pandemic clearly showed how adversely COVID-19 has affected TB diagnosis and management. Anticipating the increase in TB cases in future, we emphasize the need to ensure continuous TB testing and treatment despite the pandemic burden. Further study on the COVID-TB co-infection in high TB-burden countries like India, is required to enable analyses of interactions, risk factors in COVID-19-TB co-infection.     

From Ulcer to Infection: An Update on Clinical Practice and Adjunctive Treatments of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Foot ulcers are a common complication of diabetes. A fifth of all individuals with diabetes develop a diabetic foot infection and are hospitalized at least once in their lifetime. Standard of care for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and subsequent infection involves a multimodal, interdisciplinary team approach that includes wound care, systemic antimicrobials, and surgery. However, with the relatively poor outcome for chronic, longstanding ulcers and severe infections, recent research has focused on adjunctive therapies to promote wound healing and repair. This review summarizes the underlying pathology and classification of diabetic ulcers and focuses on recent advances that have important implications for the use of adjunctive therapy for diabetic foot infections.     

Health Care Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic for the Cardiovascular Practitioner

There has been substantial excess morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, not all of which was directly attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection, and many non-COVID-19 deaths were cardiovascular. The indirect effects of the pandemic have been profound, resulting in a substantial increase in the burden of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors, both in individuals who survived SARS-CoV-2 infection and in people never infected. In this report, we review the direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on cardiovascular and cardiometabolic disease burden in COVID-19 survivors as well as the indirect effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the cardiovascular health of people who were never infected with SARS-CoV-2. We also examine the pandemic effects on health care systems and particularly the care deficits caused (or exacerbated) by health care delayed or foregone during the COVID-19 pandemic. We review the consequences of: (1) deferred/delayed acute care for urgent conditions; (2) the shift to virtual provision of outpatient care; (3) shortages of drugs and devices, and reduced access to: (4) diagnostic testing, (5) cardiac rehabilitation, and (6) homecare services. We discuss the broader implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for cardiovascular health and cardiovascular practitioners as we move forward into the next phase of the pandemic.     

Co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus: a clinical challenge

Many regions of the world where dengue epidemics are seasonal are also facing the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a medical concern because both diseases are difficult to distinguish since they have similar clinical symptoms and laboratory findings, and because they have different clinical management. So far, co-infection of SARS-CoV-2 and dengue virus (DENV) has not been studied. Herein we report the first case of a patient with co-infection of COVID-19 and dengue. Both infections were simultaneously laboratory confirmed by positive RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 and RT-qPCR for DENV, NS1, IgM and IgG antibody tests for dengue. The patient had a favorable clinical improvement, without severe symptoms. This case emphasize that, in pandemic era, having a diagnostic of one infection does not rule out the possibility of having another infection concomitantly. In addition, underscores the importance of an accurate and timely diagnosis to prevent the spread of COVID-19.     

Diabetes management and specific considerations for patients with diabetes during coronavirus diseases pandemic: A scoping review

Background and aimsThe global pandemic of coronavirus (COVID-19) affects almost all countries in the world, which potentially alter diabetes management. Many diabetes patients are experiencing barrier of care due to the policy related to COVID-19. This article aims to review the current evidence on diabetes management and specific considerations during the COVID-19 pandemic for people living with diabetes.MethodsWe conducted a scoping review in PubMed, Science Direct, DOAJ and Microsoft Academics databases from January 1 to April 17, 2020. Searching terms included “COVID-19”, “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2”, and “Diabetes Mellitus” were used. Only scientific articles discussing diabetes management and specific considerations were selected and extracted.ResultsA total of 7 articles was selected in the analysis. Most were published in diabetes journals (85.71%). All articles (100%) discussed diabetes management and 71.43% of them provided diabetes care in specific considerations. We discussed issue of diabetes management in glycemic control and monitoring, dietary intake, physical activity, medication, education and prevention of COVID-19 infection that applicable for diabetes patients. In addition, specific considerations explored caring for diabetes in children and adolescents, pregnancy, elderly, emergency or critical care, to offer certain concern for raising the awareness.ConclusionsThis review specifies a summary of diabetes management as well as the particular considerations to care people living with diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic. Patients, health care providers, and policy makers could take advantage of the review to assist diabetic people passing through COVID-19 pandemic session with optimum glycemic outcome.     

