Correlation of lipid profile and lipoprotein ratio with severity of diabetic foot ulcers

BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulcers are the leading cause of amputation in non-traumatic patients. This study aimed to determine the correlation of lipid ratio levels with severity and treatment outcomes in diabetic foot ulcer patients, as well as the relationship of risk factors in diabetic foot patients with the severity of diabetic foot ulcers.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study determined the correlation between the cholesterol ratios TG/HDL, LDL/HDL, and TC/HDL with the severity of diabetic foot ulcers according to the Wagner, Texas, and PEDIS classifications. The statistical analysis used the Pearson and Spearman correlation tests, which were deemed meaningful if P<0.05.
RESULTS: The study participants were 42 diabetic foot ulcer patients aged 31 to 79 years. Out of the 42 patients, 39 had diabetic dyslipidemia. A significant positive correlation existed of triglyceride levels, TG/HDL ratio, duration of diabetes, and smoking history with the severity of diabetic foot according to the Wagner, Texas, and PEDIS classifications. A significant positive correlation was found of the TC/HDL ratio and TG/HDL ratio with the treatment outcome, as well as a significant negative correlation between the HDL level and treatment outcome.
CONCLUSIONS: A significant correlation existed of low HDL, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high TG/HDL ratio with the severity of diabetic foot. A greater duration of diabetes and a smoking history correlated with more severe diabetic foot. Low HDL and high TG/HDL and TC/HDL ratios were correlated with poorer treatment outcomes.