Management and outcomes of patients with diabetic foot ulcers during the Sudan war

Abstract

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers are a serious consequence of diabetes that necessitates specialized medical and personal care. This study intended to evaluate the care and results of diabetic foot ulcer patients in Sudan.

Methodology: This prospective descriptive analysis comprised 64 diabetic foot ulcer patients admitted to El-Obeid Teaching Hospital between May 2023 and May 2024. The study solely included diabetic foot ulcer patients. Hospital records provided demographic and clinical data.

Results:  Amputation was performed on 70.3% of patients, with 64.4% males and 35.6% females. Rays' amputation was the most common type, followed by below knee and above knee amputations, which accounted for 65.4%, 23%, and 11.5%, respectively. Plastic surgery is indicated for 23.4% of patients, including 21.6% of men and 26% of women. Amputation was the most prevalent negative consequence, accounting for 28%, followed by recurrence and persistence, accounting for 6.3% and 1.6% respectively. Out of the 18 amputated instances, 35% were men and 18.5% were women. Of the four recurrence cases, 25% were men and 75% were women.

Conclusion: Diabetic foot ulcers are a prevalent presentation among diabetic patients in western Sudan during the 2023 war. A large percentage of patients underwent amputations.