Mortality, causes of death and associated risk factors in a cohort of diabetic patients after lower-extremity amputation: a 6.5-year follow-up study in Taiwan

A portable optical pulsatile flowmetry demonstrates strong clinical relevance for diabetic foot perfusion assessment

We present a robust, cost-effective (<2000 USD), and portable optical diffuse speckle pulsatile flowmetry (DSPF) device with a flexible handheld probe for deep tissue blood flow measurement in the human foot as well as a first-in-man observational clinical study using the proposed optical device for tissue ischemia assessment and peripheral artery disease (PAD) diagnosis. Blood flow in tissue is inherently pulsatile in nature. However, most conventional methods cannot measure deep tissue-level pulsatile blood flow noninvasively. The proposed optical device can measure tissue-level pulsatile blood flow ∼6 mm underneath the skin surface. A new quantitative tissue perfusion index (TPIDSPF) based on frequency domain analysis of the pulsatile blood flow waveform is defined to assess tissue ischemia status. Through a clinical study involving 66 subjects, including healthy individuals and diabetes patients with and without PAD, TPIDSPF demonstrated strong correlations of 0.720 with transcutaneous tissue partial oxygen pressure (TcPO2) and 0.652 with toe-brachial index (TBI). Moreover, among the three methods, TPIDSPF demonstrated the highest area under the curve for PAD diagnosis among diabetes patients, with a notable value of 0.941. The promising clinical results suggest that the proposed optical method has the potential to be an effective clinical tool for identifying PAD among the diabetic cohort.

Considerations in Charcot Reconstruction

Charcot deformity is a challenging condition often leading to foot and ankle deformity that subsequently causes decreased function, ulceration, infection, and limb loss. There are various treatment measures to take into consideration when managing these patients. Treatment approaches range from conservative casting to surgical reconstruction. The authors believe that when faced with deformity, aggressive reconstruction to maintain a plantigrade foot and prevent loss of function is critical. Because of the nature of the Charcot condition, timing and fixation are often debated. This article discusses the authors' approach to Charcot reconstruction in a large integrated health care system.

Associations of polyneuropathy with risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, cardiovascular disease events stratified by diabetes status

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

We investigated the association of polyneuropathy (PN) with all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality and with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events stratified by diabetes status.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective cohort study used the UK Biobank. Polyneuropathy was defined based on nurse-led interviews or ICD codes for polyneuropathy. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the association of polyneuropathy with clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 459,127 participants were included in the analysis. Polyneuropathy was significantly associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and with CVD events even after adjusting for CVD risk factors across all diabetes statuses. Metabolic parameters HbA1c , waist circumference, BMI and the inflammatory parameter C-reactive protein showed significant mediation effects for the association between polyneuropathy and CVD. Adherence to a favorable lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality regardless of polyneuropathy status.

CONCLUSIONS

Polyneuropathy was associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and with CVD events in subjects with diabetes or prediabetes, even those having normal glucose tolerance. This study suggests the importance of polyneuropathy as a risk factor for death and highlights the necessity of early diagnosis and lifestyle intervention for those with type 2 diabetes and polyneuropathy.

Status and influencing factors of lower limb amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcer

To investigate the influencing factors of lower limb amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Patients with diabetic foot ulcers who were hospitalised in a tertiary general hospital in Guizhou Province from January 2019 to March 2022 were retrospectively collected. Sociological information of the general population, comorbidities, laboratory-related indicators, and information on the specialty situation, using univariate analysis and multifactor analysis, compared the influencing factors of amputation and non-amputee patients. A total of 205 patients with diabetic foot and 69 ampute patients (33.7%) were enrolled. The univariate analysis found that the decrease in HDL cholesterol levels was associated with the occurrence of lower extremity amputation, and logistic stepwise regression analysis showed that HDL-C was inversely correlated with the amputation rate of patients with diabetic foot ulcers, and the risk of amputation at low levels of HDL-C was 2.452 times higher than that of high-level HDL-C (95% CI: 1.105-5.846). Decreased HDL cholesterol levels are an independent predictor of amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

Mortality and Conversion Rates to Below-Knee or Above-Knee Amputation After Transmetatarsal Amputation

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to identify associated risk factors for complications, need for a higher level of amputation such as below-knee amputation (BKA) or above-knee amputation (AKA), and mortality after transmetatarsal amputation (TMA).

