Predicting Peak Pressure in Diabetic Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Guldemond Nick A, Leffers Pieter, Walenkamp Geert HIM, Schaper Nicolaas C, Sanders Antal P, Nieman Fred HM
Primary Institution: University Hospital Maastricht, the Netherlands
Hypothesis
Can clinical and radiological measurements predict local peak pressure in diabetic patients?
Conclusion
Clinical and radiological measurements can explain only about 34 percent of the variance in local barefoot peak pressure in diabetic patients.
Supporting Evidence
- Forefoot pressures were significantly higher in patients with neuropathy compared to those without.
- Clinical models explained up to 39 percent of the variance in local peak pressures.
- Callus formation and toe deformity were identified as relevant clinical predictors.
Takeaway
Doctors want to know how much pressure is on diabetic patients' feet to prevent ulcers, but they can't always tell just by looking or using standard tests.
Methodology
Ninety-three diabetic patients underwent clinical and radiological assessments, and their barefoot peak pressure was measured using a pressure platform.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients with severe foot deformities.
Limitations
The prediction models were not useful in clinical practice due to significant underestimation of high plantar pressure values.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 30-75 with diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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