Foot Ulcer Recurrence Research Articles

Analysis of factors influencing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

The aim of this study is to investigate the factors influencing the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and provide guidance for reducing the recurrence rate. A total of 211 patients diagnosed with DFU who were hospitalized and discharged from the hospital from October 2015 to January 2020 were included as the study cohort. Participants were divided into two groups according to whether the foot ulcer recurred during the 2-year follow-up period: a recurrence group (n=84) and a non-recurrence group (n=127). The following data were collected and analyzed for the two groups of patients: general information, foot information, laboratory indicators, diabetes comorbidities, and complications. (1) The overall recurrence rate of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) within 2 years was 39.8%, indicating a high recurrence rate. (2) Significant differences were observed between the two patient groups in terms of BMI, HbA1c, TBIL, CRP, financial situation, foot deformity, first ulcer on the sole of the foot, previous amputation history, Wagner grade of the first ulcer, osteomyelitis, DFU duration(>60 days), lower limb vascular reconstruction, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) (t=2.455; Z=-1.988, -3.731, -3.618; χ2=7.88, 5.004, 3.906, 17.178, 16.237, 5.007, 24.642, 4.782, 29.334, 10.253). No significant differences were found for the other indicators. (3) Logistic regression analysis revealed that TBIL (OR=0.886, p=0.036) was a protective factor against ulcer recurrence. In contrast, PAD, previous amputation history, DPN, and the first ulcer on the sole of the foot (OR=3.987, 6.758, 4.681, 2.405; p<0.05 or p<0.01) were identified as risk factors for ulcer recurrence. Early screening and preventive education targeting high-risk factors such as DPN, PAD and the initial ulcer location on the sole of the foot are essential to mitigate the high long-term recurrence rate of DFU. Furthermore, the protective role of TBIL in preventing ulcer recurrence underscores the importance of monitoring bilirubin levels as part of a comprehensive management strategy for DFU patients.

Bibliometric analysis of systematic review and meta-analysis on diabetic foot ulcer

Many clinical management strategies have been proposed to deal with diabetic foot ulcers. However, the occurrence and recurrence of foot ulcers remain the major problems for diabetics. This study aims to identify, visualize, and characterize the meta-analyses on diabetic foot ulcer research. Articles published online were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection database using a search query incorporating MeSH terms and topics related to diabetic foot ulcers and meta-analysis. The publications were then analyzed for basic characteristics, including publication year, countries, topics covered, references, and keywords discussed in the articles. Data visualization was performed using CiteSpace. 334 meta-analyses and systematic reviews on diabetic foot ulcers were identified. The number of publications has experienced rapid growth in recent years (nearly 6-fold since 2016). The United States, China, Netherlands, England, and Australia had a strong collaboration in the contribution of publication. 7 primary topics were summarized from the top 100 highly cited publications: #1 Interventions (proportion: 59%), #2 Risk factors and Prevention (22%), #3 Epidemiology analysis (6%), #4 Cost-effectiveness of interventions (5%), #5 Long-term prognosis (3%), #6 Quality of life analysis (3%), and #7 Economic burden analysis (2%). Footwear and offloading interventions, multidisciplinary care, hyperbaric oxygen, platelet-rich plasma, and negative pressure wound therapies are highly regarded in terms of intervention. Diabetic foot osteomyelitis, peripheral diabetic neuropathy, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and infections are the main comorbidities. In recent years, offloading interventions, debridement, telemedicine, long-term prognosis, and economic burden analyses have gradually received attention. Individualized treatment, multidisciplinary collaboration, quality of life considerations, and economic burden analyses are the long-term concerns.