METHODS

We identified 265 patients who underwent 286 TMA procedures between June 2002 and July 2016. Medical records were reviewed for revision surgery and amputation. Mortality was verified using the National Death Index. We identified and documented potential risk factors including diabetes, hemoglobin A1c level, end-stage renal disease, cardiovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, history of revascularization, contralateral amputation, and neuropathy. Sixty-eight percent were male, the mean age was 56.9 years (SD 12.8; range 24.1 to 92.1), and the median body mass index was 28.6 (interquartile range, 24.5 to 33.1).

RESULTS

Twenty-seven percent of the patients required a subsequent BKA or AKA after the index TMA surgery. The results of a multivariable model indicated that women (odds ratio [OR], 3.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.716 to 7.672), patients aged 57 to 64 years (OR, 0.17; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.51), and patients with a history of revascularization (OR, 7.06, 95% CI, 2.86 to 17.44) had markedly higher odds than the relevant comparison groups. Forty percent of the patients died after the index TMA at a median of 27 months. After adjusting for all patient factors, history of end-stage renal disease (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.206 to 4.014) and cardiovascular disease (OR, 2.879; 95% CI, 1.615 to 5.131) remained markedly associated with mortality after TMA.

DISCUSSION

There are high rates of additional amputation after nontraumatic TMA and a high mortality rate. Surgeons should set realistic expectations with patients considered for TMA and identify risk factors, which may guide treatment. Treatment is multidisciplinary, requiring attention to surgical details, correction of vascular deficiency or contracture when present, and perioperative medical optimization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Risk factors for lower extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE

A considerable number of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients require amputation every year, which worsens their quality of life, aggravates the social burden, and shortens their life expectancy. Considering these negative effects, it is important to explore the relative risk factors affecting amputation in DFU patients.

METHODS

The PubMed, SCIE and Embase databases were comprehensively searched for prospective or retrospective studies published before October 31, 2019. All English language studies involving DFU patients were included, and RevMan 5.3 software was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis includes 21 studies involving 6505 participants, including 2006 patients who required a lower limb amputation. The following variables were associated with an increased risk of amputation: male sex (odds ratios (OR) = 1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16~1.46, P<0.00001), smoking history (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04~1.35, P = 0.009), a history of foot ulcers (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 2.00~3.07, P<0.00001), osteomyelitis (OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 3.02~4.53, P<0.00001), gangrene (OR = 10.90, 95% CI = 5.73~20.8, P<0.00001), a lower body mass index (mean difference IV (MD) = -0.88, 95% CI = -1.30~-0.47, P<0.0001), and a higher white blood cell count (MD = 2.42, 95% CI = 2.02~2.82, P<0.00001). However, age (MD = 1.24, 95% CI = -0.45~2.93, P = 0.15), type of diabetes (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.61~1.52, P = 0.86), hypertension (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.96~1.47, P = 0.12), and HbA1c level (MD = 0.02, 95% CI = -0.28~0.33, P = 0.87) were not associated with amputation in patients with DFU.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis identified several risk factors for amputation in DFU patients, including the male sex, a smoking history, a history of foot ulcers, osteomyelitis, gangrene, a lower body mass index, and a higher white blood cell count. Once gangrene occurs, the risk of amputation rapidly increases.

A meta-analysis of mortality after minor amputation among patients with diabetes and/or peripheral vascular disease

OBJECTIVE

Foot complications in patients with diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD) are serious events in the life of these patients that often lead to amputations and mortality. No evidence synthesis has been reported on the mortality rates after minor lower extremity amputation; thus, a quantitative evidence synthesis was needed.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies that had reported the survival or mortality rates after a minor LEA. The studies were required to include one or more of the following primary outcomes: mortality rate at 30 days, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 6 to 7 years, or 8 to 9 years. The secondary outcomes were the mortality rates according to the anatomic location of the amputation in the foot and the independent risk factors for mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 28 studies with 17,325 subjects fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The meta-analytical results of the mortality rates were as follows: 3.5% at 1 month, 20% at 1 year, 28% at 3 years, 44.1% at 5 years, 51.3% at 6 to 7 years, and 58.5% at 8 to 9 years. From these studies of diabetic patients, age was the most consistent independent risk factor, followed by chronic kidney disease, PAD, and coronary artery disease. One study of patients with PAD had reported diabetes as an independent risk factor for mortality. The subgroup analysis of the four studies reporting the outcomes of patients with PAD showed greater 3- and 5-year mortality rates compared with the overall and "diabetic" results.

