Abstract: Background: A number of scoring systems and classifications are available for diabetic foot ulcers with intention to compare the treatment modalities and future outcomes. Many of them are complex and don’t predict future outcome within the patients. The aim of this study was to establish a wound-based clinical scoring system (DUSS) for diabetic foot ulcer as daily clinical practice with clinically defined and easily assessable wound-based parameters.
Aims and Objective: To establish a wound-based clinical scoring system (DUSS) as daily clinical practice by assessing the efficacy of Diabetic Ulcer Severity Score.
Methods: A total of 73 diabetic patients with foot ulcers were included in this prospective observational study conducted at Dr S.N. Medical College, Jodhpur and attached hospitals from July 2018 to August 2020. Ulcers were assessed and DUSS score created. Patients were followed up for six months or until healing or amputation if earlier.
Results: In this prospective study of 73 patients with diabetic foot ulcers, males were commonly affected accounting for 76.71% of all patients. Most common age group affected was between 51-70 years. Mean age group was 58.57+12.66 years. Mean duration of diabetes was 7.61+5.72 years. Most commonly ulcers were of DUSS score 2. Mean DUSS score was 1.97+1.15. Overall 25 (34.25%) out of 73 patients had amputation, in which 12 (16.44%) had major amputation while 13 (17.81%) had minor amputation.
Conclusion: This is a very simple scoring system that provides an easily accessible and a streamlined approach in the clinical setting without need of any advanced investigative equipment. Hence this can be applied in any set up, even in busy outdoor patient departments to assess the patients with diabetic foot ulcer.
