DIABETIC FOOT ULCERS -12 MONTHS PROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF PATTERN OF PRESENTATION AT ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY TEACHING HOSPITAL, PARKLANE, ENUGU: A BASIS FOR DIABETIC FOOT CLINIC?
BACKGROUND
Diabetic foot ulcer is a common complication of diabetes. This morbidity results in long hospitalization and high cost of management. It is a significant cause of non-traumatic amputation. Reduction in incidence and progression to amputation will be highly desired.


OBJECTIVE
To highlight the pattern of presentation and to emphasize the need for multidisciplinary approach in prevention by integration of focused footcare plan.


METHODS
A prospective interviewer administered questionnaire based study.


RESULTS
A total of 36 patients were recruited with a male female ratio of 1.8:1. Mean age of presentation was 55.5 years and commoner in those that have had diabetes for 10 - 15 years. Low level of education had a direct relationship with occurrence of DFU. Neuropathy was a common predisposing factor to DFU. More than 60% had no knowledge of foot care even though they have been educated on dietary control here was average hospital stay of 48 days, amputation rate of 19.4% and mortality rate of 8.3%.


CONCLUSIONS
A comprehensive foot care program should be incorporated in the management of diabetes as soon as diagnosis is made in other to reduce the huge burden of DFU.
C M
CM
Isiguzo
Jac-Okereke C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D019468:Disease Management; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006785:Hospitals, University / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016019:Survival Analysis