Supervised exercise, stent revascularization, or medical therapy for claudication due to aortoiliac peripheral artery disease: the CLEVER study

Stimulation of Collateral Vessel Growth by Inhibition of Galectin 2 in Mice Using a Single-Domain Llama-Derived Antibody

Background

In the presence of arterial stenosis, collateral artery growth (arteriogenesis) can alleviate ischemia and preserve tissue function. In patients with poorly developed collateral arteries, Gal‐2 (galectin 2) expression is increased. In vivo administration of Gal‐2 inhibits arteriogenesis. Blocking of Gal‐2 potentially stimulates arteriogenesis. This study aims to investigate the effect of Gal‐2 inhibition on arteriogenesis and macrophage polarization using specific single‐domain antibodies.

Methods and Results

Llamas were immunized with Gal‐2 to develop anti–Gal‐2 antibodies. Binding of Gal‐2 to monocytes and binding inhibition of antibodies were quantified. To test arteriogenesis in vivo, Western diet‐fed LDLR.(low‐density lipoprotein receptor)–null Leiden mice underwent femoral artery ligation and received treatment with llama antibodies 2H8 or 2C10 or with vehicle. Perfusion restoration was measured with laser Doppler imaging. In the hind limb, arterioles and macrophage subtypes were characterized by histology, together with aortic atherosclerosis. Llama‐derived antibodies 2H8 and 2C10 strongly inhibited the binding of Gal‐2 to monocytes (93% and 99%, respectively). Treatment with these antibodies significantly increased perfusion restoration at 14 days (relative to sham, vehicle: 41.3±2.7%; 2H8: 53.1±3.4%, P=0.016; 2C10: 52.0±3.8%, P=0.049). In mice treated with 2H8 or 2C10, the mean arteriolar diameter was larger compared with control (vehicle: 17.25±4.97 μm; 2H8: 17.71±5.01 μm; 2C10: 17.84±4.98 μm; P<0.001). Perivascular macrophages showed a higher fraction of the M2 phenotype in both antibody‐treated animals (vehicle: 0.49±0.24; 2H8: 0.73±0.15, P=0.007; 2C10: 0.75±0.18, P=0.006). In vitro antibody treatment decreased the expression of M1‐associated cytokines compared with control (P<0.05 for each). Atherosclerotic lesion size was comparable between groups (overall P=0.59).

Conclusions

Inhibition of Gal‐2 induces a proarteriogenic M2 phenotype in macrophages, improves collateral artery growth, and increases perfusion restoration in a murine hind limb model.

Peripheral Artery Disease: Past, Present, and Future

Peripheral artery disease is a prevalent but underdiagnosed manifestation of atherosclerosis. There is insufficient awareness of its clinical manifestations, including intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia and of its risk of adverse cardiovascular and limb outcomes. In addition, our inadequate knowledge of its pathophysiology has also limited the development of effective treatments, particularly in the presence of critical limb ischemia. This review aims to highlight essential elements of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of peripheral artery disease, bring attention to the often-atypical manifestations of occlusive arterial disease of the lower extremity, increase awareness of critical limb ischemia, briefly describe the diagnostic role of the ankle brachial index, and go over the contemporary management of peripheral artery disease. An emphasis is placed on evidence-based medical treatments to improve symptoms and quality of life and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and limb events in these patients, including supervised exercise training, smoking cessation, antagonism of the renin-angiotensin system, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet, and antithrombotic therapies.

Paclitaxel-Based Devices for the Treatment of PAD: Balancing Clinical Efficacy with Possible Risk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Paclitaxel-based endovascular devices have become the standard of care in symptomatic, medication-refractory peripheral artery disease (PAD) and in critical limb ischemia (CLI). This review examines the data on the efficacy and safety of these devices relative to standard balloon angioplasty (PTA) and bare metal stents (BMS).

