Study of diabetic foot in Institutions of Argentina

Abstract

Diabetic Foot (DF) represents a complication with high morbidity and mortality. In Argentina, there is a lack of data regarding amputation rates and mortality related to this condition.

The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of all adult patients with diabetes who consulted for DF over 3 months and evaluate their evolution at 6 months.

Methods: A descriptive longitudinal study with a 6-month follow-up was conducted. Results: 312 patients from 15 centers in Argentina were studied. During the study, the total major amputation rate was 8.33% (95% CI; 5.5-11.9) (n=26), and the minor amputation rate was 29.17% (95% CI; 24.2-34.6) (n=91). At the 6-month follow-up, the death rate was 4.49% (95% CI; 2.5-7.4) (n=14), 24.04% (95% CI; 19.3-29.2) still had an open wound (n=75), 57.7% (95% CI; 51.9-63.3) had healed, and 7.37% were lost to follow-up (n=23). Of the patients who underwent major amputation before 6 months (n=24), 5 died (20.8%) compared to 3% of those who did not undergo amputation (p=0.001). Major amputation was related to age, ankle-brachial index (ABI), Saint Elian scale (SEWSS), SINBAD scale, WIfI classification, ischemia, and certain aspects of the wound.

Discussion: Understanding local data will improve decision-making regarding health policies related to the prevention and treatment of patients with DF.