Characterization and results of the management of diabetic foot ulcers in a tertiary institution

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus causes important complications, including the diabetic foot, which is associated with a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. Objective: To describe the characteristics and results of the management of diabetic foot ulcers in a tertiary institution. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study, carried out at the Hospital of Especialidades, Instituto Hondureño de Seguridad Social, April 2018-April 2020. Clinical records of patients diagnosed with diabetic foot were reviewed Results: The average age of the patients was 62.9 years, with a standard deviation (SD) (+/-10.8); male predominance 77.5% (55/71). 79.0% (56/71) had a history of more than 10 years of diagnosis of type II diabetes mellitus. According to Wagner’s classification, it was Grade 3 in 50.7% (36/71). 69.0% (49/71) presented an ulcer in the plantar region of the left foot. Management was with dressings with epidermal growth factor solution and ozonized oil in 43.7% (31/71); the antibiotics administered were clindamycin 71.8% (51/71) and ceftriaxone 55.7% (41/71). The number of debridements were between 1-2 in 49.3% (35/71) and the number of cures performed were between 6-10 in 38.0% (27/71). The therapeutic result was total closure of the ulcer in 33.8% (24/71) and complications (amputation / infection) occurred in 16.9% (12/71). No mortality was reported. Discussion: The patient with diagnosis of diabetic foot is managed in the institution with debridements, dressings and antibiotic therapy, achieving total closure of the ulceration in a third of the cases, with some cases that are complicated and end in amputation, similar results reported by other authors.