Sólrún Dögg Árnadóttir^{1, 2}

Guðbjörg Pálsdóttir³

Karl Logason^2,4

Ragnheiður Harpa Arnardóttir^1,5,6

¹School of Health Sciences, University of Akureyri, Iceland, ²Vascular surgery Unit, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland, ³Wound care Unit, Landspítali University Hospital, Reykjavík, Iceland, ⁴Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland, ⁵Rehabilitation Unit, Akureyri Hospital, Iceland, ⁶Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory-, allergy- and sleep research, Uppsala University, Sweden.

Correspondence: Sólrún Dögg Árnadóttir, solladogg@hotmail.com

 

Key words: lower limb amputation, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes mellitus, revascularisation, comorbidities, risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: No recent studies exist on lower extremity amputations (LLAs) in Iceland. The aim of this study was to investigate LLA incidence in Iceland 2010-2019 and preceding procedures in amputations induced by peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and diabetes mellitus (DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study on clinical records of all patients (>18 years) who underwent LLA in Iceland's two main hospitals during 2010-2019. Patients were excluded if LLA was performed for reasons other than DM and/or PAD. Symptoms, medication and circulation assessment were recorded from first hospital visit due to symptoms, and prior to the last LLA, respectively. Previous arterial surgeries and amputations were also recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 167 patients underwent LLA. Thereof, 134 (77 ± 11 years, 93 men and 41 woman) due to DM and/or PAD. The LLA-rate due to those diseases increased from 4.1/100,000 inhabitants in 2010-2013 to 6.7/100,000 in 2016-2019 (p=0,04). Risk factors were mainly hypertension, 84%, and smoking, 69%. Chronic limb-threatening ischemia induced 71% of first hospital visits. Revascularisations were performed (66% endovascular) in 101 patients. Non-diabetic patients were 52% and had statins less frequently prescribed than DM patients (26:45, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: DM and/or PAD are the leading causes of LLA in Iceland. Amputation rate increased during the period but is low in an international context. Amputation is most often preceded by arterial surgery. DM is present in almost half of cases, similar or less than in most other countries. Opportunities for improved prevention should aim on earlier diagnosis and preventive treatment of non-diabetic individuals with PAD.