Úlceras del pie diabético: importancia del manejo multidisciplinario y salvataje microquirúrgico de la extremidad / Diabetic foot ulcers: importance of a multidisciplinary approach and microsurgical limb rescue

Las úlceras del pie diabético son el principal factor de riesgo para las amputaciones no traumáticas en personas con diabetes. El éxito de la intervención requiere un completo entendimiento de la patogénesis y una implementación oportuna y estandarizada de un tratamiento efectivo. Es necesario un enfoque multidisciplinario para inicialmente controlar y tratar múltiples factores causantes de la ulceración severa del pie diabético. El desbridamiento, control de la infección y revascularización son pasos clave para la estabilización de la herida y su preparación para una reconstrucción exitosa. La microcirugía y supermicrocirugía permite proporcionar un tejido bien vascularizado para controlar la infección, un contorno adecuado para el calzado, durabilidad y anclaje sólido para resistir las fuerzas de cizallamiento durante la marcha. De esta manera, se puede lograr el salvataje de la extremidad, mejorando la calidad de vida y aumentando la sobrevida.

Diabetic foot ulcers are the main risk factor for non-traumatic amputations in people with diabetes. A succesful intervention requires a thorough understanding of the pathogenesis and a timely and standardized implementation of an effective treatment. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to initially control and treat multiple factors that cause severe diabetic foot ulceration. Debridement, infection control, and revascularization are key steps in wound stabilization and preparation for successful reconstruction. Microsurgery and supermicrosurgery provide a well-vascularized tissue to control infection, an adequate shoe contour, durability and solid anchorage to resist shearing forces during gait. In this way, the salvage of the limb can be achieved, improving the quality of life and increasing the survival rate.

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

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

Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with diabetic foot ulcer / Características sociodemográficas e clínicas de doentes com pé diabético

Summary Introduction: Diabetic foot is one of the most serious complications of diabetes affecting about 15% of all diabetes patients, and it is the leading cause of nontraumatic lower limb amputations. This study presents a sociodemographic and clinical characterization of patients with diabetic foot ulcer indicated for amputation surgery. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 206 patients with type 2 diabetes and a diabetic foot ulcer indicated for amputation surgery. Patients were assessed on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, pain intensity and pain interference, after answering the Brief Pain Inventory, and on pain descriptors according to the Douleur Neuropathique 4. Results: Most patients were male, with little formal education and a mean age of 66 years. They had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for 18 years in average, and diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcer in average 3 years prior to the assessment. About 59% of patients experienced pain in the lower limb that significantly interfered with all areas of their functioning. Conclusion: The social demographic variables play an important role in diabetic foot ulceration. Given that the neuropathic ulcers are more easily preventable, systematic monitoring of patients with neuropathy is important. In patients with neuroischemic foot, strategies to cope or manage more efficiently the pain are paramount. Intervention should be multidisciplinary and take into account sociodemographic and clinical factors, as well as the presence, intensity and interference of pain in the patient's daily life activities and whether the patient has family or caregiver support.

Resumo Introdução: o pé diabético é uma das complicações mais graves da diabetes, afetando cerca de 15% dos indivíduos com diabetes, e é a maior causa de amputação de membros inferiores de origem não traumática. Este estudo apresenta uma caracterização sociodemográfica e clínica de doentes com pé diabético indicados para cirurgia de amputação. Método: estudo transversal com 206 doentes com diabetes tipo 2 e pé diabético indicados para cirurgia de amputação. Foram recolhidos dados sociodemográficos e clínicos. Intensidade e interferência da dor foram avaliadas por meio do Brief Pain Inventory e os descritores da dor, pelo Douleur Neuropathique 4. Resultados: a maioria dos doentes era do sexo masculino, com baixa escolaridade e uma média de idade de 66 anos. Apresentava diagnóstico de diabetes tipo 2 havia 18 anos e pé diabético havia 4 anos. Cerca de 59% dos doentes apresentavam dor no membro inferior, interferindo significativamente em todas as áreas de funcionamento. Conclusão: as variáveis sociodemográficas desempenham um papel importante na ulceração do pé diabético. As úlceras neuropáticas são mais facilmente preveníveis; portanto, é importante o acompanhamento sistemático dos doentes com neuropatia. Nos doentes com pé neuroisquêmico, estratégias para lidar/gerir a dor de forma mais eficaz são necessárias. A intervenção deve ser multidisciplinar e considerar os fatores sociodemográficos e clínicos, a presença, intensidade e interferência da dor nas atividades de vida diária do doente, bem como a presença de suporte da família ou de um cuidador.

