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.

Diabetic Foot Infections: Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns and Determination of Antibiotic Cross-Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Enterococcus Species During 2012 - 2014 in Shiraz, Iran

“…Swabs were collected from diabetic ulcers that were macroscopically examined and classified (10). Swabbing was performed on sloughy or inflamed tissue, as bacteria tend to present in greater number in such areas.…”

Transplantation of dental pulp stem cells improves long-term diabetic polyneuropathy together with improvement of nerve morphometrical evaluation

“…Currently, drugs for painful diabetic polyneuropathy provide modest amelioration from the symptoms, but there are few drugs that have been convincingly shown to slow the progression of diabetic polyneuropathy. The final goal of treatment for diabetic polyneuropathy is to improve nerve function and pathological abnormalities with management of the neuropathic pain and reduced risk of foot ulceration and amputation [ 5 – 7 ]. Therefore, more effective treatments for diabetic polyneuropathy are needed.…”

Advantages of Negative Pressure Therapy in Local Diabetic Foot Treatment

“…Worldwide, the prevalence of ulcers is estimated to be between 5.8% and 6% [19], the upper limit being exceeded in men with type 2 diabetes due to their increased predisposition (6.3%) [20]. In Romania, studies of diabetic foot prevalence are inadequate, and those performed indicate that 14.85% of diabetics have problems with their legs [21].…”