Patient Presentation

Mr. S. S. is a 56 year old, white male with a right diabetic foot ulcer. He was at his podiatrist’s office for a wound check and was referred to the emergency department (ED) due to increasing purulent drainage and necrotic tissue in the wound. Mr S.S. noticed the drainage getting worse over the last week and has experienced fevers up to 102 degrees F for two days. He also complains of diaphoresis, fatigue, abdominal pain, and general malaise. He states he just does not feel like himself.  

Past Medical History:

Allergic to Penicillin and shellfish

Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus 

Hyperlipidemia

Hypertension [baseline 140/90]

Obesity [BMI=32]

Cholecystectomy, age 32 years

Left Above the Knee Amputation (AKA), age 54 years

Pertinent Family History:

Mother- Hyperlipidemia, Hypertension, CABG x2 vessels

Father- Prostate Cancer, age 63 years

Pertinent Social History:

Active Smoker (2 packs/day)

History of Alcoholism

Previous history of homelessness

Emergency Department

In the ED, assessment reveals moderate, foul-odored, purulent drainage from right foot ulcer and capillary refill of four seconds on upper and lower extremities. Patient is alert and oriented but short term memory appears to be impaired and the patient is asking abnormal questions. Two peripheral IVs and an indwelling foley catheter are placed, a 1000mL bolus of IVF is initiated, wound and blood cultures are obtained, and the patient is started on broad spectrum antibiotics. A x-ray of his right foot demonstrates soft tissue inflammation and concern for osteomyelitis so an MRI was completed of his foot. The patient is transferred to MICU for further management. 

ED Vitals:

Temperature: 101.6 degrees F

Heart Rate: 117 bpm

Respiration Rate: 24 breaths/min

Blood Pressure: 92/45 mm Hg (MAP 61)

Blood glucose: 315 mg/dL

SpO2: 91% on 2L NC

ED Labs:

WBC: 26,000

Lactate: 6.0 mmol/L

C-reactive Protein: 11mg/L

Creatinine: 1.4 mg/dL

pH: 7.32

Medical Intensive Care Unit

Upon admission to MICU, Mr. S.S. is lethargic and flushed. Further assessment demonstrates bounding pulses and right lower extremity edema. His heart rate increased and blood pressure dropped despite the liter bolus. The patient is started on vasopressors to maintain his blood pressure and intubated to protect his airway.

Pertinent Vitals:

Temperature: 101.4 degrees

Heart Rate: 154 bpm

Respiration Rate: 30 breaths/min

Blood Pressure: 72/34 (MAP 47)

SpO2: 86% on 2L NC