Pie diabético / Diabetic foot

The prevalence of diabetes has increased considerably, constituting a global epidemic today. Many of these patients will develop chronic complications of diabetes, including diabetic foot, which aggravates the patient’s clinical condition, decreases the quality of life and has a great socioeconomic impact. The most important action to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with this pathology is the prevention of this complication, performing a propermetabolic management and serial control of the patient, educating about self-care of the feet. Once diabetic foot ulcer is present, the cornerstones of treatment are debridement of the wound, management of any infection, revascularization procedures when indicated, and discharge of the ulcer, all of the above in order to avoid amputation. This article intends tomake a review about the epidemiology, pathophysiology, classification, diagnosis, prevention and management of diabetic foot oriented to the primary care doctor.

Implicación del traumatismo en la fisiopatología del pie diabético / Effect of traumatismo on the physiopathology of the diabetic foot

El pie diabético es el resultado de la interacción de factores sistémicos o predisponentes (neuropatía, microangiopatía y macroangiopatía), sobre los que actúan factores desencadenantes y agravantes. Con el objetivo de evaluar la implicación del traumatismo en la fisiopatología del pie diabético, se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos nacionales e internacionales, se revisaron los trabajos hasta el 2011; los términos utilizados fueron: definición, concepto, traumatismo y fisiopatología del pie diabético, en idioma español e inglés. Se constató que el traumatismo en términos generales, solo es tratado en esta enfermedad como parte de los factores desencadenantes extrínsecos que se clasifican en mecánicos, térmicos o químicos; lo cual es avalado por cinco definiciones referidas a esta enfermedad. Se concluye que la limitada interpretación de la implicación del traumatismo en la fisiopatología del pie diabético, unida a una pobre interpretación de este factor en los diferentes conceptos conocidos, favorece la elaboración de una nueva definición de esta enfermedad.

The diabetic foot is the result of the interaction of systemic or predisposing factors (Neuropathy, Microangiopathy and Macroangiopathy) upon which unleashing aggravating factors also act. With the objective of evaluating the implications of traumatism in the physiopathology of the diabetic foot, literature review was made in national and international databases to analyze the papers published until 2011. The terms were definition, concept, traumatism and physiopathology of the diabetic foot in Spanish and English. It was verified that traumatism is generally addressed in this disease as part of the extrinsic unleashing factors that are classified into mechanical, thermal or chemical, which is supported on five definitions of this disease, one of them put forward by a domestic author. It was concluded that the restricted interpretation of the implication of traumatism for the physiopathology of the diabetic foot together with poor interpretation of this factor in the various concepts already known makes it possible to prepare a new definition of this disease.

Diabetic dermopathy as marker for early detection of myocardial infarction

There are many cutaneous signs in diabetes mellitus [DM] which is the most common endocrine disorder among the general population. Diabetic Dermopathy [DD] or Shin Spots are the most common cutaneous signs of diabetes. Although they occur individually in people who do not have diabetes, if four or more are present the specificity is high for microvascular disease in other tissues. This study was done to evaluate frequency of diabetic dermopathy among diabetic patients and use this obvious subtle clinical sign as marker for early detection of atherosclerotic changes in diabetic patients including myocardial infarction. This study was done at diabetic center in Sulaimani intensive care unit[IUC] in teaching hospital of Suliamani during the period from November 2008 to June 2009. A total of 384 patients with Diabetes mellitus were included in this descriptive case series hospital-based study. All patients were diagnosed by specialist diabetician as a case of DM depending on classic diagnostic criteria of DM. All patients were thoroughly assessed regarding the age, sex, skin color, duration of diabetes mellitus and treatment regime. Careful skin examinations has been performed for diabetic dermopathy, diabetic wet gangrene of foot. Diagnosis of myocardial infarction was done either by electrocardiographic changes or by plasma biochemical marker. Eighty four [21.9%] case with DD were reported in our study; fifty four [64.3%] case of them were females while the remaining 30 [35.7%] cases were male. Diabetic patients with myocardial infarction were 44[11.5%] cases, 36 cases as acute MI. while the other eight cases were old cases of MI. Of these 44 cases 16[36.4%] had DD while 28[63.6%] had no DD. There was a statistically significant association between the myocardial infarction and the frequency of diabetic dermopathy and we should use this obvious subtle clinical sign as marker for early detection of atherosclerotic changes in diabetic patients including myocardial infarction. Wet gangrene of the foot is also considered a marker of bad glycemic control.

