The impact of gender on diabetes-related lower extremity amputations: An Italian regional analysis on trends and predictors

Background: Diabetes-related lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are a major public health issue. The aim of the study was to evaluate trends by gender and predictors of LEAs in an Italian region. Methods: Data were collected from hospital discharge records between 2006 and 2015. Gender- and age-adjusted standardised hospitalisation rates for major and minor amputations were calculated. Poisson regression model was performed to estimate trends in LEAs. Results: Hospitalisation rates decreased for minor amputations both among males (−30.0%) and females (−5.3%), while the major amputation rates decreased only for males (−44.7%). Males were at higher risk of undergoing major (IRR 1.41, 95%CI 1.19–1.67) and minor (IRR 1.62, 95%CI 1.45–1.82) amputations. Peripheral vascular disease was the leading predictor of major and minor amputations. Conclusion: A significant reduction of LEAs was observed only for males. Identifying their predictable factors may help caregivers to provide higher standards of diabetes care.