Facility-Level Variation in Major Leg Amputation Among Patients With Newly Diagnosed Diabetic Foot Ulcer.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing over time, fueling an epidemic of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and subsequent risk of leg amputation. However, little is known about the variation in outcomes for patients with DFUs according to the health care facilities treating them.

Objective

To examine facility-level variation in major leg amputation among veterans with incident DFUs using the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) cohort.

Design, setting, and participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2021, of all veterans with a new diagnosis of DFU at 140 VHA facilities across the US. Patients were followed up to 1 year from DFU diagnosis. Analyses were conducted between March 22, 2024, and January 13, 2025.

SUBMITTER: Suzuki H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12019509 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature