The latin american Saint Elian wound score system (sewss) for the triage of the diabetic foot attack.

Abstract

To review the global and regional contributions of the Saint Elian Wound Score System (SEWSS) for the diabetic foot syndrome are the aim of this report. The update includes definitions, classification, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and prevention to reduce amputations and mortality. From its local use in Mexico to their global spread as part of the Clinical Practice Recommendations of the Diabetic Foot - International Diabetes Federation-2017, the SEWSS has achieved a significant acceptance for the diabetic foot problem care in Latin America. The concept includes the triage of severity grades system for the five types of Diabetic Foot Attack (DFA) due to ischemia, infection, edema, neuropathy (Charcot), or a mixed combination. Persons with Diabetes Mellitus may progress from the low-risk stage to foot attack that may remite to a high risk stage or conversely, evolve to a major amputation or death. The DFA progressive stages (I-III) are described in this review. The clinical details provided by the assessment of the 10 Saint Elian factors permit a rationale therapeutic approach with relevance in prevention and medical treatment and not focused only on wound care avoiding bias originated by specialty-related preferences.