A retrospective study of diabetic foot ulcers treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

A retrospective review of patient medical records was conducted to assess what factors influence the outcomes of diabetic foot ulcers treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy. Patients referred to the Diving Diseases Research Centre for HBO therapy for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers during a 2‐year period were included in this study. Data collected from 30 sets of patient records were entered into SPSS and statistical analysis was undertaken to investigate whether any underlying pathologies or confounding factors appeared to influence patient outcome. A 73·3% of patients achieved a successful outcome of partial healing, major amputation no longer required, amputation level lower than anticipated prior to HBO or healing at the end of HBO therapy and 70% remained successful 3 months later. A 13·3% of patients were lost to follow‐up at 3 months and one patient (3·3%) had a major amputation. Steroid therapy, peripheral vascular disease, previous minor amputation, type of diabetes, previous HBO therapy, larvae therapy, the use of interactive dressings and haemoglobin A1c levels were all observed to have had a significant relationship with patient outcome (P < 0·05). These results were compared with data from other published research conducted in this area on similar patient groups. A larger scale study focussing on the factors found to be significant in this study is recommended. An improvement of patient documentation would allow patient outcomes to be more consistently monitored in the future.     

A systematic review and meta-analysis of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for diabetic foot ulcers with arterial insufficiency

BackgroundDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are frequently associated with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and may ultimately lead to amputations of the lower extremity. Adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) might foster better wound healing and lower amputation rates in patients with DFU and PAOD. A systematic review was conducted to assess the effects of HBOT as an adjunctive therapy to standard treatment for patients with DFUs with PAOD.MethodsSystematic review using the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases (from inception to October 2018). All original, comparative studies on the effect of HBOT on DFUs with PAOD were eligible. The primary outcome measures were amputation rate, amputation-free survival, complete ulcer healing, and mortality.ResultsEleven studies, totaling 729 patients, were included for analysis, including 7 randomized clinical trials, 2 controlled clinical trials, and 2 retrospective cohorts. Four were used for quantitative synthesis. Meta-analysis showed a significantly fewer major amputations in the HBOT group (10.7% vs 26.0%; risk difference, −15%; 95% confidence interval [CI], −25 to −6; P = .002; number needed to treat, 7; 95% CI, 4-20). No difference was found for minor amputations (risk difference, 8%; 95% CI, −13 to 30; P = .46). Three studies reporting on complete wound healing showed contrasting results. No significant difference was found for mortality or amputation-free survival.ConclusionsCurrent evidence shows that adjuvant HBOT improves major amputation rate, but not wound healing, in patients with DFUs and PAOD. Given the wide range of patients included in the trials, better patient selection may help define which patients with DFUs and PAOD benefit most from HBOT as standard adjunctive treatment.     

Treatment of diabetic foot complications with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: A retrospective experience

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the role of hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers.MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study of all patients with diabetic foot ulcers treated at the Institution's hyperbaric chamber between January 2010 and August 2012. Patient data was obtained upon patient hospital visit and prospective clinical record consultation.ResultsTwenty-six foot lesions including 13 foot ulcers Wagner grade 2 or greater and 13 amputation stump ulcers were submitted to hyperbaric oxygen therapy between January 2010 and August 2012 in our Institution. Of these, 23 foot lesions completed treatment and complete epithelialization of the primary lesion was achieved in 15 (65%). The mean healing period since the first hyperbaric oxygen therapy session was 16 weeks. Above-ankle amputations were performed in 3 limbs and transmetatarsal amputations in 2 limbs.ConclusionHyperbaric oxygen may be associated with ulcer healing in selected diabetic foot ulcers with impaired cicatrization.     

The role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers and refractory osteomyelitis

The use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in the care of the diabetic patient with nonhealing ulcers, refractory osteomyelitis, or both of the lower extremity can be a valuable adjunct in their overall treatment. Adequate tissue oxygenation to promote wound healing and stimulate cellular defenses can be achieved in a hyperbaric environment. Several clinical studies have supported its use in select patients.     

A prospective study: hyperbaric oxygen therapy in diabetics with chronic foot ulcers

Research suggests that hyperbaric oxygen therapy may have beneficial effects on ulcer healing and amputation rates in diabetic patients. This paper describes the design of a study that is evaluating its effects on chronic diabetic foot ulcers.     

Diabetic foot ulcers treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a review of the literature

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been used as an adjunct for healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) for decades. However, its use remains controversial. A literature search was conducted to locate clinical studies and assess the available evidence. Ten prospective and seven retrospective studies evaluating HBO for DFUs were located. These were reviewed and the outcomes were discussed. One study reported no difference in outcomes between patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen and the control group. However, their regime differed from all other studies in that the patients received hyperbaric oxygen twice rather than once daily. Reduced amputation rates and improved healing were the most common outcomes observed.     

