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Diabetic patients with foot burns
S Dijkstra1, M J vd Bent, H J vd Brand
1Department of Internal Medicine, Zuiderziekenhuis and Burn Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Diabetic Medicine : a Journal of the British Diabetic Association
|February 10, 1998
Summary
Patients with Type 2 diabetes and foot injuries often experience severe outcomes, including amputations and prolonged healing times. Prompt medical attention is crucial for managing these complex diabetic foot wounds.
Area of Science:
- Diabetic Foot Complications
- Thermal Injury in Diabetes
- Wound Healing in NIDDM
Background:
- Non-insulin dependent (Type 2) diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a growing global health concern.
- Diabetic foot injuries represent a significant source of morbidity and healthcare costs.
- Thermal foot injuries in diabetic patients pose unique challenges for wound management.
Observation:
- Six male patients with NIDDM and thermal foot injury were admitted to a burn center.
- The average patient delay before seeking treatment was 27 days.
- Five of the six patients required limb amputation.
Findings:
- Wound healing averaged 9.5 months, with two patients exceeding one year.
- Recurrent foot burns were observed in patients with prolonged healing times.
- Neurological assessments revealed severe polyneuropathy and sensory loss in four patients.
Implications:
- Severe outcomes highlight the critical need for early detection and intervention in diabetic foot injuries.
- Understanding the impact of polyneuropathy on thermal foot injury is essential for effective treatment strategies.
- This case series underscores the long-term challenges and potential for severe complications in NIDDM patients with foot thermal injuries.