Proximal Tibial Cortex Transverse Distraction Facilitating Healing and Limb Salvage in Severe and Recalcitrant Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Category: Diabetes; Diabetes Introduction/Purpose: The management of severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers is challenging. Distraction osteogenesis is accompanied by vascularization and regeneration of the surrounding tissues. The longitudinal distraction of the proximal tibia stimulates increased and prolonged blood flow to the distal tibia. However, the effects of the transverse distraction of the proximal tibia cortex on severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers are largely unknown. Methods: Between July 2014 and March 2017, we treated 136 patients with diabetes and severe ulcers (University of Texas Grade 2B to 3D) that had not responded to treatment for at least 6 months. and their ulcers had a mean ± SD area of 44 cm2 ± 10 cm2. All 136 patients underwent tibial cortex transverse distraction. We compared these patients with the last 136 consecutive patients we treated with standard surgical treatment between May 2011 and June 2013; All patients received standard off-loading and wound care. We compared the groups with respect to ulcer healing (complete epithelialization without discharge, maintained for at least 2 weeks) in a 2-year follow-up, the proportion of ulcers that healed by 6 months, major amputation, recurrence, and complications in the 2-year follow-up. Foot arterial status and perfusion were assessed in the TCTD group using CT angiography and perfusion imaging. Results: The tibial cortex transverse distraction group had a higher proportion of ulcers that healed in the 2-year follow-up than the control group (96% versus 68% ; p &lt; 0.001). By 6 months, a higher proportion of ulcers healed in the TCTD group than in the control group (93% versus 41% ; p &lt; 0.001). Lower proportions of patients in the TCTD group underwent major amputation (2.9% versus 23%; p &lt; 0.001) or had recurrences 2.9% versus 17%, OR 0.20 [95% CI 0.05 to 0.45]; p &lt; 0.001) than the control group in 2-year follow-up. In the feet of the patients in the TCTD group, there was a higher density of small vessels and higher blood flow and blood volume 12 weeks postoperatively than preoperatively. Conclusion: Proximal tibial cortex transverse distraction substantially facilitated healing and limb salvage and decreased the recurrence of severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers. The surgical techniques were relatively straightforward although the treatment was unorthodox, and the complications were few and minor. These findings suggest that tibial cortex transverse distraction is an effective procedure to treat severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers compared with standard surgical therapy. Randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings.

Risk Factors for Ulcer Recurrence in Diabetic Patients Managed by an Integrated Foot Care Protocol.

The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in a selected population of patients in secondary prevention treated, according to International Guidelines, with an integrated foot care protocol by a referral diabetic foot clinic. A retrospective study was performed with the inclusion of selected outpatients with diabetes at higher risk for ulceration with a history of previous ulcer and/or amputation followed in our diabetic foot clinic between January 2015 and December 2021. According to the presence or absence of recurrence, patients were divided into 2 groups: ulcer recurrence and without ulcer recurrence. One hundred twenty-seven (127) patients were included, 47 patients (37%) developed an ulcer recurrence while 80 patients (63%) did not. The mean age was 71.7 years; 65% were male; 97% were affected by type 2 diabetes with a mean duration of 21.1 years, the mean HbA1c was 63 + 21 mmol/mol. Both groups of patients had foot deformities, such as claw and hammertoes; hallux valgus, and prominent metatarsal heads (MTHs). The presence of deformity was significantly associated with ulceration. The group with ulcer recurrence showed a higher rate of prominence MTHs in comparison to a group without ulcer recurrence. The MTHs resulted as the only independent predictor for recurrence. This study shows that the presence of the prominent MTH is a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence in a selected population of diabetic foot patients treated in the best way with integrated foot care.

