Ankle-Brachial Index and Peripheral Arterial Disease as Predictors of Amputation in Diabetic Foot
Keywords:
Ankle-Brachial Index; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Surgical Amputation; Diabetic FootAbstract
Introduction: Diabetic foot is the most common chronic complication of diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by high mortality and morbidity.
Objective: To evaluate the association between the ankle-brachial index and peripheral arterial disease as predictors of amputation in diabetic foot.
Methods: This was an observational, analytical, retrospective case-control study conducted at the Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola Provincial General Teaching Hospital from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2024. The final sample consisted of 3 859 patients: 434 cases (amputees) and 3 425 controls (non-amputees). The analysis included the chi-square test with continuity correction and Fisher's exact test, calculating odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals, considering p < 0,05 statistically significant.
Results: A significant association (p = 0,000) was found between a pathological ankle-brachial index (values less than 0,9), indicative of peripheral artery disease, with an odds ratio of 2,4 (95 % CI: 1,7- 3,3). The presence of a calcified ankle-brachial index (p = 0,000) appears to be related exclusively to patients who progressed to amputation, indicating an extreme risk in contexts of advanced arterial stiffness; however, it was not possible to calculate the odds ratio due to the absence of events in the control group.
Conclusions: The association found between the ankle-brachial index and peripheral artery disease.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jorge Luis Carrera Martínez, Celso Suárez Lescay, Arístides Lázaro García Herrera, Omarys Loyola Cabrera, Martín del Río Sánchez, Maikel Roque Morgado
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