Survival following lower-limb amputation in a veteran population

Goal: We sought to describe the common demographic and comorbid conditions that affect survival following nontraumatic amputation. Methods: Veterans A dministration hospital discharge records for 1992 were linked with death re cords. The most proximal level during the first hospitalization in 1992 was used for analysis. Demographic information (age, race) and comorbid diagno sis (cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal disease) were used for Kapl an-Meier curves to describe survival following amputation. Main Outcome Mea sure: Death. Results: Mortality risk increased with advanced age, more prox imal amputation level, and renal and cardiovascular disease, and decreased for African Americans. No increased risk for persons: with diabetes was not ed in the first year following amputation but the risk increased thereafter A higher risk of mortality in the first year was noted for renal disease, cardiovascular disease,;md proximal amputation level. Conclusion: Survival following lower-limb amputation is impaired by advancing age, cardiovascula r and renal disease, and proximal amputation level. Also, a small survival advantage is seen for African Americans and those with diabetes.