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The Journal of Rheumatology Dec 2021The epidemiology and treatment of peripheral neuropathy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
The epidemiology and treatment of peripheral neuropathy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and treatments of peripheral neuropathy in SSc.
METHODS
A systematic review of MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases for literature reporting peripheral neuropathy in SSc was performed. Studies evaluating incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and treatments were synthesized. A metaanalysis using a random effects model was used to evaluate the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy.
RESULTS
This systematic review identified 113 studies that reported 949 of 2143 subjects with at least 1 type of peripheral neuropathy. The mean age was 48.5 years. The mean time between SSc onset and detection of peripheral neuropathy was 8.85 years. The pooled prevalence of neuropathy was 27.37% (95% CI 22.35-32.70). Risk factors for peripheral neuropathy in SSc included advanced diffuse disease, anticentromere antibodies, calcinosis cutis, ischemia of the vasa nervorum, iron deficiency anemia, metoclopramide, pembrolizumab, silicosis, and uremia. There were 73 subjects with successful treatments (n = 36 restoring sensation, n = 37 restoring motor or sensorimotor function). Treatments included decompression surgery, prednisone, cyclophosphamide, carbamazepine, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, tricyclic antidepressants, and intravenous Ig.
CONCLUSION
All-cause peripheral neuropathy is not uncommon in SSc. Compression neuropathies can be treated with decompression surgery. Observational data reporting immunosuppressives and anticonvulsants to treat peripheral neuropathy in SSc are limited and conflicting. Randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these interventions.
Topics: Humans; Incidence; Iron Deficiencies; Middle Aged; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Risk Factors; Scleroderma, Systemic
PubMed: 34210833
DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.201299 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2021Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects between 4% and 12% of people aged 55 to 70 years, and 20% of people over 70 years. A common complaint is intermittent... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects between 4% and 12% of people aged 55 to 70 years, and 20% of people over 70 years. A common complaint is intermittent claudication (exercise-induced lower limb pain relieved by rest). These patients have a three- to six-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality. Cilostazol is a drug licensed for the use of improving claudication distance and, if shown to reduce cardiovascular risk, could offer additional clinical benefits. This is an update of the review first published in 2007.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of cilostazol on initial and absolute claudication distances, mortality and vascular events in patients with stable intermittent claudication.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and AMED databases, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov trials registries, on 9 November 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We considered double-blind, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of cilostazol versus placebo, or versus other drugs used to improve claudication distance in patients with stable intermittent claudication.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors independently assessed trials for selection and independently extracted data. Disagreements were resolved by discussion. We assessed the risk of bias with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Certainty of the evidence was evaluated using GRADE. For dichotomous outcomes, we used odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and for continuous outcomes we used mean differences (MDs) and 95% CIs. We pooled data using a fixed-effect model, or a random-effects model when heterogeneity was identified. Primary outcomes were initial claudication distance (ICD) and quality of life (QoL). Secondary outcomes were absolute claudication distance (ACD), revascularisation, amputation, adverse events and cardiovascular events.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 16 double-blind, RCTs (3972 participants) comparing cilostazol with placebo, of which five studies also compared cilostazol with pentoxifylline. Treatment duration ranged from six to 26 weeks. All participants had intermittent claudication secondary to PAD. Cilostazol dose ranged from 100 mg to 300 mg; pentoxifylline dose ranged from 800 mg to 1200 mg. The certainty of the evidence was downgraded by one level for all studies because publication bias was strongly suspected. Other reasons for downgrading were imprecision, inconsistency and selective reporting. Cilostazol versus placebo Participants taking cilostazol had a higher ICD compared with those taking placebo (MD 26.49 metres; 95% CI 18.93 to 34.05; 1722 participants; six studies; low-certainty evidence). We reported QoL measures descriptively due to insufficient statistical detail within the studies to combine the results; there was a possible indication in improvement of QoL in the cilostazol treatment groups (low-certainty evidence). Participants taking cilostazol had a higher ACD compared with those taking placebo (39.57 metres; 95% CI 21.80 to 57.33; 2360 participants; eight studies; very-low certainty evidence). The most commonly reported adverse events were headache, diarrhoea, abnormal stools, dizziness, pain and palpitations. Participants taking cilostazol had an increased odds of experiencing headache compared to participants taking placebo (OR 2.83; 95% CI 2.26 to 3.55; 2584 participants; eight studies; moderate-certainty evidence).Very few studies reported on other outcomes so conclusions on revascularisation, amputation, or cardiovascular events could not be made. Cilostazol versus pentoxifylline There was no difference detected between cilostazol and pentoxifylline for improving walking distance, both in terms of ICD (MD 20.0 metres, 95% CI -2.57 to 42.57; 417 participants; one study; low-certainty evidence); and ACD (MD 13.4 metres, 95% CI -43.50 to 70.36; 866 participants; two studies; very low-certainty evidence). One study reported on QoL; the study authors reported no difference in QoL between the treatment groups (very low-certainty evidence). No study reported on revascularisation, amputation or cardiovascular events. Cilostazol participants had an increased odds of experiencing headache compared with participants taking pentoxifylline at 24 weeks (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.16 to 4.17; 982 participants; two studies; low-certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Cilostazol has been shown to improve walking distance in people with intermittent claudication. However, participants taking cilostazol had higher odds of experiencing headache. There is insufficient evidence about the effectiveness of cilostazol for serious events such as amputation, revascularisation, and cardiovascular events. Despite the importance of QoL to patients, meta-analysis could not be undertaken because of differences in measures used and reporting. Very limited data indicated no difference between cilostazol and pentoxifylline for improving walking distance and data were too limited for any conclusions on other outcomes.
Topics: Aged; Bias; Cilostazol; Humans; Intermittent Claudication; Middle Aged; Myocardial Infarction; Pentoxifylline; Peripheral Vascular Diseases; Placebos; Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Stroke; Tetrazoles; Walking
PubMed: 34192807
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003748.pub5 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Oct 2021Endovascular procedures for targeted treatment of lower extremity wounds can be subdivided as direct revascularization (DR), indirect revascularization (IR), and IR via... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Endovascular procedures for targeted treatment of lower extremity wounds can be subdivided as direct revascularization (DR), indirect revascularization (IR), and IR via collateral flow (IRc). Although previous systematic reviews assert superiority of DR when compared with IR, the role of collateral vessels in clinical outcomes remains to be defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to define the usefulness of DR, IR, and IRc in treatment of lower extremity wounds with respect to (1) wound healing, (2) major amputation, (3) reintervention, and (4) all-cause mortality.
METHODS
A meta-analysis was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE was queried for records pertaining to the study question using appropriate Medical Subject Heading terms. Studies were limited to those using DR, IR, or IRc as a primary intervention and reporting information on at least one of the primary outcomes of interest. No limitation was placed on year of publication, country of origin, or study size. Studies were assessed for validity using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Study characteristics and patient demographics were collected. Data representing the primary outcomes-wound healing, major amputation, reintervention, and all-cause mortality-were collected for time points ranging from one month to four years following intervention. A meta-analysis on sample size-weighted data assuming a random effects model was performed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the four primary outcomes at various time points.
RESULTS
We identified 21 studies for a total of 4252 limbs (DR, 2231; IR, 1647; IRC, 270). Overall wound healing rates were significantly superior for DR (OR, 2.45; P = .001) and IRc (OR, 8.46; P < .00001) compared with, IR with no significant difference between DR and IRc (OR, 1.25; P = .23). The overall major amputation rates were significantly superior for DR (OR, 0.48; P < .00001) and IRc (OR, 0.44; P = .006) compared with IR, with DR exhibiting significantly improved rates compared with IRc (OR, 0.51; P = .01). The overall mortality rates showed no significant differences between DR (OR, 0.89; P = .37) and IRc (OR, 1.12; P = .78) compared with IR, with no significant difference between DR and IRc (OR, 0.54; P = .18). The overall reintervention rates showed no significant difference between DR and IR (OR, 1.05; P = .81), with no studies reporting reintervention outcomes for IRc.
CONCLUSIONS
Both DR and IRc offer significantly improved wound healing rates and major amputation rates compared with IR when used to treat critical limb ischemia. Although DR should be the preferred method of revascularization, IRc can offer comparable outcomes when DR is not possible. This analysis was limited by a small sample size of IRc limbs, a predominance of retrospective studies, and variability in outcome definitions between studies.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Angiography; Collateral Circulation; Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Ischemia; Limb Salvage; Lower Extremity; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Regional Blood Flow; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing
PubMed: 33940077
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.026 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2021Bypass surgery using a large saphenous vein graft, or another autologous venous graft, is a well-recognised treatment option for managing peripheral arterial disease of...
BACKGROUND
Bypass surgery using a large saphenous vein graft, or another autologous venous graft, is a well-recognised treatment option for managing peripheral arterial disease of the lower limb, including chronic limb-threatening ischaemia (CLTI) and intermittent claudication, peripheral limb aneurysms, and major limb arterial trauma. Bypass surgery has good results in terms of limb preservation rates and long-term graft patency but is limited by the possibility of vein graft failure due to stenoses of the graft. Detection of stenoses through clinical and ultrasonographic surveillance, followed by treatment, is used to avoid graft occlusion. The conventional approach to treatment of patients with graft stenosis following infrainguinal bypass consists of open surgical repair, which usually is performed under general anaesthesia. Endoluminal treatment with angioplasty is less invasive and uses local anaesthesia. Both methods aim to improve blood flow to the limb.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of endoluminal interventions versus surgical intervention for people with vein graft stenosis following infrainguinal bypass.
SEARCH METHODS
The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and ClinicalTrials.gov to 25 August 2020.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We aimed to include all published and unpublished randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared endoluminal interventions versus surgical intervention for people with vein graft stenosis following infrainguinal bypass.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed all identified studies for potential inclusion in the review. We aimed to use standard methodological procedures in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The main outcomes of interest were primary patency, primary assisted patency, and all-cause mortality.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified no RCTs that met the inclusion criteria for this review.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We found no RCTs that compared endoluminal interventions versus surgical intervention for stenosis in vein grafts following infrainguinal bypass. Currently, there is no high-certainty evidence to support the use of one type of intervention over another. High-quality studies are needed to provide evidence on managing vein graft stenosis following infrainguinal bypass.
Topics: Aneurysm; Angioplasty; Constriction, Pathologic; Graft Occlusion, Vascular; Humans; Intermittent Claudication; Ischemia; Leg; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Saphenous Vein; Vascular Patency
PubMed: 33910264
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013702.pub2 -
A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes after acute limb ischemia in patients with cancer.Journal of Vascular Surgery Sep 2021Cancer results in a hypercoagulable state that is associated with both venous and arterial thromboses. However, little is known about the effects of acute limb ischemia... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cancer results in a hypercoagulable state that is associated with both venous and arterial thromboses. However, little is known about the effects of acute limb ischemia (ALI) in this cohort of patients. In the present systematic review and meta-analysis, we analyzed the available clinical data on cancer and its association with ALI and evaluated the outcomes in these patients after a diagnosis of ALI.
METHODS
Three databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library, were queried. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were included regardless of the publication year, language, sample size, or follow-up length. All the steps of the meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) and MOOSE (meta-analysis of observational studies in epidemiology) guidelines.
RESULTS
Seven studies from 6222 references with a total of 2899 patients were included. Of the 2899 patients, 1195 (41%) had had a diagnosis of ALI before their cancer diagnosis, and 1704 (59%) had presented with ALI after a cancer diagnosis. Nearly three quarters of ALI events were among patients with cancer of the skin and soft tissue (19%), genitourinary (18%), lung (17%), and gastrointestinal (16%) systems. ALI recurrence was similar between the two groups, and major amputation was more likely in patients with a diagnosis of ALI after a cancer diagnosis (7.4% vs 4.6%; P < .01). The incidence of mortality at 1 year was significantly greater for patients with established cancer who had presented with ALI compared with the patients who had presented with ALI before a cancer diagnosis (50.6% vs 29.9%; P < .01). After adjusting for study variability using the random effects model, the mortality at 1 year for all patients was 52.3% (95% confidence interval, 37.7%-66.5%). No significant heterogeneity (P = .73) was found between the two groups of patients, which varied by the timing of the ALI diagnosis in relation to the cancer diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
The 1-year mortality after the development of ALI in patients with cancer was >50%. For patients presenting with ALI of unclear etiology, the presence of an underlying cancer should be considered.
Topics: Acute Disease; Aged; Amputation, Surgical; Female; Humans; Ischemia; Limb Salvage; Male; Neoplasms; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33905869
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.03.058 -
Vascular Feb 2022Peripheral artery disease is estimated to affect 237 million individuals worldwide. Critical limb ischaemia, also known as chronic limb threatening ischaemia is a...
OBJECTIVES
Peripheral artery disease is estimated to affect 237 million individuals worldwide. Critical limb ischaemia, also known as chronic limb threatening ischaemia is a consequence of the progression of peripheral artery disease which occurs in ∼21% of patients over a five-year period. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the use of additional below-the-ankle angioplasty in comparison to the use of above-the-ankle angioplasty alone, and the subsequent rates of amputation, wound healing, restenosis, rest pain, reintervention and complications.
