Is Ischemia-Modified Albumin a Biomarker in Wagner Classification in Diabetic Foot Ulcers?

Background: We aimed to determine the relationship of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) with diabetic foot ulcers and its predictive value in the Wagner classification. Methods: Our cross-sectional study was conducted in 120 diabetic foot patients and 60 healthy individuals with similar body mass index and age. Patients with a diabetic foot were classified according to the Wagner classification. Biochemical parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP) and IMA levels were measured in all patients and healthy volunteers. Screening performance characteristics of CRP and IMA were calculated according to Wagner classes and the presence of osteomyelitis. Results: CRP and IMA levels in the patient group were significantly higher than the control group. The highest IMA levels were detected in Wagner grade 5. CRP had higher sensitivity and specificity than IMA in the discrimination of other grades, except for grade 4-5 separation. For Wagner grade 4-5 distinction, IMA had 84.6% sensitivity and 94.7% specificity. Conclusion: IMA may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic foot ulcers and had a higher predictive value in discrimination of the Wagner grade 4 and 5. In the management of diabetic foot patients, it may be recommended that IMA is evaluated by clinicians.