Long-term Recurrence Risk of Diabetic Foot Ulcers After Healing: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study on the Influence of Hemodialysis and Amputation Levels

Abstract

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) recurrence rates and associated risk factors, focusing on hemodialysis and specific amputation levels. Patients with diabetes treated for DFU between 2003 and 2019 at a wound-care center in Japan were studied. The primary outcome was DFU recurrence, and the factors evaluated included age, sex, hemodialysis treatment, revascularization type, and amputation level. Among 236 participants (mean age: 65 years; male: 73%; 33% on hemodialysis), DFU recurrence rates were 40.3% and 77.1% at 1 and 5 years, respectively. Hemodialysis was significantly associated with an increased DFU recurrence risk (hazard ratio: 1.92; 95% confidence interval: 1.40-2.64, P < .001). Revascularization did not significantly impact DFU recurrence rates after ulcer healing. Contralateral DFU recurrence was the most frequent, occurring in 45% of cases. Higher DFU recurrence rates were observed at adjacent toes on the same side in patients who underwent great toe amputation and at the treated site in patients who underwent transmetatarsal, Lisfranc, or Chopart amputations. These findings indicate that DFU recurrence poses a higher risk in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Tailored postoperative management focusing on both contralateral and ipsilateral recurrences is essential to minimize recurrence and improve long-term outcomes.