Clinical profile of patients with leg and/or foot ulcers attending government hospital in North Canara: A descriptive study

Abstract

Background: Lower limb ulcers occur due to various conditions such as atherosclerosis and other arterial disorders, venous insufficiency, diabetes, trauma, pressure sores, vasculitis and inappropriate management of acute wounds. Many a time, it’s difficult to ascertain the exact etiology of leg ulcers. A lot of patients, especially in rural India, cannot afford/avail many investigations and therefore clinical assessment may be the only tool available to manage the disease. Method: This was a cross-sectional study done in tertiary hospital of Karnataka for a period of two months. A Sample size of 75 was selected. Based on the data from previous two years obtained from Medical Record department. Informed consent of the patients was taken and a detailed history, a complete systemic examination and local examination of lower limbs including the ulcer was done.Ethical Clearance was obtained from the Institutional ethical Committee. Results: Majority of patients (40%) with leg ulcer presented during sixth decade with a male to female ratio of 2.7:1. The most common aetiological factor for ulcer was trauma and infection i.e 29.1% of each. 16.1% of patients had ulcer over gaiters area. Majority of patients came with complaints of wound with pain (54.4%). 77.2% pf the patients had pus discharge from the ulcer.Conclusion: Often a multi-factorial aetiology may be present, which requires a comprehensive assessment for correct diagnosis. Education and training is vital for all those involved in caring for patients with chronic ulceration.