Avaliação sensório-motora do tornozelo e pé entre idosos diabéticos e não diabéticos / Sensory-motor assesment of ankle and foot among diabetic and non-diabetic elderly

A expressão “qualidade de vida” tem sido utilizada sob diversos enfoques e é tema de pesquisas imprescindíveis na área da saúde. Muitas pesquisas têm-se dedicado a estudar a velhice sob novas óticas, mas a maioria desses estudos se refere a idosos que habitam ambientes urbanos, sendo poucas as pesquisas que abordam o tema do envelhecimento no ambiente rural. O instrumento utilizado foi o WHOQOL-OLD, modificado para pessoas idosas, com o objetivo de avaliar e comparar a qualidade de vida de idosas residentes em ambientes urbano e rural. A amostra foi constituída de 30 mulheres, com idade igual ou superior a 60 anos. O tratamento estatístico foi composto por análise descritiva e inferencial. Os dados foram analisados através SPSS, versão 13.0 para Windows. O nível de significância e erro estatístico considerado foi de 5% (p<0,05). Após análise dos resultados, as idosas foram classificadas com média do Qvg-old igual ou superior a 13 como sendo detentoras de qualidade de vida suficiente; 46% das idosas residentes na área urbana apresentaram níveis iguais ou acima de 13, sobrepondo-se aos 40% dos indivíduos residentes na zona rural, que obtiveram níveis superiores a 13. Constatou-se que o fato de residir em regiões geograficamente diferentes não interferiu nos níveis de qualidade de vida. Recomenda-se a realização de outros estudos, a fim de complementar e comparar os resultados de qualidade de vida com idosos de outras regiões, na perspectiva de obter uma classificação qualitativa da qualidade de vida da população idosa com diversas características sócio-demográficas e culturais.

Avaliação da sensibilidade cutânea em pés de pacientes diabéticos através do pressure specified sensory deviceTM / Evaluation of cutaneous sensibility threshold on the feet of Brazilian diabetic patients pressure with the specified sensory deviceTM

Introdução: A neuropatia diabética causa diminuição ou perda da sensibilidade protetora do pé, tornando-o mais vulnerável ao trauma mecânico e térmico. O Pressure Specified Sensory DeviceTM (PSSD) é um equipamento desenvolvido para quantificar o limiar de pressão, aplicada sobre a pele, necessária para que o paciente perceba o estímulo provocado por: um ponto estático, um ponto em movimento, dois pontos estáticos e dois pontos em movimento. Método: Denominamos grupo estudo, aos 34 pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2, sem história prévia de feridas e/ou amputações nos pés que foram submetidos à avaliação de sensibilidade cutânea utilizando-se o PSSDTM. Foram realizados testes nos territórios cutâneos dos nervos fibular profundo, plantar medial e ramo calcâneo do nervo tibial posterior. Estímulos foram provocados segundo as modalidades: um ponto estático (1 PE), um ponto em movimento (1 PD), dois pontos estáticos (2 PE) e dois pontos em movimento (2 PD), para as duas últimas modalidades. Previamente às modalidades 2PE e 2PD, determinou-se o limiar de discriminação entre dois pontos estáticos (D2PE) e em movimento (D2PD). Foram realizados apenas no grupo estudo, testes com o monofilamento de Semmes-Weisntein nº 5,07 (MSW) e com o diapasão de 128 Hz. Vinte e oito pacientes não-diabéticos, submetidos aos mesmos testes, formaram o grupo controle. Resultados: Para os limiares de sensibilidade, encontramos valores superiores no grupo estudo (p < 0,05). Ao compararmos os limiares de sensibilidade alcançados pelos pacientes diabéticos sensíveis e não sensíveis ao estímulo promovido pelo MSW nº 5,07, verificamos que o p-valor variou entre 0,018 < p < 0,113 para 1 PE e 0,002 < p < 0,083 para 2 PE, conforme o território cutâneo estudado. Na comparação dos limiares de sensibilidade da modalidade 1 PD entre diabéticos sensíveis e insensíveis à vibração do diapasão de 128 Hz, as diferenças não foram estatisticamente significantes (p = 0,183). Conclusão: Os resultados obtidos nos permitiram sugerir que o dispositivo PSSDTM seja utilizado como forma de acompanhamento do comprometimento da fibra nervosa.

