Pattern of diabetic foot lesions in Saudi Arabia: experience from King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh

ABSTRACT

A retrospective study was carried out to estimate the magnitude and pattern of foot lesions seen in diabetics living in Saudi Arabia. A review of the records of 1010 diabetic patients seen at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, revealed an overall prevalence of 10.4% for diabetic foot lesions. Of these, 88 patients were further characterized; 55 [62 .5%] were males and 33 [37.5%] were females. Seventy-five patients [85.2%] were Saudis and 13 [14.8%] were non-Saudis. The average age was 58 years. Eighty-five patients had type 2 diabetes and three had type 1. The spectrum of foot lesions included 10 cases of cellulitis, 33 cases of ulcers, 29 cases of gangrene, and 16 cases of abscess. Evidence of peripheral vascular disease was present in 48 patients [54.5%] while peripheral neuropathy was found in 43 [48.8%]. Surgical debridement with prolonged dressing was done in 58 patients [66%] while amputation was performed in 30 [34.1%]. The average hospitalization was 6.8 weeks. Diabetic foot lesions constitute a major complication of this disease in Saudi Arabia. The high amputation rate is a source of concern and improved techniques are urgently needed to reduce this serious outcome: