Abstract
BackgroundDiabetes-related lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are a major public health issue. The aim of the study was to evaluate trends by gender and predictors of LEAs in an Italian region. MethodsData were collected from hospital discharge records between 2006 and 2015. Gender- and age-adjusted standardised hospitalisation rates for major and minor amputations were calculated. Poisson regression model was performed to estimate trends in LEAs. ResultsHospitalisation rates decreased for minor amputations both among males (−30.0%) and females (−5.3%), while the major amputation rates decreased only for males (−44.7%). Males were at higher risk of undergoing major (IRR 1.41, 95%CI 1.19–1.67) and minor (IRR 1.62, 95%CI 1.45–1.82) amputations. Peripheral vascular disease was the leading predictor of major and minor amputations. ConclusionA significant reduction of LEAs was observed only for males. Identifying their predictable factors may help caregivers to provide higher standards of diabetes care.
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