First Ever Study Predicts Outcome For LimbThreatening Infections In Diabetes

Main Category: Diabetes
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 22 Apr 2007 - 23:00 PDT

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Researchers from the University of Washington, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Merck Laboratories, and Mount Sinai School of Medicine have released a study suggesting that specific laboratory and clinical tests can predict outcome of antibiotic therapy for infections in persons with diabetes.

"This study is unique in a couple of ways," said Dr. David G. Armstrong, Professor of Surgery at Scholl's Center for Lower Extremity Ambulatory Research (CLEAR) at Rosalind Franklin University. "It comes from the largest-ever clinical trial of antibiotics for this type of infection, and it used very specific, day-to-day measures that can be done in any hospital, world wide."

Among other findings, the study revealed that a bad outcome rose nearly five-fold for wounds that were either assessed as being deep, or those that were associated with a very high white blood cell count. Dr. Armstrong concluded that "Data from this study will now help us continue to move forward to better care for those patients who are most in need."

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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The study was published in this month's International Wound Journal.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science educates medical doctors, health professionals and biomedical scientists in a personalized atmosphere. The University is located at 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, and encompasses Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, and School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies. Visit at http://www.rosalindfranklin.edu/ and http://www.lifeindiscovery.com/. For more information about CLEAR, visit http://www.diabetic-foot.net/.

Contact: Kathy Peterson
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science