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have found that peripheral devices coated with paclitaxel result in superior patency rates and decreased target lesion revascularization (TLR) compared with non-drug-coated devices. Recently, a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials unexpectedly reported an increase in mortality in patients treated with paclitaxel-coated devices (PCDs), resulting in the pausing of ongoing trials and a warning of safety from the FDA. Observational data that has been published since this time has not supported this safety concern. PAD is a common disease that severely impacts quality and length of life. PCDs are a promising therapy for patients with PAD, offering a more effective and durable intervention when compared with traditional PTA/BMS. A meta-analysis of RCTs identified a signal of harm with these devices which has now been replicated by the FDA. However, there is significant missing data from the trials analyzed by the meta-analysis and FDA, no plausible mechanism linking paclitaxel to death, and no correlation between paclitaxel dose and mortality. Analyses in observational data have found no safety signal. An FDA panel evaluating the validity of this late-mortality signal recently adjourned, emphasizing that the available data is incomplete. PCDs will remain on the market, and an active discussion is underway for developing an approach for improved post-market surveillance, device-labeling, and cause of death adjudication.

Implementation of Supervised Exercise Therapy for Patients With Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association

Patients with lower-extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD) have greater functional impairment, faster functional decline, increased rates of mobility loss, and poorer quality of life than people without PAD. Supervised exercise therapy (SET) improves walking ability, overall functional status, and health-related quality of life in patients with symptomatic PAD. In 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a National Coverage Determination (CAG-00449N) for SET programs for patients with symptomatic PAD. This advisory provides a practical guide for delivering SET programs to patients with PAD according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services criteria. It summarizes the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services process and requirements for referral and coverage of SET and provides guidance on how to implement SET for patients with PAD, including the SET protocol, options for outcome measurement, and transition to home-based exercise. This advisory is based on the guidelines established by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States and is intended to assist clinicians and administrators who are implementing SET programs for patients with PAD.

Motivating Structured walking Activity in people with Intermittent Claudication (MOSAIC): protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a physiotherapist-led, behavioural change intervention versus usual care in adults with intermittent claudication

INTRODUCTION

Walking exercise is a recommended but underused treatment for intermittent claudication caused by peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Addressing the factors that influence walking exercise may increase patient uptake of and adherence to recommended walking. The primary aim of this randomised controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the efficacy of a physiotherapist-led behavioural change intervention on walking ability in adults with intermittent claudication (MOtivating Structured walking Activity in people with Intermittent Claudication (MOSAIC)) in comparison with usual care.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The MOSAIC trial is a two-arm, parallel-group, single-blind RCT. 192 adults will be recruited from six National Health Service Hospital Trusts. Inclusion criteria are: aged ≥50 years, PAD (Ankle Brachial Pressure Index ≤0.90, radiographic evidence or clinician report) and intermittent claudication (San Diego Claudication Questionnaire), being able and willing to participate and provide informed consent. The primary outcome is walking ability (6 min walking distance) at 3 months. Outcomes will be obtained at baseline, 3 and 6 months by an assessor blind to group allocation. Participants will be individually randomised (n=96/group, stratified by centre) to receive either MOSAIC or usual care by an independent randomisation service. Estimates of treatment effects will use an intention-to-treat framework implemented using multiple regression adjusted for baseline values and centre.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This trial has full ethical approval (London-Bloomsbury Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/0568)). It will be disseminated via patient forums, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN14501418.

Supervised walking exercise therapy improves gait biomechanics in patients with peripheral artery disease

OBJECTIVE

In patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), supervised exercise therapy is a first line of treatment because it increases maximum walking distances comparable with surgical revascularization therapy. Little is known regarding gait biomechanics after supervised exercise therapy. This study characterized the effects of supervised exercise therapy on gait biomechanics and walking distances in claudicating patients with PAD.

METHODS

Forty-seven claudicating patients with PAD underwent gait analysis before and immediately after 6 months of supervised exercise therapy. Exercise sessions consisted of a 5-minute warmup of mild walking and stretching of upper and lower leg muscles, 50 minutes of intermittent treadmill walking, and 5 minutes of cooldown (similar to warmup) three times per week. Measurements included self-perceived ambulatory limitations measured by questionnaire, the ankle-brachial index (ABI), walking distance measures, maximal plantar flexor strength measured by isometric dynamometry, and overground gait biomechanics trials performed before and after the onset of claudication pain. Paired t-tests were used to test for differences in quality of life, walking distances, ABI, and maximal strength. A two-factor repeated measures analysis of variance determined differences for intervention and condition for gait biomechanics dependent variables.

