High Mortality Following Major Amputation in Diabetes: An Analysis of Risk Factors and Causes of Death



High Mortality Following Major Amputation in Diabetes: An Analysis of Risk Factors and Causes of Death (2024)

Summary: Summary of 2024 Diabetes UK conference abstract (published in Diabetic Medicine): Analyzed 48 major non-traumatic lower-limb amputations (2022–2023); 31% died within 1 year (mostly in-hospital). Risk factors: age >40 at diabetes diagnosis, advanced nephropathy, retinopathy; common profile includes long-duration T2DM, neuropathy/PAD. Causes: cardiorespiratory (40%), sepsis (DFU-related 13%, unrelated 20%). Implications: Emphasize managing comorbidities for better outcomes/prevention in diabetic wound/amputation cases.

Key Highlights:

  • Mortality: 31% at 1 year; similar for BKA/AKA.
  • Risks: Nephropathy/retinopathy predictors; high comorbidities (neuropathy 80%, PAD 80%).
  • Causes: Cardiorespiratory dominant; sepsis notable.
  • Amputation reasons: Ischaemia (56%), sepsis/gangrene (36%).

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Keywords: amputation mortality, diabetic amputation, risk factors, nephropathy