A Study of Outcome of Pattern of Diabetic Foot Ulcers Based on The Pedis Classification Scoring System

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant complication of diabetes mellitus and a major cause of non-traumatic lower limb amputations.

The PEDIS classification (Perfusion, Extent, Depth, Infection, Sensation) provides a structured scoring system for evaluating DFUs.

This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of DFUs using the PEDIS scoring system.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of General Surgery, Travancore Medical College, over 18 months.

A total of 110 patients with clinically diagnosed DFUs were enrolled. Each patient was assessed using the PEDIS score at presentation and followed up for six months to assess outcomes (healed, non-healed, amputated, or dead).

Results: Of the 110 patients, 61 had low PEDIS scores (0–7), and 49 had high scores (8–12).

Patients with high PEDIS scores had a statistically significant longer duration of diabetes (p<0.001), greater prevalence of hypertension (p=0.042),

diabetic neuropathy (p<0.001), peripheral occlusive vascular disease (p<0.001), and critical limb ischemia (p<0.001).

Surgical interventions, including debridement and amputation, were more common in the high PEDIS group (p<0.001).

Healing time was significantly longer (3.71 ± 1.81 months vs. 2.16 ± 1.15 months, p<0.001), and the rate of healing was lower in the high PEDIS group (28.57% vs. 96.72%, p<0.001).

Conclusion: The PEDIS scoring system is an effective tool for predicting outcomes in DFU patients.

A high PEDIS score correlates with poorer outcomes, increased need for surgical intervention, and prolonged healing duration.