Amputation News and Research

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Management of diabetic patients in a primary care setting can be improved by an intervention aimed at physicians

The intervention was individualized to each physician's record of action when patient glucose levels were high, and featured regular feedback on their performance.

15 Mar 2006

Innovative treatment for critical limb ischemia

A new randomized study presented at the American College of Cardiology's 55th Annual Scientific Session investigates an innovative treatment for critical limb ischemia, or lack of arterial blood supply and oxygen to the legs, using a therapeutic approach to generate new blood vessels.

14 Mar 2006

Diabetics overestimate healthy body weight

Heavier patients with diabetes are more likely to overestimate their "healthiest" body weight compared to those of normal weight, according to a study published in the current issue of Diabetes Care.

14 Mar 2006

Positive effects of tight blood glucose control can be seen more than a decade later in diabetics

People with diabetes who keep their blood sugar in check today will probably have a far lower chance of developing foot pain or other nerve damage tomorrow, according to new research results from a national study.

9 Mar 2006

Cutaneous rabbit illusion affects human primary sensory cortex somatotopically

As much as neuroscientists know about the neural processes that signal touch, surprisingly little is understood about the neural correlates of conscious perception of tactile sensations.

1 Mar 2006

Amputation among patients with diabetes mellitus - increased risk of neuropathy and diabetic ulcers in taller patients

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at risk of leg ulcers. These eventually become infected, respond poorly to treatment and often require amputation of the foot or part of the leg.

7 Feb 2006

FDA fast track status for Alfimeprase

Nuvelo Inc. today announced that it has been granted fast track designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its lead product candidate, alfimeprase, for the treatment of acute peripheral arterial occlusion (PAO), or "leg attack."

23 Jan 2006

Discovery of genetic mechanism that causes new arteries to grow in response to blocked arteries

Researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center have uncovered part of the genetic mechanism that causes new arteries to grow in response to blocked arteries.

2 Dec 2005

Genetic influences behind Dupuytren's disease or contracture

A crippling condition that can result in sufferers losing their fingers is to be investigated by scientists in one of the most detailed studies into the genetic causes of the disease ever carried out.

From The University of Manchester 26 Nov 2005

Biologically engineered blood vessels now an option in cardiac bypass

The first-ever human use of completely biologically engineered blood vessels grown from a person's own cells could be an option for people who have vessels too damaged for heart bypass, researchers reported at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2005.

16 Nov 2005

Early changes in the oxygenation of the skin may help predict foot disease in diabetes patients

Foot ulcerations are one of the most serious complications of diabetes, resulting in more than 80,000 lower-leg amputations each year in the U.S. alone.

14 Nov 2005

Intravenous lidocaine and oral derivatives relieve pain from damage to the nervous system

Lidocaine and similar local anesthetics are effective for treating pain that emanates from damaged nerves, according to a systematic review of current evidence.

23 Oct 2005

Possible links between biting aquatic insects, water quality and Buruli ulcer transmission

A tropical skin disease nicknamed "the sore that heals in vain" wreaks both physical and social mayhem - mostly on children - yet its transmission is a mystery, one an Michigan State University (MSU) researcher and his recent research associate hope to solve.

12 Oct 2005

Legs For Life free national screening program can save legs

The screening is essential for diabetics in order to prevent amputation, heart attack and stroke, because one-third have PAD, but most do not present classic symptoms.

1 Sep 2005

Ellen MacKenzie to lead health policy and management department

Ellen J. MacKenzie, PhD, a leading expert in the study of injury prevention and trauma services research, has been selected to chair the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. MacKenzie, a professor in the Department and director of the Bloomberg School's Center for Injury Research and Policy , will begin her new duties on September 1, 2005.

29 Aug 2005

Malfunctioning bone marrow cells cause neuropathy in many people with diabetes

Malfunctioning bone marrow cells that produce insulin appear to cause a dangerous nerve condition called neuropathy that disables many people with diabetes, said a research team led by Baylor College of Medicine (BCM) in Houston.

22 Aug 2005

Quality of the doctor-patient relationship can greatly affect patients' medication use

Patients who trust their doctors are more likely to stick to their prescription medicines, even if they face high out-of-pocket costs, a new study finds. But patients who have lower levels of trust in their physicians, or who have depression-like symptoms, are much more likely to skip doses or refills when costs become a problem for them.

10 Aug 2005

Potential new treatment for nerve damage caused by diabetes

Research into a new treatment for nerve damage caused by diabetes could bring relief to millions of diabetic patients, say experts.

From The University of Manchester 26 Jul 2005

Metformin should be in the first line of defense against type 2 diabetes

A new review of studies confirms that the drug metformin should be in the first line of defense against type 2 diabetes. Using metformin alone can improve control of blood glucose, while also reducing risk factors for heart disease such as excess body weight, cholesterol levels and hypertension, the review found.

20 Jul 2005

Study focuses on peripheral arterial disease - availability of vascular surgeons impacts amputation rate

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are more likely to have a foot or leg amputated if they live in a region that has few vascular surgeons, according to a Rice University/Baylor College of Medicine study published in the July issue of the Journal of Vascular Surgery.

12 Jul 2005