Lower-extremity amputation: a 6-year follow-up study in Brazil.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the 6-year mortality in 50 patients following lower-limb amputation.


METHODS
The cumulative survival rate of 50 (28 men, 22 women) amputees aged 54 to 94 years (mean, 67.3; median, 73.5) was retrospectively studied from 1993 to 1998. Indications for above- or below-knee amputation were trauma (n = 2), vasculitis (n = 2), and critical ischaemia of the lower limbs (n = 46). Leg amputation was performed after anamnesis, physical examination, and angiography. All patients were followed up for 6 years by phone or domiciliary visit. A death certificate was verified when a patient was lost to follow-up. Statistical analysis was expressed by the actuarial survival curve.


RESULTS
Of 50 amputees, 36 died in the 6 years following leg amputation: 22 in the first year, 3 in the second year, 5 in the third year, 2 in the fourth year, 2 in the fifth year, 2 in the sixth year; 14 remained alive after 6 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients who underwent lower-limb amputation had a high 6-year mortality. Most deaths occurred in the first year.
de Godoy
J M P
JM
Department of Cardiology and Vascular Surgery, Sao Jose do Rio Preto University School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil. godoyjmp@riopreto.com.br
de Godoy
M F
MF
Batigalia
F
F
Trávolo
A R F
AR
Monteiro
E H F
EH
D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000379:methods / Q000401:mortality* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002423:Cause of Death; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000401:mortality*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015996:Survival Rate; D013997:Time Factors