ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — An All-American distance runner who spent more than two days in freezing winter temperatures without winter gear has had his legs amputated just above the ankles.
Marko Cheseto, 28, is one of several Kenyan runners who competed for the University of Alaska Anchorage in cross-country and track. The amputations were reported Monday on the UAA Athletic Department website.
Cheseto was seen at about 7 p.m. in a UAA building on Nov. 6, a Sunday night, as two snow storms started to blanket the city. His roommates reported him missing the next morning. The disappearance prompted a citywide search.
Cheseto was found early the following Wednesday outside a hotel near the campus. He was wearing athletic shoes, a jacket and blue jeans but no hat or gloves. He was suffering from hypothermia and severe frostbite on his feet and hands.
The hotel manager told the Anchorage Daily News when Cheseto was found, paramedics could not remove the runner's shoes because they were frozen to his feet.
UAA officials said Cheseto's hands are expected to make a full recovery but his lower extremities were severely injured and required amputation. He is expected to remain hospitalized for recovery and rehabilitation, UAA officials said.
University of Alaska Anchorage police interviewed Cheseto after he was found and reported he had suffered a "personal crisis" when he disappeared. Authorities concluded he had spent the entire time outside.
In a statement on the athletic department website, Cheseto thanked volunteers and professionals who searched for him.
"As some may know, I've been going through a lot of personal issues," he said. "While I am still recovering — both physically and emotionally — I will do my very best to give back to the community that has helped me so much and to my home country, Kenya. I sincerely apologize for any problems that I may have caused."
Cheseto left the campus one day after accompanying the UAA cross-country team to the NCAA Division II West Region championships in Spokane, Wash.
Cheseto had won the West Region championship the two previous seasons. Cheseto had used his final season of cross-country eligibility but was expected to compete in spring track. He took last season off following the suicide of teammate William Ritekwiang, who also was from Kenya.
Cheseto was studying for a nursing degree at the school.
Athletic Director Steve Cobb said the university will continue to support Cheseto.
"We take our responsibility and commitment to the student-athletes entrusted to our care very seriously," he said on the athletic department website. "It was meaningful that our community was there for us in our time of need and we are sincerely appreciative of everyone's efforts."
Showing posts with label amputations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label amputations. Show all posts
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
New Wound Treatment for Non-healing Foot Ulcers
Results are expected by the end of the month in an efficacy study on a new drug that promises to improve diabetic wound care. Derma Sciences is wrapping up work on a phase 2 trial of DSC127, a drug already shown to speed up healing in animal tests.
According to Barry Wolfenson, executive vice president of global business development and marketing for the company, the study's last patient came aboard September 27, and the trial was set to wrap by the end of December 2010. After crunching the numbers, the company will be able to say how many patients' wounds were completely healed by the end of the 12-week study period.
"Should the DSC127 trial generate positive outcomes, we believe we will be able to attract several potential partners to handle further clinical testing of this drug and ultimately bring another treatment option to market for the millions of diabetics with chronic, non-healing foot ulcers," said company chairman and CEO Edward Quilty.
How does DSC127 work? Skin contains receptors for a natural peptide called angiotensin, and DSC127 is an analog of that peptide. In other words, it's a near-duplicate of what our own bodies produce--with one important difference. In its natural form, angiotensin raises blood pressure. According to Derma Sciencies, DSC127 does not. When applied to a wound, the drug appears to speed the growth of new skin without side effects.
Derma Sciences' phase 2 study includes a 12-week measure of durability. While early results should come out this month, that means that the study technically ends on March 27, Wolfenson said. More number crunching and and submission of a report to the FDA will take place afterward.
In November, the Princeton, NJ-based medical company received a $244,479 research and development grant for its work on DSC127 as part of the US healthcare reform bill. One billion dollars in the legislation was set aside for projects that address unmet needs or chronic conditions or could cut healthcare costs.
