Patient-level predictors of diabetes-related lower extremity amputations at a quaternary hospital in South Africa

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes-related lower extremity amputation has a major psycho-social and economic cost on the patient as well as a direct impact on financial expenditure within health facilities. AIM: This study aimed to determine the incidence and patient-related factors related to diabetes-related amputations amongst patients that were referred to the quaternary hospital between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2015. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study. Data were retrieved from the medical record for each diabetes patient that was managed at IALCH during the study period. The following variables were collected: sociodemographic parameters (age, gender, and ethnicity) and diabetes-related parameters (type of diabetes) and additional complications. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients (0, 73%) of all diabetes patients managed were new diabetes-related lower-extremity amputations. There were statistically significant increased odds of female patients (OR: 1, 7) and patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes (OR: 1, 64) to have new diabetes-related amputations. Patients older than 60 years (OR: 1, 31); African patients (OR: 1, 35) patients with cardiovascular complications (OR: 1, 04) and patients with retinopathy (OR: 1, 48) were more likely to have diabetes-related amputations but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of primary preventive strategies, early detection and appropriate management of patients with diabetes and specific guidelines on the frequency, clinical and laboratory tests required for early diagnosis and referrals with early signs of diabetes-related complicationsat primary care level will assist in reducing the long term adverse outcomes including amputations.