Introduction: Neuropathy is a severe progressive loss of protective sensation on the feet, making the patient more vulnerable to mechanical trauma and consequently more suitable to the development of chronic wounds, major distortion of the foot bone architecture and eventually to limb amputation. The PSSD (Pressure Specified Sensory DeviceTM) was developed in order to quantify the threshold of pressure applied to the skin that could be recognized as positive by the patient. Pressure of one or two points is tested both statically and with movement, thus assessing the function of fast and slow response nerve fibers. Threshold of two-point discrimination was also measured in mm. Methods: Thirty four (n = 34) diabetic patients, type II, with no previous history of wounds on the lower extremity were studied using the tests, one point static (1PE), one point moving (1PD) and two points static (2 PE), and moving (2 PD) on the cutaneous territory of the fibular nerve and posterior tibial nerve (two territories - medial plantar and calcaneous nerves). The control group (28 non diabetic patients) was assessed by the same exams and the results were compared. In the diabetic group the cutaneous territories were also evaluated using the conventional Semmes-Weinstein filament nº 5.07 e vibrometer of the 128 Hz. Results: Altered values were o bserved for the static and dynamic tests over the three studied nerve territories. The differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Comparing the threshold of sensibility between sensitive and non sensitive diabetic patients to MSW nº 5.07 test, we observed that p-value range was 0.018 < p > 0.113 when 1PE test was applied, and 0.002 < p > 0.083 when 2PE test was applied, according to the cutaneous territories evaluated. Numeric quantification of the threshold of pressure allows us to determine the status of the fiber/receptor structures as well as the functional deficit of nerve fibers. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that PSSDTM is an adjuvant tool to evaluate the degree of loss of sensation on the skin.

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

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

Limiar de sensibilidade cutânea dos pés em pacientes diabéticos através do pressure specified sensory device: uma avaliação da neuropatia / Cutaneous sensibility threshold in the feet of diabetic patients with pressure specified sensory device: an assessment of the neuropathy

OBJETIVO: A neuropatia diabética leva à diminuição ou perda da sensibilidade protetora do pé, tornando o diabético mais vulnerável ao trauma mecânico, consequentemente, levando-o à formação de feridas e eventualmente, perda segmentar nos membros inferiores. A profilaxia das complicações neuropáticas deve ser iniciada pela identificação do grau de neuropatia e, portanto, do comprometimento neurológico. O Pressure Specified Sensory DeviceTM foi desenvolvido para quantificar o limiar de pressão aplicada sobre a pele, necessário para que o paciente sinta o estímulo de um ponto estático, um ponto em movimento, dois pontos estáticos e dois pontos em movimento. É um meio direto para se avaliar os sistemas de fibras de adaptação lenta e rápida e seus respectivos receptores periféricos. MÉTODOS: Trinta e três pacientes diabéticos do tipo II, sem história prévia de feridas e/ou amputações nos pés foram avaliados neste estudo de corte transversal. A sensibilidade nos territórios cutâneos dos nervos plantar medial, calcâneo e o ramo profundo do nervo fibular foi avaliada usando os testes de um ponto estático (1PE), um ponto dinâmico (1PD), dois pontos estáticos (2PE) e dois dinâmicos (2PD). RESULTADOS: Nos três territórios nervosos examinados encontramos valores alterados para as modalidades estática e dinâmica em relação ao padrão de normalidade. As diferenças foram estatisticamente significantes com p < 0,05. CONCLUSÃO: A quantificação numérica do limiar de pressão cutânea nos permite tanto a avaliação do conjunto fibra/receptor, quanto à determinação do déficit funcional da fibra nervosa imposto pela neuropatia diabética.

