Non-Traumatic Lower-Limb Amputations: Outcome, Sex-Differences, Comorbidity Patterns and Temporal Trends from 2006 to...

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• Non-traumatic lower-limb amputations lead to high mortality and reduced quality of life.
• Peripheral artery disease and diabetes are primary causes of these amputations.
• Understanding temporal trends in outcomes and sex differences is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess temporal trends in mortality rates for non-traumatic lower-limb amputations.
• To analyze changes in comorbidities and identify sex-based differences in outcomes.
• To evaluate predictors of 1-year mortality in this patient cohort.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1107 patients undergoing non-traumatic lower-limb amputation (2006-2022).
• Assessment of temporal trends in mortality, comorbidity spectrum, and sex differences.
• Statistical analysis to identify predictors of 1-year mortality.

Main Results:

• High in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates persisted from 2006-2022.
• Chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and major amputations predicted 1-year mortality.
• Females had higher age at first amputation and underwent major amputations more frequently; specific causes of death differed by sex.

Conclusions:

• Non-traumatic lower-limb amputations are associated with significant mortality and morbidity.
• Increasing rates of comorbidities like coronary heart disease and atrial fibrillation were observed.
• There is a critical need for intensified risk-factor management, especially in female patients.