METHODS
This systematic review was undertaken in accordance with PRISMA guidelines following a registered protocol (CRD42019154893). Online databases were searched using a search strategy of 20 keywords. Included articles reported the outcome for inframalleolar (pedal artery, pedal arch, plantar arteries) angioplasty with additional proximal angioplasty in comparison to proximal angioplasty alone. GRADE assessment was applied to assess the quality of the evidence.
RESULTS
After screening 1089 articles, 10 articles met the inclusion criteria. Comparative performance assessment of below-the-ankle with above-the-ankle versus above-the-ankle angioplasty alone was undertaken in 3 articles, with the remaining 7 articles reporting outcomes of below-the-ankle with above-the-ankle angioplasty with no distinct comparator group. Significant decrease in major lower limb amputation at the last follow-up in the below-the-ankle group when compared with the above-the-ankle angioplasty alone group was observed in a single study (3.45% vs. 14.9%, < 0.05). Improved wound healing rate at follow-up in the below-the-ankle group versus above-the-ankle angioplasty alone group was also reported in a single study (59.3% vs. 38.1%, < 0.05). Subsequent rate of amputation after below-the-ankle angioplasty has been estimated as 23.5%.
CONCLUSION
To date, there is a lack of studies assessing inframalleolar interventions and their use in improving limb salvage, wound healing and symptomatology. Prospective RCTs should be undertaken with adequate participant numbers to be sufficiently powered and report clinically important end-points.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Humans; Ischemia; Limb Salvage; Pain; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Wound Healing
PubMed: 33789557
DOI: 10.1177/17085381211004246 -
CMAJ Open 2021Topical nitroglycerin (TNG) ointment has been used for almost 3 decades to treat neonatal peripheral tissue ischemia, but this product is now no longer being produced by...
BACKGROUND
Topical nitroglycerin (TNG) ointment has been used for almost 3 decades to treat neonatal peripheral tissue ischemia, but this product is now no longer being produced by its Canadian manufacturer. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of TNG products in newborns in neonatal intensive care units.
METHODS
In this systematic review we searched Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science from inception to April 2020 for studies on the use of TNG products (TNG ointment, TNG spray, glyceryl trinitrate [GTN] patch) for the treatment of neonatal tissue ischemia. We did not apply language or study design limitations. Animal studies and duplicate records were excluded. Two reviewers screened and extracted data. The Tool for Evaluating the Methodological Quality of Case Reports and Case Series was used to assess the risk of bias of individual studies.
RESULTS
We included 23 articles (20 case reports, 2 case series and 1 retrospective audit) describing the use of TNG ointment, TNG spray or GTN patch in the treatment of 39 tissue ischemia events in 37 newborns. Twenty-three (62.2%), 12 (32.4%), 1 (2.7%) and 1 (2.7%) infants received TNG ointment, GTN patch, both TNG ointment and GTN patch, and TNG spray, respectively. Nineteen (76.0%) and 7 (53.8%) injuries treated with TNG ointment and GTN patch showed complete recovery, respectively. Two (16.7%) infants treated with GTN patch experienced adverse events (i.e., methemoglobinemia) requiring treatment discontinuation.
INTERPRETATION
TNG ointment presents a safe therapeutic modality for salvage therapy of neonatal tissue ischemia. Engagement of stakeholders is essential to address its recent commercial inaccessibility in Canada.
Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Catheterization, Peripheral; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; Ischemia; Nitroglycerin; Ointments; Salvage Therapy; Vasodilator Agents
PubMed: 33731426
DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20200129 -
European Journal of Vascular and... Aug 2021Chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) is the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease. International guidelines recommend arterial revascularisation in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
Chronic limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) is the most severe form of peripheral arterial disease. International guidelines recommend arterial revascularisation in patients with CLTI. However, these patients are often fragile elderly people with significant comorbidities, whose vascular anatomy is not always suitable for open or endovascular revascularisation. Recent studies have suggested acceptable outcomes of conservative treatment. A systematic review of the available literature was conducted to obtain best estimates of outcomes of conservative treatment in patients with CLTI.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central.
REVIEW METHODS
A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central were searched from inception until September 2019. All studies reporting on outcomes of conservative treatment for CLTI were considered. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were done by two investigators independently. Risk of bias was evaluated with a modified version of the Cochrane tool for observational studies. Outcomes of interest were all cause mortality, major amputation, and amputation free survival (AFS) after at least 12 months of follow up. A random effects model was used for meta-analyses.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven publications were included, consisting of 12 observational studies and 15 placebo arms from randomised clinical trials, totalling 1 642 patients. Most studies included patients with non-reconstructable CLTI. Overall study quality was moderate. The pooled 12 month all cause mortality rate in 14 studies comprising 1 003 patients was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13 - 25, I = 73%). The pooled major amputation rate from 14 studies comprising 755 patients was 27% (95% CI 20 - 36, I = 65%) after one year, and pooled AFS rate after 12 months in 11 studies with 970 patients was 60% (95% CI 52 - 67, I = 75%).
