Reversal of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and new wound incidence: the role of MIRE.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if improved foot sensitivity to the Semmes-Weinstein 10-g (5.07) monofilament, originally impaired because of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, might be associated with a reduced incidence of new diabetic foot wounds.


METHODS
Retrospective cohort study using a health status questionnaire.


METHODS
Sixty-eight individuals over age 64 with diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and loss of protective sensation who had clinically demonstrable increases in foot sensation to the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament after treatment with monochromatic near infrared photo energy.


RESULTS
After reversal of diabetic peripheral neuropathy following treatment with monochromatic near infrared photo energy, only 1 of 68 patients developed a new diabetic foot wound, for an incidence of 1.5%. Comparatively, the incidence previously reported in the Medicare-aged population with diabetes was 7.3%.


CONCLUSIONS
Improved foot sensitivity to the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament in patients previously suffering from loss of protective sensation due to diabetic neuropathy appears to be associated with a lower incidence of new diabetic foot ulcers when compared with the expected incidence in the Medicare-aged population with diabetes.


CONCLUSIONS
Therapeutic interventions that effectively improve foot sensitivity that has been previously diminished due to diabetic peripheral neuropathy may substantially reduce the incidence of new foot wounds in the Medicare-aged population with diabetes.
Northwest Orthopedic Center, Springdale, AR, USA.
Mark W
MW
Powell
Dale E
DE
Carnegie
Thomas J
TJ
Burke
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005431:Florida / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D006278:Medicare; D008875:Middle Aged; D009460:Neurologic Examination / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D015995:Prevalence; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012677:Sensation; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing