Microbiological evaluation of resection margins of the infected diabetic foot ulcer.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of surgical debridement on the microbiology of resection margins of an infected diabetic foot ulcer and to compare the use of marginal sampling as a guide for antimicrobial therapy.

Methods: Forty consecutive participants were studied. Tissue samples from infected diabetic foot ulcers were obtained at first contact by podiatrists.

Prediction of stump healing in lower limb amputation: a narrative review.

Both types of diabetes, as well as different forms of acquired diabetes, are associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) is the condition most commonly related to somatic peripheral neuropathy, often leading to gangrene and limb amputation. Independent from large-vessel disease, sensory loss may result in DFU development and even amputation.

Predictive parameters of arteriovenous fistula maturation in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Background: The objevctive of the present study was to explore the potential influence of blood markers and patient factors such as risk factors, kidney function profile, coagulation profile, lipid profile, body mass index, blood pressure, and vein diameter on the maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Methods: Retrospective data from 300 patients who had undergone AVF creation at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh were examined. A predictive logistic regression model was developed using a backward stepwise procedure.

Maturation of arteriovenous fistula: Analysis of key factors.

The growing proportion of individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease has considerable repercussions for both kidney specialists and primary care. Progressive and permanent renal failure is most frequently treated with hemodialysis. The efficiency of hemodialysis treatment relies on the functional status of vascular access.

Periorbital burns – a 6 year review of management and outcome.

Introduction: Periorbital burns are an infrequent but potentially devastating injury. This study aimed to elucidate the spectrum of such injuries presenting to a UK burns centre and the outcome achieved in the cases requiring periorbital reconstruction for the restoration of function and form.

Methods: Patients admitted to a UK regional burns centre between January 2005 and January 2011 with periorbital burns were identified from the Patient Administration System (PAS), theatre logs and the International Burns Injury database (IBID).

The psychosocial impact of diabetes in adolescents: a review.

Type 1 Diabetes mellitus is known to have a major psychological impact on adolescents. Different types of therapies have been developed to support the patient as well as their families to deal with this impact. These include Behavioral Family Systems Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Prospective randomised controlled trial on the role of patient information leaflets in obtaining informed consent.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether patient information leaflets help to improve patient recall during the process of informed consent.

Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial that compared a group of patients who were posted a patient information leaflet with those given verbal consent only was carried out. The study was conducted at the orthopaedic unit of a district general hospital.

Effect of short-term Psychiatric Intervention in Cancer Patients.

A total of 50 patients undergoing cancer treatment at Malignant Disease Treatment Centre were included in the present study aimed at evaluating the psychological status of cancer patients. All patients filled a specially designed proforma and the following psychological questionnaires : General Health Questionnaire, Carroll Rating Scale for Depression, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, PGI General Well-being Scale and Quality of Life Scale. Analysis of the results showed that 22 (44%) of the cancer patients had psychiatric disorders and this number had reduced to 12 (24%) after therapy.