C-Reactive Protein-to-Albumin Ratio Improves Prediction of 6-Month Major Adverse Limb Events in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Summary: This retrospective study evaluated the prognostic utility of the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). CAR, a simple and inexpensive inflammatory biomarker calculated from routine labs, emerged as a strong independent predictor of 6-month major adverse limb events (MALE), including major amputation and revascularization. Incorporating CAR into existing risk models significantly improved discrimination and net reclassification. The authors propose CAR as a practical tool for early identification of high-risk DFU patients who may benefit from more aggressive multidisciplinary intervention.
Key Highlights:
- CAR independently predicts 6-month MALE in DFU patients
- Improves predictive performance of traditional risk models
- Low-cost biomarker readily available from standard bloodwork
- Potential for better risk stratification and timely limb-preservation strategies
Keywords: CRP albumin ratio DFU, major adverse limb events, DFU prognosis