Diabetic foot infection in Spain

Abstract

Introduction: The associated complications of diabetes mellitus significantly impair the quality of life of affected patients. The disease leads to a wide variety of complications; among them foot ulcers are common being the most frequent cause of hospitaliza- tion of diabetic patients. Moreover, foot ulcers predict disability, morbidity, and mortality in diabetic patients in addition to incurring considerable healthcare costs. We investigate the bacteria involved in diabetic foot ulcers infection and record the evolution and epi- demiological data of a group of patients. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of prospectively enrolled diabetic patients who attended two hospitals in Barcelona: one specializing in foot care (Hospital Podologic of the University of Barcelona) and the other a tertiary referral hospital (Hospital de Sant Pau). A comparison of microbiological results and their dependence on the sampling method (swab or punch) was done. Results: Diabetic Foot Syndrome was more prevalent in males than in females and more prevalent in patients with type 2 than type 1 diabetes. It becomes apparent that individuals living alone (singles, widowers and widows, etc.) tend to request medical assi- stance later or perhaps they take less attention to their feet, thus percentage of singles increased with the severity. Relatives and nur- sing care seem to play a relevant role in the evolution and prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers. Conclusion: Relatives and nursing care seem to play a crucial role in the evolution and prognosis of diabetic foot ulcers. Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus were the most frequent bacteria infecting ulcers. The use of ciprofloxacin should be discouraged since resistance accounted up to a 40%.