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Hand infection in diabetic patients
Amir Jalil1, Philip Ian Barlaan, Boris Kwok Keung Fung
1Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Hong Kong University, Division of Hand and Foot Surgery, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong S.A.R., China. dramirjalil@yahoo.com
Summary
Diabetic hand infections are severe and progress rapidly, often underestimated. Prompt medical and surgical care, including glycemic control and debridement, is crucial for better outcomes and preventing amputation.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Endocrinology
- Hand Surgery
Background:
- Diabetic hand infections are underreported and easily underestimated.
- These infections can progress rapidly, causing extensive tissue destruction and increased morbidity in diabetic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical course and outcomes of hand infections in patients with diabetes mellitus.
- To identify factors influencing the severity and prognosis of diabetic hand infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of hand infection admissions from January 2006 to April 2010.
- Analysis of demographic data, infection characteristics, treatment, and outcomes for 37 diabetic patients.
Main Results:
- The average patient age was 62 years, with pain and swelling as primary symptoms.
- Deep infections and polymicrobial organisms (41% of cultures) were associated with longer hospital stays, reoperations, and amputations.
- Superficial infections occurred in 13 patients, while deep infections were observed in 24.
Conclusions:
- Prompt medical and surgical intervention is critical for managing diabetic hand infections.
- Effective management requires glycemic control, limb elevation, adequate surgical debridement, and appropriate antibiotic therapy.
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