Garcia M, et al. - In this investigation, researchers used Texas inpatient hospital discharge data (2005-2014) to assess demographic and clinical risk factors as well as lower extremity amputation (LEA) revascularization (surgical and/or endovascular) associations. From about 19.9 million admissions between 2005 and 2014, there were approximately 46.6 thousand for non-traumatic major LEAs. Diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and male sex were risk factors associated with LEA. Findings suggested an association of insurance status, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and stroke/transient ischemic attack with lower odds of amputation. In Texas, the investigators noted that amputation rates have remained constant, while rates of revascularization continue to decline. In minorities, including Hispanic ethnicity—the fastest growing demographic in Texas—a higher risk for LEA was observed. Revascularization and having insurance were linked to lower odds for amputation.