This meta-analysis of 10 studies with 785 patients confirmed the significant association between diabetic foot infection and 3 inflammatory markers: white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and procalcitonin (PCT) level. The meta-analysis indicated that mean WBC count (standardized mean differences [SMD]: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.79; P < .0001), mean CRP level (SMD: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.60, 1.50; P< .0001) and mean PCT level (SMD: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.36, 1.24; P < .0001) were higher in patients with DFIs. While differences were statistically significant, funnel plots indicated the existence of publication bias.
Source: Wang YT, Zhang LX, Li Y, Zhao J, Chen HL. Inflammatory markers in diabetic foot infection: a meta-analysis. Wounds. 2023 Dec;35(12):425-432.
