Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of lower limb amputation in people with diabetes mellitus cared for at the District Hospital of Presidente Franco, Paraguay, during 2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22145699Keywords:
diabetes mellitus, diabetic foot, amputation, lower extremity, district hospitals, ParaguayAbstract
Introduction: Lower limb amputation is a late complication of diabetes mellitus, almost always preceded by a foot ulcer. Its characteristics in district hospitals in Paraguay have been scarcely described. The aim was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of people with diabetes mellitus who underwent lower limb amputation at the District Hospital of Presidente Franco, Paraguay, during 2023. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study based on records of people hospitalized in 2023 with diabetes and lower limb complications. Variables were described using frequencies, without hypothesis testing. Results: Of 54 people hospitalized for diabetes-related lower limb complications, 19 were amputated (35%), with 20 procedures. Fourteen were men; mean age was 61 years and the 50–69 year group predominated. Arterial hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity and 6 people received no hypoglycemic treatment. Seventy-five percent of procedures were toe amputations; mean length of stay was 8 days. Conclusions: Amputation affected nearly one third of people hospitalized for diabetes-related lower limb complications, mainly men around 60 years of age and at toe level, with hypertension as the main comorbidity and a substantial fraction without treatment for hyperglycemia. The descriptive findings do not allow estimation of incidence or social impact and support strengthening diabetes control and foot screening at the primary care level.References
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Copyright (c) 2025 Barbara Adriane Artmann Chote, Dianefer Ludmila Venancio Imolesi Rosa, Gabriela de la Paz Medina Orué (Autor/a)
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