Abstracts from The College of Podiatry Annual Conference 2016

Abstract

Assessing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) for infection is difficult because clinical symptoms and signs may be masked by neuropathy and vasculopathy and there are no objective tests available at point of care to guide clinicians. Empirical prescription of antibiotics compromises antibiotic stewardship, while missing early infection may lead to severe infection and amputation. In 2011-12, the cost of managing DFUs and associated amputations borne by NHS England was 650 million, nearly 1% of its budget. Our INDUCE study had two aims: (1) to develop an online educational tool for DFU infection and (2) to conduct a pilot study investigating C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin from venous blood and calprotectin from wound exudate as inflammatory biomarkers of mild DFU infection. Methods Yola software was used to develop an online educational tool covering DFU history and examination, arterial assessment, microbiology, radiology and management of osteomyelitis. The tool contains links to NICE guidance and other relevant learning resources. A quiz using patient scenarios is included. Feedback from podiatrists was elicited by questionnaires and a focus group. Patients with non-infected or mildly infected DFUs were recruited from community podiatry clinics in 2 UK regions. Exclusion criteria included immunosuppression or receipt of antibiotics within the previous 2 weeks. Antibiotics were prescribed based on clinical judgement at the baseline assessment. Our gold standard defining DFU infection was the clinician's judgement one week later, while still blinded to test results, factoring in the response to antibiotic therapy, if prescribed. All 3 inflammatory biomarkers were measured at weeks 0 and 1, including assessment of CRP using a point-of-care device.