Background: Foot infection is a common problem affecting
diabetics. Ischemia is a major factor contributing to progress
and morbidity of the disease. The prevalence of peripheral
vascular disease is higher in diabetics with faster progression.
Aim: This study aimed to observe the prevalence of peripheral
vascular disease in patients with diabetic foot infections
presenting to this tertiary care centre.
Methods: This prospective observational study evaluated 250
patients with diabetic foot infection admitted to Ibrahim
Medical College and BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka,
from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2015.Total 72
patients were selected for Duplex study of lower limb vessels,
Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) and Pulse
oxymetrywhich established the diagnosis of peripheral
vascular disease and all patients were treated according to
the standard protocol.
Results: Of the 72 patients peripheral vascular disease was
found in 25 patients (34.7%) and majority of them (88%)
had distal below the knee vessel stenosis. There was
significant correlation with older age (75%) and history of
tobacco use (64%). The clinical presentations and outcomes
such as hospital stay, healing time, pain were worse in
individuals with peripheral vascular compromise on
Duplex study of lower limb vessels, ABPI and pulse
oxymetry.
Conclusion: In this study we observed that significant
number of diabetics presenting with foot infections have
underlying peripheral vascular disease .The patients might
not all be symptomatic or show obvious signs of PVD but
need to be investigated for the same. Early detection of
peripheral vascular disease in patients presenting with
diabetic foot infection, using Duplex study,ABPI and Pulse
oxymetrywith routine clinical and laboratory assessment
can be of great value in long term care of these individuals.
Keywords: Peripheral vascular disease, Diabetic
foot,Duplex study, Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI),
Pulse oxymetry.
(J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2020; 38: 12-17)
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v38i1.44683