title: Diabetic foot ulcers: evaluation and management.
abstract: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common complication of diabetes and present a significant health risk to patients, as well as impose a large economic burden. Evaluation for contributory factors that may impact general health or healing, such as hyperglycemia, peripheral artery disease, neuropathy, and nutritional status, is of the utmost importance. Management of DFUs requires involvement of a multidisciplinary team and a standardized approach to patient care. Standard therapy for DFUs includes offloading and debridement. Assessment and control of infection are critical, including determining the severity of the infection, which may drive therapeutic approaches. For recalcitrant ulcers, adjuvant therapies are used to hasten the healing process, and newer therapies are under investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL.
authors.forename: Andrea D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Maderal
authors.forename: Alejandra C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Vivas
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Zwick
authors.forename: Robert S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Kirsner
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001458:Bandages; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003646:Debridement / Q000379:methods; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006931:Hyperbaric Oxygenation; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D009752:Nutritional Status; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000150:complications; D012307:Risk Factors; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents