ABSTRACT
Objective To estimate heart function among patients with diabetic foot ulcer,and to investigate the characteristics of heart failure(HF) before and after treatment of ulcer. Methods Items associated with diabetes and some physiological and biochemical indicators were observed in patients with diabetic foot ulcer(162 cases) and with high risk factors of ulcer(75 cases). Heart function was evaluated at patients′ admission, during ulcer related treatment, and prior to discharge. Left ventricular ejection fraction and other cardiac assessment were measured with ultrasonic scan.Results During hospitalization, 23.6%(56/237) patients underwent HF with normal left ventricular ejection fraction, and it was 27.2%(44/162) in patients with foot ulcers. The prevalence of HF was 8.9%(21/237) in all patients studied on admission, and that was 10.5%(17/162) in patients with foot ulcer, more than that without foot ulcer(P＜0.01). More patients with HF were found, being 14.8%(35/237) during 2-7 days after ulcer related treatment initiated, and peak was on the 4th day. There was statistical difference among different Wagner grades(P＜0.05) about the morbidity rate of HF. All patients with HF were improved and tolerant to ulcer related treatment. Conclusion The prevalence of HF with normal left ventricular ejection fraction was relatively high in patients with diabetic foot ulcer, especially after ulcer treatment.