"Not only does this grant represent a non-dilutive source of financing, but we also are pleased that the US government has recognized the potential for DSC127 to make a significant difference in patient care," Quilty said
Clay Wirestone
Jan 11, 2011
According to Barry Wolfenson, executive vice president of global business development and marketing for the company, the study's last patient came aboard September 27, and the trial was set to wrap by the end of December 2010. After crunching the numbers, the company will be able to say how many patients' wounds were completely healed by the end of the 12-week study period.
"Should the DSC127 trial generate positive outcomes, we believe we will be able to attract several potential partners to handle further clinical testing of this drug and ultimately bring another treatment option to market for the millions of diabetics with chronic, non-healing foot ulcers," said company chairman and CEO Edward Quilty.
How does DSC127 work? Skin contains receptors for a natural peptide called angiotensin, and DSC127 is an analog of that peptide. In other words, it's a near-duplicate of what our own bodies produce--with one important difference. In its natural form, angiotensin raises blood pressure. According to Derma Sciencies, DSC127 does not. When applied to a wound, the drug appears to speed the growth of new skin without side effects.
Derma Sciences' phase 2 study includes a 12-week measure of durability. While early results should come out this month, that means that the study technically ends on March 27, Wolfenson said. More number crunching and and submission of a report to the FDA will take place afterward.
In November, the Princeton, NJ-based medical company received a $244,479 research and development grant for its work on DSC127 as part of the US healthcare reform bill. One billion dollars in the legislation was set aside for projects that address unmet needs or chronic conditions or could cut healthcare costs.
"Not only does this grant represent a non-dilutive source of financing, but we also are pleased that the US government has recognized the potential for DSC127 to make a significant difference in patient care," Quilty said
Clay Wirestone
Jan 11, 2011
Thursday, December 2, 2010
How Will You Stop Diabetes®? The Future Is in Your Hands.
During the holidays, we joke that our belts are a little tight around the waist. But for PJ, his tight belt was no laughing matter.
"I kept thinking 'I ought to lose weight,'" he shared.
Returning home from a baseball game one day, PJ experienced tingling in his hands and feet. "I thought that was odd. So the next day, I checked my blood glucose and my jaw dropped because it was so high. I checked the next day in disbelief, and it was still elevated."
"Right then and there, I thought 'My toes at 60. There is NO WAY I was going to lose my toes at 60.'"
Once PJ was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the tight belt became the focus of his attention. "I sucked it up, started to exercise and eat right and lost 30 pounds over 4 months. My glucose dropped and has remained low for 5 years. I even had to put a new hole in my belt!"
"Now I watch my diet and exercise 4 days a week. Keeping my 30 pounds off is challenging. I hate it, but it works! I do it for my toes. I do it for my brain, heart, kidneys, eyes and ultimately, my family. I thank God for the kick in the butt to check my blood glucose that day."
Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge any time of the year, but especially during the holidays. During American Diabetes Month® this November, join the movement to Stop Diabetes® and download your very own Celebrations Survival Guide. Get tips to handle the holidays and avoid tight belts this Thanksgiving season.
"I kept thinking 'I ought to lose weight,'" he shared.
Returning home from a baseball game one day, PJ experienced tingling in his hands and feet. "I thought that was odd. So the next day, I checked my blood glucose and my jaw dropped because it was so high. I checked the next day in disbelief, and it was still elevated."
"Right then and there, I thought 'My toes at 60. There is NO WAY I was going to lose my toes at 60.'"
Once PJ was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the tight belt became the focus of his attention. "I sucked it up, started to exercise and eat right and lost 30 pounds over 4 months. My glucose dropped and has remained low for 5 years. I even had to put a new hole in my belt!"
"Now I watch my diet and exercise 4 days a week. Keeping my 30 pounds off is challenging. I hate it, but it works! I do it for my toes. I do it for my brain, heart, kidneys, eyes and ultimately, my family. I thank God for the kick in the butt to check my blood glucose that day."
