Relationship between systemic immune inflammation index and amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

Role of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 in negative pressure wound therapy for diabetic foot ulcers

BACKGROUND

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a potential treatment for diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), although the mechanisms underlying its effectiveness remain unclear. This study posits that NPWT may improve wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling pathway, which is crucial for the body’s defense against oxidative stress. The hypothesis indicates that enhancing antioxidant defenses through NPWT may positively affect the healing process. There are still limited data on the roles of Nrf2, its downstream signaling molecules, and angiogenesis markers in patients undergoing NPWT.

AIM

To study the mechanism of NPWT in DFUs.

METHODS

This study included a total of 40 hospitalized patients with DFUs from Xuzhou Central Hospital, who were divided into Control group (n = 21) and NPWT group (n = 19). The levels of Nrf2 and Keap1 were analyzed in the granulation tissue 7 days after treatment. The wound condition, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (b-FGF), cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31), and levels of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC)] were analyzed before and 7 days after treatment by the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

The NPWT group demonstrated significant improvements in wound healing compared to the control group after 7 days of treatment. The levels of ESR, PCT, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly reduced in the NPWT group compared to the control group (P < 0.05), while the levels of CD31, VEGF, and b-FGF showed significant increases (P < 0.05). The NPWT group exhibited notable elevations in the levels of Nrf2 and its downstream targets (SOD, CAT, and T-AOC), accompanied by decreases in the levels of Keap1 and MDA (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

NPWT may contribute to the healing of DFUs by potentially reducing levels of oxidative stress. Its effects could possibly be enhanced through the action of Nrf2.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR); an accurate inflammatory marker to predict diabetic foot ulcer amputation: a matched case-control study

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a well-known complication of diabetes. The main therapeutic options for treating DFU include surgical debridement. However, conditions such as sensory loss and insufficient blood supply can lead to lower extremity amputations. Inflammatory biomarkers, including the neutrophil‒lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet‒lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have shown promise in predicting the development of diabetes complications.

METHODS

This study included 126 individuals with known DFUs who underwent amputation or debridement surgery during hospitalization between January 2017 and December 2022. The participants were divided into two groups, each containing 63 patients, based on the treatment they received. Analyses were conducted via univariate and multivariate regression models. The linearity of the relationship between each inflammatory index and the risk of amputation was further examined via restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves with four knots.

RESULTS

Categorical regression analysis showed an elevated risk of amputation in patients with an NLR greater than 6.08, with an OR of 13.090 (95% CI: 5.143-33.320, P < 0.001), compared with those with an NLR less than 6.08. Additionally, patients with a PLR greater than 210 demonstrated a similarly elevated risk of amputation with an OR of 2.31 (95% CI: 1.066‒4.669, P = 0.033); however, those with lymphocyte‒white blood cell ratio (LWR) levels of greater than 0.1265 exhibited reduced likelihood of having amputation (OR: 0.092 (95% CI: 0.038‒0.226, P < 0.001)).

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports that NLR, PLR and LWR may have value as a predictive marker for amputation in patients with DFUs.

Association Between Systemic Inflammatory Response index and Diabetic Foot Ulcer in the US Population with Diabetes in the NHANES: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a common complication of diabetes. It is often accompanied by infection and, in severe cases, necessitates amputation. Early diagnosis and monitoring are crucial for improving prognosis. Novel inflammatory biomarkers, such as the systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are useful for the diagnosis and predicting prognosis of some diseases. This study aimed to clarify the association between SIRI, NLR, PLR and DFU and assess their utility for early diagnosis and monitoring of DFU. Cross-sectional data were extracted on individuals with diabetes who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 to 2004. DFU was diagnosed based on the presence of foot ulcers that had not healed within 4 weeks. Weighted multivariable regression, subgroup analysis, and smooth curve fitting were used to evaluate the relationships between the SIRI, NLR, and PLR with DFU.A total of 1204 participants were included in the analysis, of whom 112 had DFUs. Participants with DFUs had higher NLR, PLR, and SIRI values than those without DFUs. For each unit increase in SIRI, the prevalence of DFU increased by 27% . Subgroup analyses showed a consistent association between an elevated SIRI and the prevalence of DFUs.SIRI is a low-cost, readily accessible biomarker that can be used in conjunction with NLR and PLR to assess the severity and predict the prognosis of DFU. Continuous monitoring of these indicators could assist with early diagnosis and management of DFU.

