Revista Finlay (Nov 2023)

The Impact of Diabetes on the Development and Progression of Lower Leg Ulcers

  • Ronelsys Martínez Martínez,
  • Jenny Olivia Caicedo Rodríguez,
  • Flor Betzabet Morocho Quinchuela

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 3
pp. 127 – 136

Abstract

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Foundation: ulcers of the lower extremities are a significant medical, social and economic problem worldwide. The prevalence of these ulcers, their relationship with diabetes and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in their treatment are discussed. Objective: to evaluate the impact of diabetes on the incidence and evolution of lower extremity ulcers, with special attention to bacterial and fungal infections. Methods: a descriptive and correlational study was conducted on 110 patients with lower leg ulcers from the Ulcer Research Center. The patients were divided into a study group and a control group. The study group consisted of 78 diabetic patients and the control group consisted of 32 non-diabetic patients. Information was collected through questionnaires and physical examinations, and complementary analyzes were performed, which included bacteriological and mycological tests of the ulcers. The results were statistically analyzed with the SPSS version 23 program. The student's t test was used for unpaired pairs and for the correlation analysis of the dependent variables, the non-parametric Pearson's Chi test was used. The statistical hypotheses were verified at a significance level of p < 0.05. The results were presented in quantities and percentages. Results: in diabetic patients, the average age, the average number of ulcers and duration of ulceration were higher compared to the control group. A higher prevalence of pseudomonas aeruginosa and staphylococcus aureus was found in the study group. Multiple isolates were found in both groups, with a higher frequency in the female group. In relation to fungal infections, cases of candida albicans were identified in the study group, which was sensitive to several antifungals. Conclusions: the study found a higher incidence of bacterial and fungal infections in the ulcers of diabetic patients compared to those without diabetes and in women compared to men.

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