Article

Little is known about the relationship between lower-limb amputation (LLA) and
subsequent changes in body weight. We conducted a retrospective cohort study
using clinical and administrative databases to identify and follow weight changes
in 759 males with amputation (partial foot amputation [PFA], n = 396; transtibial
amputation [TTA], n = 267; and transfemoral amputation [TFA], n = 96) and 3,790
nondisabled persons frequency-matched (5:1) on age, body mass index, diabetes,
and calendar year from eight Department of Veterans Affairs medical care
facilities in the Pacific Northwest. We estimated and compared longitudinal
percent weight change from baseline during up to 39 mo of follow-up in
participants with and without amputation. Weight gain in the 2 yr after
amputation was significantly more in men with an amputation than without, and in
men with a TTA or TFA (8%-9% increase) than in men with a PFA (3%-6% increase).
Generally, percent weight gain peaked at 2 yr and was followed by some weight
loss in the third year. These findings indicate that LLA is often followed by
clinically important weight gain. Future studies are needed to better understand
the reasons for weight gain and to identify intervention strategies to prevent
excess weight gain and the deleterious consequences that may ensue.

Langue : ANGLAIS