Association between nutritional inflammation index and diabetic foot ulcers: a population-based study

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU), a frequent complication of the worldwide disease (diabetes), are the primary causes of amputations and early mortality. The development of DFU is inseparably linked with inflammation and nutrition, necessitating a comprehensive evaluation of their impact on DFU risk. This study aimed to establish a new predictive metric that integrated immune inflammation and nutritional markers to holistically assess the risk of DFU development.

Methods

Data were sourced from NHANES, extracting participant from 1999 to 2004. Analysis of multivariate logistic regression and restricted cubic spline were employed to elucidate the connection and non-linear relationship between albumin/neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (ANLR) and DFU. Stratified subgroup analysis identified advantageous populations, while interaction analysis evaluated variable interactions with ANLR. These approaches collectively contributed to a sensitivity analysis, improving the reliability of the outcomes.

Results

Out of 29,608 participants extracted, 1,531 qualified based on the study criteria. Employing the ANLR low group as a reference, the high group demonstrated a 54% reduction in DFU risk. Every increase of 0.1 unit in ANLR correlated with a 5% decrease in DFU risk. Moreover, an L-shaped non-linear link was observed. The turning point was at 3.09. Left of the inflection point, the relationship was negatively correlated. Beyond this point, further increased in ANLR no longer decrease DFU risk.

Conclusion

The study not only proposed a new comprehensive indicator for predicting DFU for the first time but also specified the impact of ANLR on DFU risk. Broadly, a negative correlation existed between the two. Yet, a detailed analysis revealed that this negative correlation involved an inflection point effect. Furthermore, the study investigated how dynamic changes in ANLR affect DFU risk, aiding clinicians in more accurately assessing individual DFU risk and facilitating earlier identification and intervention of DFU. Therefore, for diabetic patients with low serum albumin, appropriate supplementation of albumin was crucial. Additionally, maintaining the NLR at an appropriate level should not be overlooked. Given the components of ANLR were widely used and readily available in clinical settings, their future clinical applications hold great potential.

The association of the perioperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with wound healing in patients with Wagner grade 3 and 4 diabetic foot ulcers after tibial cortex transverse transport surgery: a prospective observational cohort study

Background

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are severe complications of diabetes, involving multiple etiological factors including neuropathy, vascular insufficiency, and impaired wound healing. The global burden of DFUs is substantial, with significant morbidity and high management costs. Recent advancements have introduced the tibial cortex transverse transport (TTT) technique, which has shown promising results in the management of severe DFUs by promoting angiogenesis and immunomodulation.

Methods

This prospective cohort study enrolled patients with Wagner grade 3 and 4 DFUs, treated using the TTT technique from May 2022 to September 2023 at MianYang Central Hospital. The study assessed the influence of TTT on the perioperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an established biomarker of systemic inflammation, and its correlation with wound healing outcomes.

Results

A total of 82 patients were enrolled, with 66 completing the study. The survival analysis revealed that patients with a lower preoperative NLR experienced significantly faster wound healing compared with a high NLR (log rank test P< 0.05; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.26-0.83). The optimal NLR cutoff values (4.25) were established to predict wound healing times for DFUs. The median NLR was significantly different before TTT surgery, 3 days after TTT surgery, and 1 month after TTT surgery (P<0.05).

Conclusion

The TTT technique significantly influences the perioperative NLR and is associated with improved wound healing in DFU patients. The perioperative NLR serves as an effective predictive biomarker for wound healing outcomes, highlighting the significance of interventions targeting NLR values in perioperative management strategies and postoperative monitoring protocols for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in clinical practice.

Evaluation of primary markers of inflammation and the systemic inflammation index in specific learning disabilities

Aim: Specific learning disorder (SLD) is a term that refers to reading, writing and arithmetic difficulties. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic inflammation index (SII) are affordable and accessible inflammatory biomarkers. This research aims to evaluate the relationship between NLR, PLR, SII and SLD to determine whether inflammation contributes to pathogenesis.Methods: This study included 90 SLD-diagnosed patients and 90 age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched healthy controls. Blood cell counts and NLR, PLR and SII values were obtained from medical records and compared between the two groups.Results: The NLR, PLR and SII were significantly higher (p = 0.029, p = 0.033 and p = 0.018 respectively) and lymphocyte counts were significantly lower (p = 0.041) in the SLD group. WISC-R total scores decreased with age in the SLD group (-1.988 coefficient, Beta = -0.247 ß, p = 0.041). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the SII was the only parameter independently associated with the diagnosis of SLD (Beta = 0.003, p = 0.023).Conclusion: Inflammation might play a role in SLD etiopathogenesis. NLR, PLR and SII may be potential biomarkers for SLD in children. Further research may lead to early diagnosis and additional anti-inflammatory pharmacological therapies for SLDs.

