Assessment of Vitamin D levels in patients with Neuropathic Diabetic Foot Ulcers and its correlation with SINBAD score at index presentation

The study is a prospective cross-sectional study that will be conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. The study will undergo approval by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Informed consent will be taken from the participants at the time of enrolment from all the willing participants in the General Surgery OPD. Study population will include patients with non- infected neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers and relevant history and examination will be conducted to screen for inclusion and exclusion criteria. The ulcer will be examined and scored on the basis of SINBAD system Site, Ischemia, Neuropathy, Bacterial infection, Area, Depth. Serum Vitamin D levels which have been sent by the consultants as a routine protocol will be noted. Blood drawn for other lab investigations will suffice for Vitamin D level assessment also. No additional blood will be drawn separately for Vitamin D level assessment, which is a standard protocol for patients with diabetic neuropathy and reports will be collected from lab viewer. As per prior studies in the Department, the Podiatry Clinic of our Department does Vitamin D levels as a routine practice for all patients with Diabetic Neuropathy, without incurring additional costs. The severity of Vitamin D deficiency will be classified as per US Endocrine Society Classification, compared to the ulcer severity score. Finally, a correlation will be established between Vitamin D and the wound severity score. A p value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant. The patient will be assessed during the index visit for diabetic foot ulcer and no follow up will be required.