CONCLUSIONS

Mortality after minor amputation for patients with diabetes and/or PAD was found to be very high. Compared with the reported cancer data, survival was worse than that for many cancers. Just as in the case of major amputations, minor amputations should be considered a pivotal event in the life of these patients.

Factors associated with lower-extremity amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcers in a Chinese tertiary care hospital

Providing a better understanding of the risk factors for amputation in this particular region, Hunan province, in China might help patients with diabetic foot ulcers receive timely and appropriate medical care and help prevent amputation. Diabetic foot ulcer patients referred to the Third Xiangya Hospital during the period between December 2014 and September 2018 were enrolled. Participants who underwent amputations and received conservative treatments were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the independent predictors of amputation. Those who required amputation presented significantly higher levels of white blood cell counts, platelet counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. However, levels of haemoglobin, postprandial plasma C-peptide, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, albumin, and uric acid were decreased in patients with amputations. Patients with more advanced Wagner grades had much higher rates of amputation. Multivariable-adjusted odds ratios in stepwise logistic regression model was 1.317 for HbA1c (95% CI: 1.015-1.709), 0.255 for triglyceride (95% CI: 0.067-0.975), and 20.947 for Wagner grades (95% CI: 4.216-104.080). Independent risk factors for amputation in these Chinese diabetic foot ulcer patients included an elevated HbA1c level, lower triglyceride level, and higher Wagner grades.

Impact of the pay-for-performance program on lower extremity amputations in patients with diabetes in Taiwan

Patients with diabetes are at a high risk of lower extremity amputations and may have a reduced life expectancy. Taiwan has implemented a diabetes pay-for-performance (P4P) program providing team care to improve the control of disease and avoid subsequent complications. Few studies investigated the effects of adopting a nationalized policy to decrease amputation risk in diabetes previously. Our study aimed to analyze the impact of the P4P programs on the incidence of lower extremity amputations in Taiwanese patients with diabetes.This was a population-based cohort study using the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (which provided coverage for 98% of the total population in Taiwan) from 1998 to 2007. Patients with diabetes were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) diagnostic codes. We linked procedure codes to inpatient claims to identify patients hospitalized for nontraumatic lower extremity amputations.A total of 9738 patients with diabetes with amputations were enrolled (mean age ± standard deviation: 64.4 ± 14.5 years; men: 63.9%). The incidence of nontraumatic diabetic lower extremity amputations decreased over the time period studied (3.79-2.27 per 1000 persons with diabetes). Based on the Cox proportional hazard regression model, male sex (hazard ratio: 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.76-1.92), older age, and low socioeconomic status significantly interact with diabetes with respect to the risks of amputation. Patients who did not join the P4P program for diabetes care had a 3.46-fold higher risk of amputation compared with those who joined (95% CI 3.19-3.76).The amputation rate in Taiwanese diabetic patients decreased over the time period observed. Diabetes in patients with low socioeconomic status is associated with an increased risk of amputations. Our findings suggested that in addition to medical interventions and self-management educations, formulate and implement of medical policies, such as P4P program, might have a significant effect on decreasing the diabetes-related amputation rate.

Metformin and lung cancer risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

This study evaluated whether metformin might reduce lung cancer risk. The reimbursement database of the Taiwan's National Health Insurance was used. A sample of 15414 never users and 280159 ever users of metformin (original sample) and a 1:1 matched-pairs of ever and never users (n=15414 in each group, matched sample) were recruited from patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus during 1999-2005. They were followed until December 31, 2011. Cox regression incorporated with the inverse probability of treatment weighting using propensity score was used to estimate hazard ratios. Results showed that the respective incidence of lung cancer in ever and never users was 173.36 and 292.65 per 100000 person-years in the original sample; and was 211.71 and 292.65, respectively, in the matched sample. The overall hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) of 0.586 (0.509-0.674) in the original sample and 0.717 (0.584-0.881) in the matched sample suggested a significantly lower risk among metformin users. Hazard ratios comparing the first (<22.60 months), second (22.60-46.67 months) and third (>46.67 months) tertile of cumulative duration of metformin use to never users was 1.163 (1.005-1.348), 0.612 (0.526-0.711) and 0.176 (0.148-0.210), respectively, in the original sample; and was 1.465 (1.131-1.897), 0.758 (0.566-1.016) and 0.228 (1.460-0.357) in the respective tertile of the matched sample. Sensitivity analyses after excluding patients with certain risk factors of cancer and subgroup analyses supported a favorable effect of metformin. In conclusion, metformin use may reduce lung cancer risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Survival and associated risk factors in patients with diabetes and amputations caused by infectious foot gangrene

Background

Infectious gangrene of the foot is a serious complication of diabetes that usually leads to a certain level of lower-extremity amputation (LEA). Nevertheless, the long-term survival and factors associated with mortality in such patients have yet to be elucidated.