Factors influencing the outcome of lower-extremity diabetic ulcers treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy

The objectives of this study were to report outcomes of a large number of patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO(2)T) for diabetic lower-extremity ulcers, and to identify likely outcome predictors. Five hyperbaric facilities supplied data on 1,006 patients. A sixth clinic served as a validation sample for the regression-based prediction model, and later additional data from Memorial Hermann Hospital were added. The severity of lower-extremity lesions was assessed upon initiation of HBO(2)T using the Modified Wagner scale, and the outcome described as healed, partially healed, not improved, amputated, or died. Overall, 73.8% of patients improved (granulated or healed). Factors significantly related to outcome included renal failure, pack-year smoking history, transcutaneous oximetry, number of HBO(2)T treatments, and interruption of treatment regimen. Number of treatments per week and treatment pressure (2.0 vs. 2.4 atmospheres absolute) were not significant factors in outcome. Concomitant administration of autologous growth factor gel did not improve outcome. A multiple regression model was fitted to the data that can be used to predict the outcome of diabetic patients undergoing HBO(2)T. Given the high cost of amputation and rehabilitation, these data suggest that hyperbaric oxygen treatment should be an important adjunctive therapy to heal lower-extremity lesions, especially those with a Wagner grade of 3 or higher.     

The use of adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen in treatment of the diabetic foot

Hypoxia in the relatively ischemic diabetic foot impairs leukocyte bacterial killing and fibroblast-collagen support for capillary angiogenesis. Infection in even the relatively young, "warm-foot" diabetic with microangiopathy, neuropathy, and infection leads to hypoxia due to local high oxygen consumption. The 1100 to 1300 mm Hg arterial PO2 achievable with hyperbaric oxygen results in elevation of wound PO2. Periodic correction of wound hypoxia improves leukocyte bacterial killing and support for capillary angiogenesis. Hyperbaric oxygen is usually futile in the elderly diabetic with significant and generalized large-vessel occlusion.     

负压创面治疗联合高压氧治疗糖尿病足的临床疗效

目的 探讨负压创面治疗联合高压氧治疗糖尿病足的临床疗效.方法 采用回顾性病例对照研究分析江苏大学附属人民医院整形烧伤科自2013年2月至2017年12月收治的46例糖尿病足患者的临床资料,根据治疗方法分为对照组(24例)和联合治疗组(22例).糖尿病足创面按Wagner分级为3～5级;共46足.对照组采用控制血糖、抗感...     

Topical oxygen therapy results in complete wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant problem in an aging population. Fifteen percent of diabetics develop a DFU over their lifetime, which can lead to potential amputation. The 5‐year survival rate after amputation is 31%, which is greater than the lifetime risk of mortality from cancer. Topical oxygen is a promising technique for the adjunctive therapy of chronic wounds including DFUs, but few controlled studies exist to support its clinical adoption. The aim of this study was to compare a portable topical oxygen delivery system in patients with nonhealing DFUs to standard best practice. Twenty patients were randomized into a topical oxygen group (n = 10), and a nonplacebo control group with regular dressings and standard care (n = 10), and attended the diabetic foot clinic once weekly for 8 weeks. Ulcer surface area over time was analyzed using standardized digital imaging software. DFUs were present without healing for a mean duration of 76 weeks prior to the study. They found a significant difference in healing rate between patients receiving topical oxygen and those receiving standard care. Topical oxygen, therefore, represents a potentially exciting new technology to shorten healing time in patients with nonhealing DFUs. More prospective randomized and powered studies are needed to determine the benefits of topical oxygen, but our current results are very promising.     

Tetanus prophylaxis for diabetic foot ulcers

The infected or ulcerated diabetic foot is a suitable environment for Clostridium tetani. Tetanus intoxication as a result of foot ulcer has been described in the literature. Immunopathy, vasculopathy, and ulceration place the diabetic patient at risk for developing tetanus. Of diabetic patients who contract generalized tetanus in the United States, foot ulcer or gangrene are responsible for 25% of cases. Patients who have diabetic wounds should receive tetanus prophylaxis. The prophylaxis should follow the "tetanus-prone" wound recommendations as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.     