RESULTS

After supervised exercise therapy, quality of life, walking distances, and maximal plantar flexor strength improved, although the ABI did not significantly change. Several gait biomechanics parameters improved after the intervention, including torque and power generation at the ankle and hip. Similar to previous studies, the onset of claudication pain led to a worsening gait or a gait that was less like healthy individuals with a pain-free gait.

CONCLUSIONS

Six months of supervised exercise therapy produced increases in walking distances and quality of life that are consistent with concurrent improvements in muscle strength and gait biomechanics. These improvements occurred even though the ABI did not improve. Future work should examine the benefits of supervised exercise therapy used in combination with other available treatments for PAD.

National survey of current practice and opinions on rehabilitation for intermittent claudication in the Danish Public Healthcare System

Objective. International guidelines recommend rehabilitation including supervised exercise therapy in patients with Intermittent Claudication (IC), but knowledge of the implementation in clinical practice is limited. This study aims to investigate current practice and opinions on rehabilitation for patients with IC among vascular surgeons and rehabilitation departments in the municipalities and hospitals. Design. Three electronic cross-sectional surveys were distributed nationally to the Danish vascular surgeons (n = 131) and to rehabilitation departments in the municipalities (n = 92) and hospitals (n = 33). Results. The response rates were 70% among the vascular surgeons, 98% among the municipalities and 94% among the hospitals. Vascular surgeons utilize oral advice to exercise by self-administered walking, pharmacological treatment, and revascularization to improve walking distance in patients with IC. Currently, only 12% of the vascular surgeons referred to rehabilitation to improve walking distance, while almost all vascular surgeons (96%) would refer their patients to IC rehabilitation, if it was available. Only 14% of municipalities and none of the hospitals, who treat patients with IC, have a rehabilitation program designed specifically for patients with IC. However, 59% of the rehabilitation departments in the municipalities and 26% in the hospitals included patients with IC in rehabilitation program designed for other patient groups - mostly cardiac patients. There was consensus among the groups of respondents that future IC specific rehabilitation should include an initial conversation, supervised exercise therapy, smoking cessation, and patient education according to guidelines. Conclusion. Vascular surgeons support referral and participation in IC rehabilitation to improve walking distance in patients with IC. Despite some hospitals and municipalities included patients with IC in rehabilitation nearly all services fail to meet current guideline as specific services tailored to patient with IC is almost non-existent in Denmark. Our findings call for action for services to comply with current recommendations of structured, systematic rehabilitation for patients with IC.

Paclitaxel-Coated Balloons and Eluting Stents: Is There a Mortality Risk in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease?

Paclitaxel drug-coated balloons and drug-eluting stents became commercially available for the treatment of intermittent claudication in 2015 and 2012, respectively. Both devices demonstrated superiority in limb revascularization compared with non-paclitaxel-coated devices and were rapidly accepted into clinical practice. In a recent systematic review and study-level meta-analysis, Katsanos et al reported a late all-cause mortality signal for patients in the drug-coated balloon and drug-eluting stent arms of randomized clinical trials for both devices. As a result of this safety signal, Vascular InterVentional Advances Physicians (VIVA), a not-for-profit 501c(3) organization, convened the Vascular Leaders Forum on March 1 and 2, 2019, in Washington, DC, to initiate an open and collaborative process of investigation into this finding. The Vascular Leaders Forum brought together 100 stakeholders, including an international group of representatives of cardiovascular medicine, interventional radiology, vascular medicine, and vascular surgery; oncologists; basic scientists; the Food and Drug Administration; the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; and commercial manufacturers of these products. The Vascular Leaders Forum reviewed the natural history of peripheral arterial disease, the use of paclitaxel in peripheral arterial disease and other conditions, the harm signal noted by Katsanos et al, the impact of the methods chosen by Katsanos et al, possible mechanisms of harm, the role of the Food and Drug Administration in a setting like this one, and guidance for clinicians taking care of patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. This document integrates the most current data to help establish an appropriate path forward to understand the risks and benefits associated with these technologies while ensuring the best treatment paradigm for patients.