The effectiveness of a thermography-driven preventive foot care protocol on the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in low-medical resource settings: An open-labeled randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPlantar temperature monitoring, along with a comprehensive preventive foot care approach, is utilized to prevent recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers. However, there is a lack of standardized protocols for individuals with diabetic foot ulcer history in low-medical resource countries. ObjectiveThis study investigated the efficacy of nurse-led, thermographic-evaluation-guided foot care in preventing diabetic foot ulcer recurrence in a low-medical resource country. DesignSingle-blind, 1:1 allocation randomized controlled trial. SettingsTwo wound care facilities with wound care nurse specialists in Indonesia. Participants120 patients with a diabetic foot ulcer history. InterventionIn the intervention group, baseline risk assessment including smartphone thermography evaluation was performed. Personalized foot care and education were conducted monthly for participants whose thermographs showed increased foot lesion temperature at baseline risk assessment. The control group received usual care and education using a booklet at baseline. The follow-up period was six months. Main outcomeTime to recurrence was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, and between-group comparisons were performed using the log-rank test. Potential risk factors were incorporated into the multivariate Cox regression model. Secondary outcomes included quality of life (European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version) and foot care behavior, were analyzed using Mixed Models for Repeated Measures at baseline, third, and sixth follow-up (3 and 6 months from baseline). Results120 participants (intervention 60, control 60) were randomized. The intervention group had a significantly lower recurrence rate than the control group (15% vs. 35%, p = 0.011) and a significant difference in time to ulceration (log-rank test, p = 0.009) after a 6-month follow-up period. Intervention care reduced the risk of diabetic foot ulcer recurrence by 59% (Hazard ratio 0.41, 95% confidence interval 0.18, 0.96, p = 0.039) in multivariate Cox regression analysis. On the third follow-up, total diabetic foot care behavior score (p < 0.001) was significantly improved by the intervention. On the sixth follow-up, mobility (p = 0.020), self-care (p = 0.023), pain/discomfort (p < 0.001), anxiety/depression (p = 0.016), EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale score (p = 0.002), and total diabetic foot care behavior score (p < 0.001) showed significant improvements in the intervention group. ConclusionsFoot care and personalized education delivered at a frequency based on the risk level assessed by thermography effectively reduced diabetic foot ulcer recurrence, and improved quality of life and foot care behaviors. Registration numberUMIN000039012. Tweetable abstractNurse-led diabetic foot care and education reduced diabetic foot ulcer recurrence in Indonesia.

Effect of joint limitation and balance control on gait changes in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

This study analyzed the gait patterns of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) patients and changes in the center of mass sway to prevent the formation and recurrence of foot ulcers. Forty-two subjects were divided into the diabetes mellitus (DM), DPN, and diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) groups. We measured the range of motion (ROM) of the lower limb joints in the resting position and the center of mass sway in the standing position. Joint angles, ROM during walking, and distance factors were evaluated. In the DFU group, ROM limitation during walking was detected at the knee joint, and functional and ROM limitations were found at the ankle joint. The step length ratio and step width in the DFU group were significantly lower and higher than those in the DM group, respectively. The sway distances in the DFU group were greater than those in the DM and DPN groups. Functional joint limitations and gait changes due to the decreased ability to maintain the center of gravity were observed in the DFU group. As DPN progressed, the patients' gait became small, wide, and shuffled. Thus, supporting joint movement during walking may help reduce the incidence and recurrence of foot ulcers. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-023-00647-9.

The effect of the boron-based gel on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers: A prospective, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundChronic ulcers represent impaired healing capacity with high mortality in the elderly or patients with systemic disorders such as diabetes. Boron is an effective agent in wound healing by promoting cell migration and proliferation and reducing inflammation in the wound area. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of a sodium pentaborate-based topical formulation compared to control on the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers. MethodsA prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted to apply randomly the topical sodium pentaborate 3% gel or topical conventional remedy (control) by patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers. The 171 eligible participants aged 18–75 years received the allocated medicines twice a day for a month with an allocation ratio of 3:1. Twenty-five days and two months after the end of the trial, participants were reinvestigated for their ulcer condition and any recurrence. Wagner’s classification of diabetic foot ulcers was applied to this purpose (0−5). Results161 participants (57 females, 104 males; mean age: 59.37) completed this study. After the intervention, most participants in the intervention group had a lower ulcer grade than the control group (adjusted mean difference (95% CI): − 0.91 (−1.1 to −0.73); p < 0.001). Moreover, most participants in the intervention group (n = 109 (90.8%)) were treated at a higher rate than the control group (n = 5 (12.2%)) after intervention (adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 0.008 (0.002–0.029); p < 0.001). There was no case of recurrence in the intervention group while its rate was (n = 2 (40%)) in the control group (p < 0.001). ConclusionThe present study suggests that topical sodium pentaborate gel may help treat and decrease the grade of diabetic foot ulcers and prevent the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

