Multidisciplinary management of diabetic foot infection associated with improved 8-year overall survival

Aims: Diabetic foot syndrome is a global challenge best managed through multidisciplinary collaboration. This study aimed to investigate the effect of a systematic multidisciplinary team (MDT) on the overall survival and major amputation-free survival of hospitalized patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI).

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Tampere University Hospital. Cohorts of hospitalized patients with DFI before and after the initiation of multidisciplinary wound ward were compared after an 8-year follow-up.

Results: Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly higher overall survival in the post-MDT cohort (37.8 % vs 22.6 %, p < 0.05) in 8-year follow-up. Similarly, major amputation-free survival was superior in this cohort (31.8 % vs 16.9 %, p < 0.05). Additionally, early major amputation was associated with inferior overall survival (35.1 % vs 12.0 %, p < 0.05). In a multivariable Cox-regression analysis cohort (hazard ratio [HR] 1.38, 95 % confidence interval [CI95%] 1.01-1.87), early amputation (HR 1.64, CI95% 1.14-2.34) and diagnosed peripheral artery disease (HR 2.23, CI95% 1.61-3.09), congestive heart failure (HR 2.13, CI95% 1.47-3.08), or moderate kidney disease (HR 1.95, CI95% 1.34-2.84) were identified as significant risk factors affecting overall survival.

Conclusions: After systematic MDT approach we found improved long-term overall and major amputation-free survival. Multidisciplinary approach is therefore highly recommended for managing patients hospitalized for DFI.