Diabetic foot: diabetic ulcer care

Background. Diabetic foot syndrome (DFS) is the presence of an infection and/or ulcer defect of the foot associated with neuropathy and circulatory disorders of the lower extremities of varying severity. Insensitivity of the foot, its deformation and constant load lead to the formation of necrosis under hyperkeratosis with the potential infectious process development. Objective. To describe the features of the course and treatment of DFS. Materials and methods. Analysis of literature data on this issue. Results and discussion. Classification of diabetic ulcers is carried out according to the PEDIS system, where P means perfusion, E – extent, D – depth, I – infection, S – sensation. To assess the circulatory status of the lower extremities, the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and transcutaneous oxygen tension are determined. Critical ischemia is determined by the following criteria: tibial systolic blood pressure <50 mm Hg, big toe blood pressure <30 mm Hg, or transcutaneous oxygen tension <30 mm Hg, or ABI <0.5. DFS treatment involves unloading the foot with the help of special shoes or orthoses, ultrasonic or vacuum cavitation of wounds, surgery, antibiotic therapy. If necessary, anti-pseudomonad antibiotics should be used (ceftazidime, cefoperazone, cefepime, imipenem, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, amikacin). 95 % of the microorganisms present in the world are able to coexist in the form of biofilms – communities of microorganisms in a matrix of polymers (mucopolysaccharides), which are released by the same bacteria. Taking this into account, one should choose antibiotics that can penetrate biofilms. Diabetic ulcers should be covered with dressings such as Hydroclean plus, which contain an antiseptic that protects the wound from secondary infection, prevents excessive evaporation of moisture and has an atraumatic contact layer that prevents traumatization of the young granulation tissue. This dressing continuously releases Ringer’s solution into the wound and absorbs the wound exudate, creating a continuous washing effect. Lacerta (“Yuria-Pharm”) can be used to stimulate the regeneration of long-term defects of connective tissues. Lacerta activates the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, accelerates their metabolic activity, and enhances angiogenesis. Other methods of accelerating of the wound healing include the use of cryopreserved amniotic membranes and the injection of stem cells. Conclusions. 1. DFS is the presence of an infection and/or ulcerative defect of the foot associated with neuropathy and circulatory disorders of the lower extremities. 2. Classification of diabetic ulcers is carried out according to the PEDIS system. 3. Treatment of DFS involves unloading the foot with special shoes or orthoses, ultrasonic or vacuum cavitation of wounds, antibiotic therapy, surgery. 4. It is advisable to cover diabetic ulcers with hydrogel bandages. 5. Lacerta can be used to stimulate the regeneration of persistent skin defects.