Publication: Diabetic Foot Ulcer and its Associated Risk Factors in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease Presenting in the University Hospital of Nepal
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common complication in diabetic patients especially
in those with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, it can be prevented if its risk
factors can be identified and adjusted.
Objective
To investigate the frequency of diabetic foot ulcers and their associated risk factors in
diabetic patients with peripheral artery disease.
Method
Diabetic patients under medication with known peripheral arterial disease diagnosed
with Doppler ultrasonography were recruited from the outpatient department
of the cardiothoracic and vascular unit, at Dhulikhel Hospital. The patients were
interviewed about their demographic details, presenting clinical symptoms, and
the risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, duration of
diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. Also, the patients were assessed for any ulcers in their
feet. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze the data.
Result
The analysis demonstrated diabetic foot ulcers in 24.1% of the total 54 diabetic
patients with peripheral arterial disease. The risk factors such as smoking (24.1%),
increasing age (68.5%), hypertension (31.5%), and duration of diabetes (72.2%) were
found in the majority of the patients. Out of these risk factors, smoking (Odds ratio:
6.81) and increasing age (Odds ratio: 0.28) were significantly associated with diabetic
foot ulcers. (p < 0.05)
Conclusion
Diabetic foot ulcers affected about a quarter of diabetic patients with peripheral
arterial disease and were found to be associated with increasing age and smoking.
KEY WORDS
Complication, Diabetes, Foot ulcers, Peripheral arterial disease, Risk factors
Description
Karmacharya RM,1 Maharjan S,2 Vaidya S,1 Bhatt S,1 Sharma S,1 Timalsina G,1 Kunwar K,1 Joshi HN3
1Department of Surgery
2Masters of Science in Physical Therapy
Dhulikhel Hospital, Kathmandu University Hospital
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
3Far Western University (FWU)
Kanchanpur, Nepal
Keywords
Complication, Diabetes, Foot ulcers, Peripheral arterial disease, Risk factors