Current status of noninvasive perfusion assessment in individuals with diabetic foot ulceration

The global prevalence of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) has recently been reported as 6.3%.1 The problem is particularly significant in North America, with a prevalence of 13%; in Europe, the rate is 5.5%. In a prospective study of 725 diabetic patients with a mean follow-up of 691.8  days, the mortality of individuals with DFU was more than two-fold higher than diabetic patients without ulceration, irrespective of age, diabetes type, and treatment of diabetes.2 Management of both the foot and the patient as a whole in the context of DFU depends on a coordinated, multidisciplin ary team approach: good glycemic control, prompt referral to diabetic foot services with effective pathways in place, adequate pressure offloading, and establishing whether peripheral arterial disease (PAD) exists—and addressing it—are essential.
Source: Journal of Vascular Surgery - Category: Surgery Authors: Tags: Editorial Source Type: research