Abstract

RIVERO, Fidel E. Experiences of integral care program for patients with diabetic foot in the state of Zulia, Venezuela. Biotecnol Apl [online]. 2010, vol.27, n.2, pp.101-109. ISSN 1027-2852.

The implementation and development of an integral care program for patients with diabetic foot have had relevant results in the state of Zulia, Venezuela during September 2008. It included 1218 patients who were treated with Heberprot-P and other elements of the program. Most patients with lesions grade 2 and 3 based on Wargner’s classification were benefited from this product. The evolution of the patients’ lesions was satisfactory (with 68.45% of released patients) with granulation or total closure. Less than 2% of patients undergo an amputation because of treatment failure. A total of 152 outpatient operations were performed in which post-surgical healing with the immediate use of Heberprot-P was accelerated and more effective. The therapy in ischemic ulcers was effective which is the highest amputation risk. It was vital to create Diabetic foot care units easing patients’ access to the population who were included in specialized and adjunct units. Active investigation of diabetic foot ulcers evidenced a prevalence of 26.74% and a high risk of developing this illness in the studied population. Strategies for academic training of specialists and other professionals as well as the role of diabetic foot Units of traditional and neighborhood network.

Keywords : Integral care program for patients with diabetic foot; heberprot-P; diabetic foot; diabetic foot care units; neighborhood network; Venezuela.

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