Amino acids and wound healing in people with limb-threatening diabetic foot ulcers.

Background: Amino acids are associated with wound healing in traumatic wounds and burns, although their effects on healing in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are limited. This study aimed to evaluate and identify specific amino acids associated with healing outcomes of patients with DFUs.

Methods: Sixty-two out of 85 patients who completed the in-hospital treatment for limb-threatening DFUs were enrolled.

Effect of limb preservation status and body mass index on the survival of patients with limb-threatening diabetic foot ulcers.

Aims: To evaluate the effect of limb preservation status and body mass index (BMI) on the survival of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

Methods: A total of 1346 patients treated for limb-threatening DFUs at a major diabetic foot center in Taiwan from 2002 to 2009 were tracked until December 2012. The patients were classified into three groups: limb-preserved (n=858), minor lower-extremity amputation (LEA) (n=249), and major LEA (n=239).

Glucose Variability and β- Cell Response by GLP-1 Analogue added-on CSII for Patients with Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes.

The effects of twice-daily GLP-1 analogue injections added on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (T2DM) were unknown. After optimization of blood glucose in the first 3 days by CSII during hospitalization, patients with poorly controlled T2DM were randomized to receive CSII combined with injections of exenatide or placebo for another 3 days. A total of 51 patients (30 in exenatide and 21 in placebo groups) with mean A1C 11% were studied.

Risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes complicated by community-acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia.

Background/purpose: Patients with diabetes are at a high risk of infection-related morbidity and mortality. Klebsiella pneumoniae bacilli are prevalent among diabetic patients, especially in Asian populations. The present study aimed to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality among diabetic patients complicated by community-acquired K.

Risk factors for lower extremity amputation in diabetic foot disease categorized by Wagner classification.

Aims: To elucidate the risk factors for lower extremity amputation (LEA) in patients of diabetic foot disease with different Wagner gradings.

Methods: This study was conducted in a multidisciplinary diabetic foot care center. Demographic characteristics, laboratory data, disease history, ankle brachial pressure index (ABI) and Wagner classification were considered as independent variables to predict the therapeutic outcome (major LEA, minor LEA, and non-amputation).

Effects of a novel short-term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion program evaluated by continuous glucose monitoring on young adult type 1 diabetic patients in Taiwan.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of blood sugar control by a short-course reinforcement program, consisting of using continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) for young adult type 1 diabetic patients. Twenty-six pump-naïve type 1 diabetic patients were successively enrolled in two years. The mean disease duration was 13 years and the mean HbA1c was 8.

Primary pituitary lymphoma presenting as hypophysitis.

A 47-year-old man had suffered from prolonged fever for two months without clinical evidence of infection. Blood biochemistry and endocrine dysfunction indicated that he had pituitary insufficiency. Thorough whole body imaging studies merely identified a 22 x 14 mm mass lesion in the sella turcica.

Evaluation of infectious complications of the implantable venous access system in a general oncologic population.

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the infectious morbidity associated with 2 common types of implantable port systems used in a cancer center in Taiwan.

Methods: This study is retrospective and descriptive. Five hundred seventy-two patients who received implantable ports at the cancer center between January 1994 and December 1998 were included.