Risk Factors for Unplanned Higher-Level Re-Amputation and Mortality after Lower Extremity Amputation in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Abstract

Background: The factors associated with unplanned higher-level re-amputation (UHRA) and one-year mortality among patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) after lower extremity amputation are poorly understood.

Methods: This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who underwent amputations for CLTI between 2014 and 2017. Unadjusted bivariate analyses and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) from logistic regression models were used to assess associations between pre-amputation risk factors and outcomes (UHRA and one-year mortality).

Results: We obtained data on 203 amputations from 182 patients (median age 65 years [interquartile range (IQR) 57, 75]; 70.7% males), including 118 (58.1%) toe, 20 (9.9%) transmetatarsal (TMA), 37 (18.2%) below-knee (BKA), and 28 (13.8%) amputations at or above the knee. Median follow-up was 285 days (IQR 62, 1348). Thirty-six limbs (17.7%) had a UHRA, and the majority of these (72.2%) were following index forefoot amputations. Risk factors for UHRA included non-ambulatory status (AOR 6.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.74–26.18; p < 0.10) and toe pressure < 30 mm Hg (AOR 4.89, 95% CI 1.52–15.78; p < 0.01). One-year mortality was 17.2% (n = 32), and risk factors included coronary artery disease (AOR 3.93, 95% CI 1.56–9.87; p < 0.05), congestive heart failure (AOR 4.90, 95% CI 1.96–12.29; p = 0.001), end-stage renal disease (AOR 7.54, 95% CI 3.10–18.34; p < 0.001), and non-independent ambulation (AOR 4.31, 95% CI 1.20–15.49; p = 0.03). Male sex was associated with a reduced odds of death at 1 year (AOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15–0.89; p < 0.05). UHRA was not associated with one-year mortality.

Conclusions: Rates of UHRA after toe amputations and TMA are high despite revascularization and one-year mortality is high among patients with CLTI requiring amputation.