Plasma total bilirubin levels predict amputation events in type 2 diabetes mellitus: the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study
Date
2013
Authors
Chan, K.
O'Connell, R.
Sullivan, D.
Hoffmann, L.
Rajamani, K.
Whiting, M.
Donoghoe, M.
Vanhala, M.
Hamer, A.
Yu, B.
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Journal article
Citation
Diabetologia, 2013; 56(4):724-736
Statement of Responsibility
K.H. Chan, R.L. O’Connell, D.R. Sullivan, L.S. Hoffmann, K. Rajamani, M. Whiting, M.W. Donoghoe, M. Vanhala, A. Hamer, B. Yu, R. Stocker, M.K.C. Ng, A.C. Keech (on behalf of the FIELD study investigators)
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Abstract
Aims/hypothesis: Bilirubin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Previous studies demonstrated that higher bilirubin levels were associated with reduced prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). However, the relationship between bilirubin and lower-limb amputation, a consequence of PAD, is currently unknown. We hypothesised that, in patients with type 2 diabetes, bilirubin concentrations may inversely associate with lower-limb amputation. Methods: The relationship between baseline plasma total bilirubin levels and amputation events was analysed in 9,795 type 2 diabetic patients from the Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes (FIELD) study. The analysis plan was pre-specified. Lower-limb amputation was adjudicated blinded to treatment allocation. Relevant clinical and biochemical data were available for analyses. Amputation was a pre-specified tertiary endpoint. Results: Bilirubin concentrations were significantly inversely associated with lower-limb amputation, with a greater than threefold risk gradient across levels. Individuals with lower bilirubin concentrations had a higher risk for first amputation (HR 1.38 per 5 μmol/l decrease in bilirubin concentration, 95% CI 1.07, 1.79, p = 0.013). The same association persisted after adjustment for baseline variables, including age, height, smoking status, γ-glutamyltransferase level, HbA1c, trial treatment allocation (placebo vs fenofibrate), as well as previous PAD, non-PAD cardiovascular disease, amputation or diabetic skin ulcer, neuropathy, nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy (HR 1.38 per 5 μmol/l decrease in bilirubin concentration, 95% CI 1.05, 1.81, p = 0.019). Conclusions/interpretation: Our results identify a significant inverse relationship between bilirubin levels and total lower-limb amputation, driven by major amputation. Our data raise the hypothesis that bilirubin may protect against amputation in type 2 diabetes.
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© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013