Strong association of anemia in people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs): Study from a specialist foot care center

Background & Objective

Anemia is common finding in people with diabetes and diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, our objective was to observe and compare the association of anemia in people with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) with age and sex matched people without DFUs.

Method

This prospective case control study was undertaken at a multidisciplinary diabetic foot clinic of Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology (BIDE) between October 2014 and October 2015. Participants were categorized into two groups; Case group (people with DFUs) and Control group (people without DFUs). Baseline demographic characteristics, biochemical and hematological parameters were recorded. University of Texas (UT) classification system was used to grade and stage DFU in case group. Subjects with other apparent causes of anaemia were excluded. Age and sex matched controls were taken from diabetic clinic presented during same time period. Data was analyzed by using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20.

Results

Total of 161 participants in case group were compared with similar number of age and sex matched participants of control group. Most of the participants were males 119(73.9%). Age and sex matched case and control groups were comparable except for duration of diabetes, BMI and HDL levels. Overall, 85.67% case group (males 64.56%); females 21.11%) and 35.3% control group (males 22.9%; females12.4%) have anemia. Mean Hb level was 10.49g/dl in case group and 13.39g/dl in control group. Significant differences were also noted in other blood parameters.

Conclusion

Our study concludes that anaemia is strongly associated with DFU disease. Anaemia should be considered and treated as co-morbidity while managing patients with foot ulcers.