The effect of therapeutic footwear on the recurrence and new formation of foot ulcers in previously affected diabetic patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

AimDiabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are a common serious complication of diabetes mellitus, (lifetime occurrence, 19%–34%) account for at least 85% of all lower-limb amputations in diabetic patients. Special footwear (therapeutic footwear) is frequently recommended for such patients to adapt to changes in their foot structure. We aimed to, measure the effect of therapeutic footwear on DFU development and recurrence among previously affected patients in Saudi Arabia. Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was performed between June and September 2022. The study targeted patients aged ≥18 years previously diagnosed with DFU. Participants were contacted by telephone to complete a questionnaire assessing footwear use and foot care. ResultsThis study included 115 participants with a mean age of 61.9 ± 11.63; overall, 47% of participants used therapeutic footwear and 46% were adherent with wearing it. The DFU recurrence rate among patients who used therapeutic footwear was 27.8% versus 52.5% among patients who did not (p = 0.013). While using therapeutic footwear, patients with foot deformities reported a lower ulcer healing rate than those who did not (50% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.04). Patients who examined their feet had a lower recurrence rate than those who did not (38.5% vs. 50%, p = 0.43). ConclusionTherapeutic footwear use was significantly associated with decreased DFU recurrence. Further investigation to enhance the evidence for the effectiveness of therapeutic footwear in DFUs is warranted.

Development and validation of a risk prediction model for the recurrence of foot ulcer in type 2 diabetes in China: A longitudinal cohort study based on a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To develop and validate a risk prediction model for Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes with the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) based on a systematic review and meta-analysis. A prospective analysis was performed with 1333 participants and followed up for 60months. Three models were analysed using a derived cohort. The risk factors were screened using meta-analysis and logistic regression, and the missing variables were interpolated by multiple imputation. The internal validation was performed using the bootstrap procedure, and the validation cohort was applied to the external validation. The performance of the model was evaluated in the area under the discrimination Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC). Calibration and discrimination methods were used for the validation cohort. The variables were selected according to their clinical and statistical importance to construct the nomograms. Three models were developed and validated. Model 1 included seven social and clinical indicators like sex, diabetes mellitus duration, previous DFU, location of ulcer, smoking, history of amputation, and foot deformity. Model 2 included four more indicators besides those in Model 1, which were statin agents used, antiplatelet agents used, systolic blood pressure, and body mass index. Model 3 added further laboratory indicators to Model 2, such as LDL-C, HbA1C, fibrinogen, and blood urea nitrogen. In the derivation cohort, 20.1% (206/1027) participants with DFU recurred as compared to the validation cohort, which was 38.2% (117/306). The areas under the curve in the derivation cohort for Models 1-3 were 0.781 (0.744-0.817), 0.843 (0.813-0.873), and 0.899 (0.876-0.922), respectively. The Youden indexes for Models 1-3 were 0.430, 0.559, and 0.653, respectively. Model 3 showed the highest sensitivity and specificity. All models performed well for both discrimination and calibration. Models 1-2 were non-invasive, which indicate their role in general screening for patients at a high risk of recurrence of DFU. However, Model 3 offers a more specific screening due to its best performance in predicting the risk of DFU recurrence amongst the three models.

Influencing factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis.

