Clinical profile of diabetic foot infections in south India - A retrospective study

Abstract

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the profile of diabetes foot infections in south Indian diabetic subjects. The causative factors for delayed wound healing and the recurrence of infection were also studied. Methods: During a period of 6 months, 374 patients who had undergone some surgical procedure for foot infection were available for follow-up (M : F 227 : 147, mean age 54.9 ± 9.4 years, diabetes duration 10.9 ± 7.7 years). All of them had records of clinical and treatment details, laboratory data including biothesiometry, Doppler tests and electrocardiogram (ECG) records. Foot ulcers were classified according to Wagner's classification. Results: Majority of the patients had grade II and III ulcers (50% and 26.5%, respectively), grade IV was seen in another 21.9%. The median healing time was 44 days. Recurrence of infection which occurred in 53% was more common in patients with neuropathy and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Conclusions: Recurrence of foot infection was common among south Indian Type 2 diabetic subjects and was related to the presence of PVD and neuropathy. There is also a need for improvement in footwear and foot care education.