Prevalence of peripheral arterial disease and peripheral neuropathy in diabetic foot infection in Makassar, Indonesia: A cross-sectional study

Background and objectives. Diabetic foot is a debilitating condition that affects approximately 15% of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and is frequently complicated by infections. This condition significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality in DM patients. Studies have identified peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and peripheral neuropathy (PN) as significant risk factors for diabetic foot. Therefore, this study aims to determine the prevalence of PAD and PN in infected diabetic foot. Materials and methods. This study included 99 patients diagnosed with DM. Participants were categorized into three groups: no diabetic foot, uninfected diabetic foot, and infected diabetic foot. PAD was assessed using the ankle-brachial index measured with a handheld Doppler device. PN was evaluated using the Semmes-Weinstein 5.07 (10 g) monofilament. Results. The prevalence of PAD was significantly higher in patients with infected diabetic foot (84.8%) compared to those with uninfected diabetic foot (66.7%) and those without diabetic foot (15.2%) (p < 0.001). Similarly, the prevalence of PN was highest among patients with infected diabetic foot (93.9%) (p < 0.001). The coexistence of PAD and PN was most prevalent in patients with infected diabetic foot (78.8%), followed by patients with uninfected diabetic foot (54.5%). Only 6.1% of patients without diabetic foot had both conditions (p < 0.001). Conclusions. The prevalence of PAD and PN was highest in patients with infected diabetic foot compared to those with uninfected diabetic foot or no diabetic foot.