HAND INFECTIONS IN THE DIABETIC PATIENT

Between 1984 and 1994, 23 diabetic patients were admitted to a univers ity hospital/Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) Medical Centre with a primary or secondary diagnosis of hand infection. We also identified 726 patients admitted to all DVA Medical Centres during the years 198 9 through 1994 with co-diagnoses of diabetes mellitus and hand infecti on. Contrary to previously published literature, most diabetic hand in fections are non-specific, confined to the soft tissues, and respond t o broad spectrum parenteral antibiotic therapy. When surgery is necess ary, most patients do not require amputation.