Pattern of Diabetic Foot Lesions in Saudi Arabia: Experience from King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh

Abstract

A retrospective study was carried out to estimate the magnitude and pattern of foot lesions seen in diabetics living in Saudi Arabia. A review of the records of 1010 diabetic patients seen at King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh, revealed an overall prevalence of 10.4% for diabetic foot lesions. Of these, 88 patients were further characterized; 55 (62.5%) were males and 33 (37.5%) were females. Seventy-five patients (85.2%) were Saudis and 13 (14.8%) were non-Saudis. The average age was 58 years. Eighty-five patients had type 2 diabetes and three had type 1. The spectrum of foot lesions included: 10 cases of cellulitis, 33 cases of ulcers, 29 cases of gangrene, and 16 cases of abscess. Evidence of peripheral vascular disease was present in 48 patients (54.5%) while peripheral neuropathy was found in 43 (48.8%). Surgical debridement with prolonged dressing was done in 58 patients (66%) while amputation was performed in 30 (34.1%). The average hospitalization was 6.8 weeks. Diabetic foot lesions constitute a major complication of this disease in Saudi Arabia. The high amputation rate is a source of concern and improved techniques are urgently needed to reduce this serious outcome.