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Foot Infections (foot + infections)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Medical Sciences100%
Distribution within Medical Sciences
Diabetes60%
Dermatology20%

Kinds of Foot Infections

  • diabetic foot infections
    		•

    Selected Abstracts

    Diagnosing and treating diabetic foot infections

    DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S1 2004
    Benjamin A. Lipsky
    Abstract Foot infections are a common, complex and costly complication of diabetes. We have made considerable progress in establishing consensus definitions for defining infection. Similarly, we have learned much about the appropriate ways to diagnose both soft tissue and bone infections. Accompanying these advances have been improvements in our knowledge of the proper approaches to antibiotic (and surgical) therapy for diabetic foot infections. Furthermore, investigators have explored the value of various adjunctive therapies, especially granulocyte colony stimulating factors and hyperbaric oxygen, for improving outcomes. This paper presents a summary of a minisymposium on infection of the diabetic foot that was held at the fourth International Symposium on the Diabetic Foot, in Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands. Crown copyright 2004. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    A report from the international consensus on diagnosing and treating the infected diabetic foot,

    DIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue S1 2004
    Benjamin A. Lipsky Chairman
    Abstract In persons with diabetes, foot infection, that is, invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in tissues accompanied by tissue destruction or a host inflammatory response, usually begins with skin trauma or ulceration 1. While most foot infections remain superficial, they can spread to subcutaneous tissues, including muscle, joints, and bone. Many diabetic foot ulcers eventuate in an amputation; infection plays a role in approximately 60% of cases 2,4. Neuropathy is the main factor leading to skin breaks, while arterial perfusion largely affects infection outcome. Among the factors predisposing diabetic patients to foot infections are ill-defined immunological perturbations 5, 6; foot anatomy may foster proximal spread of infection and ischemic necrosis 7, 8. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

    The epidemiology of diabetic limb sepsis: an African perspective

    DIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 11 2002
    Z. G. Abbas
    Abstract We review the epidemiology of foot and hand sepsis in adult diabetes patients in Africa. Limb sepsis in these patients is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathogenesis of diabetic foot infections in these patient populations appears to be similar to that for patients in industrialized countries ,ulcers and underlying peripheral neuropathy being the most important risk factors. Prevention of peripheral neuropathy through aggressive glycaemic control may be the most important primary control measure for foot infections. The tropical diabetic hand syndrome (TDHS) is being increasingly seen in diabetes patients in certain parts of Africa. The syndrome is acute, usually follows minor trauma to the hand, and is associated with a progressive synergistic form of gangrene. The major risk factors for TDHS are unknown but recent data suggest poor glycaemic control is associated with poor outcome. Treatment of TDHS requires aggressive surgery. Hence, preventive efforts for both foot and hand sepsis include aggressive glucose control, and education on hand and foot care and the importance of seeking medical attention promptly at the earliest onset of symptoms. Diabet. Med. 19, 895,899 (2002) [source]

    Eikinella corrodens wound infection in a diabetic foot: a brief report

    INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL, Issue 4 2005
    Shmouel Ovadia
    Abstract Eikinella corrodens normally forms part of the flora of the oral cavity and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is usually associated with dental, head and neck infections (Cohen, Powderly, 2004, Infectious Diseases) and is considered to be an unusual cause of orthopaedic infections. We recently treated a diabetic patient with E. corrodens osteomyelitis of the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint, a phenomenon which has been reported in only three cases previously (Konugres et al., 1987, E. corrodens as a cause of osteomyelitis in the feet of the diabetic patients. Report of three cases). We recommend including E. corrodens in the spectrum of causative pathogens in diabetic foot infections. [source]

    Prevalence of foot diseases in outpatients attending the Institute of Dermatology, Bangkok, Thailand

    CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
    R. Ungpakorn
    Summary Two thousand patients who visited the outpatient department at the Institute of Dermatology, Bangkok, were assessed for the presence of foot diseases by questionnaire and physical examination. Abnormalities were detected in 741 individuals (37.1%). Nonfungal conditions were more prevalent (31.4%), mainly consisting of eczema (254 cases, 12.7%) and psoriasis (176 cases, 8.8%). Fungal disease was observed in 119 cases (6.0%). There were 76 cases (3.8%) with tinea pedis and 33 cases (1.7%) with onychomycosis. The identified organisms causing tinea pedis were 57.9% nondermatophyte moulds, 36.8% dermatophytes, and 2.6%Candida spp. The corresponding organisms causing onychomycosis were 51.6% nondermatophyte moulds, 36.3% dermatophytes, and 6.0%Candida spp. Among nondermatophytes, Scytalidium dimidiatum was the leading pathogen while Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes were the predominant dermatophytes identified. Diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease and activities related to foot trauma were noted to be predisposing factors for onychomycosis. Footwear, particularly sandals and cut shoes, was the only factor relevant to individuals with tinea pedis (P , 0.05). In contrast with other published data on fungal foot infections, this study disclosed a higher prevalence of nondermatophyte organisms, predominantly S. dimidiatum, as the major cause of tinea pedis and onychomycosis. An increase in awareness is necessary to identify such cases, prevent misdiagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. [source]

    Empirical therapy for diabetic foot infections: are there clinical clues to guide antibiotic selection?

    CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION, Issue 4 2007
    B. A. Lipsky
    Abstract Initial antibiotic therapy for diabetic foot infections is usually empirical. Several principles may help to avoid selecting either an unnecessarily broad or inappropriately narrow regimen. First, clinically severe infections require broad-spectrum therapy, while less severe infections may not. Second, aerobic Gram-positive cocci, particularly Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) for patients at high-risk) should always be covered. Third, therapy should also be targeted at aerobic Gram-negative pathogens if the infection is chronic or has failed to respond to previous antibiotic therapy. Fourth, anti-anaerobe agents should be considered for necrotic or gangrenous infections on an ischaemic limb. Parenteral therapy is needed for severe infections, but oral therapy is adequate for most mild or moderate infections. [source]