Foot burns and diabetes: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Clinical Outcomes
• Burn Management

Background:

• Diabetes mellitus complicates wound healing, particularly in foot burn cases.
• The specific impact of diabetes on foot burn patient outcomes remains under-examined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare the clinical outcomes of patients with foot burns, differentiating between those with and without diabetes.
• To identify specific challenges and adverse events associated with diabetes in foot burn patients.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective audit of 33 patients with foot burns (15 with diabetes, 18 without) admitted to Concord Hospital Burns Unit between 2012-2013.
• Patients were matched for percentage total body surface area of burns to ensure comparable injury severity.

Main Results:

• Diabetic patients had significantly longer inpatient (21.27 vs 9.61 days) and total (64.80 vs 30.56 days) lengths of stay.
• Higher rates of regrafting (20% vs 5.55%) and amputations (33.33% vs 0%) were observed in the diabetic group.
• Diabetic patients were older (56.60 vs 39.44 years) and less likely to be prescribed pressure garments (13.33% vs 50.00%).

Conclusions:

• Diabetes is associated with poorer outcomes in foot burn patients, including prolonged healing and increased surgical interventions.
• There is a critical need for enhanced burn prevention strategies and education tailored to individuals with diabetes.