Supervised Exercise Therapy and Revascularization for Intermittent Claudication: Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis comparing all therapeutic modalities for intermittent claudication (IC), including best medical therapy (BMT) alone, percutaneous angioplasty (PTA), supervised exercise therapy (SET), and PTA combined with SET, to establish the optimal first-line treatment for IC.

BACKGROUND

IC is a common health problem that limits physical activity, results in decreased quality of life (QoL) and is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. Previous meta-analyses have attempted to combine data from randomized trials; however, none have combined data from all possible treatment combinations or synthesized QoL outcomes.

METHODS

Following a systematic review of the published research (conducted in December 2018) that identified 37 published randomized trials, a network meta-analysis was performed combining all possible IC treatment strategies.

RESULTS

Overall, 2,983 patients with IC were included (mean weighted age 68 years, 54.5% men). Comparisons were performed between BMT (n = 688, 28 arms) versus SET (n = 1,189, 35 arms) versus PTA (n = 511, 12 arms) versus PTA plus SET (n = 395, 8 arms). Mean weighted follow-up was 12 months (95% confidence interval: 9 to 23 months). Compared with BMT alone, PTA plus SET outperformed other treatment strategies, with a maximum walking distance gain of 290 m (95% credible interval: 180 to 390 m; p < 0.001). A variety of QoL assessments using validated tools were reported in 15 trials; PTA plus SET was superior to other treatments (Cohen's D = 1.8; 95% credible interval: 0.21 to 3.4).

CONCLUSIONS

In addition to BMT, PTA combined with SET seems to be the optimal first-line treatment strategy for IC in terms of maximum walking distance and QoL improvement.

Unmet medical needs in intermittent Claudication with diabetes and coronary artery disease-A "real-world" analysis on 21 197 PAD patients

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is frequently co-prevalent with coronary artery disease (CAD) and diabetes (DM). The study aims to define the burden of CAD and/ or DM in PAD patients at moderate stages and further to evaluate its impact on therapy and outcome.

METHODS

Study is based on health insurance claims data of the BARMER reflecting an unselected "real-world" scenario. Retrospective analyses were based on 21 197 patients hospitalized for PAD Rutherford 1-3 between 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2011, including a 4-year follow-up (median 775 days).

RESULTS

In PAD patients, CAD is prevalent in 25.3% (n = 5355), DM in 23.5% (n = 4976), and both CAD and DM in 8.2% (n = 1741). Overall, in-hospital mortality was 0.4%, being increased if CAD was present (CAD alone: OR 1.849; 95%-CI 1.066-3.208; DM alone: OR 1.028; 95%-CI 0.520-2.033; CAD and DM: OR 3.115; 95%-CI 1.720-5.641). Both, CAD and DM increased long-term mortality (CAD alone: HR 1.234; 95%-CI 1.106-1.376; DM alone: HR 1.260; 95%-CI 1.125-1.412; CAD and DM: HR 1.76; 95%-CI 1.552-1.995). DM further increased long-term amputation risk (DM alone: HR 2.238; 95%-CI 1.849-2.710; DM and CAD: HR 2.199; 95%-CI 1.732-2.792), whereas CAD (alone) did not.

CONCLUSIONS

In a greater perspective, the data identify also mild to modest stage PAD patients at particular risk for adverse outcomes in presence of CAD and/or DM. CAD and DM both are related with a highly increased risk of long-term mortality even in intermittent claudication, and DM independently increased amputation risk.

Medical and lifestyle management of peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a global health issue associated with impaired functional capacity and elevated risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). With changing risk factor profiles and an aging population, the burden of disease is expected to increase. This review considers evidence for the noninvasive management of PAD and makes clinical recommendations accordingly.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature review was performed to examine the evidence for smoking cessation, exercise therapy, antiplatelet therapy, anticoagulant therapy, antihypertensive therapy, lipid-lowering therapy, and glycemic control in diabetes for patients with PAD.

