The international journal of lower extremity wounds最新文献

Type 2 diabetes is a significant global health concern. It often causes diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which affect millions of people and increase amputation and mortality rates. Despite existing guidelines, the complexity of DFU treatment makes clinical decisions challenging. Large language models such as chat generative pretrained transformer (ChatGPT), which are adept at natural language processing, have emerged as valuable resources in the medical field. However, concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the information they provide remain. We aimed to assess the accuracy of various artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, including ChatGPT, in providing information on DFUs based on established guidelines. Seven AI chatbots were asked clinical questions (CQs) based on the DFU guidelines. Their responses were analyzed for accuracy in terms of answers to CQs, grade of recommendation, level of evidence, and agreement with the reference, including verification of the authenticity of the references provided by the chatbots. The AI chatbots showed a mean accuracy of 91.2% in answers to CQs, with discrepancies noted in grade of recommendation and level of evidence. Claude-2 outperformed other chatbots in the number of verified references (99.6%), whereas ChatGPT had the lowest rate of reference authenticity (66.3%). This study highlights the potential of AI chatbots as tools for disseminating medical information and demonstrates their high degree of accuracy in answering CQs related to DFUs. However, the variability in the accuracy of these chatbots and problems like AI hallucinations necessitate cautious use and further optimization for medical applications. This study underscores the evolving role of AI in healthcare and the importance of refining these technologies for effective use in clinical decision-making and patient education.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of health literacy on diabetes self-efficacy and foot self-care in type II diabetics. This descriptive correlational study was conducted with 187 people. The research was conducted between 01 June 2021 and 31 December 2021 in a province located in the southeastern region of Turkey. Non-probability purposive sampling was used as the sampling method. An introductory information form, and the Turkish Health Literacy Scale-32 (THLS-32), Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale and Diabetes Foot Self-Care Behavior Scale (DFSBS) were used in the study. Data were evaluated with frequency, percentage, mean, and correlation analyses using SPSS 25 software. It was determined that the participants had a low education level and were of advanced age, and that the feet of most of the patients were not examined and there were no wounds on their feet. The health literacy level of 57.8% of the participants was found to be insufficient. The mean THLS-32 score was 22.50 ± 10.65, the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale mean score was 72.83 ± 11.84, and the Diabetes Foot Self-Care Behavior Scale mean score was 22.60 ± 5.44. It was determined that there was a relationship between the THLS-32 and Diabetes Self-Efficacy score of those with type II diabetes, and that as health literacy increased, diabetes self-efficacy increased (p < 0.05). It was determined that the health literacy level was insufficient, whereas diabetes self-efficacy and foot self-care were at a good level. It was found that as health literacy increased, self-efficacy increased. Information on health literacy is effective in coping with the disease. For this reason, information on health literacy should be given from an early age.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of the combination of autologous platelet-rich plasma gel (APG) and Manuka honey gauze in the treatment of Stages 3-4 pressure injury of older adults. Patients were divided into four groups: Manuka honey gauze and APG (M + A), Manuka honey gauze (M), APG (A), and a control group (C). Different treatments were given, then wound bed coverage with granulation tissue, wound size reduction, and Pressure Ulcer Scale for Healing (PUSH) score were examined. Paraffin-embedded sections of wound tissues were analyzed and wound swab cultures were assessed. Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test were performed in statistical analysis at a 5% significance level. A total of 42 patients were accepted. Significant increase of wound bed coverage with granulation tissue (51.24%, P = .004, Kruskal-Wallis test) and decrease of PUSH score (-5) were observed in the M + A group at the end of the observation (P = .032, Mann-Whitney U test). The hematoxylin-eosin staining of wound tissues showed that typical squamous epithelium was seen in wound bed of patient in M + A group. Manuka honey gauze and APG were proved to be superior treatments for pressure injury of old patient. Increase of granulation tissue coverage, reduction of PUSH score, and improved growth of epithelium were observed in M + A group. There was no side-effect, and the treatment would not cause infection.

