Major adverse foot events and functional mobility deficits associated with diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy

The purpose is to determine the risk ratios (RR) for both major adverse foot events (MAFEs) and the presence of moderate and severe functional mobility deficits in participants with diabetic peripheral neuropathy across the stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

We studied 284 participants with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and CKD. MAFEs including foot fracture, ulcerations, Charcot neuropathic arthropathy (CN), osteomyelitis, and minor foot amputations were collected from foot x-ray reports in the medical records of 152 participants; functional mobility deficits were assessed in 132 participants using the modified physical performance test (mPPT). Moderate mobility deficit was categorized as mPPT scores 22-29 and severe mobility deficit as < 22. Unadjusted and adjusted (age, body weight, race, HbA1c) RR were calculated across each stage of CKD, with stage 1 CKD used as the reference group.

The RR for neuropathic foot fracture, CN, and diabetic foot ulceration remained consistent across CKD stages. The RR of minor amputation is greater in CKD stages 4 and 5. The RR of moderate or severe mobility deficit is greater in CKD stages 3 and 5 and in CKD stages 3, 4, and 5, respectively. An inverse association was observed between MAFE prevalence and mPPT scores across CKD stages.

Major adverse foot events and functional mobility deficits are prevalent in individuals with DPN and diabetic kidney disease. The risks for minor foot amputation and functional mobility deficits increase as early as stage 3 CKD and increase further in stages 4 and 5.