This study aims to systematically review and identify the related influencing factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs)in diabetic patients. We searched PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang and VIP databases to identify eligible studies published before March 31, 2022 to collect case-control studies or cohort studies on the related influencing factors for the recurrence of DFUs. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, and extracted data. Also, they assessed the risk of bias of the included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5.4.1 software. 20 studies were included; 4238 patients were enrolled, in which 1567 were in the DFU recurrence group and 2671 were in the non-recurrent DFU group. Risk factors for the recurrence of DFUs included diabetic peripheral neuropathy (odds ratio [OR]=4.05, 95% CI, 2.50-6.58, P < 0.00001), peripheral vascular disease (OR=3.94, 95% CI, 2.65-5.84, P < 0.00001), poor blood glucose control (OR=3.27, 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.79-3.84, P < 0.00001), plantar ulcer (OR=3.66, 95% CI, 2.06-6.50, P < 0.00001), osteomyelitis (OR=7.17, 95% CI, 2.29-22.47, P=0.0007), smoking (OR=1.98, 95% CI, 1.65-2.38, P < 0.00001), history of amputation (OR=11.96, 95%CI, 4.60-31.14, P < 00001), multidrug-resistant bacterial infection (OR=3.61, 95%CI, 3.13-4.17, P < 0.00001), callus (OR=5.70, 95%CI, 1.36-23.89, P=0.02), previous diabetic foot ulcer (OR=4.10, 95% CI, 2.58-6.50, P < 0.00001), duration of previous diabetic foot ulcer >60d (OR=1.02, 95% CI, 1.00-1.03, P=0.004), history of vascular intervention (OR=3.20, 95% CI, 2.13-4.81, P < 0.00001) and Wagner grade III/IV (OR=4.40, 95% CI, 2.21-8.78, P < 0.0001). However, no significant differences were found in age, duration of diabetes, body mass index, total cholesterol or foot deformity. Recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers is affected by a variety of factors. Thus, we should focus on high-risk groups and take targeted interventions as soon as possible to reduce the recurrence rate of DFUs, because of the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more rigorous studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to verify the conclusion.

Clinical Characteristics of Diabetic Patients with Initial and Recurrent Foot Ulcers

To explore the risk factors for the recurrence of foot ulcers by analyzing clinical characteristics of the patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) in West China Hospital, Sichuan University. A retrospective analysis was carried out with the clinical data of 817 DFU patients hospitalized at West China Hospital, Sichuan University between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2020. The patients were divided into an initial ulceration group (502 cases) and a recurrent ulceration group (315 cases) according to their history of foot ulcers. The differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the risk factors associated with the recurrence of foot ulcers. Initial and recurrent DFU patients both had predominantly neuro-ischemic foot ulcers, and the most common sites of ulceration were the first and fifth toes in both groups. Compared with the initial DFU group, more patients in the recurrent group had foot ulcers of Wagner grade 3 and ulcerous wounds located on calluses ( P<0.05), and fewer patients in the recurrent group suffered from foot gangrene ( P<0.05). Patients with recurrent DFU had lower glycated hemoglobin, platelet counts, and fibrinogen levels ( P<0.05), and higher serum uric acid and creatinine levels ( P<0.05). Hemoglobin, white blood cell count, estimated glomerular filtration rate, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels were not significantly different between the two groups ( P>0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that male sex ( OR=1.555, 95% CI: 1.097-2.204, P=0.013), duration of diabetes≥10 years ( OR=2.369, 95% CI: 1.473-3.810, P<0.001), history of amputation ( OR=4.518, 95% CI: 2.386-8.553, P<0.001), foot osteoporosis ( OR=1.711, 95% CI: 1.065 to 2.751, P=0.027), ulcerous wound located on foot callus ( OR=1.786, 95% CI: 1.058-3.012, P=0.030), and coronary heart disease ( OR=0.668, 95% CI:0.453-0.987, P=0.043) were significantly associated with the recurrence of foot ulcers. Male sex, duration of diabetes being over 10 years, history of previous amputation, foot osteoporosis, and ulcerous wounds located on foot callus are independent risk factors of recurrent foot ulcers in patients with DFU. Therefore, even after their foot ulcers have healed, special attention should be given to the care of foot for patients with DFU, which may reduce the recurrence of foot ulcers.

The Effectiveness of Preventive Foot Care with Thermography-Driven Risk Assessment on the Recurrence of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Indonesia: An Open-Labeled Randomized Controlled Trial

The Effectiveness of Preventive Foot Care with Thermography-Driven Risk Assessment on the Recurrence of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in Indonesia: An Open-Labeled Randomized Controlled Trial

Predictors of Outcomes of Foot Ulcers among Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in an Outpatient Foot Clinic.