RESULTS

Nicotine replacement, bupropion, and varenicline are safe and more effective than placebo in achieving smoking abstinence. Wherever it is practical and available, supervised exercise therapy is ideal treatment for intermittent claudication. Alternatively, step-monitored exercise can increase walking performance and the participant's compliance with less staff supervision. Clopidogrel is preferable to aspirin alone for all patients. However, small studies support the use of dual antiplatelet therapy after revascularization to improve limb outcomes. More recently, the addition of low-dose rivaroxaban to aspirin alone was proven to be more effective in reducing MACEs without a significant increase in major bleeding. However, the exact role of direct oral anticoagulant therapy in the management of PAD is still being understood. Evidence is emerging for more intensive blood pressure and lipid-lowering therapy than traditional targets. Whereas research in PAD is limited, there is clinical scope for an individualized approach to these risk factors. The management of diabetes remains challenging as glycemic control has not been demonstrated to improve macrovascular outcomes. Any potential impact of glycemic control on microvascular disease needs to be weighed against the risks of hypoglycemia. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors appear to reduce MACEs, although caution is advised, given the increased incidence of lower limb amputation in clinical trials of canagliflozin.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical and lifestyle management of PAD should aim to improve functional outcomes and to reduce MACEs. Smoking cessation counseling or pharmacotherapy is recommended, although new strategies are needed. Whereas supervised exercise therapy is ideal, there can be barriers to clinical implementation. Other initiatives are being used as an alternative to walking-based supervised exercise therapy. More studies are required to investigate the role of intensive glycemic, blood pressure, and dyslipidemia control in patients with PAD. Overall, a multifactorial approach is recommended to alter the natural history of this condition.

Supervised exercise therapy and revascularization: Single-center experience of intermittent claudication management

Guidelines recommend supervised exercise therapy (SET) as first-line treatment for intermittent claudication. However, the use of revascularization is widespread. We addressed the effectiveness of preventing (additional) invasive revascularization after primary SET or revascularization based on lesion and patient characteristics. In this single-center, retrospective, cohort study, 474 patients with intermittent claudication were included. Patients with occlusive disease of the aortoiliac tract and/or common femoral artery (inflow) were primarily considered for revascularization, while patients with more distal disease (outflow) were primarily considered for SET. In total, 232 patients were referred for SET and 242 patients received revascularization. The primary outcome was freedom from (additional) intervention, analyzed by Kaplan–Meier estimates. Secondary outcomes were survival, critical ischemia, freedom from target lesion revascularization (TLR), and an increase in maximum walking distance. In the SET-first strategy, 71% of patients had significant outflow lesions. Freedom from intervention was 0.90 ± 0.02 at 1-year and 0.82 ± 0.03 at 2-year follow-up. In the primary revascularization group, 90% of patients had inflow lesions. Freedom from additional intervention was 0.78 ± 0.03 at 1-year and only 0.65 ± 0.04 at 2-year follow-up, despite freedom from TLR of 0.91 ± 0.02 and 0.85 ± 0.03 at 1- and 2-year follow-up, respectively. In conclusion, SET was effective in preventing invasive treatment for patients with mainly outflow lesions. In contrast, secondary intervention rates following our strategy of primary revascularization for inflow lesions were unexpectedly high. These findings further support the guideline recommendations of SET as first-line treatment for all patients with intermittent claudication irrespective of level of disease.

Clinical Assessment of Peripheral Arterial Disease in the Office: What Do the Guidelines Say?

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is the manifestation of atherosclerotic disease within the lower extremities. The presentation of PAD is diverse ranging from asymptomatic disease to claudication or to debilitating rest pain, nonhealing ulcers, and gangrene. PAD is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Proper diagnosis and management of PAD is important so as to maintain quality of life and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and adverse limb events such as amputation. This document provides a comprehensive outpatient approach to the clinical assessment of PAD that includes risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up options.

Treatment Strategies for the Claudicant

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a prevalent, morbid, and mortal disease. Claudication represents an early, yet common manifestation of PAD. A clinical history and physical examination combined with an ankle-brachial index can help make a diagnosis of claudication. Due to the polyvascular nature of the underlying atherosclerosis, PAD is often associated with heart disease and stroke. Although health implications of PAD derive from both its limb and cardiovascular manifestations, claudication is life-threatening, less limb-threatening. Medical modification of cardiovascular risk factors and exercise are the cornerstone in the treatment of claudication. Revascularization in claudication is focused at improvement in claudication symptoms and functional status, rather than aggressive attempts at limb salvage. The aim of this article is to summarize the strategies in the treatment of claudication, to serve as a concise and informative reference for physicians who are managing these patients. A framework of the decision-making process in the management of patients with claudication is shown, which can be applied in clinical practice.

