Abstract
Aim To identify risk factors for early death in diabetes patients who undergo amputations
below the ankle.
Methods A retrospective study, where all hospital records of all diabetes patients who had
undergone minimum one amputation below the ankle at the CWHC Bispebjerg Hospital,
Denmark, in the period 1996–2013, were examined. The amputations were mainly trans-metatarsal
amputations and partial amputations of toes. The participants were found via ICD10-codes.
The included patients were followed from their first contact to the last registered
contact. The statistical analysis in this article is performed on patients with a
of minimum 5-year follow-up.
Results The 5 year mortality was 42% for patients with type 2 diabetes, and 29% for patients
with type 1 diabetes. For patients with type 2 diabetes, multivariable analysis showed
that high age, peripheral arterial insufficiency and short time from first admission
to amputation were independently statistically significantly associated with increased
5-years mortality. Use of statins was associated with decreased mortality. 35% died
as a result of their diabetes, mostly due to cardiovascular causes.
Conclusion Short time from first admission to amputation is a risk factor for early death. Arterial
insufficiency and high age is also associated with increased mortality, whereas use
of statin is associated with decreased mortality, in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Key words
diabetes - multidisciplinary foot care team - amputations - mortality - risk factors
