Health in Persons Deprived of Their Liberty in South America: A Painful Reflection of Our Public Health.

Objectives: To describe sociodemographic characteristics and health-related data in persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from South America in the last five years. Methods: Documentary descriptive study. Results: There are 1.5 million PDL in Latin America and the Caribbean; the average overcrowding is 64%; 58% do not sleep in beds, 20% do not have access to clean water and 29% do not receive medical care. In Peru, during 2021, there were 87,245 PDL and 69 penal institutions. The national average overcrowding is 120%, the second-highest in South America. In South America, the prevalence of tuberculosis is 2.0% SD = 0.64 and the median of illegal substances prevalence is 34.6 (IQR = 7.5-41.4). In Peru, the prevalence of tuberculosis has decreased since 2016 (4.3%), 2018(3.5%), and 2021(2.5%). Among the health problems by country, there were more data on substance use: 8/10, and tuberculosis, 7/10 countries. Cardiovascular diseases had the least available data. Regarding COVID-19, during the first wave in Peru, 54% of the total PPL were infected, and by the end of the wave, 446 PDL and 46 members of the prison staff had died. In Colombia, between April and October 2020, there were 16,804 cases (80 in ICU) and 136 deaths. In Brazil, up to March 2021, 340 people had died, and there were over 67,000 infections. Conclusions: Overcrowding is an unresolved problem; tuberculosis and substance use are the most frequent issues. Data are limited in quality, homogeneity and availability. Greater effort is needed from health authorities to improve health management and information systematization. Source: MesH.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence on the north coast of Peru: A cross-sectional study after the first wave.

BACKGROUND: Peru had the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Latin America. After the first wave, Peru registered more than 900,000 cases of COVID-19 and more than 36,000 confirmed deaths from the disease. Tumbes, a border area with poor sanitation and not enough water, had the fifth highest death rate. The cross-sectional analytic study aimed: a) to assess seroprevalence of COVID-19 after the first wave; b) to assess sociodemographic determinants and symptoms associated with a positive COVID-19 antibody lateral flow test. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed this study between November 11th and November 30th, 2020, in an informal settlement in Tumbes. Individuals older than two years were invited to participate in a systematic random sample from one in every four households. Finger-prick blood samples were collected, and a census and symptom survey were applied. Within the chosen house, one adult over 18 years of age was chosen for a PCR-RT molecular test. Overall seroprevalence was 25.59%, adjusted seroprevalence was 24.82% (95%CI 22.49-27.25). Women had higher adjusted seroprevalence (28.03% vs 21.11%; 95% CI 24.83-31.41, p = 0.002). Symptoms as fever (PR 1.89: 95% CI 1.44-2.48, p<0.001), general discomfort (PR 1.67; 95% CI 1.23-2.26, p = 0.001), cough (PR 2.0; 95% CI 1.60-2.50, p<0.001), nasal congestion (PR 1.46; 95% CI 1.03-2.09, p = 0.036), respiratory distress (PR 1.64; 95% CI 1.04-2.56, p = 0.031), headache (PR 1.54; 95% CI 1.09-2.17, p = 0.014), anosmia (PR 1.78; 95% CI 1.01-3.14, p = 0.046) and ageusia (PR 2.31; 95% CI 1.48-3.61, p<0.001) were associated with a positive covid-19 antibody lateral flow test. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The COVID-19 transmission and distribution were highlighted by this cross-sectional study. The data will help the Ministry of Health improve its monitoring, surveillance, and monitoring of respiratory community sequelae in the future.

Myths and beliefs about insulin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus and their family caregivers from a hospital in northern Peru, 2020. / Mitos y creencias sobre la insulinoterapia en pacientes con diabetes mellitus y sus familiares de un hospital del norte del Perú, 2020.

