11 Nov 2024 • A study of 513 patients with diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFUs) found that both infection and ulcer depth increased the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and all-cause mortality.

Patients with deep, infected ulcers (D+/I+) had the highest risk, with 26.8% experiencing MACE or mortality, compared to 7.9% in those with non-deep, non-infected ulcers.

Infection alone was associated with a higher incidence of MACE or death (21.5% vs 8.7%) and MACE alone (13.5% vs 5.1%).

Deep and infected ulcers were identified as independent predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

These findings highlight the critical role of inflammation and infection in elevating cardiovascular risk for DFU patients, emphasizing the need for early intervention and management to reduce these risks.

Source: Diabetologia Read full story