Effect of Interventional Therapy on IL-1β, IL-6, and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Levels and Outcomes in Patients with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

Background

This study investigated the clinical effect of interventional therapy in ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICD).

Material/Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 260 ICD patients who were divided into a control group (122 patients, conventional drug treatment) and an observation group (138 patients, interventional therapy plus conventional drug treatment). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to examine the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and NLR. Furthermore, neurological deficit scores and Barthel index scores as well as the correlation of IL-1β, IL-6 and NLR were examined in these 2 groups.

Results

The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and NLR significantly decreased in both groups after 1 week or 4 weeks of treatment compared with before treatment (P<0.05). Significant differences in neurological impairment scores were detected between these 2 groups after 4 weeks of treatment (P<0.05), and the control group showed higher neurological deficit scores than did the observation group (P<0.05). Barthel index scores were significantly higher after treatment than before treatment in the control and observation group (P<0.05), and the control group had lower Barthel index scores than did the observation group (P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that IL-1β, IL-6, and NLR expression were positively correlated in ICD patients (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Interventional surgery combined with conventional drug therapy can reduce serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels, decrease neurological impairment, and improve the quality of life of patients. The combined treatment group showed better outcomes than did the group that received the drug alone; therefore, combined therapy is suitable for promoting better clinical outcomes.

Mobile educational follow-up application for patients with peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

to describe the development of a prototype mobile educational application for nursing follow-up aimed at patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease.

METHOD

a prototype-based technological production study. The construction followed the contextualized instructional design model using two steps: analysis and design and development.

RESULTS

the pedagogical content of the application was based on a survey of needs of patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease and treatments recommended in the literature. The prototype developed contained concepts, risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatment, importance of medications and their side effects, frequent doubts, necessary health care, and follow-up of patients by monitoring the evolution of the cicatricial process of lesions and possible complications, clarification of doubts and stimulus for continuation of treatment.

CONCLUSION

the use of health applications is a technological tool with the potential to improve the follow-up of patients regarding the progress of the disease and self-care, monitoring of risk factors, co-participation of the patient in the treatment, family participation, as well as planning of individualized care, and cost reduction for the health system.

A polymer-coated, paclitaxel-eluting stent (Eluvia) versus a polymer-free, paclitaxel-coated stent (Zilver PTX) for endovascular femoropopliteal intervention (IMPERIAL): a randomised, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

The clinical effect of a drug-eluting stent in the femoropopliteal segment has not been investigated in a randomised trial with a contemporary comparator. The IMPERIAL study sought to compare the safety and efficacy of the polymer-coated, paclitaxel-eluting Eluvia stent with the polymer-free, paclitaxel-coated Zilver PTX stent for treatment of femoropopliteal artery segment lesions.

METHODS

In this randomised, single-blind, non-inferiority study, patients with symptomatic lower-limb ischaemia manifesting as claudication (Rutherford category 2, 3, or 4) with atherosclerotic lesions in the native superficial femoral artery or proximal popliteal artery were enrolled at 65 centres in Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, and the USA. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) with a site-specific, web-based randomisation schedule to receive treatment with Eluvia or Zilver PTX. All patients, site personnel, and investigators were masked to treatment assignment until all patients had completed 12 months of follow-up. The primary efficacy endpoint was primary patency (defined as a peak systolic velocity ratio ≤2·4, without clinically driven target lesion revascularisation or bypass of the target lesion) and the primary safety endpoint was major adverse events (ie, all causes of death through 1 month, major amputation of target limb through 12 months, and target lesion revascularisation through 12 months). We set a non-inferiority margin of -10% at 12 months. Primary non-inferiority analyses were done when the minimum sample size required for adequate statistical power had completed 12 months of follow-up. The primary safety non-inferiority analysis included all patients who had completed 12 months of follow-up or had a major adverse event through 12 months. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02574481.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 2, 2015, and Feb 15, 2017, 465 patients were randomly assigned to Eluvia (n=309) or to Zilver PTX (n=156). Non-inferiority was shown for both efficacy and safety endpoints at 12 months: primary patency was 86·8% (231/266) in the Eluvia group and 81·5% (106/130) in the Zilver PTX group (difference 5·3% [one-sided lower bound of 95% CI -0·66]; p<0·0001). 259 (94·9%) of 273 patients in the Eluvia group and 121 (91·0%) of 133 patients in the Zilver PTX group had not had a major adverse event at 12 months (difference 3·9% [one-sided lower bound of 95% CI -0·46]; p<0.0001). No deaths were reported in either group. One patient in the Eluvia group had a major amputation and 13 patients in each group required target lesion revascularisation.