Methods

A total of 157 patients with type 2 diabetes who received treatment for infectious foot gangrene at a major diabetic foot center in Taiwan from 2002 to 2009 were enrolled, of whom 90 had major LEAs (above the ankle) and 67 had minor LEAs (below the ankle). Clinical data during treatment were used for the analysis of survival and LEA, and survival was tracked after treatment until December 2012.

Results

Of the 157 patients, 109 died, with a median survival time of 3.12 years and 5-year survival rate of 40%. Age [hazard ratio 1.04 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.06)], and major LEA [1.80 (1.05–3.09)] were independent factors associated with mortality. Patients with minor LEAs had a better median survival than those with major LEAs (5.5 and 1.9 years, respectively, P < 0.01). An abnormal ankle-brachial index was an independent risk factor [odds ratio 3.12 (95% CI 1.18–8.24)] for a poor outcome (major LEA) after adjusting for age, smoking status, hypertension, major adverse cardiac events, and renal function.

Conclusions

Efforts to limit amputations below the ankle resulted in better survival of patients with infectious foot gangrene. An abnormal ankle-brachial index may guide physicians to make appropriate decisions with regards to the amputation level.

While Mortality Rates Differ After Dysvascular Partial Foot and Transtibial Amputation, Should They Influence the Choice of Amputation Level?

Although there is strong evidence to show that the risk of dying after transtibial amputation is higher than partial foot amputation, we are concerned by the implication that amputation level influences mortality, and that such interpretations of the evidence may be used to inform decisions about the choice of amputation level. We argue that the choice of partial foot or transtibial amputation does not influence the risk of mortality. The highest mortality rates are observed in studies with older people with more advanced systemic disease and multiple comorbidities. Studies that control for the confounding influence of these factors have shown no differences in mortality rates by amputation level. These insights have important implications in terms of how we help inform difficult decisions about amputation at either the partial foot or transtibial level, given a more thoughtful interpretation of the published mortality rates.

Comparison of Transtibial Amputations in Diabetic Patients With and Without End-Stage Renal Disease

BACKGROUND

The primary purpose of this retrospective study was to report on a consecutive series of 102 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who underwent transtibial amputation (TTA) for chronic infections and nonreconstructable lower extremity deformities. A secondary aim was to compare the outcomes of TTA patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis (ESRD) to patients without ESRD, and to identify risk factors for mortality after TTA.

METHODS

This cohort involved a consecutive series of patients who were treated by a single surgeon. The TTA patients were divided into 2 groups for analysis. The study group included those patients with ESRD who underwent TTA, and the control group included those patients who did not have ESRD.

RESULTS

At the time of final follow-up, 64 of 102 patients were ambulatory with a prosthesis. There was a significant improvement in ambulatory status after amputation (preoperatively 45.1%, postoperatively 62.7%, P = .02). Wound healing complications (infection and/or dehiscence) occurred in 31 of 102 patients and led to a transfemoral amputation in 4 patients. After TTA patients with ESRD were significantly more likely to die (52.4% vs. 23.5%, p <0.05) and significantly less like to ambulate (42.9% vs. 67.9%, p <0.05) than patients without ESRD. Contralateral foot problems after the TTA occurred in 33 of 97 patients and resulted in 10 patients undergoing a contralateral transtibial amputation. Excluding patients with bilateral amputations (5 prior to and 10 after the index amputation), 64 of 87 patients with successful unilateral transtibial amputations were able to ambulate with a prosthesis. Thirty of 102 patients (29.4%) died during the follow-up period, and 6 of these deaths occurred during the perioperative period (within 30 days of surgery). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with regard to the use of staged TTA, need for transfemoral amputation, or wound healing problems at the amputation site. Patients who were unable to walk postoperatively had a calculated 5-year survival rate of 30.1%, whereas those who were ambulatory had a 5-year survival rate of 68.8%. Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated a 62% reduced risk of mortality in patients who were able to ambulate after LEA compared with those patients who were not able to ambulate.

