Abstract
RATIONALE: Grade 4 diabetic foot (DF) is a severe infection that causes bone destruction, osteomyelitis, and osteoarticular damage, which, in turn, can lead to serious dry or wet gangrene, or amputation. DF is extremely difficult to treat. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 71-year-old female patient with long-term diabetes complicated with uremia, who undergoes regular hemodialysis 2 to 3 times per week, was admitted with grade 4 DF with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection, and concomitant vascular occlusion of the lower extremities. The patient had a concurrent nutrition and electrolyte disorder. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, grade 4 DF, postamputation of the 2nd toe, vascular occlusion of the lower extremities, atherosclerosis, uremia, hypoproteinemia, and electrolyte disturbances. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment with antibiotics and comprehensive measures aimed at improving nutrition and microcirculation, controlling blood glucose, as well as balancing electrolytes were performed to ameliorate the general conditions. Nibbled debridement was used to remove devitalized tissues each time to maintain as much vital cells as possible. Open therapy was used for necrotic tissues, and dressings therapy was used simultaneously for the infected lesion. This combined treatment, involving open therapy with dressing, is referred to as "semiclosure wound therapy." Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) was used after a fistula formed. OUTCOMES: During the treatment procedure, the gangrene 3rd toe was spontaneously shed; the necrotic 1st toe was removed by surgery. The wound gradually healed after 3 months of open therapy combined with dressing. High location amputation was avoided. LESSONS: Semiclosure, which constitutes open therapy combined with the use of dressings, plus NPWT can preserve vital skin cells in the wound and control the aggravation of the infection. It is an effective and novel measure that prevents DF amputation in old patient and promotes wound union.