Biomedical Research

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the main causes of diabetic foot ulcers and evaluate clinical efficacy and safety of different nursing interventions and care schemes for elderly patients.

Methods: Clinical data of 36 Diabetes Mellitus (DM) patients, aged between 75 and 83 years, who developed diabetic foot ulcers were retrospectively analysed. The pathogenesis and risk factors were investigated. Wound evaluation and bed preparation were implemented. Different dressing materials were selected during different stages. Nursing intervention and care delivery were administered for assessment of clinical efficacy and safety.

Results: All patients were followed up from 6 to 15 months with a mean duration of 9 months. Wound healing was achieved in 34 of all 36 cases (94.4%). The remaining 2 patients developed brown scars on wound surface, whereas they were unable to tolerate and undergo the surgery. Eventually, these 2 patients received chemical autolysis debridement combined with minimally invasive debridement to thoroughly eliminate necrotic tissues and scars.

Conclusion: The incidence of diabetic foot ulcers in DM patients is significantly higher compared with that of their counterparts. Individualized therapy is recommended for the elderly patients with diabetic foot ulcers, aiming to prevent the risk and progression of severe diabetic complications.

Author(s): Zhenyun Li, Mingzhen Wang, Zhaoxia Sui, Yanhong Zheng, Chunxiang Wang
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