Protocol

The DEFINITE Audit: a prospective audit of diabetic foot debridement in theatre – a protocol

January 17, 2023

Introduction People with diabetes are at high risk of developing foot ulceration (DFU). Once established, diabetic foot ulcers are at risk of rapid deterioration and infection which can lead to bacteraemia and sepsis. Infected DFU is associated with high morbidity, limb loss and death.1–3 The development of severe infection requires emergency hospital admission and surgery…

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Dosing and efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for diabetic foot ulcer healing: a systematic review protocol

January 6, 2023

Introduction With the rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes, effective interventions to tackle the complications are urgently needed. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) occur in 25–30% of patients with diabetes and are particularly challenging to heal in a timely manner.1-4 Delays in ulcer healing increase the risks of localised infection, sepsis, major limb amputation and mortality.5,6 Current…

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Assessment of the diagnostic accuracy of automated ankle brachial pressure index devices in patients with diagnosed or suspected peripheral arterial disease: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

November 22, 2022

Background Target condition being diagnosed Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent cardiovascular disease, estimated to affect approximately 236 million people worldwide.1 PAD is characterised by progressive narrowing of the arterial lumen, reducing blood flow to the distal extremities.2 Classic symptoms include exertional calf, thigh and/or buttock pain known as intermittent claudication, and with disease…

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Changes in functional health status following open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair and the role of exercise-based rehabilitation: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

November 21, 2022

Introduction Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair may be associated with significant perioperative respiratory, cardiac, distal arterial or renal complications, which might necessitate a prolonged intensive care or hospital stay.1–3 In addition, patients with AAA are frequently elderly with widespread atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities.4-8 This, in combination with the fact that AAA repair is…

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