[Large variation in the treatment of foot infections in diabetic patients in The Netherlands].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the treatment of foot infections in patients with diabetes mellitus and the implementation of the Dutch consensus guidelines.


METHODS
Questionnaire.


METHODS
Nationwide.


METHODS
To 180 internists and paediatricians were sent a letter explaining the objective of the survey and a questionnaire. After two months an identical questionnaire was sent, with the request to return it when the first questionnaire had not been returned yet.


RESULTS
Seventy-three questionnaires (40%) were returned of which 63 were evaluable. The main reason for hospitalisation was the threat of limb loss (90%). Most patients presenting with superficial wound infections were treated with local surgical procedures (90%); however, 16% of the responders considered hospitalisation indicated. If osteomyelitis was present 81% of the responders would hospitalize the patient. Antibiotic treatment was instituted by 93%. In all, 11 different antibiotics were used. Of antibiotic combinations the combination of penicillin and lincomycin was used most frequently and the recommended combination of aminoglycoside and lincomycin least. The main reason for using a combination of antibiotics was presence of polymicrobial flora (93%).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that treatment of diabetic foot is still very diverse in spite of the consensus guidelines.
Storm
A J
AJ
Glaxo B.V., Medische afdeling, Zeist.
Bouter
K P
KP
Diepersloot
R J
RJ
Erkelens
D W
DW
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005734:Gangrene / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000628:therapy; D009426:Netherlands; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents
Grote variatie in behandeling van voetinfecties bij diabetespatiënten in Nederland.