Diabetic foot infection treatment and care

Foot infections in diabetic patients are a common, complex and costly problem. They are potentially adverse with progression to deeper spaces and tissues and are associated with severe complications. The management of diabetic foot infection (DFI) requires a prompt and systematic approach to achieve more successful outcomes and to ultimately avoid amputations. This study reviews a multi‐step treatment for DFIs. Between September 2010 and September 2012, a total of about 37 patients were consulted for DFI. The treatment algorithm included four steps, that is, several types of debridement according to the type of wound, the application of negative pressure therapy (NPT), other advanced dressings, a targeted antibiotic therapy local or systemic as the case may, and, if necessary, reconstructive surgery. This treatment protocol showed excellent outcomes, allowing us to avoid amputation in most difficult cases. Only about 8% of patients require amputation. This treatment protocol and a multidisciplinary approach with a specialised team produced excellent results in the treatment of DFI and in the management of diabetic foot in general, allowing us to improve the quality of life of diabetic patients and also to ensure cost savings.     

Diabetic foot and foot debridement technique

Surgical foot debridement is widely practised in diabetic foot care. Although minor debridement could be done at the bedside with or without local anaesthesia, more extensive debridement would require regional or general anaesthesia in operating theatres. Delayed surgery could increase the risk of limb loss and mortality. The International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) or the Infectious Diseases Society of America classifications could be used to assist management of the diabetic foot sepsis. A detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the foot is required to achieve the best outcome. Complications of diabetes and any amputation further disrupts the biomechanics of the diabetic foot and increases the risk of transfer ulceration. Foot biomechanics should be considered while debridement and reconstructive techniques employed, although adequate debridement shouldn't be compromised.     

Diabetic foot and foot debridement technique

Surgical foot debridement is widely practised in diabetic foot care. Although minor debridement could be done at the bedside with or without local anaesthesia, more extensive debridement would require regional or general anaesthesia in operating theatres. Delayed surgery could increase the risk of limb loss and mortality. The International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) or the Infectious Diseases Society of America classifications could be used to assist management of the diabetic foot sepsis. A detailed knowledge of the anatomy of the foot is required to achieve the best outcome. Complications of diabetes and any amputation further disrupts the biomechanics of the diabetic foot and increases the risk of transfer ulceration. Foot biomechanics should be considered while debridement and reconstructive techniques employed, although adequate debridement should not be compromised.     

Antibiotic-loaded bone substitutes therapy in the management of the moderate to severe diabetic foot infection: A meta-analysis

In recent years, local antibiotic-loaded bone substitutes (ALBS) have been used increasingly in the treatment of diabetic foot infection (DFI). The meta-analysis aimed to analyse the efficacy of ALBS on patients with moderate to severe DFI (with or without osteomyelitis). With an appropriate search strategy, 7 studies were selected for analysis (2 RCTs and 5 cohort studies). The result showed that the application of ALBS effectively reduced the length of hospital stay (WMD −5.55; 95% CI: −9.85 to −1.26; P = 0.01), the recurrence rates (RR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.69; P = 0.003) and the mortality rates (RR 0.22; 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.82; P = 0.02). Compared to the control groups , however, there was no difference in healing rates (RR 1.06; 95% CI: 0.96 to 1.18; P = 0.26), healing time (WMD −1.44; 95% CI: −3.37 to −0.49; P = 0.14), the number of debridement (WMD −1.98; 95% CI: −4.08 to 0.12; P = 0.06) and major amputation rates (RR 0.76; 95% CI: 0.35 to 1.61; P = 0.47). The ALBS appears to have some beneficial effects as an adjunct to standard surgery in the treatment of DFI with or without osteomyelitis, as it reduces recurrence rates, mortality rates, and length of hospital stay, but there was no statistically significant difference in enhancing wound healing.     

Diabetic foot ulcer,the effect of resource‐poor environments on healing time and direct cost: A cohort study during Syrian crisis

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is one of the slowest healing wounds that hurt the human body. Many studies from developed countries are concerned about materials, procedures, and equipment that accelerate the healing time. In Sweden, the diabetic foot management costs around 24965$/patient. In this review, we would evaluate the healing time of DFUs during what is considered one of the worst humanitarian crisis of the 21st century. 1747 DFUs were studied from the main diabetic foot clinic in Damascus (2014‐2019). We predicted many variables that could prolong the healing time. The cost according to these variables was also reported. The SINBAD Classification was performed to grade the severity of ulcers. We noticed that the median healing time for DFUs was 8 weeks. Almost half of these ulcers healed between 3 and 12 weeks. The time of healing for men was significantly longer than that for women. While the presence of infection doubled the median time of healing, the presence of peripheral artery disease doubled the mean of the direct health care cost. The location of the ulcer acted as another independent risk factor. In conclusion, DFUs face many barriers to heal during a crisis.The environment with resource‐poor settings should be added to the traditional risk factors that delay the healing of DFUs for months or even years. More studies from disaster are as are needed to evaluate low‐cost materials that could be cost effective in applying standard care of the diabetic foot.     

