Role of polymorphonuclear leukocyte in diabetic foot

ABSTRACT

To study the etiopathogenesis of foot injuries in patients of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Retrospective study of tissue samples received from diabetic patients clinically diagnosed as gangrene. This study was conducted in the Department of Ophthalmology, JPMC, Karachi from July 2009 to June 2011. 150 cases of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with wounds of foot were included. 150 cases of known diabetics with peripheral neuropathy and history of loss of sensation were subjected to follow up of 2 years follow up was done on the cases. As a first step blood sugar was brought under control and broad spectrum antibiotic was given. Wound debriment was done in all cases. The specimens were subjected to H/E and Gram's staining. In H/E, liquifactive necrosis, polymorphonuclear leukocyte, mononuclear cell infiltrate, few lymphocyte plasma cells and fibroblasts were seen. New blood capillaries were few or absent. both gram positive and gram negative organisms were isolated. 79% were gram positive and 21% were gram negative. Hyperglycemia causes relative anoxia in the micro environment of the tissue due to damage of peripheral neurons. Lack of adequate circulation leads to ischemia, which is super added by infection of the subcutaneous tissue. The resultant effect is liquifactive necrosis and complete lysis of tissue. Removal of such putrefied tissue is mandatory to stop further damage to the tissue