Association between monocyte to lymphocyte ratio and diabetic foot ulcer in the population of the US with diabetes based on the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data: a retrospective cross-sectional study

Background

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a severe complication that occurs in patients with diabetes and is a primary factor that necessitates amputation. Therefore, the occurrence and progression of DFU must be predicted at an early stage to improve patient prognosis and outcomes. In this regard, emerging evidence suggests that inflammation-related markers play a significant role in DFU. One such potential marker, the monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), has not been extensively studied in relation to DFU. This study aimed to define a connection between MLR and DFU.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999 to 2004. DFU was defined based on survey questionnaires assessing the presence of nonhealing ulcers in the lower extremities for more than 4 weeks in diabetes patients. The MLR was calculated as the ratio of the monocyte count to the lymphocyte count, which was directly obtained from laboratory data files. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the MLR and DFU. Stratified analysis according to age, sex, body mass index, blood glucose, hemoglobin, and glycated hemoglobin categories was conducted, and multiple imputations were applied to missing data.

Results

In total, 1246 participants were included; the prevalence of DFU was 9.4% (117/1246). A multivariable regression model revealed a significant association between DFU and a 0.1 unit increase in MLR after adjusting for all covariates (adjusted odds ratio=1.16, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-1.33). Subgroup analyses revealed consistent findings regarding the impact of MLR on the presence of DFU (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

MLR is significantly associated with DFU in diabetes patients, and can be used as one of the indicators for predicting the occurrence of DFU. MLR assessment may be a valuable component in the follow-up of patients with diabetes.

The impact of inflammatory biomarkers on amputation rates in patients with diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes, often leading to amputation. Understanding the relationship between haematological inflammatory markers and the incidence of amputation in DFU patients with infectious complications is crucial for improving management and outcomes. This retrospective study, conducted from May 2020 to October 2022, involved 109 patients with DFUs, categorised into amputation (AM) and non-amputation (NAM) groups. Patients were evaluated for various factors, including demographic data, DFU duration, and blood parameters such as haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), haemoglobin (Hb), albumin (ALB), white blood cell count (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR). Statistical analyses were performed using independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression. The univariate analysis showed no significant difference in BMI, DM duration or DFU duration between groups. However, significant differences were noted in PCT, Hb, ESR, ALB, HbA1c and WBC levels, and in inflammatory ratios (NLR, PLR and LMR). Multivariate logistic regression identified CRP, NLR and PLR as independent risk factors for amputation. The study highlights CRP, PLR and NLR as key independent risk factors for amputation in patients with DFUs. These easily obtainable markers from routine blood tests can effectively aid in predicting the risk of osteomyelitis and amputation, enhancing clinical decision making and patient care strategies.

Relationship between Prognostic Nutritional Index and Amputation in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer

The prognostic nutritional index (PNI) is a new marker used to assess a patient's nutritional and immune status. It is calculated using serum albumin levels and total lymphocyte count. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between PNI and amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Patients with DFU were enrolled in this retrospective study. In our study, a total of 386 patient data, of 110 (28.5%) amputated and 276 (71.5%) non-amputated patients, were statistically analyzed. PNI values were significantly lower in the amputated patient group than in the non-amputee patient group (p < 0.001). According to the ROC analysis results, PNI was significant in the prediction of amputation at an excellent level (AUC = 0.937 (0.911-0.963), p < 0.001). The optimal cut-off point for PNI was found to be 39,005. There was classification success for this cut-off point: sensitivity was calculated as 82.7% (74.1-89) and specificity as 93.1% (89.3-95.7). In the multivariate model, the odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) was calculated as 81.8 (38.5-173.7) for PNI. The PNI was associated with an increase in amputation rate in patients with DFU. By using PNI, patients can be directed to advanced centers and have access to early and appropriate interventions.