Epidemiological Study, Risk factors and Clinical Outcomes of Diabetic Foot Infection in Hospitalized Patients

Background and Diabetic foot infections are the most common problems that result in disability and hospitalization of diabetic patients. Preventive measures can decrease the incidence of diabetes and its complications thereby, reducing the economic cost of associated health services. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of predisposing factors in diabetic foot ulcer infection and the frequency of different clinical outcomes and their relationships with predisposing factors. This analytical study was done in 200 hospitalized patients with diabetic foot infection in Sari teaching hospitals, 2013-14. Patients were evaluated for symptoms and signs of ulcer infection, neuropathy and vasculopathy. Also, demographic characteristics of all participants were recorded. Data was analysed in SPSS V.16. The patients were 54% male and 46% female (mean age 58.3+10.2 years). Amputation was performed in 20.5% of the patients of whom 75% were male. The most common location of diabetic foot ulcer was the hallux and ankle was the least infected location. All the cultures were positive and the most prevalent pathogens were staphylococcus aureus (28%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14.5%).The results showed that previous history of ulcers and amputation and osteomyelitic changes in foot X-ray could predict risk of amputation. Diabetes is so prevalent in Iran, therefore, it is important to reduce the incidence of diabetes complications by providing appropriate training to the patients, their families and healthcare staff.