Ulcer‐free survival following management of foot ulcers in diabetes

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2005.01640.x
• Publication Date: 2005-09-13T07:58:42Z
• Authors: N. Pound; S. Chipchase; K. Treece; F. Game; W. Jeffcoate
• Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcer; Foot (prosody); Diabetic ulcers

Abstract Aims Measures of healing rate may not give a complete indication the effectiveness overall management diabetic foot ulcers. Apart from and speed healing, outcomes greatest importance to patient are avoidance any amputation remaining free recurrence. We have documented number patients presenting with ulcers who become ulcer examined value documenting ulcer‐free survival. Methods All referrals specialist clinic over 31‐month period were analysed determined after minimum follow‐up 6 months. Results Three hundred seventy referred total 1031 One twenty‐one (32.7%) never became free: 56 (46.3% 121) remained unhealed, 12 (9.9% had been resolved by amputation, two unhealed (1.7% 51 (13.8% 370) died. Two thirty‐one (62.4% at some stage. Five these excluded because an earlier amputation. Ninety‐one 226 (40.3%) developed recurrent or new median 126 days. Of 135 did recurrence, 133 (58.8% 226; 35.9% survived limbs intact, while Outcome was unknown in 18 (4.9%). Those older ( P < 0.001) greater prevalence ischaemia 0.001). healed but went on suffer neuropathy = 0.027) than those free. Conclusions The use survival can be used as management. It could adopted measure compare performance between different units.