OBJECTIVE.: To analyze and explore the myths and beliefs about insulin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus and their family caregivers from a general hospital in northern Peru in 2020. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: This qualitative study used a thematic analysis model, following the interpretative paradigm. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. Patients with diabetes that used some type of insulin for at least three months prior to the study were interviewed, as well as their family caregivers. Patients participated in a focus group and in-depth interviews; family caregivers participated only in in-depth interviews. RESULTS.: Twelve patients with diabetes (11 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) were included; six in the focus group and six in the in-depth interviews. Seven family caregivers were included. After analysis, we obtained four categories: 1) beliefs related to starting insulin treatment: treatment of choice after failure of other drugs, cures diabetes, regulates sugar, fear of injectables; 2) beliefs related to treatment adherence: decompensation for not using insulin, insulin is necessary to live; 3) beliefs related to alternative therapies and cost: use of alternative therapies, high cost of insulin; and 4) myths related to the use of insulin: generates dependence, dependence for insulin administration, negative effects of insulin. CONCLUSIONS.: The beliefs and myths of patients treated with insulin arise from the beginning of treatment, remain throughout the course of treatment, and are often reinforced by the worldview of family members.

OBJETIVO.: Analizar y explorar los mitos y creencias sobre la insulinoterapia en pacientes con diabetes mellitus y sus familiares cuidadores de un hospital general del norte peruano en el 2020. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizo un estudio con enfoque cualitativo, paradigma interpretativo y tipo de análisis temático. Se obtuvieron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos de las historias clínicas y se entrevistaron pacientes con diabetes, con uso de algún tipo de insulina por lo menos tres meses antes del estudio, y a sus familiares cuidadores. Los pacientes participaron de un grupo focal y de entrevistas a profundidad; los familiares participaron solo en entrevistas a profundidad. RESULTADOS.: Participaron 12 pacientes con diabetes (11 con diabetes mellitus tipo 2); seis en el grupo focal y seis en las entrevistas a profundidad y siete familiares. Luego del análisis se obtuvieron cuatro categorías: 1) creencias relacionadas al inicio de tratamiento con insulina: tratamiento de elección después del fracaso con otros fármacos, cura la diabetes, regula el azúcar, temor a los inyectables; 2) creencias relacionadas al mantenimiento del tratamiento: descompensación por no usar insulina, la insulina es necesaria para vivir; 3) creencias relacionadas a terapias alternativas y costo: uso de terapias alternativas, costo elevado de la insulina; y 4) mitos relacionados al uso de insulina: genera dependencia, dependencia para la administración de insulina, efectos negativos de la insulina. CONCLUSIONES.: Las creencias y mitos de los pacientes, en tratamiento con insulina, emergen desde el inicio del tratamiento y se mantienen con la evolución de este, siendo en muchas ocasiones reforzados por la cosmovisión de los familiares.

Artritis séptica de rodilla por Serratia marcescens en paciente con hemofilia A

Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 24 años con hemofilia A de 14 años de evolución. El paciente presentó hemartrosis recurrente en rodilla derecha, luego desarrolló artritis séptica en dicha articulación producida por Serratia marcescens con respuesta satisfactoria al lavado intra-articular con solución salina y 28 días de tratamiento con carbapenémicos. En pacientes con artritis séptica, hemartrosis previa y múltiples ingresos hospitalarios debe sospecharse la presencia de este germen. El tratamiento es quirúrgico y con antibióticos de amplio espectro.

We present the case of a 24-year-old male patient with hemophilia A of 14 years of evolution. The patient presented recurrent hemarthrosis in the right knee, who developed septic arthritis in knee due to Serratia marcescens with a satisfactory response to intra-articular lavage with saline solution and 28 days of treatment whith carbapenems. In patients with septic arthritis, previous hemarthrosis and multiple hospital admissions, the presence of this germ should be suspected. The treatment is surgical and with broad spectrum antibiotics.

Síndrome antifosfolípido y tumores cardiacos

Presentamos el caso de una paciente mujer de 31 años con antecedente de litiasis coraliforme bilateral. Ella inició la enfermedad un mes antes del ingreso con trombocitopenia y anemia hemolítica autoinmune. Fue diagnosticada con Síndrome de Evans, inicialmente tuvo marcadores de autoinmunidad negativos, finalmente presentó disnea progresiva y se le encontró 4 masas intracardiacas en aurícula derecha y marcadores positivos para síndrome antifosfolípido. A pesar de la anticoagulación y preparación para cirugía cardiaca, la paciente tuvo una muerte súbita.

We present the case of a 31-year-old female patient with a history of bilateral staghorn lithiasis, who started the disease one month before admission with thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. She was diagnosed with Evans Syndrome, initially she had negative autoimmunity markers, finally presented progressive dyspnea and 4 intracardiac masses were found in the right atrium and positive markers for antiphospholipid syndrome. Despite anticoagulation and preparation for cardiac surgery, she presented sudden death.

