Efficacy of telemedicine applications in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A focus on mortality and major amputation rates
Makaleler > Tam Makale · 2023
Yazarlar: Mesut DEMİRKOPARAN, Arman VAHABİ, Rıza Berker ÖZBEK, Merve MERT VAHABİ, Ilgın YILDIRIM ŞİMŞİR, Hüseyin Aytaç ERDEM, Anıl Murat ÖZTÜRK, Şevki ÇETİNKALP
INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL, SCI Expanded İndekslerine Giren Dergi, Uluslararası, 2023, cilt 20, ss 3955-3962
DOI: 10.1111/iwj.14283
Özet
<p>Amputations related to diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Glycaemic control and close follow-up protocols are essential to prevent such ulcers. Coronavirus disease (COVID) related restrictions and regulations might have a negative impact on patients who are with DFU or candidates for DFU. We retrospectively analysed 126 cases that had DFU underwent amputation surgery. Comparative analyses were done between cases that were admitted before COVID restrictions (Group A) and cases admitted after COVID restrictions (Group B). Two groups were homogenic demographically. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of mortality (p = 0.239) and amputation rates (p = 0.461). The number of emergent cases in the pandemic period doubled the number in pre-pandemic period even though this finding was not statistically significant (p = 0.112). Fastly adapted consulting practice and follow-up protocols to compensate for the problems created by COVID-related regulations seem to be effective in terms of mortality and amputation rates.</p>