[Prevalence of lower limb amputation in patients with diabetic foot ulcer in Imam Khomeini and Shariati Hospitals, 1979-2001]

ABSTRACT

Diabetes Mellitus is a common disorder with numerous disabling complications, which can be largely prevented by simple, inexpensive interventions. The prevention of diabetic foot ulceration [DFU] is especially important because besides the morbidity and mortality it entails time and a heavy financial burden. In order to study the prevalence of lower limb amputations, this study was designed in patients admitted with diabetic foot ulcerations. This retrospective descriptive study was carried out at Imam Khomeini and Dr. Shariati University Hospitals in Tehran. Data pertaining to 28 1 patients admitted between 1979 and 2001 for treatment of diabetic foot ulceration was collected and analyzed using SPSS software. Over the 22-year period of the study, 28l patients [61% men and 39% women] were hospitalized for DFU. The overall lower limb amputation rate was 30%. Mean hospital stay was significantly longer in patients who eventually underwent amputation than in those who did not. The rate of lower limb amputation secondary to DFU is higher in Iran than the global average. This necessitates greater attention and better planning with regards to the prevention and treatment of DFU