Metataxonomic approach to decipher the polymicrobial burden in diabetic foot ulcer and its biofilm mode of infection

Chronic diabetic foot is a global burden affecting millions of people, and the chronicity of an ulcer is directly linked to the diverse bacterial burden and its biofilm mode of infection. The bacterial diversity of 100 chronic diabetic ulcer samples was profiled via traditional culturing method as well as metagenomic approach by sequencing the 16S rRNA V3 hyper‐variable region on Illumina Miseq Platform (Illumina, Inc., San Diego, CA). All the relevant clinical metadata, including duration of diabetes, grade of ulcer, presence of neuropathy, and glycaemic level, were noted and correlated with the microbiota. The occurrence and establishment of bacterial biofilm over chronic wound tissues was revealed by Fluorescent in situ Hybridization and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The biofilm‐forming ability of predominant bacterial isolates was studied via crystal violet assay and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. The dominant phyla obtained from bacterial diversity analysis were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The dominant aerobic pathogens identified by culture method are Pseudomonas, Proteus, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus, whereas high‐throughput sequencing revealed heightened levels of Streptococcus and Corynebacterium along with 22 different obligate anaerobes. The biofilm occurrence in chronic diabetic ulcer infection is well analysed. Herein, we illustrate the comprehensive pattern of bacterial infection and identify the community composition of chronic wound pathogenic biofilm.     

Diabetic foot disease

Diabetic foot disease, or ulceration, is prevalent and is associated with high rates of lower limb amputation and mortality. Its underlying aetiology is complex and multifactorial. However, neuropathy and peripheral arterial disease represent two important precipitating risk factors. Regular, comprehensive foot examinations are important in the prevention of ulceration and cardiovascular complications as they provide an opportunity to assess risk, modify risk factors and deliver patient education. Charcot neuropathic osteoarthropathy is commonly misdiagnosed and should always be suspected in an individual with diabetes presenting with a hot and swollen foot. Diabetic foot ulcers are challenging to manage. The key to optimizing outcomes includes early diagnosis with referral for coordinated multidisciplinary care where prompt treatment of infection and peripheral arterial disease, as well as appropriate wound care and offloading can be initiated and monitored.     

Appraisal of Biofilm Formation in Diabetic Foot Infections by Comparing Phenotypic Methods With the Ultrastructural Analysis

Diabetic patients are more prone to the development of foot ulcers, because their underlying tissues are exposed to colonization by various pathogenic organisms. Hence, biofilm formation plays a vital role in disease progression by antibiotic resistance to the pathogen found in foot infections. The present study has demonstrated the correlation of biofilm assay with the clinical characteristics of diabetic foot infection. The clinical characteristics such as the ulcer duration, size, nature, and grade were associated with biofilm production. Our results suggest that as the size of the ulcer with poor glycemic control increased, the organism was more likely to be positive for biofilm formation. A high-degree of antibiotic resistance was exhibited by the biofilm-producing gram-positive isolates for erythromycin and gram-negative isolates for cefpodoxime. Comparisons of biofilm production using 3 different conventional methods were performed. The strong producers with the tube adherence method were able to produce biofilm using the cover slip assay method, and the weak producers in tube adherence method had difficulty in producing biofilm using the other 2 methods, indicating that the tube adherence method is the best method for assessing biofilm formation. The strong production of biofilm with the conventional method was further confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis, because bacteria attached as a distinct layer of biofilm. Thus, the high degree of antibiotic resistance was exhibited by biofilm producers compared with nonbiofilm producers. The tube adherence and cover slip assay were found to be the better method for biofilm evaluation.     