Despite medical and technological advancements, foot amputations continue to rise. Thus, the effort of diabetic foot management should be toward prevention and early diagnosis. Healthcare professionals need to be trained, equipped, and supported with adequate resources to be able to identify and deliver appropriate foot care. Every effort should be made to minimize the impact of complications and to ensure prompt access to care for everyone. Artificial intelligence and smart technology could provide a significant opportunity to improve efficiency in diabetes care, which may reduce diabetic foot complications. The possible potential of the new technologies which are emerging together with their current developing applications for diabetic foot care are suggested. A call for immediate change in diabetes foot screening guidelines is imperative to save limbs and lives.

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcer disease, affecting 6.3% of the global population, necessitates crucial decisions regarding debridement and amputation, with substantial cost, morbidity, and mortality implications. This study's primary goal is to determine effective vascular examination modalities, including systolic blood pressure, vascular waveforms, and blood volume flow to guide optimal treatments for diabetic foot patients.

Method: This cross-sectional study at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital aimed to identify effective vascular examination modalities, such as systolic blood pressure, vascular waveforms, and blood volume flow, to guide treatment choices for diabetic foot patients. The study included 38 subjects, equally split between debridement and amputation groups.

Results: Notably, the presence of a biphasic pattern in popliteal artery vascular examinations was associated with the decision for amputation in diabetic foot patients (p < 0.05). The Chi-square test revealed that a biphasic ultrasound pattern served as a predictive factor for amputation among diabetic foot patients, with three times more biphasic patients choosing amputation over debridement. Conversely, assessments of popliteal artery systolic pressure, common femoral artery waveform, popliteal artery volume flow, and common femoral artery volume flow showed no significant correlations with the choice of debridement or amputation treatment for diabetic foot patients.

Conclusion: In summary, ultrasound assessment of vascular waveform in the popliteal artery emerges as a predictive factor for amputation or debridement in diabetic foot patients.

Purpose: Effective treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) involves a multidisciplinary treatment plan to promote wound healing and prevent complications. Given the lack of consensus data on the factors affecting patient adherence, a systematic review was performed to identify and classify factors according to the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies.

Methods: Six hundred and forty-three articles from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included qualitative and quantitative studies which discussed factors affecting patient adherence to DFU treatment, had study populations that comprised patients with either prior history of or existing DFU, and had either prior history of DFU treatment or were currently receiving treatment. Factors, and associated measures of adherence, were extracted and organized according to the WHO Dimensions of Adherence to Long-Term Therapies.

Results: Seven quantitative and eight qualitative studies were included. Eleven patient-related factors, seven condition-related factors, three therapy-related factors, five socioeconomic factors, and five health system-related factors were investigated by the included studies. The largest proportion of factors studied was patient-related, such as patient insight on DFU treatment, patient motivation, and patient perception of DFU treatment. There was notable overlap in the range of discussed factors across various domains, in the socioeconomic (including social support, income, social and cultural acceptability of DFU therapy, cost) and therapy-related domains (including duration of treatment, offloading footwear, and reminder devices). Different studies found that specific factors, such as gender and patients having a low internal locus of control, had differing effects on adherence on different cohorts.

Conclusion: Current literature presents heterogeneous findings regarding factors affecting patient adherence. It would be useful for future studies to categorize factors as such to provide more comprehensive understanding and personalized care to patients. Further research can be done to explore how significant factors can be addressed universally across different cohort populations in different cultural and socioeconomic contexts.

