Evaluation of effective factors in treatment outcome of diabetic foot in diabetic patients referring to Taleghany hospital - Tehran from 2008-2009

ABSTRACT

Foot problems are a leading cause of hospitalization for the patients who have been identified as having diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of different factors on treatment of patients with diabetic foot referring to Taleghani hospital from 2007 - 2009. Diabetic patients fulfilling our inclusion criteria entered the study. In addition to their physical and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings and other information regarding their life style and habits, etc were also collected through a questionnaire. The collected information was recorded in their medical files and was further analyzed using t2 and x2 tests by SPSS software. Out of 80 patients, 58.75% were male and 75% of patients were above 50 years of age. 67.5% of patients were under graduated. 68.75% of these patients suffered diabetes for more than 10 years. 26 patients injected insulin while the rest used oral drugs to control their hyperglycemia. 48 patients were smokers [mainly cigarette]. Alcohol drinking was also considered in this study. Conservative treatments were advised for 43% of patients and for 36% of cases finger amputation and for 11 patients foot amputation was the treatment employed. Analysis of data reveal that there is significant relation [P<0.05] between the level of education and knowledge of patients regarding their illness and its sequelae, presence of distal palpation, control of diabetes and smoking. t2 test indicates that patients' age among those with good knowledge about the diabetes is significantly lower than patients without enough knowledge about diabetes mellitus [P<0.05]. Foot involvement among patients who are negligent about their condition happens quicker. There is no significant correlation between alcohol drinking, drugs consumed to lower blood sugar and duration of diabetes [P> 0.05]