Predictors of surgical management in diabetic foot infections

Early recognition of the need for surgical intervention is crucial in terms of limiting amputation level and decreasing mortality. We aimed to determine the risk factors for limb loss in patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI).

Data of hospitalised patients with a DFI between 2010 and 2019 were collected retrospectively from their hospital records. Clinical and laboratory findings were analysed according to the type of treatment.

Data were collected for 401 patients, 280 (69.8%) of whom were male. The mean age was 59.6±11.1 years. Treatment modalities included: medical treatment (36.4%); debridement/drainage (21.9%); minor amputation (17.7%); and major amputation (23.9%). Forefoot infection (odds ratio (OR): 3.347; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 1.408-7.956) and peripheral arterial disease (OR: 4.990; 95% Cl: 1.225-20.324) were found to be significant in predicting limb loss, while duration of diabetes (≥20 years) and absence of forefoot infection were significant predictors of debridement/drainage. Subgroup analysis showed that high leukocyte levels (>16.4K/μl) and forefoot infections were independent predictors for major and minor amputation, respectively.

The clinical parameters used in this study are simple, broadly available, cost-effective and promising for predicting limb loss in patients with DFI.