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the microbial ecology of diabetic foot infections (DFIs), using molecular-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to accurately identify the causative agents. One hundred DFI patients were recruited and classified using the Depth Extent Phase and Associated Etiology (DEPA) score according to their severity. Results revealed polymicrobial infections in 75% of cases, predominantly featuring Staphylococcus epidermidis (83%) and Staphylococcus aureus (63%). Importantly, 20% of samples exhibited facultative anaerobes Bacteroides fragilis or Clostridium perfringens, exclusively in high DEPA score ulcers. Candida albicans coinfection was identified in 19.2% of cases, underscoring the need for mycological evaluation. Empirical antimicrobial therapy regimens were tailored to DEPA severity, yet our findings highlighted a potential gap in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) coverage. Despite an 88% prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococci, vancomycin usage was suboptimal. This raises concerns about the underestimation of MRSA risk and the need for tailored antibiotic guidelines. Our study demonstrates the efficacy of molecular-PCR analysis in identifying diverse microbial communities in DFIs, influencing targeted antibiotic choices. The results advocate for refined antimicrobial guidelines, considering regional variations in microbial patterns and judiciously addressing multidrug-resistant strains. This research contributes crucial insights for optimizing DFIs management and helps the physicians to have a fast decision in selection the suitable antibiotic for each patient and to decrease the risk of bacterial resistance from the improper use of broad-spectrum empirical therapies.

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a widely used and effective treatment for managing complex wounds. This document discusses how NPWT can be used in wound care in an updated way. The updated scenario on NPWT provides a concise overview of the current state of NPWT and its implications in clinical practice. It highlights recent developments in NPWT, as well as the advancements in this field. As part of NPWT, vacuum-assisted closure is used and negative pressure is applied to the wound bed. It discusses the key components and mechanisms. In addition to improving wound healing, NPWT also reduces infection rates and improves patient comfort, among other benefits. In addition, this document discusses the specific indications and contraindications of NPWT, as well as the types of wounds that can be treated with NPWT, including diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, and traumatic wounds. The document emphasizes the importance of choosing patients appropriately and assessing wounds to ensure optimal outcomes. In addition, it provides evidence-based guidelines and clinical recommendations on NPWT. In addition to reviewing the latest research findings supporting NPWT in a variety of clinical settings, it also discusses randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews. In addition, it discusses the potential complications and challenges associated with NPWT, including pain, bleeding, and device malfunction. The purpose of this document is to shed light on the role of NPWT in wound care management by providing an updated scenario. NPWT can be incorporated into clinical practice by healthcare professionals if they understand its principles, benefits, indications, and limitations. Healthcare providers can optimize patient outcomes and improve wound healing in diverse patient populations by staying abreast of the latest advancements in NPWT.

Diabetic foot (DF) represents a severe complication of diabetes mellitus, imposing substantial psychological and economic burdens on affected individuals. This investigation sought to assess the therapeutic efficacy of stem cell interventions in the management of DF complications. A comprehensive systematic search across PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane library databases was conducted to identify pertinent studies for meta-analysis. Outcome measures encompassed ulcer or wound healing rates, amputation rates, angiogenesis, ankle-brachial index (ABI), and pain-free walking distance. Dichotomous outcomes were expressed as risk differences (RDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), while continuous data were articulated as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with corresponding 95% CIs. Statistical analyses were executed using RevMan 5.3 and Open Meta, with bootstrapped meta-analysis conducted through OpenMEE software. A total of 20 studies, comprising 24 arms and involving 1304 participants, were incorporated into the meta-analysis. The findings revealed that stem cell therapy exhibited superior efficacy compared to conventional interventions in terms of ulcer or wound healing rate [RD = 0.36 (0.28, 0.43)], pain-free walking distance [SMD = 1.27 (0.89, 1.65)], ABI [SMD = 0.61 (0.33, 0.88)], and new vessel development [RD = 0.48 (0.23, 0.78)], while concurrently reducing the amputation rate significantly [RD = -0.19 (-0.25, -0.12)]. Furthermore, no statistically significant difference in adverse events was observed [RD -0.07 (-0.16, 0.02)]. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation assessment indicated varying levels of evidence certainty, ranging from very low to moderate, for different outcomes. Bootstrapping analysis substantiated the precision of the results. The meta-analysis underscores the significant superiority of stem cell therapy over conventional approaches in treating DF complications. Future investigations should prioritize large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter trials, incorporating rigorous long-term follow-up protocols. These studies are essential for elucidating the optimal cell types and therapeutic parameters that contribute to the most effective treatment strategies for DF management.