August 14, 2008

Lee Rogers, DPM, and Nicholas Bevilacqua, DPM, Publish Study on Diabetic Nerve Pain

Des Moines, IA August 14, 2008 – A recent medical study shows that up to 10 percent of nerve dysfunction and pain in patients with diabetes is caused by something other than diabetes. These findings reinforce the work of two surgeons at Broadlawns Medical Center who are committed to reducing the need for limb amputations in patients with diabetes.

The Journal of American Podiatric Medical Association recently published the study written by Lee C. Rogers, DPM, and Nicholas J. Bevilacqua, DPM, of Broadlawns Medical Center, in conjunction with Rayaz A. Malik, MBChB, MRCP, PhD of Manchester Royal Infirmary and Manchester University, Manchester, England and David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD of the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine, North Chicago, Ill. The study focused on diabetic nerve dysfunction that can lead to amputation.

“Many patients suffer painful tingling and numbness due to diabetesrelated nerve damage,” said Rogers, director of the Amputation Prevention Center at Broadlawns. “We are constantly searching to better serve our patients with diabetes and help them avoid limb amputation. This study shows one more reason to consider alternatives to amputation for these patients.”

The Journal’s article highlights a case that was initially misdiagnosed as diabetic neuropathy, which led to separate amputations of two toes. This case emphasizes the importance of considering alternative, potentially treatable, causes of peripheral neuropathy in patients with diabetes.

About Broadlawns

With a history that reaches back to 1903 as a community health center, Broadlawns Medical
Center first opened its doors as a hospital to the residents of Polk County on April 13, 1924.
Over the years, Broadlawns has adapted to the changing demands of public health care, yet
remained true to its mission of offering quality health services to all Polk County residents
and training tomorrow’s health care professionals. Today, Broadlawns Medical Center is
composed of:

• An acute care community hospital serving medical, surgical, mental health and primary
  care needs
• A 60-member physician practice overseeing numerous specialty clinics and outpatient
  services including advanced foot and ankle, amputation prevention, dental, family health,
  pain management and pediatrics.
• A family medicine residency program that graduates physician leaders who today serve
  throughout Iowa and across the United States.

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