The Charcot Foot: An Emerging Public Health Problem for African Diabetes Patients.

Area of Science:

• Diabetology
• Neurology
• Public Health

Background:

• Improved diabetes care in Africa contrasts with rising Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) prevalence.
• Surveillance in Tanzania and reports from other African nations indicate a growing concern.
• Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) is a serious complication of diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the epidemiology and clinical impact of CN in Tanzanian diabetes patients.
• To assess treatment outcomes for individuals with Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN).
• To investigate the association between CN and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Main Methods:

• A prospective cohort study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2015.
• Patients with diabetes were followed in an outpatient setting.
• Clinical assessments included documentation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) and vascular diseases.

Main Results:

• Out of 3271 ulcerations, 571 (18%) were diagnosed as Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN).
• CN prevalence significantly increased from 1.6% in 2013 to 34% in 2015 (P < .001).
• Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) was strongly associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Conclusions:

• Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN) prevalence is escalating in Tanzania's diabetes population.
• Neuropathy is a significant risk factor for developing Charcot Neuroarthropathy (CN).
• Prompt medical attention and early diagnosis are crucial to prevent severe disability and amputation.