Risk factors associated with poor outcome in diabetic foot ulcer patients

Diabetic foot ulcers and related complications are a major cause of morbidity and hospital admissions. Our aim was to evaluate the risk factors associated with poor outcome in diabetic foot ulcers. A prospective study was conducted on patients with diabetic foot ulceration attending the Madinah Teaching Hospital from June 2014 to December 2015. Potential risk factors and laboratory test results at presentation were recorded and their association with outcome (healing vs. amputation) was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. In total, 112 patients were studied during our study period. The majority of the patients were male (60.7%) and aged 50 years and older (62.5%). Regarding the outcome, 68% healed completely, 27.7% underwent amputation, and 4.5% died during this period. Patient age of 50 and older, long duration of diabetes (>10 years), rural origin, and heel ulcers were significantly associated with poor outcome (P < 0.05). Patients with diabetes should have a detailed annual foot examination; those having risk factors for poor outcome require more frequent foot care, patient education, and early referral to tertiary care centers.