Mortality in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Causes, Risk Factors, and Their Association with Evolution and Severity of Ulcer.

This study reviews the mortality of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) from the first consultation with a Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Team (MDFT) and analyzes the main cause of death, as well as the relevant clinical factors associated with survival. Data of 338 consecutive patients referred to the MDFT center for a new DFU during the 2008-2014 period were analyzed. Follow-up: until death or until 30 April 2020, for up to 12.2 years. Clinical characteristics: median age was 71 years, 92.9% had type 2 diabetes, and about 50% had micro-macrovascular complications. Ulcer characteristics: Wagner grade 1-2 (82.3%), ischemic (49.2%), and infected ulcers (56.2%). During follow-up, 201 patients died (59.5%), 110 (54.7%) due to cardiovascular disease. Kaplan-Meier curves estimated a reduction in survival of 60% with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI), (54.7-65.3) at 5 years. Cox regression analysis adjusted to a multivariate model showed the following associations with mortality, with hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI): age, 1.07 (1.05-1.08); HbA1c value < 7% (53 mmol/mol), 1.43 (1.02-2.0); active smoking, 1.59 (1.02-2.47); ischemic heart or cerebrovascular disease, 1.55 (1.15-2.11); chronic kidney disease, 1.86 (1.37-2.53); and ulcer severity (SINBAD system) 1.12 (1.02-1.26). Patients with a history of DFU have high mortality. Two less known predictors of mortality were identified: HbA1c value < 7% (53 mmol/mol) and ulcer severity.