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Published on: September 22, 2020
Identifying major predictors of lower-extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers
Cherng-Kang Perng1,2, Hsuan-Yu Chou1, Yu-Jen Chiu1,2,3
1Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Insights
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) pose a significant risk for lower limb amputation. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and extended hospital stays are key risk factors. Endovascular intervention shows promise in preventing major amputations in PAD patients.
Area of Science:
- Podiatry
- Vascular Surgery
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) represents a significant global health challenge.
- Effective identification of risk factors for amputation is crucial for limb salvage.
- Previous research indicates various factors contributing to DFU-related amputations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate independent risk factors associated with lower limb amputation in patients diagnosed with diabetic foot ulcers.
- To identify potential protective factors against amputation in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 646 patients with DFU admitted between 2012 and 2017.
- Statistical analyses including Chi-square test, dependent t test, and multivariate logistic regression.
- Evaluation of limb salvage, minor, and major amputation as endpoints.
Main Results:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (OR, 3.196), elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (OR, 1.046), and longer hospital stay (OR, 1.019) were identified as independent risk factors for amputation.
- A significant proportion of patients (24.6%) underwent lower limb amputation.
- Endovascular intervention was found to be a protective factor against major amputation in patients with PAD (OR, 0.271).
Conclusions:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and hospital stay duration are critical independent risk factors for amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients.
- Endovascular intervention demonstrates a protective effect against major amputation, particularly in patients with PAD.
- Addressing these risk factors is essential for improving outcomes and limb salvage rates in DFU management.
Background:
The aim of the present study was to investigate the risk factors for amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU).
Methods:
Between 2012 and 2017, 646 patients with DFU were admitted to our diabetic foot care center. A retrospective chart review was performed, and the end point was limb salvage and minor or major amputation. Chi-square test, dependent t test, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify risk factors in patients with DFUs.
Results:
A total of 399 male and 247 female patients (mean age 64.6 years) were included in this study, of whom 159 (24.6%) underwent lower limb amputation (minor, 17.5; major, 7.1%). Independent risk factors of amputation were peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (odds ratio [OR], 3.196; p < 0.001), C-reactive protein (CRP) level (OR, 1.046; p = 0.001), and hospital stay (OR, 1.019; p = 0.001). Subgroup analysis based on all patients with PAD who underwent amputation showed that endovascular intervention (OR, 0.271; p = 0.049) was a protective factor for major amputation in addition to CRP level (OR, 1.116; p = 0.008).
Conclusion:
DFU remains a major medical and public health issue. PAD, CRP level, and hospital stay are independent risk factors for amputation. Endovascular intervention is an independent protective factor against major amputation among patients with PAD who underwent amputation.
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