Consensus Conference on hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of foot lesions in diabetic patients

This Consensus Conference, organized on 4–5 December 1998 in London by the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM), aimed to create an objective and complete review of current literature in the field of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO). A diverse group of experts throughout the world was invited.At the Consensus Conference, experts presented their review of the literature relating to HBO before a jury and the audience. Thereafter, the jury gathered to discuss the presentations and present its findings in a consensus statement to include recommendations for clinical practice based on the evidence that was presented. These recommendations will be published in a later issue of The Foot.The questions to be answered were:1. What is the rationale for hyperbaric oxygen in the treatment of foot lesions in diabetic patients?2. Which diabetic patients may benefit from hyperbaric oxygen for the treatment of foot lesions?3. What is the place of hyperbaric oxygen in the multidisciplinary team approach to these lesions?4. How can the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen for these lesions be evaluated?5. Is hyperbaric oxygen cost effective in the treatment of these lesions?     

糖尿病足患者的循证护理实践

目的描述糖尿病足的循证护理证据。方法以中文检索关键词"糖尿病足、护理",英文检索关键词"diabetes foot,care ormanagement"检索该领域2000～2010发表的相关临床实践指南、系统评价等循证资源。结果共检索到RNAO(Registered Nur-ses Association of Ontario)临床实践指南2篇、JBI(Joanna Briggs Institute)的系统评价1篇、Cochrane的系统评价3篇。循证推荐建议包括:进行糖尿病足危险因素评估,对所有糖尿病患者进行预防足溃疡的健康教育,当患者处于足溃疡和/或截肢(趾)高危时提供适合的护理干预和社会支持。结论目前尚未发现糖尿病足护理的最佳实践信息,主要是由于缺乏高质量的原始研究,迫切需要进行大样本、高质量的关于糖尿病足护理的实验性研究。     

Lower extremity bypass in patients with diabetic foot ulcers

The assessment and management of ischemia for the diabetic patient must be a part of an evidence-based treatment algorithm for wound healing. In 1999, the American Diabetes Association published a consensus position to provide guidance to health care professionals who manage foot wounds in patients with diabetes. The consensus panel recognized six approaches that are supported by clinical trials or well-established principles of wound healing: off-loading, debridement, dressings, antibiotics, vascular reconstruction, and amputation or reconstructive foot surgery when necessary. Adjunctive medical therapies include normalization of blood glucose, treatment of comorbid conditions, control of edema, nutritional repletion, and physical and emotional therapy. Education and prevention of recurrence are essential in any treatment algorithm. Box 1 and Box 2 are algorithms developed by the author and used in clinical management of diabetic lower extremity wounds. The author's multidisciplinary team approach is evidenced based with documented healing and a reduction in amputation at every level. For the patient, it best allows a return to function and well-being. Focusing on quality maximizes the cost/benefit ratio.     

Cost-effective management of recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers

The worldwide increase in prevalence of type 2 diabetes has resulted in a parallel increase in diabetic foot ulcers--a pervasive and significant problem associated with this disease [2]. Currently, an estimated 10.3 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, while an additional estimated 5.4 million people with diabetes remain undiagnosed, representing a sixfold increase in the incidence of diabetes over the past four decades [9]. Approximately 15% (more than 2 million individuals, based on these estimates) of all people with diabetes will develop a lower-extremity ulcer during the course of the disease [10-12]. While most of these ulcers can be treated successfully on an outpatient basis, some will persist and become infected. Ultimately, between 14% and 20% of patients with lower-extremity diabetic ulcers will require amputation of the affected limb [13-15]. Diabetic foot ulcers can result in staggering financial burdens for both the healthcare system and the patient. For example, analysis of the 1995 Medicare claims revealed that lower-extremity ulcer care accounted for $1.45 billion in Medicare costs and contributed substantially to the high cost of care for diabetics, compared with Medicare costs for the general population [5]. Therapies that promote rapid and complete healing and reduce the need for expensive surgical procedures would impact these costs substantially. Results of this analysis suggest that becaplermin may ultimately be more cost-effective for the treatment of chronic diabetic foot ulcers than other treatment modalities, despite its higher initial dollar cost. This finding may be attributed to a combination of factors. First, expenses incurred in more prolonged treatment, such as office visits and the need for additional dressings, can be avoided when healing completes in a shorter period. Second, rapid and complete ulcer healing may reduce the incidence of significant morbidities (such as amputation or infection) and premature mortality; consequently, the financial burden associated with these complications would be reduced. Finally, the value of improved quality of life in patients with healed ulcers and the reduction in financial burden for patients who return to work cannot be ignored. These promising results warrant further investigation in larger controlled clinical studies to define more clearly the cost-effectiveness of becaplermin in this patient population.     

Antibiotic treatment of infected diabetic foot ulcers

Antimicrobial treatment can be effective in diabetic foot ulcers. However, choosing the appropriate regimen depends on the clinical and microbial presentation. This review describes the factors practitioners need to consider.     

Assessment of infection in diabetic foot ulcers

Typical signs of infection in diabetic foot ulcers are often absent or late. This literature review outlines the factors practitioners must take into account when assessing for and managing such infections.