Podiatric Care Associated with Reduced Mortality and Enhanced Amputation-Free Survival
Summary: This longitudinal observational study evaluated the impact of podiatric care on clinical and healthcare utilization outcomes in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Among 2798 patients (mean age 65.7 years) in Singapore’s DEFINITE Care program with at least 12 months follow-up, those receiving podiatric care (n=1212) were compared to those without (n=1586). Podiatric follow-up was associated with significantly lower mortality (7.4% vs 19.5%, adjusted OR 0.314, p<0.01) and higher amputation-free survival (adjusted OR 1.26, p=0.02), despite more minor LEAs and increased healthcare utilization (more admissions, ED, and outpatient visits, but shorter length of stay). Patients with podiatric care were more likely to have prior ulcers, poorer glycemic control, and comorbidities. The findings highlight podiatric care’s value in improving survival and limb preservation in Asian DFU populations.
Key Highlights:
- Lower mortality and better amputation-free survival with podiatric care
- More minor LEAs but overall positive limb salvage impact
- Increased short-term healthcare use but shorter length of stay
- Authors: Wen Zhe Leo (corresponding), Lixia Ge, Chelsea Law, Tiffany Chew, Jo Ann Lim et al.
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Keywords: podiatric care, diabetic foot ulcer, amputation free survival, limb salvage, Wen Zhe Leo