Diabetic foot infections: A microbiologic review

Diabetes mellitus continues to be an increasingly common comorbidity. Diabetic foot infections are one of the most common causes of hospitalization in this population, and account for a significant portion of increased hospitalization and healthcare expenditure. Complications, such as osteomyelitis, can necessitate the use of multiple, prolonged antibiotic courses. These courses often consist of broad-spectrum, empiric therapy determined by organisms considered to be commonly associated with these types of infections. Extended periods of broad-spectrum antibiotic regimens can contribute to antibiotic resistance and ultimately limit future treatment options. Furthermore, patient specific risk factors can impact the microbiologic diversity found in these infections. As a result, it is difficult to determine if a single empiric regimen is appropriate for all instances of diabetic foot infections.Objectives and methodsThis review analyzes global literature relating to the culture methods, incidence, risk factors, resistance patterns, and geographic distribution of the microorganisms isolated from diabetic foot infections using the PRISMA statement for systematic review and meta-analysis reporting.ResultsStaphylococcus aureus remains a significant pathogen, with a growing incidence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and MDR gram-negative bacilli.ConclusionsThough some individualized risk factors can be useful, local epidemiology and resistance patterns remain essential for antibiotic treatment considerations.     

Multidrug‐resistant bacteria in diabetic foot infections: Experience from a portuguese tertiary centre

In recent years, the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens made increasingly difficult to establish appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy protocols for acute diabetic foot infection (DFI) treatment. Early recognition of the population at‐risk for multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacterial infection is of paramount importance in order to decrease large‐spectrum antibiotic overuse. This study used retrospective cohort study in a multidisciplinary tertiary diabetic foot unit. Patients with severe DFI were included and divided according to their infection resistance profile (susceptible vs MDR bacteria). Data regarding their comorbidities and length of hospital stay were collected. The primary endpoint was to determine the risk factors for MDR infections and to evaluate if these were associated with an increased length of stay (LOS). A total of 112 microbial isolates were included. Predominance of Gram‐positive bacteria was observed and 22.3% of isolated bacteria were MDR. Previous hospitalisation was associated with a higher likelihood of MDR infection. MDR bacterial infection was also associated with an increased LOS (P = .0296). Our study showed a high incidence of MDR bacteria in patients with a DFI, especially in those who had a recent hospitalisation. MDR infections were associated with a prolonged LOS and represent a global public health issue for which emergent measures are needed.     

Diabetic foot infections: stepwise medical and surgical management

Foot complications are common among diabetic patients; foot ulcers are among the more serious consequences. These ulcers frequently become infected, with potentially disastrous progression to deeper spaces and tissues. If not treated promptly and appropriately, diabetic foot infections can become incurable or even lead to septic gangrene, which may require foot amputation. Diagnosing infection in a diabetic foot ulcer is based on clinical signs and symptoms of inflammation. Properly culturing an infected lesion can disclose the pathogens and provide their antibiotic susceptibilities. Specimens for culture should be obtained after wound debridement to avoid contamination and optimise identification of pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common isolate in these infections; the increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus over the past two decades has further complicated antibiotic treatment. While chronic infections are often polymicrobial, many acute infections in patients not previously treated with antibiotics are caused by a single pathogen, usually a gram-positive coccus. We offer a stepwise approach to treating diabetic foot infections. Most patients must first be medically stabilised and any metabolic aberrations should be addressed. Antibiotic therapy is not required for uninfected wounds but should be carefully selected for all infected lesions. Initial therapy is usually empirical but may be modified according to the culture and sensitivity results and the patient's clinical response. Surgical intervention is usually required in cases of retained purulence or advancing infection despite optimal medical therapy. Possible additional indications for surgical procedures include incision and drainage of an abscess, debridement of necrotic material, removal of any foreign bodies, arterial revascularisation and, when needed, amputation. Most foot ulcers occur on the plantar surface of the foot, thus requiring a plantar incision for any drainage procedure.     

Risk factors for foot ulcer recurrence in patients with comorbid diabetic foot osteomyelitis and diabetic nephropathy: A 3-year follow-up study

This study aimed to explore the risk factors for foot ulcer recurrence in patients with comorbid diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). This is a prospective cohort study. Between May 2018 and May 2021, we selected 120 inpatients with comorbid severe diabetic foot infection (PEDIS Grade 3 or above) and DN for inclusion in our study. All cases were followed up for 36 months. The study outcomes were whether foot ulcer recurred and the time to recurrence. The risk factors of ulcer recurrence were analysed by comparing the data of the three groups. According to the recurrence of foot ulcer, the participants were divided into three groups: Group A (no foot ulcer recurrence, n = 89), Group B (foot ulcer recurrence within 12-36 months, n = 19) and Group C (foot ulcer recurrence within 6-12 months, n = 12). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that urine albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) (HR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.005-1.011, P < .001) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) (HR: 1.064, 95% CI: 1.032-1.096, P < .001) were identified as independent risk factors. Kaplan-Meier curves showed a significant positive association between UACR or VPT and the risk of foot ulcer recurrence (log rank, all P < .05). Areas under the ROC curves for UACR, VPT and the combination of UACR and VPT were 0.802, 0.799 and 0.842, respectively. The best cut-off values of UACR and VPT were 281.51 mg/g and 25.12 V, respectively. In summary, elevated UACR and VPT were independent risk factors. The best clinical cut-off values of UACR and VPT for prediction of foot ulcer recurrence were 281.51 mg/g and 25.12 V, respectively. Besides, our results suggested that microcirculation disorders rather than macrovascular complications play a major role in the recurrence of foot ulcer in patients with comorbid DFO and DN.     

