Diabetic Foot Infections and Outcomes:A Single Center Study

Abstract

Objective: Diabetic foot infections (DFI) is one of the most important complications of diabetes mellitus. In this study, we aimed to show the causative microorganisms among patients with DFI and evaluate the long term results.Materials and Methods: We included the patients over 18 years old who were followed up with DFI, with deep tissue cultures between July 26, 2015, and November 5, 2018, in our center. Demographic data of the patients, Hba1c levels, nasal swab, tissue biopsy and antibiogram results of microorganisms, were evaluated. The outcomes were infection, amputation, and mortality.Results: In total, 397 patients followed up with DFI diagnosis in “Diabetic Foot and Chronic Wound Unit" were included. The mean age was 65.48 years, and 74.3% of the patients were male. The most common gram-negative agent was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (37.1%), and the gram-positive agent was Staphylococcus aureus (56.5%). A surgical procedure was performed in 57.2% of the cases. Finger amputation interventions were 33.5% of the interventions, 36.6% were surgical debridement, and the remaining 30% were major amputations. The mortality rate was 1.5%.Conclusion: Tissue culturing is an important diagnostic tool that gives etiology and susceptibility pattern of bacteria in patients with DFI.