Clinical Report: The Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk and Diabetic Foot Ulcer Severity in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes
Overview
Revise to specify the correlation between OSA risk and healing times more clearly.
Background
Obstructive sleep apnea is prevalent among individuals with type 2 diabetes and may exacerbate chronic complications such as diabetic foot ulcers. Understanding the relationship between OSA risk and DFU severity is crucial, as DFUs significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in this population. Identifying OSA risk could enhance patient management and outcomes.
Data Highlights
Group
STOP-Bang Score
OSA Risk
Median Healing Time (days)
DFU Patients
4.3 ± 2.0
83.6% moderate/high
120.0
Controls
3.2 ± 2.2
60.3% moderate/high
65.0
Key Findings
DFU patients had a higher STOP-Bang score compared to controls (4.3 vs. 3.2, p=0.004).
83.6% of DFU patients were classified as having moderate/high OSA risk compared to 60.3% of controls (p=0.002).
Higher ulcer severity in DFU patients was associated with moderate/high OSA risk (97.1% vs. 71.8%, p=0.004).
Median healing time for DFU patients with moderate/high OSA risk was significantly longer (120 days) compared to those with low risk (65 days, p=0.032).
Multivariable analysis identified male sex, higher STOP-Bang category, and poorer metabolic control as predictors of ulcer severity.
Clinical Implications
Incorporating OSA risk assessment into routine evaluations for patients with diabetic foot ulcers may help identify those at greater risk for poor healing outcomes. Clinicians should consider screening for OSA in T2D patients, particularly those presenting with DFUs.
Conclusion
The findings underscore the importance of recognizing obstructive sleep apnea risk in patients with diabetic foot ulcers, as it is associated with greater ulcer severity and delayed healing. Enhanced screening and management strategies may improve patient outcomes.
by Raquel Ruano, María Teresa Charles, Josep León-Mengíbar, Ferran Barbé, Angel Michael Ortiz-Zúñiga, Marta Hernández, Cristina Hernández, Rafael Simó, Albert Lecube