OBJECTIVES: Neuropathy is a severe progressive loss of protective sensation in the feet, increasing patient vulnerability to mechanical trauma and consequently more prone to development of chronic wounds, major distortion of the foot bone architecture and to eventual limb amputation. Prophylaxis should be enforced to avoid foot ulceration and for this purpose, evaluation of the degree of loss of sensation on the skin is essential. The PSSD (Pressure Specified Sensory DeviceTM) was developed to quantify the threshold of pressure applied to the skin that the patient might recognize as positive. Pressure of one or two points is tested both statically and with movement, thus assessing the function of fast and slow response nerve fibers. METHODS: 33 diabetic patients, type II, with no previous history of wounds on the lower extremity were studied. The tests used were, one point static, one point moving and two points, static and moving on the cutaneous territory of the fibular nerve and posterior tibial nerve (two territories - medial plantar and calcaneous nerves). RESULTS: Altered values were observed for the static and dynamic tests over the three nerve territories studied. Differences were statically significant (p < 0.05). This numeric quantification of the threshold of pressure supports the evaluation of the status of the fiber/receptor structures as well as the functional deficit subsequent to diabetic neuropathy.

Evaluación del status funcional actual en pacientes amputados por pie diabético complicado en el Hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke durante el año 2007; cuantificación, descripción e impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes / Evaluation of the functional status present in amputees patients by diabetic foot complicated at the hospital Dr. Gustavo Fricke during the year 2007: quantification description and impact in the quality of life of the patients

Contexto y Objetivos: el pie diabético (PD) constituye una complicación tardía de la Diabetes Mellitus que afecta alrededor del 15 por ciento de los diabéticos, cuyo tratamiento quirúrgico tiene una elevada prevalencia, con gran impacto en la calidad de vida de los enfermos, comprometiendo su estado físico y psicosocial. El presente trabajo busca caracterizar las hospitalizaciones por PD durante el año 2007, y compararlas con la de años anteriores, para luego valorar el grado de discapacidad funcional en pacientes con amputaciones mayores y menores por PD complicado. Diseño: estudio descriptivo y analítico transversal. Método: Este estudio consistió en dos etapas. En la primera se realizó un estudio descriptivo de 109 hospitalizaciones correspondientes a 91 pacientes con diagnóstico de egreso "pie diabético complicado" tratados en el Servicio de Cirugía del HGF en el año 2007, para caracterizar a la población, y luego comparar los resultados con los años anteriores, 2004 y 2005. La segunda etapa consistió en la aplicación de una encuesta telefónica a una muestra de 28 pacientes para evaluar su grado de discapacidad funcional tras recibir tratamiento quirúrgico (amputaciones), aplicando el índice de Barthel modificado a la muestra para evaluar su grado de discapacidad. Resultados: en el año 2007 el número de hospitalizaciones fue de 138, correspondientes a 108 pacientes, significativamente mayor que en los años 2004-2005. La edad promedio aumentó en 4 años, con un aumento en la estadía de 3 días, y una mayor cantidad de complicaciones infecciosas. El grado de discapacidad funcional en los pacientes con amputaciones menores resultó ser en un 84 por ciento ligera, y en menor porcentaje moderada y grave; en las amputaciones mayores, en cambio, el porcentaje de discapacidad ligera descendió a 44 por ciento, asociado a un ascenso en la discapacidad grave a 33 por ciento

Context and objectives: The diabetic foot constitutes a late complication of Diabetes Mellitus that affects about 15 percent of diabetics, whose surgical treatment has a high prevalence, with great impact on the quality of life of the patients, compromising their physical and psychosocial status. This paper seek to characterize hospitalizations for diabetic foot during 2007, compare it with previous years, and then assess the degree of functional disability in patients with major and minor amputation for complicated diabetic foot. Design: descriptive and transversal analytic study. Method: this study consisted of two phases. The first was a descriptive study of 109 hospitalizations for 91 patients with discharge diagnosis of "complicated diabetic foot" treated in the Surgery Department of HGF in 2007, to characterize the population, and then compare the results with previous years, 2004 an 2005. The second step was the implementation of a telephone survey of a sample of 28 patients, to assess their degree of functional disability after receiving surgical treatment (amputation), using the modified Barthel to assess their degree of disability. Results: in 2007 the number of hospitalizations was 138, corresponding to 108 patients, significantly higher than 2004-2005. The average age increased by 4 years, with an increase in hospital stay of 3 days, and a greater number of infectious complications. The degree of functional disability in patients with minor amputation was mild in 84 percent, with a smaller percentage being moderate and severe; in major amputations, in contrast, the percentage of mild disability decreased to 44 percent, with an increase in the severe disability to 33 percent

Fisiopatología y clínica del pie diabético / Pathophysiology and clinical features that involve the foot in diabetic patients

Emergencies that involve the foot in diabetic patients are a very common cause of morbidity. Ischemia is of prime importance but, in addition, neuropathy (with hypoesthesia) and sepsis are factors. Infections may follow minor trauma, or may be secondary, either to a long-standing ulcer or to an area of gangrene. The major importance of chronic ulcers of the feet, is that they are a portal of entry for infection. All these considerations are described in the article, with special considerations to the shoes employed and the stay.