Evaluation of mortality risk factors in diabetic foot infections

Identifying risk factors for mortality is crucial in the management of diabetic foot syndrome. We aimed to evaluate risk factors for mortality in patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI). A retrospective chart review was conducted on 401 patients from 2010 through 2019. Our primary endpoint was in‐hospital mortality. Patients were divided into two groups according to the outcome (survival or death). Clinical data were compared between the two groups statistically. A total of 401 patients were enrolled in the study, 280 (69.8%) of them were male and the mean age was 59.6 ± 11.1 years. The mean follow‐up period was 23.7 ± 22.9 months. In‐hospital mortality rate was 3%. Univariate analysis indicated that ischaemic wound (P = .023), hindfoot infection (P = .038), whole foot infection (P = .010), peripheral arterial disease (P = .024), high leucocyte levels (>12 040 K/μL) (P = .001), high thrombocyte levels (>378 000 K/μL) (P < 0.001), high C‐reactive protein levels (>8.81 mg/dL) (P = .022), and polymicrobial growth in deep tissue culture (P = .041) were significant parameters in predicting mortality. In multivariate analysis, peripheral arterial disease (odds ratio [OR]: 13.430, 95% confidence interval [Cl]: 1.129‐59.692; P = .040), high thrombocyte levels (OR: 1.000, 95% Cl: 1.000‐1.000; P = .022), and polymicrobial growth in deep tissue culture (OR: 7.790, 95% Cl: 1.592‐38.118; P = .011) were independent risk factors for mortality. In conclusion, peripheral arterial disease, high thrombocyte levels, and polymicrobial growth in deep tissue culture were independent risk factors for mortality in DFI.     

Risk factors for foot ulcer recurrence in patients with comorbid diabetic foot osteomyelitis and diabetic nephropathy: A 3‐year follow‐up study

This study aimed to explore the risk factors for foot ulcer recurrence in patients with comorbid diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFO) and diabetic nephropathy (DN). This is a prospective cohort study. Between May 2018 and May 2021, we selected 120 inpatients with comorbid severe diabetic foot infection (PEDIS Grade 3 or above) and DN for inclusion in our study. All cases were followed up for 36 months. The study outcomes were whether foot ulcer recurred and the time to recurrence. The risk factors of ulcer recurrence were analysed by comparing the data of the three groups. According to the recurrence of foot ulcer, the participants were divided into three groups: Group A (no foot ulcer recurrence, n = 89), Group B (foot ulcer recurrence within 12‐36 months, n = 19) and Group C (foot ulcer recurrence within 6‐12 months, n = 12). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that urine albumin‐creatinine ratio (UACR) (HR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.005‐1.011, P < .001) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) (HR: 1.064, 95% CI: 1.032‐1.096, P < .001) were identified as independent risk factors. Kaplan‐Meier curves showed a significant positive association between UACR or VPT and the risk of foot ulcer recurrence (log rank, all P < .05). Areas under the ROC curves for UACR, VPT and the combination of UACR and VPT were 0.802, 0.799 and 0.842, respectively. The best cut‐off values of UACR and VPT were 281.51 mg/g and 25.12 V, respectively. In summary, elevated UACR and VPT were independent risk factors. The best clinical cut‐off values of UACR and VPT for prediction of foot ulcer recurrence were 281.51 mg/g and 25.12 V, respectively. Besides, our results suggested that microcirculation disorders rather than macrovascular complications play a major role in the recurrence of foot ulcer in patients with comorbid DFO and DN.     

