Biochemical markers of infection in diabetic foot ulcers
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of procalcitonin and other biochemical markers of infection in diabetic foot ulcers
IRAS ID
157837
Contact name
David Housley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Luton and Dunstable Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 17 days
Research summary
Diabetic foot ulcers are a peripheral vascular complication of diabetes mellitus and several factors can contribute to their formation such as: poor blood supply to the lower limbs, atheroma (plaque formation), neuropathy (nerve damage) and susceptibility to infection. Untreated foot ulcers can lead to osteomyelitis (bone infection) and eventually to foot amputation. Diabetic foot ulcers are most often found in patients with type 2 diabetes as they are more susceptible to macrovascular complications.
The biochemical marker procalcitonin can be used to distinguish bacterial infections from other inflammatory processes thus makes it an ideal marker for investigating diabetic foot ulcers in patients without systemic infections. Literature has shown that procalcitonin can distinguish between infected and non infected foot ulcers. Some studies, however have reported that other biomarkers of infection are more suitable for use in the diagnosis and management of infected diabetic foot ulcers.
In this study we aim to determine:1.What changes occur in the concentrations of acute phase markers (procalcitonin, haptoglobin, CRP, ESR) over the course of a diabetic foot ulcer infection and its management.
2.Establish which marker or markers are the most appropriate for use in monitoring patients with infected diabetic foot ulcers, as previous studies have differing results.
3.To recommend if procalcitonin can be used to guide antibiotic treatment or not.4.Determine the cost effectiveness of the use of procalcitonin in infected diabetic foot ulcers.
5.Currently procalcitonin and haptoglobin are not analysed by the Luton and Dunstable hospital biochemistry laboratory and this project will include method evaluations for these analytes.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1207
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion