Low Hemoglobin Levels in Infected Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Background: Studies have shown that anemia is twice as common in diabetics compared with nondiabetics.Objective: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of anemia in diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) patients and it's correlation with infection.Methods: This study was conducted from October 2015 to the end of February 2016 and consisted of (55) Iraqi diabetic patients with foot ulcer that sub grouped to patients with non infected diabetic foot patients (n=25, group NIDFU), and patients with infected diabetic foot (n=30, group IDFU) according to erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).Anthropometric indices and clinical examinations were done.Anemia is defined according to WHO as hemoglobin (Hb) levels <12 g/dL.Statistical analysis was done using t-test and Pearson correlation.Results: ESR of group NIDFU (25.2±14.26mm/hr) was significantly lower (P = <0.001) in comparison to that of group IDFU (76.73±33.39mm/hr).The mean values of Hb of NIDFU group (13.45±2.15g/dl) was significantly higher (P = <0.001)than that of IDFU group (11.34±2.17g/dl).In IDFU group; 63% were anemic while only 32% of NIDFU group have anemia.Pearson correlation of ESR in IDFU group revealed significant negative correlation with Hb (r= -0.386; P <0.05), while no significant correlation with Hb (r= 0.404; P >0.05) was found in NIDFU group.Conclusion: This prospective study showed a high incidence of anemia in patients with IDFU in contrast to NIDFU and a negative correlation was found between anemia and infection.Iron replacement and therapeutic strategies are recommended.