Rev Esp Cir Ortop Traumatol. 2026 Jan-Feb;70(1):T8-T12. doi: 10.1016/j.recot.2025.11.012. Epub 2025 Nov 11.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCCTION: Diabetic foot (DF) is a common and serious complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), especially in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing renal replacement therapy (RRT). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of DF and associated conditions in DM patients receiving RRT at a tertiary care hospital in Argentina.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study between December 2022 and September 2024. A total of 54 patients with type 1 or type 2 DM undergoing either hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) were included. History of DF, active or pre-ulcerative lesions, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, and associated risk factors were evaluated through physical examination and medical record review.
RESULTS: DF was present in 40.7% of patients, with a higher proportion in HD (48.6%) compared to PD (26.3%). Pre-ulcerative lesions were found in 61.1%, and active ulcers in 9.3%. A history of amputation was reported in 31.4% of cases. Diabetic neuropathy (87%) and peripheral vascular disease (81.5%), both closely related to DF development, were key findings. Significant differences were observed in smoking (42.1% PD vs. 11.4% HD, p=0.016), which may impair microcirculation, and obesity (63.2% PD vs. 25.7% HD, p=0.016), which increases plantar pressure and contributes to foot deformities.
CONCLUSIONS: DM patients on RRT have a high prevalence of DF and related risk factors. Early detection and multidisciplinary follow-up are essential to prevent complications such as ulcers and amputations.
PMID:42024533 | DOI:10.1016/j.recot.2025.11.012