Basic haematological tests as inflammatory performance markers of patients treated either by conservative surgery or minor amputation for infected diabetic foot ulcers

Basic inflammatory markers have been extensively studied to differentiate between non-infected and infected diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Very rarely, basic haematological tests such as white cell count (WCC) and platelet counts were used as performance markers for DFU infection severity. The aim is to investigate these biomarkers in patients with DFU treated exclusively with surgery. In this retrospective comparative study, we included 154 procedures comparing a conservative surgery group (n = 66 for infected DFU) and a minor amputation group (n = 88 for infected DFU with osteomyelitis). Outcomes were set as the preoperative values of: WCC, neutrophils (N), lymphocytes (L), Monocytes (M), Platelets (P), red cell distribution width (RDW) and the ratios N/L, L/M and P/L. Area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was calculated based on the diagnosis of minor amputation as a positive result. Cutoff point values with the highest sensitivity and specificity were obtained for each outcome. The highest AUC values were for WCC (0.68), neutrophils (0.68), platelets (0.7) and P/L ratio (0.69) with corresponding cut-off values of 10,650/mm³, 76%, 234,000/mcL and 265, respectively. The highest sensitivity was for the platelet count (81.5%) while the highest specificity was for L/M (89%) and P/L ratios (87%). Postoperative values showed similar results. Simple routine blood tests could serve as inflammatory performance markers to help predict the severity of infection in patients treated surgically for infected DFU.     

负压滴灌联合银黄洗剂治疗糖尿病足感染的疗效及对血清相关因子的影响

目的：观察负压滴灌联合银黄洗剂治疗糖尿病足感染的疗效及对血清相关因子的影响。方法：选取黑龙江中医药大学附属第一医院周围血管病科2020年9月—2022年9月收治的56例糖尿病足感染患者,随机分为两组,各28例。对照组给予负压滴灌联合生理盐水治疗,治疗组给予负压滴灌联合银黄洗剂治疗,疗程均为28 d。比较两组患者治疗前后创面的面积及状态（红肿、深度、肉芽形态及疼痛）评分、血清相关因子（降钙素原及C反应蛋白值）、细菌培养阳性率及总有效率。结果：治疗后,两组创面面积均较治疗前显著缩小,创面状态评分、降钙素原、C反应蛋白水平及细菌培养阳性率较治疗前显著降低,且治疗组显著低于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P <0.05）。治疗组治疗的总有效率明显高于对照组（89.29%vs64.29%）,差异有统计学意义（P <0.05）。结论：负压滴灌联合银黄洗剂治疗糖尿病足感染可有效减轻糖尿病足感染,改善创面状态,促进创面愈合。     

Perceptions and experiences of diabetic foot ulceration and foot care in people with diabetes: A qualitative meta‐synthesis

Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a common and debilitating complication of diabetes that is preventable through active engagement in appropriate foot‐related behaviours, yet many individuals with diabetes do not adhere to foot care recommendations. The aim of this paper was to synthesise the findings of qualitative papers exploring diabetic people's perceptions and experiences of DFU in order to identify how they could be better supported to prevent ulceration or manage its impact. Five databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE, Web of Science) were searched in May 2016 to identify eligible articles. Findings were synthesised using a meta‐ethnographic approach. Forty‐two articles were eligible for inclusion. Synthesis resulted in the development of five overarching themes: personal understandings of diabetic foot ulceration; preventing diabetic foot ulceration: knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours; views on health care experiences; development of diabetic foot ulceration and actions taken; and wide‐ranging impacts of diabetic foot ulceration. The findings highlight various barriers and facilitators of foot care experienced by people with diabetes and demonstrate the significant consequences of ulcers for their physical, social, and psychological well‐being. The insights provided could inform the development of interventions to promote foot care effectively and provide appropriate support to those living with ulceration.     

Diabetic foot infections: microbiological aspects, current and future antibiotic therapy focusing on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Diabetic patients are at increased risk of complicated skin, skin structure and bone infections including infections of diabetic foot ulcerations (DFU). Analyses of epidemiology and microbial pathogenicity show that staphylococci seem to be predestined to induce such infections. In addition, multidrug resistance particularly due to an increasing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) seems to be the challenge for effective antibiotic therapy. With regard to infections with MRSA, classical agents like vancomycin, linezolid, fosfomycin or trimethroprim-sulphametoxazol might be agents of choice in DFU. New-generation drugs including broad-spectrum tetracyclines like tigecycline, first and second generation of cyclic lipopeptides, anti-MRSA β-lactams including ceftobiprole and anti-MRSA antibodies are developed or in progress and the hope for the future.     

足部穴位按摩护理0级糖尿病足患者有效性的系统评价

目的:对足部穴位按摩护理0级糖尿病足的相关文献进行系统评价,证实其应用效果,为临床实践提供参考.方法:计算机检索Cochrane Library、PubMed、Embase、Web of Science、Ebsco、中国知网(CNKI)、万方数据知识服务平台(WanFang Data)、维普期刊资源整合服务平台(VIP...