A study to test the validity of diabetic ulcer severity score (DUSS) at tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Background: For classification of ulcer of feet in diabetes, various systems of classification are in use. Notable among them are the University of Texas (UT) system and the Wagner system. One of the most recent such type of classification system is DUSS (Diabetic Ulcer Severity Score). Studies are required to validate the same. Objective was to test the validity of Diabetic Ulcer Severity Score (DUSS).Methods: Present follow up study was carried out among 50 known cases of diabetes having ulcer over foot. DUSS scoring was applied. Ulcer was graded into five grades. Patients were followed till the outcome was noted.Results: Most common ulcers were of DUSS score of 3. Major amputation was done in 15 (30%) patients and minor amputation in 12 (24%) patients. Toe amputation was done in total of 15 patients. None of the patients had forefoot amputation. Below knee amputation was done in total of 11 (22%) patients. Majority of the foot ulcers among study population with DUSS score 0, 1 and 2 healed by primary intension or skin grafting i.e., 1 (100%), 3 (75%) and 6 (46.15%) respectively. However, among those with score 3 and 4 majority required amputation i.e., 14 (70%) and 10 (83.33%) respectively. This difference in the DUSS score among the three groups was found to be statistically significant (P=0.004). The probability of healing with DUSS score 0 was 100%, 75% with DUSS score 1, 84.61% with DUSS score 2, 30% with DUSS score 3, 16.67% with DUSS score 4. The mean time for healing was 77 days. The mean time for amputation was 100 days.Conclusions: The proposed score classification system for the diabetic foot may enable better quality of life for diabetic patients and promote better low-cost care for millions of individuals worldwide.