INTERPRETATION

The Eluvia stent was non-inferior to the Zilver PTX stent in terms of primary patency and major adverse events at 12 months after treatment of patients for femoropopliteal peripheral artery disease.

FUNDING

Boston Scientific.

Near infrared spectroscopy-guided exercise training for claudication in peripheral arterial disease

Rationale

Supervised treadmill exercise for claudication in peripheral arterial disease is effective but poorly tolerated because of ischemic leg pain. Near infrared spectroscopy allows non-invasive detection of muscle ischemia during exercise, allowing for characterization of tissue perfusion and oxygen utilization during training.

Objective

We evaluated walking time, muscle blood flow, and muscle mitochondrial capacity in patients with peripheral artery disease after a traditional pain-based walking program and after a muscle oxygen-guided walking program.

Method and results

Patients with peripheral artery disease trained thrice weekly in 40-minute-long sessions for 12 weeks, randomized to oxygen-guided training ( n = 8, age 72 ± 9.7 years, 25% female) versus traditional pain-based training ( n = 10, age 71.6 ± 8.8 years, 20% female). Oxygen-guided training intensity was determined by maintaining a 15% reduction in skeletal muscle oxygenation by near infrared spectroscopy rather than relying on symptoms of pain to determine exercise effort. Pain free and maximal walking times were measured with a 12-minute Gardner treadmill test. Gastrocnemius mitochondrial capacity and blood flow were measured using near infrared spectroscopy. Baseline pain-free walking time was similar on a Gardner treadmill test (2.5 ± 0.9 vs. 3.6 ± 1.0 min, p = 0.5). After training, oxygen-guided cohorts improved similar to pain-guided cohorts (pain-free walking time 6.7 ± 0.9 vs. 6.9 ± 1.1 min, p < 0.01 for change from baseline and p = 0.97 between cohorts). Mitochondrial capacity improved in both groups but more so in the pain-guided cohort than in the oxygen-guided cohort (38.8 ± 8.3 vs. 14.0 ± 9.3, p = 0.018). Resting muscle blood flow did not improve significantly in either group with training.

Conclusions

Oxygen-guided exercise training improves claudication comparable to pain-based training regimens. Adaptations in mitochondrial function rather than increases in limb perfusion may account for functional improvement. Increases in mitochondrial oxidative capacity may be proportional to the degree of tissue hypoxia during exercise.

French Society of Cardiology guidelines on exercise tests (part 2): Indications for exercise tests in cardiac diseases

The exercise test is performed routinely in cardiology; its main indication is the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia, evaluated along with the subject's pretest probability and cardiovascular risk level. Other criteria, such as analysis of repolarization, must be taken into consideration during the interpretation of an exercise test, to improve its predictive value. An exercise test is also indicated for many other cardiac diseases (e.g. rhythm and conduction disorders, severe asymptomatic aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, peripheral artery disease, hypertension). Moreover, an exercise test may be indicated for specific populations (women, the elderly, patients with diabetes mellitus, patients in a preoperative context, asymptomatic patients and patients with congenital heart defects). Some cardiac diseases (such as chronic heart failure or arterial pulmonary hypertension) require a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Finally, an exercise test or a cardiopulmonary exercise test is indicated to prescribe a cardiac rehabilitation programme, adapted to the patient.

