Diabetes or war? Incidence of and indications for limb amputation in Lebanon, 2007.

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and vascular disease are a major public health problem in Lebanon, where primary care is not well developed. This study aimed to describe the incidence and indications for limb amputation in Lebanon and identify associated factors (age, sex, level of surgery, length of hospital stay). There were 1.6 amputations per 10 000 persons. The rate of amputation was highest in southern Lebanon at 3.8 per 10 000. The most important indication for surgery was diabetes (59%). Diabetic patients were older (mean age 73 years versus 30 years), more likely to have major surgery (OR = 7.87; 95% CI: 2.83-21.9) and stay in hospital longer (RR = 4.56, 95% CI: 2.41-8.64) than patients with trauma-related amputation. Diabetes prevention, detection and management should be prioritized in any attempt to reduce the current incidence of amputation in Lebanon.

Epidemiology of hip fractures in Lebanon: a nationwide survey.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are a reliable indicator of osteoporosis. Despite their importance, few studies have assessed their epidemiology in Lebanon and the Middle East. HYPOTHESES: Hip fracture incidence rates in Lebanon approximate those of Northern countries, and show the same characteristics, particularly the exponential increase with age, higher incidence in women, and a recent trend of rate leveling in women but not in men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A national database of hip fracture cases admitted to hospitals in Lebanon in 2007 was created. Crude and age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated at 5-year intervals for individuals over age 50. These rates were also standardized to the 2000 United States population, and compared to those of other countries. Projected incidence rates in Lebanon in 2020 and 2050 were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 1199 patients were included in the study. The crude annual incidence rate in individuals over 50 was 147 per 100,000 individuals, 132 per 100,000 males and 160 per 100,000 females, with a female-to-male ratio of 1.2. The age-standardized annual incidence rates (per 100,000) were 180 in males and 256 in females. Assuming unchanged healthcare parameters, the projected crude incidence rates for people over 50 are expected to reach 174 and 284 per 100,000 in 2020 and 2050 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Lebanese hip fracture rates are lower than Northern countries, but show many similar characteristics such as an exponential increase with age, a higher incidence in women, and clues of a leveling of rates in women but not in men. Numbers are expected to increase substantially in the coming decades. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV. Epidemiological study.

Diabetes or war? Incidence of and indications for limb amputation in Lebanon, 2007

Chronic diseases such as diabetes and vascular disease are a major public health problem in Lebanon, where primary care is not well developed. This study aimed to describe the incidence and indications for limb amputation in Lebanon and identify associated factors [age, sex, level of surgery, length of hospital stay]. There were 1.6 amputations per 10 000 persons. The rate of amputation was highest in southern Lebanon at 3.8 per 10 000. The most important indication for surgery was diabetes [59%]. Diabetic patients were older [mean age 73 years versus 30 years], more likely to have major surgery [OR = 7.87; 95% CI: 2.83-21.9] and stay in hospital longer [RR = 4.56, 95% CI: 2.41-8.64] than patients with trauma-related amputation. Diabetes prevention, detection and management should be prioritized in any attempt to reduce the current incidence of amputation in Lebanon