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This study aimed to explore the relationship between inflammatory markers, apolipoprotein E (ApoE) levels, renal function, and mortality in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Conducted as a single-center prospective study at the Clinical County Emergency Hospital of Arad, Romania, the study included 90 patients diagnosed with infected DFUs. The main objective was to determine the risk factors for mortality over a three-year follow-up period, focusing on early versus late deaths. The results indicated a significant correlation between elevated levels of ApoE, pentraxin 3 (PTX3), procalcitonin (PCT), and impaired renal function with increased mortality. Patients with higher levels of these biomarkers, particularly those with impaired renal function, were more likely to experience early death, especially within the first 90 days after surgery. The findings underscore the critical role of these factors in predicting mortality and highlight the need for early intervention and aggressive management of these risk factors to improve outcomes in this vulnerable population. Despite advancements in medical and surgical care, the prognosis for patients with DFUs remains poor, particularly due to the recurrent nature of the ulcers and the presence of comorbidities like chronic kidney disease.

Keywords: diabetic foot ulcer; mortality; inflammatory markers; apolipoprotein E; Pentraxin-3.