Robbins JM, Strauss G, Aron D, Long J, Kuba J, Kaplan Y, et al.
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association. Date of publication 2008 Nov 1;volume 98(6):489-93.
1. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2008 Nov-Dec;98(6):489-93.
Mortality rates and diabetic foot ulcers: is it time to communicate mortality
risk to patients with diabetic foot ulceration?
Robbins JM(1), Strauss G, Aron D, Long J, Kuba J, Kaplan Y.
Author information:
(1)Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans' Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, OH 44106,
USA. Jeffrey.Robbins@med.va.gov
Five-year mortality rates after new-onset diabetic ulceration have been reported
between 43% and 55% and up to 74% for patients with lower-extremity amputation.
These rates are higher than those for several types of cancer including prostate,
breast, colon, and Hodgkin's disease. These alarmingly high 5-year mortality
rates should be addressed more aggressively by patients and providers alike.
Cardiovascular diseases represent the major causal factor, and early preventive
interventions to improve life expectancy in this most vulnerable patient cohort
are essential. New-onset diabetic foot ulcers should be considered a marker for
significantly increased mortality and should be aggressively managed locally,
systemically, and psychologically.
PMID: 19017860 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
