Baseline data of diabetic foot amputations in Lithuania

Abstract

Background. Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of all non-traumatic amputations. Proximal amputations reduce life-quality and are a substantial cost for the society. Purpose. The objective of the study was to analyze the data on diabetic foot amputations in Kaunas county during the period 2012–2013. Materials and methods. The retrospective study performed. The data on amputations of lower extremities was collected from records of operating theatres and pathology departments of hospitals in Kaunas county. The diagnosis of diabetes was based on ICD-10 code of E1_._ and the presence of hypoglycaemic medications in medical documentation. The amputations were divided into proximal (above the ankle) and distal (part of the foot). Reamputation in the same year was considered as one case. If reamputation was performed in the following year, it was considered as a new case. The amputation of the opposite leg was treated as separate case. Results. 533 amputations were performed. Almost two thirds of amputations were performed on males – 327 (61.35%) vs. 206 (38.65%) females. The distribution of proximal diabetic amputations by gender: 60 males (55.05%), 49 females (44.95%). Mean age at all amputations – 69.41±14.89 years. Mean age at proximal diabetic amputation – 67.71±12.05 years. More than one third of amputations – 195 (36.59%) were performed for persons at age <65 years vs. 338 (63.41%) ≥65 years. Distribution by age in proximal diabetic amputations: 42 (38.53%) at <65 years and 67 (61.47%) and at ≥65 years. Table 1. Distribution by type of amputations[...].