 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Hisham R. Ashry, DPM, MS, Palm Beach Foot & Ankle, 21218 St. Andrews Blvd., #202, Boca Raton, FL 33433, 561-573-5439, Hisham2625@aol.com and Lawrence Lavery, DPM, MPH, Diabetex Centers, 100 n main, San Antonio, TX 67234.
the purpose of this study is to discuss the use of infrared temperature assessment to prevent diabetic foot complications. wounds in persons with diabetes are usually a result of unrecognized repetitive injury in persons with neuropathy. The repetitive insult to the skin causes inflammation to the skin and subcutaneous structures that results in ulceration.in a randomized clinical trial we evaluated the benefit of high-risk diabetics using IR temperature assessment as a home moniutoring device as part of stardard foot care practices.we randomized patients into a standard treatment group, a self-examination treatment group and an infrared temperture monitoring tretment group. standard therapy included therapeutic shoes, education and regular foot care at least every 12 weeks. In the self inspection group patients also were instructed to evaluate their feet everyday and document any abnormal findings in a log book. the IR group measured foot temperatures on their feet once a day and reported any increases to the study nures and decreased their activity. patients in the IR group had significantly fewer foot ulcerations than in the other two treatment arms (11% vs. 29% and 31%).
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Diabetes, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.