Original Article
English
Faisal Abufalgha, H. Badi, A. Gaddafi, H. Shilabi
Department of Surgery, Misurata Central Hospital, Libya
JMJ 2009,Vol.9, No.3: 191-195
Abstract
Diabetic foot is defined as an infection, ulceration and/or destruction of deep tissues associated with neurological abnormalities and various degrees of peripheral vascular disease in the lower limb. It is considered to be one of the major complications of diabetes mellitus. Patients and methods: A descriptive and comparative retrospective study of 66 diabetic patients with diabetic foot, was carried out at the Department of Surgery at Misurata Central Hospital for the period of one year from the first of March 2004 to 28th February 2005, clinical data were collected, analysed and discussed. Diabetics with a clinical evidence of primary vascular disease were excluded. Results: Out of the total number of patients 38 were males (57.58%) and 28 were females (42.42%). 49 patients (74%) were above 50 years whereas 17 patients (25.75%) were aged between 25 to 49 years. The diabetic foot ulcers were mainly due to either neuropathy and/or trauma 42.4% and 34.9% respectively. The most commonly found bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most frequently comorbid diseases were hypertension (HTN), chronic renal failure(CRF) and ischemic heart disease (IHD). Regarding management 42 patients (63.6%) were considered for surgical intervention and 20 patients (30%) were managed with conservatively. Conclusion: The diabetic foot lesions caused major trouble not only to the quality of life of the diabetic patient but also to the health care system. Although not all diabetic foot ulcers can be prevented, it is possible to effect dramatic reductions in their incidence and morbidity through appropriate evidence-based prevention and management protocols.
Keywords: Diabetic foot, Diabetes mellitus, Amputation.
Link/DOI: http://www.jmj.org.ly/PDF/autumn2009/191.pdf