CONCLUSION

TTA in patients with diabetes was associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Risk factors that were significantly associated with an increased rate of mortality were the presence of ESRD, age ≥56 years, and inability to ambulate postoperatively.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective case controlled study.

Outcomes of dysvascular partial foot amputation and how these compare to transtibial amputation: a systematic review for the development of shared decision-making resources

BACKGROUND

Dysvascular partial foot amputation (PFA) is a common sequel to advanced peripheral vascular disease. Helping inform difficult discussions between patients and practitioners about the level of PFA, or the decision to have a transtibial amputation (TTA) as an alternative, requires an understanding of the current research evidence on a wide range of topics including wound healing, reamputation, quality of life, mobility, functional ability, participation, pain and psychosocial outcomes, and mortality. The aim of this review was to describe a comprehensive range of outcomes of dysvascular PFA and compare these between levels of PFA and TTA.

METHODS

The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42015029186). A systematic search of the literature was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, psychINFO, AMED, CINAHL, ProQuest Nursing and Allied Health, and Web of Science. These databases were searched using MeSH terms and keywords relating to different amputation levels and outcomes of interest. Peer reviewed studies of original research-irrespective of the study design-were included if published in English between 1 January 2000, and 31 December 2015, and included discrete cohort(s) with dysvascular PFA or PFA and TTA. Outcomes of interest were rate of wound healing and complications, rate of ipsilateral reamputation, quality of life, functional ability, mobility, pain (i.e., residual limb or phantom pain), psychosocial outcomes (i.e., depression, anxiety, body image and self-esteem), participation, and mortality rate. Included studies were independently appraised by two reviewers. The McMaster Critical Review Forms were used to assess methodological quality and identify sources of bias. Data were extracted based on the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group's data extraction template by a primary reviewer and checked for accuracy and clarity by a second reviewer. Findings are reported as narrative summaries given the heterogeneity of the literature, except for mortality and ipsilateral reamputation where data allowed for proportional meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine unique articles were included in the review, acknowledging that some studies reported multiple outcomes. Eighteen studies reported all-cause proportionate mortality. A smaller number of studies reported outcomes related to functional ability (two), mobility (four), quality of life (three), ipsilateral reamputation (six) as well as wound healing and complications (four). No studies related to pain, participation or psychosocial outcomes met the inclusion criteria. Subjects were typically older and male and had diabetes among other comorbidities. More detailed information about the cohorts such as race or sociodemographic factors were reported in an ad hoc manner. Common sources of bias included contamination, co-intervention, or lack of operational definition for some outcomes (e.g., wound healing) as illustrative examples.

CONCLUSIONS

Aside from mortality, there was limited evidence regarding outcomes of dysvascular PFA, particularly how outcomes differ between levels of PFA and TTA. Acknowledging that there is considerable uncertainty given the small body of literature on many topics where the risk of bias is high, the available evidence suggests that a large proportion of people with PFA experience delayed wound healing and ipsilateral reamputation. People with TTA have increased risk of mortality compared to those with PFA, which may reflect that those considered suitable candidates for TTA have more advanced systemic disease that also increases the risk of dying. Mobility and quality of life may be similar in people with PFA and TTA.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

CRD42015029186.

Effect of limb preservation status and body mass index on the survival of patients with limb-threatening diabetic foot ulcers

AIMS

To evaluate the effect of limb preservation status and body mass index (BMI) on the survival of patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).

METHODS

A total of 1346 patients treated for limb-threatening DFUs at a major diabetic foot center in Taiwan from 2002 to 2009 were tracked until December 2012. The patients were classified into three groups: limb-preserved (n=858), minor lower-extremity amputation (LEA) (n=249), and major LEA (n=239). Clinical data during treatment were used for survival analysis.

