title: Epidemiology of Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Amputations in Romania: Results of a Cross-Sectional Quality of Life Questionnaire Based Survey.
abstract: This is a post hoc analysis of quality of life in diabetic neuropathy patients in a cross-sectional survey performed in 2012 in Romania, using the Norfolk QOL-DN in which 21,756 patients with self-reported diabetes were enrolled. This current analysis aims to expand research on the diabetic foot and to provide an update on the number of foot ulcers found in Romania. Of the 21,174 patients included in this analysis, 14.85% reported a history of foot ulcers and 3.60% reported an amputation. The percentage of neuropathy patients with foot ulcers increased with age; the lowest percentage was observed in the 20-29-year age group (6.62%) and the highest in the 80-89-year age group (17.68%). The highest number of amputations was reported in the 70-79-year age group (largest group). Compared to patients without foot ulcers, those with foot ulcers had significantly higher scores for total DN and all its subdomains translating to worse QOL (p < 0.001). This analysis showed a high rate of foot ulcers and amputations in Romanian diabetic patients. It underscores the need for implementation of effective screening and educational programs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Cosmina I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Bondor
authors.affiliation: Department of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4-6 Clinicilor Street, 400006 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Ioan A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Veresiu
authors.affiliation: IMOGEN Research Center, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babeș Street, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Bogdan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Florea
authors.affiliation: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Strelitz Diabetes Center, 855 West Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA.
authors.forename: Etta J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Vinik
authors.affiliation: Research & Neuroendocrine Unit, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 855 West Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23510, USA.
authors.forename: Aaron I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Vinik
authors.affiliation: Society of Diabetic Neuropathy, Wörwag Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Romanian Representative Office, 11 Fagului Street, 400483 Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Norina A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Gavan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017719:Diabetic Foot / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011788:Quality of Life; D012383:Romania / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult