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[Physiopathology of Vascular Complications of Diabetic Foot]
Víctor Arana-Conejo1, José Domingo Méndez
1Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Metabólicas 4o. Piso, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI.
Objective:
To review the literature on vascular complications of diabetic foot with special interest in ulcerative lesions and their prevention and treatment.
Materials:
Representative papers were selected through a computer MEDLINE search from 1980 to 2001.
Results:
In diabetes mellitus, physiologic and biochemical mechanisms that regulate coordinated behavior between blood circulation and vessel wall are damaged, both in small and large vessels. Vascular alterations observed in patients with diabetes result in peripheral vascular disease with special characteristics in these patients that produce a greater tendency in diabetic than non-diabetic patients for chronic ulcerative lesions of foot and lesser capacity for healing. These lesions frequently result in amputation of the lower limb. Nevertheless efforts made for preventing and healing ulcerative complications, results are unsatisfactory.
Conclusions:
It is necessary to research new methods for preventing and healing vascular complications of diabetic foot with special attention to improving damaged physiologic and biochemical mechanisms in diabetes mellitus.
Insights
Diabetic foot ulcers stem from damaged blood vessels in diabetes mellitus, leading to poor healing and amputations. New prevention and treatment methods are urgently needed to address these vascular complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Diabetology
- Podiatry
Context:
- Diabetes mellitus significantly impairs vascular function in both small and large vessels.
- This impairment leads to characteristic peripheral vascular disease in diabetic patients.
- Diabetic patients exhibit a higher propensity for chronic foot ulcerations and diminished healing capacity.
Purpose:
- To review existing literature on vascular complications associated with diabetic foot.
- To focus on ulcerative lesions, their prevention, and treatment strategies.
- To highlight the need for improved management of these debilitating conditions.
Summary:
- Vascular alterations in diabetes mellitus damage circulatory and vessel wall mechanisms.
- These alterations result in peripheral vascular disease, increasing the risk of chronic foot ulcers.
- Despite current efforts, the prevention and healing of diabetic foot ulcers remain challenging, often leading to lower limb amputations.
Impact:
- Highlights the critical need for novel therapeutic approaches for diabetic foot vascular complications.
- Emphasizes the importance of addressing the underlying physiological and biochemical dysfunctions in diabetes.
- Underscores the potential to reduce amputation rates and improve patient outcomes through advanced interventions.
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