Advances in Treating the Ischaemic Diabetic Foot

Authors: Papanas, Nikolaos; Maltezos, Efstratios

Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology, Volume 6, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 23-28(6)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

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Abstract:

The diabetic foot remains a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Ischaemia due to peripheral arterial disease significantly contributes to its pathogenesis and natural history. Increased revascularisation has been decisive in improving outcomes. However, there is still a need for further improvement. Advances in the treatment of ischaemia in the diabetic foot include therapeutic angiogenesis, stem cell therapy and miscellaneous modalities. Angiogenesis has yielded encouraging results in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease, but it has not been studied enough in patients with diabetes. Choice of patients, reliable study endpoints, as well as safety of growth factors in diabetic patients, who have an excess risk of widespread vascular disease, need to be addressed more convincingly. Similar improvement is required in the other emerging therapeutic options. From a practical point of view, until novel modalities are available, increased vigilance and prompt aggressive revascularisation are indispensable to reduce the rate of amputations.

Keywords: Angiogenesis; diabetic foot; ischaemia; peripheral arterial disease

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/157016108783331330

Publication date: 2008-01-01

More about this publication?

Vascular disease is the commonest cause of death in Westernized countries and its incidence is on the increase in developing countries. It follows that considerable research is directed at establishing effective treatment for acute vascular events. Long-term treatment has also received considerable attention (e.g. for symptomatic relief). Furthermore, effective prevention, whether primary or secondary, is backed by the findings of several landmark trials.

Vascular disease is a complex field with primary care physicians and nurse practitioners as well as several specialties involved. The latter include cardiology, vascular and cardio thoracic surgery, general medicine, radiology, clinical pharmacology and neurology (stroke units). Current Vascular Pharmacology will publish reviews to update all those concerned with the treatment of vascular disease. For example, reviews commenting on recently published trials or new drugs will be included. In addition to clinically relevant topics we will consider 'research-based' reviews dealing with future developments and potential drug targets. Therefore, another function of Current Vascular Pharmacology is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and ongoing research.

Debates will also be encouraged in the correspondence section of this journal.

Advances in Treating the Ischaemic Diabetic Foot

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