A clinical study of 50 cases of diabetic foot and its management

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder causing a major global problem in whom 20 % of individuals presents with foot complications and require hospitalisation for the same. In such populations, 50% of individuals goes through either minor or major amputations. Hence diabetic foot needs a major attention which in turn reflects the quality of life of the patient. Methods: The study was conducted among 50 cases presented with diabetic foot in a rural medical college during the period of October 2018- October 2020 as a prospective study. Results: Majority of patients in the study presented in the age group of 41-50 years with male preponderance, 35 cases. The commonest cause for the development of diabetic foot ulcer is neuropathy (29 cases) and the most common mode of presentation is gangrene, 30 cases. Grade 4 lesions of Wagner’s grading are more common (20 cases) and the most common site of lesion is dorsal aspect, 16 cases. The most common microorganism isolated was MRSA (13 cases) and sensitive to piperacillin and tazobactam. The Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) is normal is most of the patients, 34 cases. The most common procedure performed is Ray’s amputation, 16 cases and post-operatively the wound was healthy in majority of individuals due to strict glycaemic and sepsis control. Conclusion: Since the diabetic patients are at high risk of foot complications, I would like to evaluate these patients as my study group which is more common in our rural setup.