Foot Abnormalities in Diabetic CKD Patients

Chronic kidney disease is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality, the global prevalence of CKD was 9.1% (697.5 million cases) in 2017(1). Diabetes is a leading cause of end stage renal disease worldwide. (2) Foot abnormalities and amputation are major health concerns as they diminish health-related quality of life and cause financial burden (3).

KDIGO 2020 defines Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as persistently elevated urine albumin excretion (≥30 mg/g [3mg/mmol] creatinine), persistently reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2), or both, for greater than 3 months. (4) Diabetic foot is defined as either diabetic peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, infection, ulceration, or Charcot osteoarthropathy, or a combination of these abnormalities, in a person diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, according to the guidelines of International Working Group of Diabetic Foot 2020 (IWGDF). (5) There is a much higher incidence of diabetic foot disorder in those with renal disease and outcomes are generally poorer (2) as CKD patients are sharing three main risk factors of foot ulceration and amputation: neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease and increased susceptibility to infection with impaired wound healing. (6)

this research is conducted as little is known about the potential relationship between chronic kidney disease and diabetic foot. This research evaluates the true burden of different diabetic foot lesions in CKD patients, assesses the severity of diabetic foot in different stages of CKD and the factors that may aggravate it in CKD, for future need to modify our clinical policies in management of diabetic foot in CKD patients to provide better prognosis and prevent long term disabilities.