Retrospective analysis of diabetic foot osteomyelitis management and outcome at a tertiary care hospital in the UK.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to analyse retrospectively management and outcomes of the diabetic foot osteomyelitis (DFOM) multi-disciplinary team at St Thomas' Hospital, London.

METHODS

Patients admitted during 2015 with diagnosis of DFOM were included. Data were obtained from medical and microbiology records.

RESULTS

275 patients were admitted for DF infection in 2015: 45.1% had OM (75% males). 40% were newly diagnosed with DF ulcer (DFU). 81% patients had X-ray and 28% had MRI. Bone infection was confirmed by MC&S in 53% cases. 930 microbiological isolates were obtained: 63% were Gram-positive microorganisms [S.aureus and MRSA (~40%), CoNS (20%), and E.faecalis (8%)]. All MRSA were vancomycin and linezolid sensitive. 23.2% isolates were vancomycin-resistant enterococci. 24% isolates were Gram-negative organisms: P.aeruginosa (42%), E.coli (13%), and E.cloacae (12%). Meropenem resistance was low; 5.4% P.aeruginosa, 87.5% A.baumanii. 76% patients received co-amoxiclav; 41% received ≥3 antibiotics; 17% received >3 months antibiotics. Hospital mean-length of stay was 26.1 days. Ulcer time-to-heal was >6 months in 25% patients. 22% ulcers healed without surgery, 60% healed after minor amputation, 12% patients had major amputation.

CONCLUSION

Despite current MDT approach, many patients progress to amputation. DF-OM still represents a challenging clinical condition, requiring further study to develop better management guidelines.