Healing rates of plantar ulcers in leprosy and diabetes.
Comparison was made of wound healing time in a consecutive series of leprosy and diabetic patients with plantar ulceration. In the leprosy group, 66 of 70 (94%) ulcers healed in a mean time of 42.7 (+/- 36.1) days, and in the diabetic group, 75 of 80 (94%) ulcers healed in a mean time of 39.7 (+/- 32.1) days. Analysis of all healed ulcers using a general linear model found wound depth (p < 0.03), and wound diameter (p < 0.05) significantly related to ulcer healing time. Diagnosis, healing devices (cast, splint and cut-out sandal), age and sex were not significant. In diabetic subjects a regression model including depth, diameter and age explained 36% of the variation in healing time. A meaningful regression model was not found in leprosy patients.
Birke
J A
JA
Gillis W Long Hansen's Disease Center, Carville, LA 70721.
Novick
A
A
Patout
C A
CA
Coleman
W C
WC
D002370:Casts, Surgical; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012775:Shoes; D013165:Splints