ObjectivesTo determine the risk factors for recurrence and persistence of non-healing foot ulcers resulting in minor and major amputations.MethodologyThis was an ambispective cohort analysis of persons with diabetic foot ulcers consulting at the diabetic foot clinic of East Avenue Medical Center. Data were analyzed through multiple logistic regression.ResultTwo hundred sixteen patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and diabetic foot ulcers were included in the analysis; 50.9% were males and the mean age of the cohort was 55.8 ± 9.9 years. Outcomes of foot ulcers were: healed 44.5% (healed with no recurrence 30%, healed but with recurrence 14.5%) and not healed 55.5% (major amputation 11%, minor amputation, 21.5%, and persistently non-healing 23%). Multivariate logistic regression showed the following were independent risk factors for persistent non-healing ulcer: osteomyelitis (OR 66.5; CI 19.7, 217.8), smoking (OR 28.9; CI 6.8, 129.3, and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (OR 56.8; CI 2.5, 877.2). Independent risk factors for ulcer recurrence were: plantar location of ulcer (OR 16.8; CI 6.8, 89.4), presence of more than one ulcer (OR 7.8; CI 3.6,31.6), and neuropathy (OR 11.2; CI 7.2, 19.9). For healed foot ulcers, mean healing time was 14 ± 3 weeks. Healing time was significantly reduced from 12 weeks to 4.5 weeks (p<0.001) if patients consulted earlier (within 4 weeks from sustaining an ulcer).ConclusionOnly half (55%) of patients with diabetic foot ulcers consulting in a dedicated outpatient foot clinic had an adverse outcome of foot ulcers (major amputation 11%, minor amputation, 21.5%, and persistently non-healing ulcer 23%) while a small portion (14.5%) of patients had recurrent foot ulcers. Arterial obstruction, smoking, low hemoglobin, neuropathy, and osteomyelitis increase the likelihood of healing failure while the presence of multiple ulcers, plantar location of ulcers, and neuropathy increase the risk of ulcer recurrence.

Cumulative long-term recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in two cohorts from centres in Germany and the Czech Republic

AimsOur aim was to comprehensively estimate the incidence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) recurrence and corresponding risk factors in two cohorts. MethodsProspective data from patients with active DFU from two diabetes centres in Germany (GER, n = 222) and the Czech Republic (CZ, n = 99) were analysed. Crude cumulative incidences were obtained. Additionally, time to recurrence and risk factors were investigated using multivariate Cox models. Results69%(154) of patients in GER and 70%(69) in CZ experienced at least one DFU recurrence; 25%(56) in DEU and 15%(15) in CZ died; 5%(11) and 9%(9) were lost to follow-up. The crude cumulative incidence in the first year was 28% in GER and 25% in CZ; 68%/70% within ten years, and 69%/70% in 15 years. In GER, renal replacement therapy was associated with shorter time to recurrence (HR = 3.71, 95%CI:1.26–10.87); no history of DFU before the index lesion with longer time to recurrence (HR = 0.62, 0.42–0.92). In CZ, type 2 diabetes (HR = 2.57, 1.18–5.62) and index ulcer treatment by minor amputation (HR = 2.11, 1.03–4.33) were associated with shorter time to recurrence. ConclusionsCumulative DFU recurrence was approximately 70% in 15 years in both cohorts. We found a significantly higher risk of future recurrence in patients having a consecutive ulcer compared with the first ever ulcer.

