Clinical Profile of Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treated Conservatively or Surgically and Effect of Risk Factors on Ulcer Healing

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the clinical profile of patients with diabetic foot ulcer treated conservatively or surgically and effect of risk factors on ulcer healing. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in tertiary medical teaching hospital where medical records of diabetic patients who were admitted with foot problem were evaluated. All diabetic patients who were aged >18 years and admitted with DFU were included in this study. A structured proforma was used to collect data from the medical record. SPSS version 20.0 was used to perform the statistical analysis. Result: 280 subjects with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) were evaluated in this study. 71% ulcers were healed where as 11% were persisted unhealed. Patients who were undergone for amputation 12% were minor (Foot only) and 4% were major (above the ankle). A statistically significant association between age, duration of diabetes, glycemic control peripheral neuropathy, and ulcer size were found with diabetic foot ulcer healing. Conclusion: Modifiable factors like good glycemic control, early management of ulcers and early treatment of peripheral neuropathy can influence Diabetic foot ulcer outcomes. Special care should be provided to diabetic subjects who are aged and have longer duration of diabetes. Keywords: Diabetic foot ulcers, ulcer severity, clinical profile, Wagner’s Classification, outcome.