Diabetic Foot Infections: A Toolkit for Wound Care Clinicians

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Endocrinology
• Wound Care

Background:

• Diabetic foot infections (DFIs) are a severe diabetes complication with high morbidity and mortality, especially in resource-limited areas.
• Current international guidelines for DFIs are often best suited for well-resourced healthcare settings.
• There is a need for practical, evidence-based approaches tailored to resource-limited environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide clinicians with an adaptable, evidence-based framework for diagnosing and managing diabetic foot infections (DFIs) in real-world, resource-limited scenarios.
• To support healthcare providers in community settings by applying updated DFI management guidelines.
• To address health equity by recognizing and mitigating barriers faced by vulnerable patient populations.

Main Methods:

• A case-based review approach applying the 2024 International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot guidelines.
• Discussion of diagnostic methods, including imaging, to differentiate soft tissue infection, bone infection, and non-infectious conditions.
• Detailed exploration of antibiotic strategies and other interventions, considering resource limitations.

Main Results:

• The review offers practical insights into recognizing and diagnosing DFIs in diverse settings.
• It outlines adaptable management strategies, including antibiotic selection and the timing of surgical referral.
• Case examples illustrate how to tailor care based on specific clinical contexts and resource availability.

Conclusions:

• Frontline wound clinicians can effectively manage DFIs using an evidence-based, pragmatic approach adapted for resource-limited settings.
• The review equips clinicians with the knowledge to navigate diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in managing diabetic foot infections.
• Addressing health equity is crucial for improving outcomes in underserved populations affected by DFIs.