RESULTS

With 729 deaths, the median survival time (MST) was 6.14 (95% CI 5.63-6.65) years. Major LEA and BMI were two independent factors associated with mortality after adjusting for age, diabetic duration, HbA1c level, comorbidities and peripheral artery diseases. The mortality hazard ratios for the minor and major LEA groups were 0.92 (95% CI 0.74-1.16) and 1.34 (95% CI 1.07-1.68), respectively, to the reference group (limb-preserved). After stratifying BMI into four categories (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity, according to the Taiwanese definition), the MSTs for each category were 2.57, 5.24, 7.47 and 7.85years, respectively (P for trend <0.01). This "obesity paradox" was not observed in the major LEA group (P for trend 0.25). For patients with LEA, the obesity patients had lower MST than those in overweight category (7.97 and 8.84 in minor and 3.25 and 5.42 in major LEA, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

For the patients treated for DFUs, major - but not minor - LEA was associated with poor survival compared with the limb-preserved group. The MST had positive correlation with BMI levels for patients with limb-preserved and minor LEA, but not for those with major LEA.

The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index Independently Predicts Mortality in Diabetic Foot Ulcers Patients Undergoing Amputations

Objective. Patients with diabetic foot ulcers undergoing amputations have poor prognosis. Malnutrition usually occurs in this population and is associated with increased risk of mortality. The geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a widely used, simple, and well-established tool to assess nutritional risk. The purpose of this study was to assess the association between GNRI and all-cause mortality in diabetic foot ulcers patients undergoing minor or major amputations. Methods. This was a retrospective cohort study including 271 adult patients. Patients were divided into two groups according to a GNRI cutoff value of 92, and characteristics and mortality were compared between the two groups. Cox proportional hazard analysis was performed to explore the association between GNRI and mortality. Result. GNRI (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), and eGFR (p = 0.002) were independent predictors of mortality. Among a subgroup of 230 patients with minor amputation, increased age (p < 0.001), coronary artery disease (p = 0.030), and increased GNRI (p < 0.001) were major risk factors. Conclusion. GNRI on admission might be a novel clinical predictor for the incidence of death in patients with diabetic foot ulcers who were undergoing amputations.

The emerging role of microdialysis in diabetic patients undergoing amputation for limb ischemia

Lower limb ischemia in diabetic patients is a result of macro- and microcirculation dysfunction. Diabetic patients undergoing limb amputation carry high mortality and morbidity rates, and decision making concerning the level of amputation is critical. Aim of this study is to evaluate a novel microdialysis technique to monitor tissue microcirculation preoperatively and predict the success of limb amputation in such patients. Overall, 165 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus undergoing lower limb amputation were enrolled. A microdialysis catheter was placed preoperatively at the level of the intended flap for the stump reconstruction, and the levels of glucose, glycerol, lactate and pyruvate were measured for 24 consecutive hours. Patients were then amputated and monitored for 30 days regarding the outcome of amputation. Failure of amputation was defined as delayed healing or stump ischemia. Patients were divided into two groups based on the success of amputation. There was no difference between the two groups regarding gender, ASA score, body mass index, comorbidities, diagnostic modality used, level of amputation, as well as glucose, glycerol, and pyruvate levels. However, local concentrations of lactate were significantly different between the two groups and lactate/pyruvate (L/P) ratio was independently associated with failed amputation (threshold defined at 25.35). Elevated preoperative tissue L/P ratio is independently associated with worse outcomes in diabetic patients undergoing limb amputation. Therefore, preoperative tissue L/P ratio could be used as a predicting tool for limb amputation's outcome, although more clinical data are needed to provide safer conclusions.

Mortality After Nontraumatic Major Amputation Among Patients With Diabetes and Peripheral Vascular Disease: A Systematic Review

High mortality rates have been reported after major amputations of a lower limb secondary to diabetes and peripheral vascular disease. However, the mortality rates have varied across studies. A systematic review of the 5-year mortality after nontraumatic major amputations of the lower extremity was conducted. A data search was performed of Medline using OVID, CINHAL, and Cochrane, 365 abstracts were screened, and 79 full text articles were assessed for eligibility. After review, 31 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, the 5-year mortality rate was very high among patients with any amputation (major and minor combined), ranging from 53% to 100%, and in patients with major amputations, ranging from 52% to 80%. Mortality after below-the-knee amputation ranged from 40% to 82% and after above-the-knee amputation from 40% to 90%. The risk factors for increased mortality included age, renal disease, proximal amputation, and peripheral vascular disease. Although our previous systematic review of the 5-year mortality after ulceration had much lower rates of death, additional studies are warranted to determine whether amputation hastens death or is a marker for underlying disease severity.

