engleski

Increased number of major amputations during pandemic could be caused by patients’ fear of COVID-19

Objective: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and fear of getting infected with the virus decreases the number of outpatient examinations and delays medical treatment in patients with possibility of amputation. Methods: A retrospective data analysis in a single institution for two period of times, during SARSCoV-2 pandemic compared to one year before. Results: The data revealed a significant decrease in number of outpatient examinations for 33% and increase of major amputations for 29% during four months of most difficult SARS-CoV-2 pandemic time in Croatia. Conclusion: The patients fear of SARSCoV-2 virus infection and delayed time of seeking medical assistance might be the explanation for increase of major amputations. Patients with limb threatening conditions fall into group of medical emergencies and should seek medical assistance and this should be clearly communicated through the media.

major amputation ; pandemic ; COVID-19 ; coronavirus infection ; fear

nije evidentirano