Diabetic foot infections. Antimicrobial therapy. 1995

M L Grayson
Monash Medical Centre, Victoria, Australia.

Pedal infection in diabetic patients is both a common and potentially disastrous complication that can progress rapidly to irreversible septic gangrene necessitating amputation of the foot. The choice of optimal antibiotic therapy depends on an accurate assessment of sepsis severity, reliable microbiologic data, and consideration of host factors, such as renal and vascular impairment. Empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic regimens are generally preferred because of the polymicrobial nature of most pedal infections. Mild infections may be treated as an outpatient with oral antibiotics and close clinical review while moderate/severe (limb-threatening) and severe (life-threatening) infections require resection of necrotic tissue, parenteral broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and in some cases, lower limb revascularization once sepsis has been controlled. Pedal osteomyelitis frequently requires prolonged antibiotic therapy or resection of involved bone. In this article, treatment trials are reviewed and suitable antibiotic regimens commensurate with the severity of infection are proposed.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D010019 Osteomyelitis INFLAMMATION of the bone as a result of infection. It may be caused by a variety of infectious agents, especially pyogenic (PUS - producing) BACTERIA. Osteomyelitides
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000900 Anti-Bacterial Agents Substances that inhibit the growth or reproduction of BACTERIA. Anti-Bacterial Agent,Anti-Bacterial Compound,Anti-Mycobacterial Agent,Antibacterial Agent,Antibiotics,Antimycobacterial Agent,Bacteriocidal Agent,Bacteriocide,Anti-Bacterial Compounds,Anti-Mycobacterial Agents,Antibacterial Agents,Antibiotic,Antimycobacterial Agents,Bacteriocidal Agents,Bacteriocides,Agent, Anti-Bacterial,Agent, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agent, Antibacterial,Agent, Antimycobacterial,Agent, Bacteriocidal,Agents, Anti-Bacterial,Agents, Anti-Mycobacterial,Agents, Antibacterial,Agents, Antimycobacterial,Agents, Bacteriocidal,Anti Bacterial Agent,Anti Bacterial Agents,Anti Bacterial Compound,Anti Bacterial Compounds,Anti Mycobacterial Agent,Anti Mycobacterial Agents,Compound, Anti-Bacterial,Compounds, Anti-Bacterial
D017719 Diabetic Foot Common foot problems in persons with DIABETES MELLITUS, caused by any combination of factors such as DIABETIC NEUROPATHIES; PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASES; and INFECTION. With the loss of sensation and poor circulation, injuries and infections often lead to severe foot ulceration, GANGRENE and AMPUTATION, SURGICAL. Foot Ulcer, Diabetic,Diabetic Feet,Feet, Diabetic,Foot, Diabetic
D018805 Sepsis Systemic inflammatory response syndrome with a proven or suspected infectious etiology. When sepsis is associated with organ dysfunction distant from the site of infection, it is called severe sepsis. When sepsis is accompanied by HYPOTENSION despite adequate fluid infusion, it is called SEPTIC SHOCK. Bloodstream Infection,Pyaemia,Pyemia,Pyohemia,Blood Poisoning,Poisoning, Blood,Septicemia,Severe Sepsis,Blood Poisonings,Bloodstream Infections,Infection, Bloodstream,Poisonings, Blood,Pyaemias,Pyemias,Pyohemias,Sepsis, Severe,Septicemias

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