Rizwan Khalid1*, Muhammad Usman Malik2, Misbah Zeb3 and Hafiz Muhammad Abbas4

Aim: To evaluate risk factors leading to major lower extremity amputations in DFU patients and prevention of amputations.
Study Design: Observational study.
Study Setting: East Surgical Ward, Mayo Hospital, Lahore.
Duration: February 2020 to April 2020
Introduction: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is a relatively common complication of Diabetes Mellitus and is known to be the main cause of major lower extremity amputations.We tried to seek the predictors of Leg Amputations after development of Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) and its prevention in hospitalized patients.
Discussion: Diabetes Mellitus is known to increase the risk of major leg amputations by 15 to 20 times. Few studies have evaluated the risk factors for major amputations in diabetic patients along with amputation rates. Total 6 parameters were evaluated and good control of all parameters seemed to prevent major amputations in DFU patients.
Conclusion: Study revealed that Wagner stage of diabetic wound, co-morbidities, wound sepsis, poor glycemic control, inadequate caloric intake and loss of follow-up are major risk factors of amputation in diabetic foot ulcer patients.

Keywords: Diabetic Foot, Amputations, Wound Sepsis, Wagner Stage

View PDF