Mitos y creencias sobre la insulinoterapia en pacientes con diabetes mellitus y sus familiares de un hospital del norte del Perú, 2020 / Myths and beliefs about insulin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus and their family caregivers from a hospital in northern Peru, 2020

Objetivo. Analizar y explorar los mitos y creencias sobre la insulinoterapia en pacientes con diabetes mellitus y sus familiares cuidadores de un hospital general del norte peruano en el 2020. Materiales y métodos. Se realizo un estudio con enfoque cualitativo, paradigma interpretativo y tipo de análisis temático. Se obtuvieron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos de las historias clínicas y se entrevistaron pacientes con diabetes, con uso de algún tipo de insulina por lo menos tres meses antes del estudio, y a sus familiares cuidadores. Los pacientes participaron de un grupo focal y de entrevistas a profundidad; los familiares participaron solo en entrevistas a profundidad. Resultados. Participaron 12 pacientes con diabetes (11 con diabetes mellitus tipo 2); seis en el grupo focal y seis en las entrevistas a profundidad y siete familiares. Luego del análisis se obtuvieron cuatro categorías: 1) creencias relacionadas al inicio de tratamiento con insulina: tratamiento de elección después del fracaso con otros fármacos, cura la diabetes, regula el azúcar, temor a los inyectables; 2) creencias relacionadas al mantenimiento del tratamiento: descompensación por no usar insulina, la insulina es necesaria para vivir; 3) creencias relacionadas a terapias alternativas y costo: uso de terapias alternativas, costo elevado de la insulina; y 4) mitos relacionados al uso de insulina: genera dependencia, dependencia para la administración de insulina, efectos negativos de la insulina. Conclusiones. Las creencias y mitos de los pacientes, en tratamiento con insulina, emergen desde el inicio del tratamiento y se mantienen con la evolución de este, siendo en muchas ocasiones reforzados por la cosmovisión de los familiares.

Objective. To analyze and explore the myths and beliefs about insulin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus and their family caregivers from a general hospital in northern Peru in 2020. Materials and methods. This qualitative study used a thematic analysis model, following the interpretative paradigm. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. Patients with diabetes that used some type of insulin for at least three months prior to the study were interviewed, as well as their family caregivers. Patients participated in a focus group and in-depth interviews; family caregivers participated only in in-depth interviews. Results. Twelve patients with diabetes (11 with type 2 diabetes mellitus) were included; six in the focus group and six in the in-depth interviews. Seven family caregivers were included. After analysis, we obtained four categories: 1) beliefs related to starting insulin treatment: treatment of choice after failure of other drugs, cures diabetes, regulates sugar, fear of injectables; 2) beliefs related to treatment adherence: decompensation for not using insulin, insulin is necessary to live; 3) beliefs related to alternative therapies and cost: use of alternative therapies, high cost of insulin; and 4) myths related to the use of insulin: generates dependence, dependence for insulin administration, negative effects of insulin. Conclusions. The beliefs and myths of patients treated with insulin arise from the beginning of treatment, remain throughout the course of treatment, and are often reinforced by the worldview of family members.

Características de las Infecciones asociadas a atenciones en la salud y uso de antibióticos en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos COVID- 19, del norte peruano: 2020-2021

Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia de IAAS y el uso de antibióticos en una UCI COVID del norte peruano. Método: estudio descriptivo trasversal. Se revisaron 85 historias. Hallazgos: mediana de edad= 57 años, RIC (49- 78); 70 % hombres; 74/85 en ventilador, mediana en días= 13 (RIC=7-45). Frecuencia de IAAS: 28,2%: Neumonía asociada a Ventilador 79,1%; 26/85 tuvo al menos un cultivo: 22/26 secreción bronquial: 10/26 Acinetobacter baumani,10/26 Pseudomona Aeruginosa; 8/10 de Acinetobacter y 5/10 de las Pseudomonas fueron multidrogoresistentes; 100% de pacientes recibieron antibióticos; 63 % Carbapenems (36 % Imipenem y 27 % Meropenem) y 22 % cefalosporinas de tercera (14% Ceftazidime y 8% Ceftriaxona); mortalidad: 30,6%. De 19 NAV, 7/19 fueron por Acinetobacter Baummani y 10/19 por Pseudomona Aeruginosa. De los fallecidos, 19% tuvo Acinetobacter baumani y 11% Pseudomona Aeruginosa. Conclusión: gérmenes más frecuentes: Acinetobacter y Pseudomona, todos los pacientes recibieron antibióticos; el más frecuente fue Imipenem.

