Predictors of complication following lower extremity amputation in diabetic end-stage renal disease

Patients with diabetic end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at increased risk of lower extremity amputation (LEA) and postoperative complications compared to those without diabetic ESRD. This study sought to determine the factors that influence complications following LEA in patients with diabetic ESRD.

A total of 41 patients with diabetic ESRD (total of 46 amputations) who underwent LEA were enrolled in this study. The electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify the predictors of postoperative complications. The outcomes were divided into three categories: no complications, minor complications (wounds requiring only local care or oral antibiotics), and major complications (requiring surgical intervention, further amputations, or inducing life-threatening morbidities and mortalities).

Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that underlying sepsis (P = 0.007) was the only significant risk factor for major complications, with an odds ratio demonstrating an 8.16 times increased risk of requiring another surgery or mortality compared to those without sepsis.

Preoperative sepsis is an independent risk factor for major complications after LEA in patients with diabetic ESRD. We advise particular caution when performing LEA in diabetic ESRD patients who are also septic. Early amputation, prior to the development of sepsis, is preferable.