Recurrence and influencing factors of diabetic foot ulcer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: To investigate the recurrence and influencing factors of diabetic foot ulcer in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Totally 185 type 2 diabetes patients with new-onset of diabetic foot ulcers admitted to Fuyang People's Hospital of Anhui Province from January 2011 to December 2015 were enrolled in this study, including 120 males and 65 females, aged 40-79 years. All the patients were followed up for 3 years, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed by the case-control study. The Kaplan-Meier cumulative recurrence curve was drawn according to the 3-year cumulative recurrence rate of diabetic foot ulcers. The time to visit, toe involvement, and amputation of involved toes in patients with recurrent diabetic foot ulcer were counted at the initial onset and the recurrence of the ulcers, respectively, and the data were statistically analyzed with t test and chi-square test. According to the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers, the patients were divided into foot ulcer recurrence group and foot ulcer non-recurrence group. The gender, age, course of diabetes mellitus, length of hospital stay, visit time, body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c, total bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, toe involvement, toe amputation, ankle-brachial index, diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), diabetic nephropathy (DN), history of hypertension, cardio-cerebrovascular disease, smoking, residence, solitary life, and walking disorder of patients between the two groups were compared, and the data were statistically analyzed with t test and chi-square test. Log-rank test was performed on the indexes with P<0.1 in comparison between two groups, and the indexes with statistically significant differences in Log-rank test were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression analysis to screen the influencing factors of recurrence of diabetic foot ulcer. Results: (1) The 3-year cumulative recurrence rate of diabetic foot ulcers in 185 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus was 47.0% (87/185). (2) For 87 patients with diabetic foot ulcer recurrence, compared with that at the initial onset of the ulcers, the visit time was significantly shorter (t=10.593, P<0.01), the toe amputation rate was significantly increased (χ(2)=5.118, P<0.05), but there was no obvious change in toe involvement at the recurrence of the ulcers. (3) There were statistically significant differences in age, course of diabetes mellitus, length of hospital stay, body mass index, glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c, total bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, hemoglobin, white blood cell count, gender, toe amputation, ankle-brachial index, DR, history of cardio-cerebrovascular disease, solitary life, and walking disorder of patients between foot ulcer recurrence group (87 patients) and foot ulcer non-recurrence group (98 patients) (t=5.123, 4.242, 5.324, -24.572, 6.102, -1.984, -9.747, 3.226, 3.076, 3.646, -4.683, -7.502, 8.095, χ(2)=5.621, 18.433, 4.546, 5.785, 9.655, 7.625, 7.886, P<0.05 or P<0.01), while the rest of the indexes of patients between the two groups were similar. Log-rank test showed that the two groups had statistically significant differences in age, course of diabetes mellitus, length of hospital stay, glycosylated hemoglobin HbA1c, total bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, ankle-brachial index, DPN, and walking disorder (χ(2)=210.046, 44.837, 34.107, 98.685, 66.532, 294.451, 260.554, 5.012, 6.818, 11.160, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Age, total bilirubin, albumin, DPN, and walking disorder were the influencing factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio=1.024, 0.678, 0.849, 2.335, 4.099, 95% confidence interval=1.001-1.047, 0.558-0.823, 0.797-0.904, 1.280-4.258, 2.044-8.223, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: The 3-year cumulative recurrence rate of diabetic foot ulcers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is relatively high, with the influencing factors being age, total bilirubin, albumin, DPN, and walking disorder.

The Frequency and Risk Factors of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Recurrence Among Jordanian Patients with Diabetes.

Diabetic foot is a major public health problem and their complications are an imperative cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. To evaluate the rate of recurrence of foot ulcers post two years of follow-up, including the associated risk factors in the patients attending the diabetic foot clinic at the National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Genetics (NCDEG), Amman, Jordan. A historical cohort design was adopted for the patients who presented for the first time to the diabetic foot clinic at the NCDEG. Every patient who came to the clinic was reviewed by using his or her medical files with respect to diabetic foot-related complaints. Patients were classified under four categories: (1) Recurrent foot ulcers (2) chronic foot ulcer (3) free of recurrence, and (4) no foot ulcers. Among the four groups, group 1 (recurrent foot ulcers, n=76) and group 3 (free of recurrence, n=54) were included for the analysis. Among the 141 patients who presented to the diabetic foot clinic during the two-year study period, 76 (53.9%) of them experienced ulcer recurrences, 54 (38.3%) were recurrence-free, and 11 (7.8%) had chronic ulceration. The two-year recurrence rate was 58.5%. The presence of deformity and osteomyelitis were the statistically significant independent risk factors for recurrent foot ulceration. This study of recurrences was clearly related to the type and complications of the ulcers rather than to the other variables. Recurrent foot ulceration is linked to the presence of osteomyelitis and/or deformities.

