[Epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary features of diabetic foot: a study conducted at the Medico-surgical Clinic, University Hospital Sylvanus Olympio in Lomé].

BACKGROUND

Diabetic foot is a common and severe complication of diabetes. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary features of diabetic foot at a Hospital in Lomé (Togo).

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2015 (5 years) at the Medico-surgical Clinic, University Hospital Sylvanus Olympio in Lomé All patients hospitalized for diabetic foot during the study period were enrolled.

RESULTS

Diabetic foot prevalence was 12.90%. The average age of patients was 60,74 years (ranging from 39 to 86 years). Diabetic foot was predominant in male patients, with a sex ratio of 1.38. Type 2 diabetes was found in 88.70% of patients. The mean duration of diabetes evolution was 11.67 years (ranging from 1 to 24 years). Foot lesions were caused by a trauma resulting in a superinfected sore in 70.97% of cases. Gangrene (61.29%) and ischemic necrosis (12.90%) were the most common lesions. Neuropathy was the main etiopathogenetic factor (61.29). The majority of lesions (61.29%) were classified as Wagner grade 4 and 5 and 51,62% of patients underwent lower limb amputation.

CONCLUSION

Foot lesions are frequent in diabetic patients living in Lomé. The fight against this scourge depends on education of patients and their caregivers as well on multidisciplinary and concerted patient management.