Relation of Smoking With Total Mortality and Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of smoking in diabetic patients remains high, and reliable quantification of the excess mortality and morbidity risks associated with smoking is important for diabetes management. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies to evaluate the relation of active smoking with risk of total mortality and cardiovascular events among diabetic patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched Medline and Embase databases through May 2015, and multivariate-adjusted relative risks were pooled by using random-effects models. A total of 89 cohort studies were included. The pooled adjusted relative risk (95% confidence interval) associated with smoking was 1.55 (1.46-1.64) for total mortality (48 studies with 1,132,700 participants and 109,966 deaths), and 1.49 (1.29-1.71) for cardiovascular mortality (13 studies with 37,550 participants and 3163 deaths). The pooled relative risk (95% confidence interval) was 1.44 (1.34-1.54) for total cardiovascular disease (16 studies), 1.51 (1.41-1.62) for coronary heart disease (21 studies), 1.54 (1.41-1.69) for stroke (15 studies), 2.15 (1.62-2.85) for peripheral arterial disease (3 studies), and 1.43 (1.19-1.72) for heart failure (4 studies). In comparison with never smokers, former smokers were at a moderately elevated risk of total mortality (1.19; 1.11-1.28), cardiovascular mortality (1.15; 1.00-1.32), cardiovascular disease (1.09; 1.05-1.13), and coronary heart disease (1.14; 1.00-1.30), but not for stroke (1.04; 0.87-1.23).

CONCLUSIONS

Active smoking is associated with significantly increased risks of total mortality and cardiovascular events among diabetic patients, whereas smoking cessation is associated with reduced risks in comparison with current smoking. The findings provide strong evidence for the recommendation of quitting smoking among diabetic patients.

Factors influencing short- and long-term mortality after lower limb amputation

Mortality after lower limb amputation is high, with UK 30-day mortality rates of 9-17%. We performed a retrospective analysis of factors affecting early and late outcome after lower limb amputation for peripheral vascular disease or diabetic complications at a UK tertiary referral vascular centre between 2003 and 2010. Three hundred and thirty-nine patients (233 male), of median (IQR [range]) age 73 (62-79 [26-92]) years underwent amputation. Thirty-day mortality was 12.4%. On regression modelling, the risk of 30-day mortality was increased in patients of ASA grade ≥ 4 (OR 4.23, 95% CI 2.07-8.63), p < 0.001 and age between 74 and 79 years (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.10-13.13), p = 0.04 and older than 79 years (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.25-13.25), p = 0.02. Peri-operative (30-day) mortality for these groups was 23.2%, 13.7% and 18.8%, respectively. Survival and Cox regression analysis demonstrated that long-term mortality was associated with: age 74-79 years (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.38-3.35), p = 0.001; age > 79 years (HR 2.78, 95% CI 1.82-4.25), p < 0.001; ASA grade ≥ 4 (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.51-2.75), p < 0.001; out-of-hours operating (HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.08-2.10), p = 0.02; and chronic kidney disease stage 4-5 (1.57, 95% CI 1.07-2.30), p = 0.02. Anaesthetic technique was associated with long-term mortality on survival analysis (p = 0.04), but not when analysed using regression modelling. Mortality after lower limb amputation relates to patient age, ASA, out-of-hours surgery and renal dysfunction. These data support lower limb amputations' being performed during daytime hours and after modification replace with 'of ' correctable risk factors.

Prevalence and 1-year course of alcohol misuse and smoking in persons with lower extremity amputation as a result of peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe prevalence of alcohol misuse and smoking among individuals with amputations as a result of peripheral arterial disease before surgery and 12 mos after surgery, changes in these behaviors over time, and factors associated with change.

DESIGN

This is a prospective cohort study of 75 veterans experiencing their first major unilateral amputation. Measures included demographic and general health information, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, smoking behaviors, and social support.

RESULTS

Sixteen percent of the participants reported engaging in alcohol misuse at presurgical baseline; and 13% at 12 mos after amputation. Thirty-seven percent of the participants were categorized as smokers at baseline; this number dropped to 29% at 12 mos after amputation. Among those who decreased drinking and quit smoking, there was a trend indicating greater social support.

CONCLUSIONS

The participants endorsed drinking and smoking behaviors at levels consistent with other types of disability and with veterans using the Veterans Health Administration for their health care. Even with a variety of health concerns, after amputation, most of the smokers and those engaging in alcohol misuse continued to smoke and drink at their preamputation rate. The presence of social support may encourage health behavior change and is an important area for future research and intervention.