Developing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be a challenge any time of the year, but especially during the holidays. During American Diabetes Month® this November, join the movement to Stop Diabetes® and download your very own Celebrations Survival Guide. Get tips to handle the holidays and avoid tight belts this Thanksgiving season.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Can DPMs Have An Impact On The Multidisciplinary Team For Patients With Diabetes?
When treating at-risk patients with diabetes, a multidisciplinary team can be invaluable in averting complications such as lower extremity amputation. A recent study in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association says early identification and referral to a podiatric limb preservation team can improve the survival rate of at-risk patients with diabetes.
In a retrospective cohort study involving 485 patients with diabetes, researchers collected data on ulcer status and surgical outcomes for five years in patients who received specialty podiatric medical care (311 patients) and those who did not (174 patients).
The study found the proportion of “minor” amputations was significantly higher in the group receiving advanced multidisciplinary podiatric care (67.3 percent) versus the group that did not receive advanced multidisciplinary podiatric care (33.7 percent). Additionally, authors noted that during the study, 19.5 percent of non-specialty care patients died in comparison with 7.7 percent of patients in the podiatric limb preservation group.
The study authors conclude that decreased rates of proximal amputations and increased rates of survival may result in patients with diabetes when there is early identification of those at risk for ulcerations and subsequent referral to advanced multidisciplinary podiatric medical specialty care.
Educating Patients On The Importance Of Foot Screenings
The most effective method of preventing ulcerations and amputations is a careful and frequent inspection of the diabetic foot, according to lead study author Vickie Driver, DPM, MS. She says one should assess and document abnormalities, whether they are age-related, structural or pathological.
Dr. Driver cites the American Diabetes Association’s 2004 recommendation that patients with diabetes undergo a comprehensive annual foot examination, including a patient history. Dr. Driver and Peter Blume, DPM, cite the importance of the Semmes Weinstein 5.07 monofilament to test for diabetic neuropathy and palpating for pedal pulses.
If patients do not have pedal complications of diabetes, annual screenings are sufficient, according to Dr. Blume, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery in the Anesthesia and Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Department at the Yale School of Medicine. However, if patients do have disease affecting the foot, Dr. Blume says routine foot care is “extremely important” every two to three months along with offloading, education and strict glucose control.
Dr. Driver supports giving patients specific instruction on foot care as well as insights on selecting proper footwear and breaking in shoes in order to help prevent blisters and ulcers.
“It is imperative that patients understand the importance of daily foot exams, the implication of losing their protective sensation and proper foot care,” notes Dr. Driver, an Associate Professor of Surgery and the Director of Clinical Research, Foot Care at the Boston University School of Medicine.
Emphasizing The Role Of DPMs
In addition, Dr. Driver emphasizes that DPMs should spread the word to primary care physicians about their efficacy in treating high-risk patients with diabetes.
“The data now shows that we are cost effective providers to help treat these patients,” maintains Dr. Driver, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “We need to present at medical meetings where PCPs attend. This will help them understand how and when to consult us.”
In a retrospective cohort study involving 485 patients with diabetes, researchers collected data on ulcer status and surgical outcomes for five years in patients who received specialty podiatric medical care (311 patients) and those who did not (174 patients).
The study found the proportion of “minor” amputations was significantly higher in the group receiving advanced multidisciplinary podiatric care (67.3 percent) versus the group that did not receive advanced multidisciplinary podiatric care (33.7 percent). Additionally, authors noted that during the study, 19.5 percent of non-specialty care patients died in comparison with 7.7 percent of patients in the podiatric limb preservation group.
The study authors conclude that decreased rates of proximal amputations and increased rates of survival may result in patients with diabetes when there is early identification of those at risk for ulcerations and subsequent referral to advanced multidisciplinary podiatric medical specialty care.
Educating Patients On The Importance Of Foot Screenings
The most effective method of preventing ulcerations and amputations is a careful and frequent inspection of the diabetic foot, according to lead study author Vickie Driver, DPM, MS. She says one should assess and document abnormalities, whether they are age-related, structural or pathological.