Diabetes Mellitus: diagnóstico e complicações / Diabetes Mellitus: diagnosis and complications

Diabetes mellitus (DMI) é um dos mais importantes problemas mundiais de saúde na atualidade, tanto em termos de prevalência , incapacitações e mortalidade prematura como dos custos envolvidos no seu controle e no tratamento de suas complicações. O presente estudo tem como objetivo enfatizar a importância do diagnóstico precoce e as possíveis abordagens clínicas que visam o retardo da progressão das temíveis complicações crônicas inerentes a esta patologia.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most important health issues in the actual days, much in terms of affected people, incapacitation and premature mortality as the budget involved in its control and in the complications of its treatment. The present study has the goal to enphasize the importance of the early diagnosis and the possible clinic approaches which leads to a goal to avoid the progression of the hard complications proper of this pathology.

Análise de fatores associados à ulceração de extremidades em indivíduos diabéticos com neuropatia periférica / Analysis of factors associated with extremity ulceration in diabetic subjects with peripheral neuropathy

A neuropatia periférica é o principal fator de risco para ulceração em pé de indivíduos diabéticos. Este estudo testou a associação de doença arterial periférica (DAP) à ulceração do pé em amostra de pacientes com neuropatia sensório-motora simétrica distal e se marcadores inflamatórios subclínicos também se associariam a esse evento. Foram avaliados 32 indivíduos diabéticos tipo 2 com exame do monofilamento de 10 g alterado, estratificados em 2 grupos segundo a história ou presença de úlcera nas extremidades inferiores. O grupo "com úlcera" (n = 18) incluiu aqueles que apresentavam úlcera ativa ou cicatrizada, ou que tiveram alguma amputação em membro inferior decorrente de complicações da úlcera. Além do exame neurológico e monofilamento, foram submetidos a bioestesiometria, avaliação vascular com Doppler e exames laboratoriais. Os grupos foram semelhantes quanto à distribuição dos sexos, média de idade e tempo de diabetes. O grupo com úlcera apresentou valores médios de altura (1,70 ± 0,06 vs. 1,63 ± 0,11 m; p = 0,044) e limiar de percepção vibratória no maléolo medial (40,9 ± 13,0 vs. 30,6 ± 12,3 V; p = 0,040) mais elevados que o sem a úlcera. Os grupos não diferiram entre si quanto à média dos marcadores inflamatórios. A resposta do reflexo patelar foi também pior no grupo com úlcera (p = 0,047), no qual se observou maior proporção de indivíduos com o índice hálux-braquial alterado (p = 0,030) quando comparado ao sem úlcera. Conclui-se que a DAP está associada à presença de úlcera (atual ou pregressa) em membros inferiores de indivíduos diabéticos neuropatas. A pesquisa de alteração de fluxo de artérias digitais de membro inferior (no hálux) contribuiu para detectar tal associação. Associação de neuropatia ulcerada a marcadores inflamatórios não foi observada, não sendo possível excluí-la devido às limitações do tamanho da amostra. Estudos prospectivos deverão examinar a sensibilidade do índice hálux-braquial...

