Trends in diabetes-related lower extremities amputations in Romania-A five year nationwide evaluation

The aim of the study was to perform a nationwide evaluation of the frequency, incidence and trends of diabetes-related LEA (lower extremities amputations) in Romania. We have retrospectively analysed DRG data (ICD 10 AM codes) from all hospitals in the country, over a 5 year period (2006-2010). Knowing the shortcomings of this approach, we have assumed that our study can serve as a platform for future comparisons. The total number of non-traumatic diabetes related LEA procedures was 24,312, they were performed in 16,873 patients with diabetes, 22.55% with type 1 diabetes, 70.26 with type 2 diabetes and 7.19% with non-specified diabetes at discharge. The total number of hospital admissions for these patients was 46,985. During the five years of the study there was an increase in the absolute number of major amputations (above the ankle), as well as of minor amputations. The rate of amputations decreased in type 1 diabetes, from baseline (2006): -8.15% in 2007, -25.83% in 2008, -23.43% in 2009, -27.71% in 2010, whereas it increased in type 2 diabetes in the respective years: 16.96%, 60.75%, 66.91%, and 104.64%, due to an increase in minor amputations and mainly in elderly people. Male: female amputations rate was 2:1 in type 1 diabetes patients and 2.4:1 in type 2 diabetes patients. This study, the first of its kind in the Romanian population, offers a starting point for future comparisons and identifies a target for preventive measures.