DIABETIC FOOT ULCER

RISK FACTORS STRATIFICATION IN PATIENTS. A STUDY OF 150 PATIENTS

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the risk factors contributing to the development of
diabetic foot ulcers. Study Design: A descriptive observational study. Setting: Unit of surgery,
City Hospital Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Period: 1st July 2013 to 30th June 2015.
Patients and Material: One hundred and fifty diabetic patients with foot ulcer were studied.
After taking informed consent, detailed history, clinical examination and relevant investigations
were performed according to a devised proforma. All the proformas were analyzed in the end
of study. Results: One hundred and fifty patients comprising 95 male and 55 female were
studied. The average diabetic duration was 11 years. HbA1c was more than 8% in 98 (65.3%)
patients. Peripheral neuropathy was present in 60 patients (40%), peripheral vascular disease
in 80 patients (53.3%), neuro-ischemic ulcers in 45 patients (30%), hypertension in 70 patients
(46.6%), Ischemic heart disease in 20%, Dyslipidemia in 50%, foot deformity in 42% and
accidental/ foot wear trauma in 44%. Conclusion: Foot ulcer in diabetes results from multiple
pathophysiologic mechanisms. Implementation of strategies for prevention, early detection,
and appropriate treatment at the primary health care level are urgently needed.