The impact of hospital admissions for infected diabetic foot ulcers at Hayatabad Medical Complex
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70765/wn4nh696Abstract
.Objective: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major complication of diabetes, with significant variations in outcomes based on age and comorbidities. This study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes between younger (≤60 years) and older (>60 years) DFU patients at a tertiary care center.
Method: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Hayatabad Medical Complex's Orthopedic Ward from June 2024 to March 2025. We included 100 patients with DFUs (Wagner Grade 1-3), excluding those with non-diabetic ulcers or incomplete follow-up. Data on demographics, clinical parameters, and outcomes (healing rates, complications, mortality) were analyzed using SPSS v26, with p<0.05 considered significant.
Result: The cohort (mean age 65±9.5 years, 60% male) showed significant differences between age groups. Older patients had higher BMI (31.4 vs 26.7 kg/m², p<0.01) and mortality (7.5% vs 1.7%, p=0.05). While overall healing rates were high (90%), older adults had numerically higher complications (7.5% vs 3.3%, p=0.23) and rehospitalization rates (10% vs 6.7%, p=0.55).
Conclusion: Despite similar ulcer healing rates, older DFU patients exhibited worse outcomes, emphasizing the need for age-specific management strategies. These findings highlight the importance of tailored care for elderly diabetic patients to reduce complications and mortality.
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