IDF21-0568 Peripheral Neuropathy and potential risk factors in patients with Diabetes Mellitus in Kano, Northwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Peripheral Neuropathy is a common complication of DM and a cardinal event in the pathway to foot ulceration in many patients. It may be preventable if detected early and promptly managed. Aim: To determine the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and its potential risk factors in patients with DM attending two hospitals in Kano, Nigeria. Method: In a cross – sectional descriptive study consenting patients with DM who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were recruited from the diabetes outpatient clinic and wards of two hospitals in Kano. Questionnaires were used to obtain Socio- demographic data and clinical characteristics of the study subjects. Vibration perception threshold using biothesiometer was used to assess for presence of peripheral neuropathy. Results: We recruited 394 patients with DM (163 males and 231 females) with mean age and duration of DM of 50.8±12.5years and 7.72±6.65years respectively. Ninety five percent of the study subjects had type 2DM. 149(37.2%) of the study subjects had VPT > 25 volts which is significant for PN. Older age, level of education, longer duration of DM, HTN, PVD, proteinuria, diabetic retinopathy, presence of DFU and foot deformities were significant predictors of PN. The independent risk factors for PN after multivariate regression were older age, longer duration of DM, proteinuria, presence of foot deformities and DFU. Discussion: Peripheral neuropathy still remains one of the most complications of DM which leads to development of DFU and subsequently amputation. Screening with early identification, education and treatment of associated risk factors may go a long way in reducing one of the cardinal event to foot ulceration.