Peripheral neuropathy is the main risk factor for foot ulceration in diabetic subjects. This study examined the association of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) with foot ulceration in a sample of diabetic subjects with peripheral neuropathy, and also if inflammatory markers would be associated with this event. We evaluated 32 type 2 diabetic individuals with abnormal 10-g monofilament exam, who were stratified in 2 groups according to history or presence of lower extremities ulcer. The group "with ulcer" (n = 18) included the ones that had active or cicatrized ulcer, or some lower-extremity amputation due to ulcer complications. In addition to the neurological examination and monofilament test, they were submitted to biothesiometry, lower extremity vascular assessment with Doppler, and laboratory determinations. No difference between the groups was found concerning sex distribution, mean age, and duration of diabetes diagnosis. The group with ulcer showed higher mean values of height (1.70 ± 0.06 vs. 1.63 ± 0.11 m, p = 0.044), vibration perception threshold measured in medial malleolli (40.9 ± 13.0 vs. 30.6 ± 12.3 V, p = 0.040) than the group without ulcer. The groups did not differ regarding the mean values of the inflammatory markers. Response to patellae reflex was worse in the group with ulcer (p = 0.047), in which a higher proportion of individuals with abnormal toe-brachial index (p = 0.030) was observed as compared to those without ulcer. We concluded that PAD is associated with the presence of ulcer in neuropathic subjects. The assessment of digital arteries flow in lower limbs (in great toe) contributed to detect such association. Association of diabetic foot ulcers and inflammatory markers was not observed, but cannot be excluded due to limitations of sample size. Prospective studies should examine the sensitivity of the toe-brachial index to identify PAD in diabetic individual at risk of ulceration.

Reliability of foot caliper.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the reliability of foot caliper DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Rehabilitation Medicine Outpatient Department, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. SUBJECT: Fifteen volunteers were recruited from Rehabilitation residents and health care professionals of Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors created 3 sets of simple Foot Caliper and measured foot dimension including foot width, foot length and toe depth while subjects stood with equal weight bearing to both feet. The authors set 3 examiners to measure foot dimension by the same method. To determine reliability of 3 sets of foot caliper, one examiner was assigned to measure foot dimension of 30 feet with all calipers. To determine the reliability of examiners, all examiners measured foot dimension of the same 30 feet. All parameters were recorded in millimeters. The data was analyzed and presented as intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% CI. RESULTS: There were fifteen volunteers (8 men and 7 women). The average age was 28.6 +/- 4.11 years (range 22-39). Average foot width,length and great toe depth (millimeters) were 9.64 +/- 0.63, 24.17 +/- 1.10 and 1.91 +/- 0.24 respectively. For reliability analysis of 3 sets off foot caliper, the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95% CI were 0.985 (0.972-0.992), 0.996 (0.992-0.998) and 0.982 (0.968-991) for foot width, length and great toe depth, respectively. For Inter-examiner reliability, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were 0.941 (0.864-0.969), 0.850 (0.46-0.920) and 0.834 (0.721-0.910) for foot width, length and great toe depth, respectively. These results showed high agreement of data. CONCLUSION: These simple foot calipers have high reliability forf oot measurement. These devices are appropriate for clinical use.

New method for evaluation of cutaneous sensibility in diabetic feet: preliminary report

A neuropatia diabética é uma complicação importante do Diabetes melitus, responsável por ulcerações e amputações de membros inferiores. A prevenção desses problemas é difícil principalmente pela ausência de métodos que avaliem de forma precisa a sensibilidade cutânea dos pés. A introdução do PSSDTM (Pressure-Specified Sensory Device) na década passada tornou possível a medição dos limiares cutâneos de pressão. Estes são sentidos como estímulos táteis tanto estáticos como dinâmicos. Este artigo é o primeiro no Brasil a relatar o uso do PSSDTM para avaliar 3 áreas dos pés: polpa do hallux, calcâneo e dorso do pé, territórios de inervação dos nervos tibial e fibular. MÉTODO: Pacientes não diabéticos foram utilizados como grupo controle e dois grupos de pacientes diabéticos ù sem úlcera e com úlcera - foram analisados. O PSSDTM foi utilizado em 3 modalidades: 1 PS (1 Ponto Estático), 1 PD (1 Ponto dinâmico), 2 PS (2 pontos estáticos), 2 PD (2 Pontos Dinâmicos). Foram avaliadas as 3 áreas citadas acima. RESULTADOS: Foi observada pior sensibilidade em pacientes diabéticos, especialmente no grupo de pacientes com úlceras de membros inferiores. As diferenças foram estatisticamente significantes (p<0,001). CONCLUSÃO: Devido ao pequeno número de pacientes os resultados devem ser considerados como relato preliminar.

Diabetic foot: magnitude of the problem.

Of total diabetic population, 15-20% have foot problems and 30% have peripheral vascular disease. The fundamental strategy for foot salvaging is 'early conservative amputation and radical debridement' of diabetic foot infection. For this strategy, concept of foot spaces is to be well understood. Guidelines for 'early conservative amputation and radical debridment' are discussed in this article. As regarding diabetic foot care ten valuable points are to be remembered which are also discussed.