[Physiopathology of Vascular Complications of Diabetic Foot].
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on vascular complications of diabetic foot with special interest in ulcerative lesions and their prevention and treatment.


METHODS
Representative papers were selected through a computer MEDLINE search from 1980 to 2001.


RESULTS
In diabetes mellitus, physiologic and biochemical mechanisms that regulate coordinated behavior between blood circulation and vessel wall are damaged, both in small and large vessels. Vascular alterations observed in patients with diabetes result in peripheral vascular disease with special characteristics in these patients that produce a greater tendency in diabetic than non-diabetic patients for chronic ulcerative lesions of foot and lesser capacity for healing. These lesions frequently result in amputation of the lower limb. Nevertheless efforts made for preventing and healing ulcerative complications, results are unsatisfactory.


CONCLUSIONS
It is necessary to research new methods for preventing and healing vascular complications of diabetic foot with special attention to improving damaged physiologic and biochemical mechanisms in diabetes mellitus.
Arana-Conejo
Víctor
V
Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Metabólicas 4o. Piso, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI.
Domingo Méndez
José
J
D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005528:Foot / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000503:physiopathology