Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Diabetic foot disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with diabetes. It is a leading cause of minor or major limb loss with attendant huge economic ruins.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine pattern of presentation of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), assess co-morbid conditions at admission and determine the overall outcome of patients managed over the 5 year study period.

Materials and methods: The study design was a retrospective study of all diabetic foot ulcers admitted to the medical wards of OAUTHC Ile-Ife between 2011 and 2015. Case notes were reviewed to obtain data on socio-demographic indices, duration of DM, treatment outcome, blood glucose at presentation and DFU was graded using the Wagner’s grading at admission. Laboratory investigation results done at presentation or during admission were noted. Treatment outcome was categorized into patients discharged, deceased or discharged against medical advice. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS 20.

Results: 68 Case notes were retrieved, and these were made up of 27 (39.7%) males and 41 (60.3%) females. Mean age was 54.6 years and 58.7 years for male and female subjects respectively. Males presented with longer duration of diabetes and ulcer. Average blood glucose at presentation was 18 mmol/l with PCV average of 30% for both sexes. One (1.5%), five (7.4%), 15 (22.1%), 33(48.5%) and 6(8.8%) patients presented with Wagner’s grade 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively; 8(11.7%) ulcers were not graded. Mortality was 30.9% among the reviewed cases.

Conclusion: Mortality from diabetic foot ulcer remains regrettably high despite advances in diabetes management. There is the need for aggressive and comprehensive diabetic education to stem the tide of this largely preventable cause of physical, emotional and financial losses.

Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetic Foot Ulcer, Wagner’s, Mortality