Objective: To describe the frequency of HAIs and the use of antibiotics in a COVID ICU in northern Peru. The methods cross-sectional descriptive study. 85 stories were reviewed. Findings: median age= 57 years, IQR (49-78); 70% men; 74/85 on a ventilator, median in days= 13 (IQR=7-45). HAI frequency: 28.2%: Ventilator-associated pneumonia 79.1%; 26/85 had at least one culture: 22/26 bronchial secretions: 10/26 Acinetobacter baumani, 10/26 Pseudomonas Aeruginosa; 8/10 of Acinetobacter and 5/10 of Pseudomonas were multidrug resistant; 100% of patients received antibiotics; 63% Carbapenems (36% Imipenem and 27% Meropenem) and 22% third-class cephalosporins (14% Ceftazidime and 8% Ceftriaxone); mortality: 30.6%. Of the 19 VAP, 7/19 were due to Acinetobacter Baummani and 10/19 due to Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Of the deceased, 19% had Acinetobacter baumani and 11% had Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Conclusion: the most frequent germs: Acinetobacter and Pseudomona, all patients received antibiotics and the most frequent was imipenem.

Los exámenes de ayuda diagnóstica y los conflictos de interés en nuestros hospitales: ¿Corrupción enmascarada?

Introducción: En los hospitales públicos, las dificultades surgidas por el déficit de recursos logísticos en el laboratorio clínico, dificultan aún más una atención de calidad. La carencia de una gestión por procesos y los conflictos de interés surgidos por la proliferación de laboratorios no certificados ni acreditados, hacen necesaria una nueva visión sobre este tema. La Medicina del Laboratorio Basado en la Evidencia, es una herramienta de la cual clínicos, tecnólogos y biólogos pueden beneficiarse. Por otro lado, es necesario que, a partir del estado, se consensuen los esfuerzos realizados por los distintos actores de este problema: UNAGESP, IETSI, SIS, INACAL, SUSALUD, Defensoría del Pueblo, Contraloría General de la República, Colegios profesionales y Empresa privada para mejorar la gestión del laboratorio clínico.

Background: In public hospitals, the difficulties arising from the lack of logistical resources in the clinical laboratory make quality care even more difficult. The lack of management by processes and the conflicts of interest arising from the proliferation of laboratories that are not certified or accredited make a new vision on this subject necessary. Evidence-Based Laboratory Medicine is a tool from which clinicians, technologists and biologists can benefit. On the other hand, it is necessary that, from the state, the efforts made by the UNAGESP, IETSI, SIS, INACAL, SUSALUD, the Ombudsman's Office, the Comptroller General's Office of the Republic, professional associations and private companies to improve the management of the clinical laboratory be agreed upon.

Tocilizumab in COVID-19: enthusiasm vs. evidence.

Based on the pathophysiological characterization of COVID-19, initial studies suggested the use of tocilizumab (TCZ), a recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin G1 class, for management of the cytokine storm witnessed in severe cases. Thus, we decided to present a case series of 18 patients with severe COVID-19 treated with TCZ at our hospital. Our results coincide with the fact that the routine use of TCZ in severe COVID-19 is not robustly supported. We believe that the efficacy and safety of this drug and other related molecules should be validated in large randomized clinical trials.