Mini Invasive Floating Metatarsal Osteotomy for Diabetic Foot Ulcers Under the First Metatarsal Head: A Case Series.

Diabetic foot ulcers under the first metatarsal head are difficult to treat and prevent recurrence. The aim of this study is to summarize the results of a distal first metatarsal minimally invasive floating osteotomy for ulcers under the first metatarsal head in patients with diabetic neuropathy. We reviewed files of patients with diabetic neuropathy undergoing a floating first metatarsal osteotomy. Demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed to determine success and complications. We found records for 21 patients (mean age 64) with University of Texas 1A ulcers. The ulcer's mean age was 11.2 months. Following surgery, the ulcer completely resolved after a mean of 3.7 (2 to 11) weeks in 19 patients. During the first year, there were 4 complications related to the surgery (including 3 infections). At latest follow-up, 17/21 (81%) patients had healed with satisfactory results. Minimal invasive floating distal osteotomy of the first metatarsal can cure and prevent recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers under the first metatarsal head in 80% of the patients, but the ability to provide close follow-up and prompt response are prerequisites.

Proximal Tibial Cortex Transverse Distraction Facilitating Healing and Limb Salvage in Severe and Recalcitrant Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Proximal Tibial Cortex Transverse Distraction Facilitating Healing and Limb Salvage in Severe and Recalcitrant Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Risk factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers among diabetic patients: a meta-analysis.

This study aimed to systematically review and identify the risk factors for the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) among diabetic patients. PUBMED, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), WanFang, and VIP databases were electronically searched to identify eligible studies updated to January 2019 to collect case-control studies or cohort studies on the risk factors for the recurrence of DFUs. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3. Nine retrospective cohort studies were included, in which 1426 patients were enrolled, 542 in the DFU recurrence group and 884 in the non-recurrent DFU group. Risk factors for the recurrence of DFUs included male gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.78, P < .05), smoking (OR = 1.66, 95% CI, 1.26-2.20, P = .0004), duration of diabetes (WMD = 4.43, 95% CI, 1.96‐6.90, P = .0004), duration of past DFUs (OR = 1.02, 95% CI, 1.00-1.03, P = .006), plantar ulcers (OR = 5.31, 95% CI, 4.93-5.72, P <.00001), peripheral artery disease (OR = 1.65, 95% CI, 1.20-2.28, P = .002), and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (OR = 2.15, 95% CI, 1.40-3.30, P = .0005). No significant differences were found in age, body mass index, total cholesterol, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, or hypertension. Health care staff should pay attention to the identified risk factors for the recurrence of DFUs. Because of the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, rigorous studies with adequate sample sizes are needed to verify the conclusion.

Global recurrence rates in diabetic foot ulcers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Recurrence rates of diabetic foot ulcers vary widely in the published literature. The aim of this systematic review is to estimate recurrence rates of diabetic foot ulcers. We did a PubMed search and performed a review of reference lists for studies reporting recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers. The weighted relative risk (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for recurrence was estimated. Forty-nine studies reporting recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers were included. A pooled estimate for recurrence rate was 22.1% per person-year (py) (95% CI, 19.0-25.2%). Recurrence rate was 24.9% per py in Europe (95% CI, 20.0%-29.7%), 17.8% per py in North America (95% CI, 12.7%-22.9%), 16.9% per py in Africa (95% CI, 4.7%-29.0%), and 17.0% per py in Asia (95% CI, 11.1%-23.0%). Turkey had the highest recurrence rate of 44.4% per py (95% CI, 24.9%-63.9%), and Bangladesh had the lowest of 4.3% per py (95% CI, 2.3%-6.3%). Recurrence rates of diabetic foot ulcers before 2002, between 2002 and 2008, and after 2008 were 22.2% per py (95% CI, 17.6%-26.8%), 21.9% per py (95% CI, 17.0%-26.8%), and 21.8% per py (95% CI, 16.3%-27.2%), respectively. Recurrence rates of diabetic foot ulcers are high. Recurrence rates vary widely in different regions and have decreased recently. More attention towards recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers is urgently required.