Relationship between peripheral artery disease and combined albuminuria and low estimated glomerular filtration rate among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

This study aimed at investigating the combined effects of albuminuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) on peripheral artery disease (PAD) among elderly patients with diabetes. A total of 236 subjects were cross-classified into four groups according to the presence or absence of albuminuria (urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥ 30 mg/g) and low eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73 m²). Cardiovascular risk factors and the ankle-brachial index (ABI) were also assessed. After multivariate adjustment using logistic regression analysis, the odds ratios (OR) for prevalent PAD related to albuminuria with preserved eGFR, normoalbuminuria with low eGFR and albuminuria with low eGFR compared to normoalbuminuria with preserved eGFR were 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.43-2.79], 3.14 (95% CI = 1.20-8.22) and 3.87 (95% CI = 1.72-8.72), respectively. In conclusion, in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes, both normoalbuminuria with low eGFR and albuminuria with low eGFR are associated independently with PAD.

Assessing the long-term outcomes of minor lower limb amputations: a 5-year study

Our aim was to assess the long-term outcome for minor forefoot amputations. A retrospective study of 126 patients who had such amputations between 1999 and 2004 was performed. Patients were divided into 2 groups, diabetic (group A: 79 patients) and nondiabetic (group B: 47 patients). Angiograms were requested in 45 patients in group A compared with 31 patients in group B (P = ·77). In group A, 11 patients underwent further ipsilateral amputations compared with 30 patients in group B (P = ·02.). The 2 groups were equally likely to have vascular reconstruction (35% vs 37%). The overall 5-year mortality was 27%, with 58% of deaths occurring within the first year. This study shows that foot amputees have high mortality and reintervention rates. Adequate utilization of vascular services, extra vigilance in the prevention of complications, and risk factor modifications are required to improve postoperative outcomes.

Mortality of first-time amputees in diabetics: a 10-year observation

AIMS

We analyze mortality of first-time diabetic amputees by stratifying by level of amputation, differentiating short-term and long-term mortality.

METHODS

We evaluated 277 diabetic patients who received their first lower extremity amputation (LEA) during 1993-97. Subjects were followed until December 2003, and categorized by level of amputation. We compared the mortality difference by level for 0-10 years, 0-10 months, and 10 months-10 years, and examined the association of comorbid conditions and death for each level.

RESULTS

We found a significant difference in mortality by amputation level for 0-10 years (p<0.05) and <10 months (p<0.01) survival, but not for the one of 10 months-10 years. For major amputees deceased within 10 months, sepsis was as frequent a cause of death as cardiovascular disease. In distal amputees, CVD, CAD and ESRD were strongly associated with death, but only CAD was associated death among major amputees.

CONCLUSION

For diabetic patients undergoing first LEAs, the mortality of major amputees was worse than that of minor amputees due to the difference in first 10-month mortality. The history of comorbid conditions in first-time major amputees was less important than in minor amputees since sepsis was the frequent cause of death in major amputees in this early period.

Effect of parental hypertension and/or parental diabetes on hypertension in Taiwanese diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension aggregate in families. It is a common thought that diabetic patients with parental diabetes and/or parental hypertension are more likely to develop hypertension. This study evaluated the separate and joint effects of parental hypertension and parental diabetes on the prevalence of hypertension in patients with T2DM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 89 956 patients from a national cohort were interviewed by telephone. Information about age, sex, onset age of diabetes, body height, body weight, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), smoking, hypertension, and paternal and maternal history of diabetes and hypertension were obtained. Hypertension was defined in two ways: (1) a positive history; or (2) a positive history or a reported SBP > or = 140 mmHg and/or DBP > or = 90 mmHg in patients without a hypertension history.

RESULTS

While analysed separately in logistic models, both parental diabetes and parental hypertension were positively associated with hypertension. However, when both were analysed together, only parental hypertension was positively associated with hypertension, with paternal and maternal hypertension exerting a similar effect of an approximately 2.5-fold higher risk. While considering the effect of parental hypertension, both paternal and maternal diabetes was significantly associated with a lower risk of hypertension with odds ratios of approximately 0.8. Parental hypertension was also significantly associated with increased SBP and DBP; and parental diabetes with lower values in multiple linear regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Parental hypertension is strongly associated with hypertension. However, parental diabetes may be protective if the effect of parental hypertension is considered.