CONCLUSION
Conservative treatment for patients with CLTI may be considered and does not always result in loss of limb or patient demise. The results of this review can be used to inform patients with CLTI about conservative treatment as part of a shared decision making process.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Chronic Disease; Conservative Treatment; Extremities; Humans; Ischemia; Mortality; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33674157
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2021.01.005 -
International Angiology : a Journal of... Jun 2021Radiation-induced arteriopathy (RIA) is a rare complication but may become more common due to the increased use of radiotherapy and the prolonged survival of patients....
INTRODUCTION
Radiation-induced arteriopathy (RIA) is a rare complication but may become more common due to the increased use of radiotherapy and the prolonged survival of patients. There is still a lack of evidence concerning treatment options. The aim of this study is to review reported cases of lower-limb RIA in order to provide guidelines for management.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
We reported 4 cases treated for lower limb RIA and performed a systematic literature review without time limitation in the Medline database using the MeSh tems "iliac artery/radiation effects" OR "femoral artery/radiation effects." Main outcomes of interest were radiation dose, time before symptoms, symptoms, involved vessels, treatment and outcome.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Twenty-five studies were included, reporting a total of 43 patients. Median time between irradiation and symptoms was 12 years (range: 9 days-49 years), with a median irradiation dose of 40Gy. Clinical presentation was claudication in 18 patients (52%), critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) in 4 patients (11%), acute limb ischemia (ALI) in 3 patients (9%) and hemorrhage in 6 patients (17%), the remaining 4 patients were asymptomatic (11%). Vessels involved were iliac arteries in 65% of the cases, femoropopliteal arteries in 28% of cases and concomitant supra and infrainguinal vessels in 7% of the cases. Claudication was mostly treated by open surgery (62%). Treatment of CLTI included primary amputation (50%), open surgery (25%) or endovascular surgery (25%). ALI was treated medically (33%), by open surgery (33%) or in situ thrombolysis (33%). Hemorrhagic cases or pulsatile masses were mostly treated by open surgery (66%). Follow-up was reported in 26 patients (67%), with mean follow-up of 12 months (range: 2 weeks - 5 years). During follow-up, 16% of these patients presented a recurrence of symptoms, and 8% required a reintervention.
CONCLUSIONS
There seems to be no evidence for open versus endovascular treatment, but close and long-term follow-up is needed in these patients due to the possible late presentation and recurrence of symptoms after treatment.
Topics: Amputation, Surgical; Humans; Intermittent Claudication; Ischemia; Limb Salvage; Lower Extremity; Peripheral Arterial Disease; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33660497
DOI: 10.23736/S0392-9590.21.04606-X -
Ghana Medical Journal Mar 2021A very small proportion (1%) of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) present with critical limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) with poor prognosis. The present...
BACKGROUND
A very small proportion (1%) of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) present with critical limb threatening ischaemia (CLTI) with poor prognosis. The present review showcased several pre-operative predictors and key post-operative outcomes. Identification of any modifiable predictors may impact positively on surgical outcomes.
DESIGN
PubMed/Medline, Google scholar and Cochrane databases were searched using terms such as "peripheral arterial disease" AND "critical limb ischemia," "post-operative outcome," AND "predictors of post-operative outcomes". Search was for relevant English-language articles published between January 1997 and December 2007 Selected articles were screened first by title and abstract, and selection of full articles was based on relevance using our inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality ratings performed with the MINORS score.
RESULTS
The included studies were published between 1997 and 2007. Only six (6) articles out of a total of 2,114 were deemed suitable for analysis. Ambulatory recovery was >70% at six months, 86.7% and 70.0% at one year and five years respectively. Rate of local wound complications was between 12% and 24%. Reported limb salvage rates were >90% at six months, >70% at one year and 70.0-90.0% at five years. Primary graft patency rate at one year ranged from 63% and 76.6%. Gangrene, diabetes and impaired pre-operative ambulatory function are associated with more wound complications, low limb salvage, reduced graft patency and poor functional outcome.
CONCLUSION
Pre-operative ambulatory status was the most important predictor of post-operative ambulatory recovery. Diabetes mellitus was an important risk factor for prolonged wound healing, local wound complications and major amputation.
FUNDING
None declared.
PubMed: 38322387
DOI: 10.4314/gmj.v55i1.10