Health status evaluation of type 2 diabetes patients from two hospitals of northern Peru / Evaluación del estado de salud en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 de dos hospitales del norte del Perú

Objetive: To describe illness related knowledge features,mental health, adherence to therapy and quality of life on type 2 diabetes patients from two hospitals from northern Peru. Material and Methods: Cross sectional descriptive study. Acense was made. Descriptive statistics and exploratory analysis were employed. Results: there were 382 diabetes patients: 289 in Lambayeque and 93 in Piura:112 people were interviewed. The mean age was 59.5 +/- 11.6 years, 58% were women, 59% were from Piura, 43.8% only had primary school and 41.5% referred 2 to 4 outpatient evaluations in the last two years; 28.6% reported to have been infected by COVID-19: 35,5% in Lambayeque and 23.8% in Piura; 17.8% had poor knowledge about the disease. About mental health, 91.9% had Depression, 75% Anxiety and 72.8%, both; 50.6% had adequate adherence to therapy. The median of quality of life was 161.5 (IQR=127.1-215) and 24.1% had poor quality of life. In descending order, the more affected dimensions of quality of life were: "control of diabetes", "energy and mobility", "socialburden", "anxiety" and "sexual performance". In the exploratory multivariate analysis, depression was associated with high quality of life. Conclusion: diseaserelated-knowledge features, mental health, adherence to therapy and quality of life were poor on type 2 diabetics from these two northern cities of Peru.There were no association between sociodemographic characteristics, mental health, knowledge, adherence, with quality of life.

Objetivo: Describir el conocimiento relacionado con la enfermedad, la salud mental, la adherencia a la terapia y la calidad de vida en pacientes con diabetes tipo 2 de dos hospitales del norte de Perú. Material y Métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Se hizo un censo. Se empleó estadística descriptiva y análisis exploratorio. Resultados: hubo 382 pacientes con diabetes: 289 de Lambayeque y 93 de Piura: se entrevistaron 112 personas. La edad promedio fue de 59,5 +/- 11,6 años, 58% eran mujeres, 59% de Piura, 43,8% solo tenían primaria y 41,5% refirieron 2 a 4 evaluaciones por consulta externa en los últimos dos años; 28,6% reportó haber tenido COVID-19: 35,5% en Lambayeque y 23,8% en Piura; en 17,8% el conocimiento sobre su enfermedad fue deficiente; 91,9% tenía depresión, 75% ansiedad y 72,8%, ambos; 50,6% tuvo una adecuada adherencia a la terapia farmacológica. La mediana de calidad de vida fue 161,5 (RIC = 127,1-215) y en 24,1% la calidad de vida fue deficiente. En orden descendente, las dimensiones de la calidad de vida más afectadas fueron: "control de la diabetes", "energía y movilidad", "carga social", "ansiedad" y "desempeño sexual". En el análisis exploratorio multivariado, la depresión se asoció con una alta calidad de vida. Conclusión: el conocimiento relacionado con la enfermedad, la salud mental, la adherencia a la terapia y la calidad de vida fueron deficientes en los diabéticos tipo 2 de estas dos ciudades del norte del Perú. No hubo asociación entre características sociodemográficas, salud mental, conocimientos, adherencia y calidad de vida.

¿Inercia clínica, burnout, corrupción?: Reflexiones a propósito de la pandemia / Clinical inertia, burnout, corruption ?: Reflections on the pandemic

Señor Editor: Durante la pandemia, la práctica clínica se ha visto afectada por muchas razones; ver sufrir al paciente desconcierta, contrastándose lo que la evidencia nos propone, con la realidad. Apesar de que el arsenal terapéutico para COVID-19 es limitado, existen alternativas aplicables. Sin embargo, observamos inercia clínica. Existe impasibilidad ante el sufrimiento; la persona es vista como una estadística. No hacerlo exige, compromiso y olvido de sí mismo

Mr. Editor: During the pandemic, clinical practice has been affected for many reasons; seeing the patient suffer is disconcerting, contrasting what the evidence proposes to us, with reality. Although the therapeutic arsenal for COVID-19 is limited, there are applicable alternatives. However, we observe clinical inertia. There is impassivity in the face of suffering; the person is seen as a statistic. Failure to do so requires commitment and self-forgetfulness.

