ABSTRACT
The aim of this pilot study was to determine clinical and laboratory factors that predict amputation surgery and to evaluate the predictive value of soluble CD14 [sCD14], interleukin-6 [IL-6], and procalcitonin [PCT] in patients with diabetic foot ulcers [DFUs]. Twenty-seven [20 males, 7 females] Diabetic Foot Ulcers [DFU] patients admitted to our department were consecutively enrolled. The patients' demographics and wound characteristics were noted. IL-6, PCT, and sCD14 were measured at admission. Six of the 27 patients [22%] eventually underwent lower extremity amputation. Compared to the non-amputation group, a previous history of amputation [p=0.017], the presence of gangrene [p=0.044], the Wagner grade [p=0.011], the IL-6 concentration [p=0.018], the white blood cell count [WBC] [p=0.036], and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] [p=0.042] were significantly high in the amputation group. However, the sCOf4 and PCT concentration were not significantly different. We have shown for the first time that IL-6 may have predictive value for lower extremity amputation in patients with DFU. Further studies are needed to confirm its predictive value in this patient group