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Case Study
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Diabetic foot infection: a world of problems J.C.F. Gouveia, Primary Care Centre, Pampilhosa da Serra, Portugal This case study relates to the problematic condition of the diabetic foot ulcer. As well as diminishing the quality of life of the patient, diabetic foot ulcers have a high associated cost in terms of human resources and material cost. Increasingly, diabetic foot ulcers also present difficulties in terms of successful healing. This case study focuses on a patient with a 16 year history of diabetes that required glycaemic control. The patient presented with a neuropathic foot ulcerationaffecting the sole of his foot This case report study reports the use of an absorbent antimicrobial barrier dressing* to prevent infection It was verified that the absorbent antimicrobial barrier dressing* presents a effective alternative to the current protocol in critically colonised diabetic foot ulcers, as demonstrated by the semi-quantitative swab analysis. In this case, a saving of 45% was verified at the end of the treatment regime. This protocol resulted in wound bed granulation and the closure of a 2cm deep sinus. Furthermore, the odour was eliminated and the exudate was controlled. This allowed the patient to proceed with normal daily activities. The number of dressing changes was reduced as the protocol progressed, demonstrating a good absorption capacity. Pain reduction was observed after the second dressing change to 0 At a time when strict budget constraints are an issue, it is important to establish norms and protocols to effectively manage the patient. This proved to be a cost-effective therapy with a significant reduction in costs. Based on these findings, it should be expected that in practice, healthcare professionals should implement protocols that are effective and practical bearing in mind the well -being of the patient as the basis of the treatment *Acticoat Absorbent, Smith & Nephew Wound Management Inc., Largo, FL. |
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