Mortalidad en pacientes hospitalizados por COVID-19. Estudio prospectivo en el norte del Perú, 2020

Background: Peru has one of the highest mortality rates due to COVID-19 in the world. Aim: To describe the clinical features, evolution and explore factors associated with mortality in patients with moderate to severe Covid-19. Material and Methods: Prospective analytical study. The clinical, laboratory, imaging, and mortality data of patients admitted at a COVID service of the Santa Rosa de Piura Hospital were recorded from April to June 2020. Results: Data from 391 patients with a median age of 60 years (70% women) was gathered. The time lapse between the onset of the disease and hospitalization was seven days. The most common alteration in the blood count was Neutrophilia in 78% of patients. The median PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 77. The distribution of tomographic patterns was Ground glass in 91% of patients, interstitial involvement in 57%, consolidation in 43%. Sixteen percent of patients had at least one complication, the most common was an increase in transaminases in 2%. Four percent were admitted to the intensive care unit and 53% died (94% during hospitalization and 5.8% during ICU stay). In the bivariate analysis, an association was found between a higher mortality and older age (p = 0.01), having fewer days of illness (p = 0.03), fewer days of hospital stay (p < 0.01), having at least one comorbidity (p = 0.02), lymphopenia (p = 0.02), neutrophilia (P = 0.03) and lower PaO2/ FiO2 ratio (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Fifty percent of these patients died. Age, rapid progression, having comorbidities and other laboratory alterations were associated with mortality.

Seguimiento de pacientes con pie diabético en un hospital de alta complejidad del norte del Perú / Follow-up of patients with diabetic foot in a highly complex hospital in northern Peru

RESUMEN Introducción. El pie diabético es una complicación frecuente de la diabetes. Los datos son escasos en el norte peruano. Objetivo. Describir la evolución clínica del pie diabético en un hospital de Lambayeque-Perú, entre los años 2018 y 2019. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo. Los pacientes fueron captados por emergencia/consulta y seguidos por la unidad de pie diabético mediante visitas diarias y curaciones. Resultados. Seguimiento desde agosto del 2018 a octubre 2019. Hubo 136 pacientes; mediana de edad: 63 años (RIC= 54-86) y 50,38% fueron hombres. La mediana de años con diabetes y tiempo de hospitalización fue 10 años y 10 días; 40% y 21% tuvo trauma y amputación previa. Las frecuencias de hipertensión arterial, nefropatía diabética, enfermedad renal crónica, síndrome coronario agudo y evento cerebrovascular previo fueron: 52,9%, 26,4%, 33,3%, 2,9% y 16,6%, respectivamente; 50,7% tuvo compromiso de pie derecho, 58,1% del izquierdo y 8,6%, de ambos. El Wagner inicial más frecuente fue IV: 30,16%, seguido de II: 25,40% y el final más frecuente fue IV: 42,15% seguido del II: 22,31%. Se amputaron 41,22%, mayores: 28,24% y menores 11,8%; 25,6% fueron supracondíleas; 39,6% tuvo sepsis, evolución desfavorable 38,58% y fallecieron 9,44%. En los amputados, la mediana de días antes de la amputación fue 12. Conclusiones. La frecuencia de amputación y mortalidad fue mayor a la de estudios anteriores. Hubo una alta frecuencia de evolución desfavorable: amputación/muerte o empeoramiento de la gangrena.

ABSTRACT Introduction. Diabetic foot is a frequent complication of diabetes. Data are scarce in northern Peru. Objective. To describe the clinical evolution of the diabetic foot in a hospital in Lambayeque-Peru, between 2018 and 2019. Methods. Descriptive, prospective study. The patients were recruited by emergency/consultation and followed by the diabetic foot unit through daily visits and dressings. Results. Follow-up from August 2018 to October 2019. There were 136 patients; median age: 63 years (IQR = 54-86) and 50.38% were men. The median number of years with diabetes and hospitalization time was 10 years and 10 days; 40% and 21% had trauma and previous amputation. The frequencies of high blood pressure, diabetic nephropathy, chronic kidney disease, previous acute coronary syndrome and cerebrovascular event were: 52.9%, 26.4%, 33.3%, 2.9% and 16.6%, respectively; 50.7% had involvement of the right foot, 58.1% of the left and 8.6% of both. The most frequent initial Wagner was IV: 30.16%, followed by II: 25.40% and the most frequent final was IV: 42.15% followed by II: 22.31%. 41.22% were amputated, mayor amputations: 28.24% and minor amputations 11.8%; 25.6% were supracondylar; 39.6% had sepsis, 38.58% unfavorable evolution and 9.44% died. In amputees, the median number of days before amputation was 12. Conclusions. The frequency of amputation and mortality was higher than in previous studies. There was a high frequency of unfavorable evolution: amputation/death or worsening of gangrene.