Analysis of the frequency of single nucleotide polymorphisms in cytokine genes in patients with New Onset Diabetes After Transplant.

New Onset Diabetes After Transplantation (NODAT) is a serious metabolic complication. While ß-cell dysfunction is considered the main contributing factor in the development of NODAT, the precise pathogenesis is not well understood. Cytokines are thought to be involved in the inflammation of islet ß-cells in diabetes; however, few studies have investigated this hypothesis in NODAT. A total of 309 kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) were included in this study. An association between kidney transplants, and the development of diabetes after transplant (NODAT) was investigated. Comparison was made between KTRs who develop diabetes (NODAT cases) or did not develop diabetes (control), using key cytokines, IL-6 G (- 174)C, macrophage mediator; IL-4 C (- 490)T, T helper (Th)-2 cytokine profile initiator; Th-1 cytokine profile initiator interferon-γ T (+ 874) A gene and TGF ß1 C (+ 869) T gene polymorphisms were investigated. The genes were amplified using well-established polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques in our laboratory. Compared to the AA and AT genotypes of interferon gamma (IFNG), there was a strong association between the TT genotype of IFNG and NODAT kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) versus non-NODAT KTRs (p = 0.005). The AA genotype of IFNG was found to be predominant in the control group (p = 0.004). Also, significant variations of IL6 G (- 174) C, IL-4 C (- 590) T, interferon-γ T (+ 874) A gene and transforming growth factor ß1 C (+ 869) T may contribute to NODAT. Our data is consistent with theTh-1/T-reg pathway of immunity. Further larger pan Arab studies are required to confirm our findings.

Microbiological profile of diabetic foot ulcers in Kuwait.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and infection (DFI) are a major diabetes-related problem around the world due to the high prevalence of diabetes in the population. The aim of our study was to determine the microbiological profile of infected ulcers in patients attending Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) clinics in Kuwait and to analyze the distribution of microbial isolates according to wound grade, sex, age and diabetes control. METHODS: We collected and analyzed clinical data and samples from 513 diabetic patients with foot ulcers referred to our podiatry clinic at DDI from Jan 2011 till Dec 2017. RESULTS: We show a higher prevalence of DFU in men than in women, and a greater percentage of DFU occurred in men at an earlier age (p<0.05). Only about half of the DFU were clinically infected (49.3%) but 92% of DFU showed bacterial growth in the microbiological lab analysis. In addition, we isolated more monomicrobial (57.3%) than polymicrobial (34.8%) DFI and representing an average of 1.30 pathogens per patient. The presence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains was comparable between men and women regardless their age or glucose levels. Interestingly, more Gram-positive strains are present in ulcers without ischemia while more Gram-negative strains are present in ulcers with ischemia (p<0.05). While Staphylococcus aureus was common in infected ulcers without ischemia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was predominant in ulcers with infection and ischemia, regardless of ulcer depth. Finally, a higher percentage of women has controlled HbA1c levels (19.41% versus 11.95% in men) and more women in this group displayed non-infected wounds (60.6% and 43.90% for women and men, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our results provide an updated picture of the DFI patterns and antibiotics resistance in patients attending Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) clinics in Kuwait which might help in adopting the appropriate treatment of infected foot and improving clinical outcomes.

Is There a Role for Informal Caregivers in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers? A Narrative Review.

Successful management of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is crucial for preventing long-term morbidity and lowering risk of amputations. This can be achieved with a multifaceted approach involving a multidisciplinary team, with the patient at the centre. However, not all healthcare setups enable this, and the rate of lower limb amputations continues to rise. It is therefore time to consider new approaches to diabetic foot care, capitalising on engagement from patients in self-management while supported by their informal caregivers (ICGs) to help improve outcome. The role of ICGs in DFU care has the potential to make a significant difference in outcome, yet this resource remains, in most cases, underutilised. Limited research has been conducted in this area to reveal the true impact on patient outcomes and the caregivers themselves. This narrative review aims to explore how ICGs can benefit DFU management with applicability to different healthcare setups while benefiting from established experience in the care of other chronic health conditions.

Calciphylaxis: Case Presentation and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition involving painful necrotic skin ulcerations, especially of the lower extremities. It is generally associated with chronic kidney failure but may be seen in nonuremic cases. CASE REPORT: We report a case of calciphylaxis in a 60-year-old man with diabetes on dialysis for end-stage renal disease and known to have other typical combination of risk factors associated with calciphylaxis syndrome. On examination, he presented with multiple intensely painful calciphylaxis wounds on his legs and ankles. Despite regular wound management of his condition in our ambulatory care setting, his ulcers deteriorated. The patient's pain also increased and he was referred for hospital admission. CONCLUSION: This case presentation emphasizes the importance of an interdisciplinary team in the treatment of the complex, life-threatening cutaneous manifestations of calciphylaxis. When indicated, prompt referral to a hospital setting is necessary for appropriate care.

Diabetic foot ulcer outcomes from a podiatry led tertiary service in Kuwait.

Objective: This single-centred study aims to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and treatment outcomes of a podiatry led, evidence-based diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) clinic. Research design and methods: Data from the DFU database and patient electronic health records were retrospectively collected from patients with new DFUs who were referred for treatment to the Department of Podiatry, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait, from 1 October 2014, to 31 December 2016. Patients were followed-up until healing occurred or until 6 months after the study end date, whichever came first. Results: All data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 24 software. Data were collected from 230 patients with 335 DFUs. Most DFUs (67%) were present for <3 months from the time of the first podiatry appointment. A total of 56% of DFUs were classified as neuropathic. Most (72%) DFUs healed, with a median healing time of 52.0 days. Chronic kidney disease (p = 0.001), retinopathy (p = 0.03), smoking (p = 0.02), ulcer location (p = 0.03), peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (p = 0.004) and osteomyelitis (p = 0.05) were found to have a meaningful association with DFU outcome. The number of days to heal was associated with ulcer classification (p = 0.005), bacterial infection (p = 0.002), osteomyelitis (p = < 0.001) and PAD (p = < 0.001). Conclusions: The incidence of new DFUs in our tertiary clinic is 3.4%. The incidence of diabetic foot ulceration, days to heal, healing rate and the risk factors influencing healing are in accordance with other multidisciplinary facilities with podiatry input.

A Narrative Review of the Benefits and Risks of Total Contact Casts in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Total contact casts are recognized as the gold standard treatment for neuropathic plantar diabetic foot ulceration, endorsed by all national and international consensus papers. Despite this, research has shown that there is a dichotomy between the existing evidence which supports the use of total contact casts in the management of diabetic foot ulcers and its use in clinical practice. This article aims to highlight the benefits, risks, and barriers associated with total contact cast use in the management of diabetic foot ulcers in the clinical setting, with an emphasis on existing research carried out in this field to encourage change in clinical practice and utilization of this effective treatment modality.