PREVALENCE OF PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS IN MEDICINE AND ORTHOPAEDIC WARDS AT CIVIL HOSPITAL, KHAIRPUR MEDICAL COLLEGE, KHAIRPUR, SINDH, PAKISTAN
Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, Peripheral neuropathy, Prevalence, Orthopaedic wards, Medicine wards, Pakistan, Glycemic controlAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and clinical profile of peripheral neuropathy in diabetic patients admitted to medicine and orthopaedic wards of Civil Hospital, Khairpur Medical College, Sindh.
METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult diabetic patients and were admitted in medicine and orthopedic wards. Patients who had non-diabetic cause of neuropathy were not included. Measuring the neuropathy was done using Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), which is divided into symptom questionnaires and certain clinical exam. Demographic information, length of diabetes, treatment modes, comorbidities and glycemic control (HbA1c) were captured. Data analysis was done using SPSS software. The relationship between variables was investigated with chi-square tests and logistic regression, but the descriptive statistics offered an overview of the data. The Ethical review committee gave the ethical approval and informed consent was also received.
RESULTS: The participants of the study were middle-aged/old diabetic patients of almost equal gender distribution. The overall incidence of peripheral neuropathy was 45 percent. Neuropathy was observed have a close association with longer duration of the disease (10 and above years), inadequate glycemia control (HbA1c, 8% and above) and co-occurring hypertension and hypertension. Neuropathy had a marginal prevalence (50 vs 42) between patients taken to an orthopedic ward and a medical ward, respectively. It presented itself clinically with numbness, tingling, burning, and lack of sensation of vibration and decreased ankle reflexes.
CONCLUSION: Peripheral neuropathy is quite frequent in diabetic inpatients of the Khairpur Medical College, in particular with respect to the ineffective glycemic control and the long length of diabetes induction. Best screening and total care plans are leading towards reducing complications as well as maximizing patient results and to manage healthcare resources.
