Relevância das pressões plantares como medida de prevenção de ulceração em pessoas com pé diabético em Portugal.

Objectives - To understand the relationship between plantar pressures and the ulcers' occurrence in individuals with neuropathic diabetic foot, using this factor as a possible method of risk assessment and identification. To investigate the association between the epidemiological data and the ulcer's occurrence. To identify an indicative value for its occurrence. Methods - A quantitative cross-sectional, correlational, and epidemiological study was carried out by collecting sociodemographic and clinical information from the participants and conducting sensitivity tests to identify neuropathy. The sample (N = 60) was divided into two groups: neuropathic diabetics and non-neuropathic diabetics. Podological evaluations were performed using a baropodometric platform, and later statistical analyses were made with the results obtained. Results - There is an association between age, gender, and increased BMI with the occurrence of neuropathy. More than half of the diabetic population in the study has associated peripheral neuropathy. The presence of deformities in the feet of the individuals in the sample was shown to have an influence on the occurrence of ulcer, as well as PPP and IPT values. It can be assumed that the value 88.06 kPa is a reference value for the development of an ulcer. Conclusions - There is a relationship between PP and the occurrence of ulcers. Podological analysis on a baropodometric platform allows us to understand whether or not the patient is at risk of developing an ulcer. This study shows a possible PPP value that serves as an indicator of the development of an ulcer on a diabetic foot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]