Identification of High-Risk Lower Extremity Wounds Using Point-of-Care Test for Bacterial Protease Activity; A Single-Centre, Single-Blinded, Prospective Study.

Clinician observation is the mainstay to determine if wound infection is present, and focuses on presence of erythema, purulence, and odour. However, non-visible bacterial protease activity can delay wound healing and lead to complications. In this study, a point-of-care test to detect the presence of bacterial protease activity (BPA, tested with Woundchek Bacterial Status test) was appraised.

Microbiological profile of diabetic foot ulcers in Kuwait.

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) and infection (DFI) are a major diabetes-related problem around the world due to the high prevalence of diabetes in the population. The aim of our study was to determine the microbiological profile of infected ulcers in patients attending Dasman Diabetes Institute (DDI) clinics in Kuwait and to analyze the distribution of microbial isolates according to wound grade, sex, age and diabetes control.

Methods: We collected and analyzed clinical data and samples from 513 diabetic patients with foot ulcers referred to our podiatry clinic at DDI from Jan 2011 till Dec 2017.

Is There a Role for Informal Caregivers in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers? A Narrative Review.

Successful management of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is crucial for preventing long-term morbidity and lowering risk of amputations. This can be achieved with a multifaceted approach involving a multidisciplinary team, with the patient at the centre. However, not all healthcare setups enable this, and the rate of lower limb amputations continues to rise.

A Narrative Review of the Benefits and Risks of Total Contact Casts in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers.

Total contact casts are recognized as the gold standard treatment for neuropathic plantar diabetic foot ulceration, endorsed by all national and international consensus papers. Despite this, research has shown that there is a dichotomy between the existing evidence which supports the use of total contact casts in the management of diabetic foot ulcers and its use in clinical practice. This article aims to highlight the benefits, risks, and barriers associated with total contact cast use in the management of diabetic foot ulcers in the clinical setting, with an emphasis on existing research carried out in this field to encourage change in clinical practice and utilization of this effective treatment modality.

Calciphylaxis: Case Presentation and Review of the Literature.

Background: Calciphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening condition involving painful necrotic skin ulcerations, especially of the lower extremities. It is generally associated with chronic kidney failure but may be seen in nonuremic cases.

Case Report: We report a case of calciphylaxis in a 60-year-old man with diabetes on dialysis for end-stage renal disease and known to have other typical combination of risk factors associated with calciphylaxis syndrome.

Diabetic foot ulcer outcomes from a podiatry led tertiary service in Kuwait.

: This single-centred study aims to evaluate the incidence, risk factors and treatment outcomes of a podiatry led, evidence-based diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) clinic. : Data from the DFU database and patient electronic health records were retrospectively collected from patients with new DFUs who were referred for treatment to the Department of Podiatry, Dasman Diabetes Institute, Kuwait, from 1 October 2014, to 31 December 2016. Patients were followed-up until healing occurred or until 6 months after the study end date, whichever came first.