Chronic liver disease-related mortality in diabetes before and during the COVID-19 in the United States

BackgroundGlobal pandemic of COVID-19 represents an unprecedented challenge. COVID-19 has predominantly targeted vulnerable populations with pre-existing chronic medical diseases, such as diabetes and chronic liver disease.AimsWe estimated chronic liver disease-related mortality trends among individuals with diabetes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsUtilizing the US national mortality database and Census, we determined the quarterly age-standardized chronic liver disease-related mortality and quarterly percentage change (QPC) among individuals with diabetes.ResultsThe quarterly age-standardized mortality for chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis among individuals with diabetes remained stable before the COVID-19 pandemic and sharply increased during the COIVD-19 pandemic at a QPC of 8.5%. The quarterly mortality from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) increased markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mortality for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection declined with a quarterly rate of -3.3% before the COVID-19 pandemic and remained stable during the COVID-19 pandemic. While ALD- and HCV-related mortality was higher in men than in women, NAFLD-related mortality in women was higher than in men.ConclusionsThe sharp increase in mortality for chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis among individuals with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased mortality from NAFLD and ALD.     

糖尿病足溃疡病原菌种类及感染特征

糖尿病足是糖尿病的主要慢性并发症之一,40%～80%的糖尿病足溃疡合并感染,感染的病原菌以需氧革兰阳性球菌为主,其次是需氧革兰阴性杆菌、厌氧菌及真菌,最常见的是金黄色葡萄球菌.糖尿病足感染的主要特征是混合感染、多重耐药菌株感染、病原菌的性质及种类随溃疡深度变化及病程的进展而产生差异.糖尿病足感染患者年龄大并且创面愈合时间长,应对糖尿病足进行综合治疗,加强对感染的早期预防及诊治.     

Screening for active COVID-19 infection and immunization status prior to biologic therapy in IBD patients at the time of the pandemic outbreak

Coronavirus disease 2019 has been recently classified as pandemic infection by the World Health Organization. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are invited to follow the national recommendations as any other person. It is unclear whether a more aggressive clinical course might develop in asymptomatic COVID-19 infected subjects during biological therapy and current evidence does not support treatment suspension. However, during pandemic, the start of treatment with immunosuppressive drugs and biologics should be postponed whenever possible and based on an individual risk assessment. When clinical conditions and the disease activity do not allow a treatment delay, before starting a biological therapy, screening of IBD patients for COVID-19 active infection by RT-PCR should be advisable, even in absence of clinical suspicion. Serum antibody testing, when available, could provide evidence of infection as well as identify patients already immune to the disease.     

What is the most effective way to reduce incidence of amputation in the diabetic foot?

Approximately 40-60% of all amputations of the lower extremity are performed in patients with diabetes. More than 85% of these amputations are precipitated by a foot ulcer deteriorating to deep infection or gangrene. The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers has been estimated to be 3-8%. The complexity of these ulcers necessitates a multifactorial approach in which aggressive management of infection and ischemia is of major importance. For the same reason, a process-oriented approach in the evaluation of prevention and management of the diabetic foot is essential. Healing rates of foot ulcers are unknown with the exception of specialised centres where it is between 80-90%. The negative consequences of diabetic foot ulcers on quality of life include not only morbidity but also disability and premature mortality. Costs for healing ulcers are high and even higher for ulcers resulting in amputation, due to prolonged hospitalisation, rehabilitation, and need for home care and social service for disabled patients. Therefore, one of the most important steps to reduce cost in the management of the diabetic foot is to avoid amputations. A cost-effective management should not only be focused on the short-term cost until healing but also on the long-term cost, since foot ulcer and especially amputation are related to increased re-ulceration rate and lifelong disability. A multidisciplinary approach including preventive strategy, patient and staff education, and multifactorial treatment of foot ulcers has been reported to reduce the amputation rate by more than 50%.     

国际糖尿病足工作组和中华医学会糖尿病学分会糖尿病足诊治指南的解读与比较

为寻找糖尿病足诊疗规律,本文对比研究了国内外糖尿病足指南。本文从指南制定使用的方法学、内容划分、高危足预防、糖尿病足溃疡减压、糖尿病足溃疡周围血管病变、糖尿病足感染、糖尿病足溃疡愈合、糖尿病足溃疡分类这几个部分,比较了国际糖尿病足工作组2019年糖尿病足指南和中华医学会糖尿病学分会2019年糖尿病足指南。糖尿病足预防非常重要,溃疡减压以不可拆卸支具为主;存在外周动脉疾病时,要掌握手术适应证并采取合理治疗方法;有感染时,要根据严重程度不同选择不同的抗感染方法(含手术清创)。促进创面愈合的方法很多,但证据等级多不高;溃疡分类多,但无一能涵盖诊治全部需求。我国医护人员应当将国内外指南与当地医疗条件相结合、规范化地诊治糖尿病足。