Study of diabetic foot progression based on the Tardivo algorithm in patients treated with PDT and/or PRF

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To apply the Tardivo Algorithm to outpatients diagnosed with diabetic foot and trophic lesions, monitor their progression and treatment, and subsequently analyze outcomes. METHOD: This prospective study assessed patients diagnosed with diabetic foot during outpatient visits and classified them according to the score obtained with the Tardivo Algorithm. Patients underwent serial reassessments and were reclassified according to the Tardivo Algorithm at each visit. They were followed for one year to assess possible outcomes: minor amputation, major amputation, healing wound, or complete healing, as well as the need for limb revascularization. RESULTS: During the study, one patient died and one was lost to follow-up. Among study participants, 23 achieved complete wound healing, five were in the final stage of wound healing, nine showed wound improvement, and three showed worsening. Accordingly, 23 patients were discharged from treatment, 15 remained under follow-up, and two underwent major amputation. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that algorithms are extremely important and effective for guiding and implementing treatment. This tool can guide more appropriate care by determining the number of sessions, the technique used, the interval between sessions, and even helping to avoid indiscriminate use of resources. The successful outcomes may be associated with treatment adjustments guided by the algorithm, which allowed care to be tailored to each patient’s needs and lesion severity.