Preoperative hemoglobin level and anemia frequency among patients admitted for diabetic lower extremity amputation.

This article focuses on the prevalence of preoperative anemia in patients with diabetes admitted for lower extremity amputation (LEA) due to diabetic foot complications. In a retrospective study of 141 patients undergoing 192 amputations, 90.3% were found to be anemic preoperatively, with a mean hemoglobin (Hg) level of 10.6 ± 1.8 g/dL, and no significant differences in Hg levels across amputation levels or sex. A significant negative correlation was observed between serum creatinine and Hg levels, suggesting kidney function as a confounding factor. The study highlights the potential impact of anemia on limb perfusion and postoperative outcomes, underscoring the need for future research on preoperative anemia management, including blood transfusion strategies, in this high-risk population.