Monitoring of pH and temperature of neuropathic diabetic and nondiabetic foot ulcers for 12 weeks: An observational study

Georgina Gethin, Gerard M. O'Connor, Jaynal Abedin, John Newell, Louisa Flynn, David Watterson, Aorghus O'Loughlin

Wound bed assessment is largely reliant on subjective interpretation without recourse to objective tools or biomarkers. The identification of a point of care, reliable biomarker would enhance assessment and ultimately clinical decision-making. Two potentially emerging wound biomarkers exist: surface pH and surface temperature. To date, knowledge of their use has been predominantly in wound prevention, in vitro studies and single time measurements. Our objective was to determine surface pH, size and surface temperature in non-infected, neuropathic foot ulcers at baseline and at 12 weeks. 50 patients (68% [n=34] had diabetes) participated. Mean baseline pH of wounds was 6.95 (SD 1.01); temperature 30.91°C (SD 3.00); and size 0.82cm2 (SD0.61). After 12 weeks, 26% (n=13) were lost to follow-up, 50% (n=25) had healed. Of the remaining patients, mean pH was 6.72 (SD0.54); temperature 30.88°C (SD2.97), and size 0.13cm2 (SD0.13). We have provided baseline values for pH and temperature of non-infected, neuropathic diabetic and non-diabetic foot ulceration. Further studies in a larger cohort are warranted to determine if temperature and or pH are indicative of a healing or non-healing state. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.