Dr. Driver cites the American Diabetes Association’s 2004 recommendation that patients with diabetes undergo a comprehensive annual foot examination, including a patient history. Dr. Driver and Peter Blume, DPM, cite the importance of the Semmes Weinstein 5.07 monofilament to test for diabetic neuropathy and palpating for pedal pulses.
If patients do not have pedal complications of diabetes, annual screenings are sufficient, according to Dr. Blume, an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery in the Anesthesia and Orthopedics and Rehabilitation Department at the Yale School of Medicine. However, if patients do have disease affecting the foot, Dr. Blume says routine foot care is “extremely important” every two to three months along with offloading, education and strict glucose control.
Dr. Driver supports giving patients specific instruction on foot care as well as insights on selecting proper footwear and breaking in shoes in order to help prevent blisters and ulcers.
“It is imperative that patients understand the importance of daily foot exams, the implication of losing their protective sensation and proper foot care,” notes Dr. Driver, an Associate Professor of Surgery and the Director of Clinical Research, Foot Care at the Boston University School of Medicine.
Emphasizing The Role Of DPMs
In addition, Dr. Driver emphasizes that DPMs should spread the word to primary care physicians about their efficacy in treating high-risk patients with diabetes.
“The data now shows that we are cost effective providers to help treat these patients,” maintains Dr. Driver, a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. “We need to present at medical meetings where PCPs attend. This will help them understand how and when to consult us.”
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Lax Care of Foot Puncture Wounds Hikes Risk for Serious Infections
Bare feet are universally associated with summer, but for those who enjoy walking barefoot, a local foot and ankle surgeon warns that inattention to seemingly minor puncture wounds on the soles of your feet can allow serious infections to develop and spread.
Going barefoot heightens risk for puncture wounds, which require different treatment from cuts because the tiny holes often harbor foreign matter under the skin. Glass, nails, needles and seashells are common offenders. Regardless of the substance, anything that remains in the wound increases your chances for complications.
Puncture wounds in the feet too often are superficially treated, and it is best to get proper care within the first 24 hours to make sure anything that might be embedded in the wound is removed. Research shows 10 percent of puncture wounds do result in serious infection, but such complications can be prevented with prompt and appropriate medical attention.
The depth and relative cleanliness of a puncture wound are the main factors determining possible infection risk. Studies show 60 percent of patients who required incision and drainage of a puncture wound had something embedded. With the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria, even healthy people are getting potentially life-threatening Staph infections. So if you step on something and the skin is broken, get treated right away.
Proper treatment of a puncture wound involves thorough cleaning to decrease infection risk and tetanus shots often are needed. Following treatment, the wound should be monitored carefully at home.
Sometimes an infection can develop later and migrate to the bones. So if the wound stays red, swollen and sore after a few days, go back to the doctor for further treatment. In all cases, a puncture wound on your foot should never be taken lightly.
Going barefoot heightens risk for puncture wounds, which require different treatment from cuts because the tiny holes often harbor foreign matter under the skin. Glass, nails, needles and seashells are common offenders. Regardless of the substance, anything that remains in the wound increases your chances for complications.
Puncture wounds in the feet too often are superficially treated, and it is best to get proper care within the first 24 hours to make sure anything that might be embedded in the wound is removed. Research shows 10 percent of puncture wounds do result in serious infection, but such complications can be prevented with prompt and appropriate medical attention.
The depth and relative cleanliness of a puncture wound are the main factors determining possible infection risk. Studies show 60 percent of patients who required incision and drainage of a puncture wound had something embedded. With the increasing prevalence of drug-resistant bacteria, even healthy people are getting potentially life-threatening Staph infections. So if you step on something and the skin is broken, get treated right away.
Proper treatment of a puncture wound involves thorough cleaning to decrease infection risk and tetanus shots often are needed. Following treatment, the wound should be monitored carefully at home.
Sometimes an infection can develop later and migrate to the bones. So if the wound stays red, swollen and sore after a few days, go back to the doctor for further treatment. In all cases, a puncture wound on your foot should never be taken lightly.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