Successful Bypass Surgery in a Healthy 24-Year-Old Male with Peripheral Artery Disease

Approximately 40% of peripheral artery disease cases occur in individuals less than 50 years old. Diagnosis is often delayed due to fewer risk factors, atypical presentation, and symptoms attributed to a benign cause. We present an unusual case of an otherwise healthy 24-year-old male presenting with unilateral, intermittent claudication (IC) due to diffuse atherosclerotic disease in his left femoral arteries. Lifestyle-limiting symptoms caused by a four-year delay in diagnosis were improved with successful left femoropopliteal bypass. We use this case to review the differential diagnosis for IC and recommend early revascularization in young patients with severe disease and few comorbidities.

The PodPAD project: a podiatry-led integrated pathway for people with peripheral arterial disease in the UK - a pilot study

Background

Peripheral arterial disease affects the lower limb and is associated with diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking and obesity. It increases the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It can be symptomatic causing intermittent claudication, but often there are few clinical signs. Podiatrists are able to detect the presence of peripheral arterial disease as part of their lower limb assessment and are well placed to give advice on lifestyle changes to help reduce disease progression. This is important to improve health outcomes and is offered as a prevention/public health intervention.

Method

We describe the clinical and patient-centred outcomes of patients attending a podiatry-led integrated care pathway in a multi-use clinic situated in a venue supported by the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine in the UK. At the baseline appointment, patients were given a full assessment where symptoms of intermittent claudication using the Edinburgh Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire, foot pulses, Doppler sounds, Ankle Brachial Pressure Indices, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and cholesterol levels, and smoking status were recorded. A tailored treatment plan was devised, including referral to an exercise referral service, smoking cessation programmes (if applicable) and each participant was also seen by a dietician for nutritional advice. Participants were followed up at 3 and 6 months to assess any improvement in vascular status and with each completing the EQ-5D quality of life questionnaire and a simple satisfaction questionnaire at the end of the study. As this was a complex intervention a pilot study design was adopted to evaluate if the method and outcomes were suitable and acceptable to participants the results of which will then inform the design of a larger study.

Results

Data was collected on 21 individuals; 15 men (71.4%) and 6 women (28.6%) across the 6-month study period. Eleven participants were referred onto the exercise referral service; 16 participants saw the dietician for nutritional advice at baseline and had one-to-one or telephone follow-up at 3 months. Five out of 14 participants had reduced scores from baseline of intermittent claudication during the study period. No evidence for substantive changes in Doppler sounds or ABPI measurements was revealed. Quality of life scores with the EQ-5D improved in 15 participants; this was statistically significant (p = 0.007) with 14 participants who completed the simple satisfaction questionnaire expressing a positive view of the programme. Of the four people who were smokers, two stopped smoking cigarettes and moved to e-cigarettes as part of smoking cessation advice.

Conclusion

As this was a pilot study the sample size was low, but some statistically significant improvements with some measures were observed over the 6-month study. Podiatrists are able to provide a comprehensive vascular assessment of the lower limb and accompanying tailored advice on lifestyle changes including smoking cessation and exercise. Locating clinics in National Centres for Sports and Exercise Medicine enables easy access to exercise facilities to encourage the adoption of increased activity levels, though the long term sustainability of exercise programmes still requires evaluation.This study was reviewed and approved by London Brent Ethics Committee IRAS ID 204611 and received research governance approval from the sponsor, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Research and Innovation Office STH19410.

High Reintervention and Amputation Rates After Outpatient Atherectomy for Claudication

Outpatient use of atherectomy for peripheral arterial disease has grown rapidly and outcomes are poorly understood. We analyzed outcomes of atherectomy done for claudication, comparing office and hospital outpatient settings. Analysis of Medicare Part B claims data was performed for incident femoral–popliteal or tibial–peroneal atherectomy from 2012 to 2014. Longitudinal analysis assessed services 18 months before, during, and up to 18 months after the incident peripheral vascular intervention (PVI). Differences between office-based and hospital outpatient-based settings were assessed using χ2 and Fisher exact tests. Comparing procedure settings, significant differences in race (femoral–popliteal: P = .04, tibial–peroneal: P = .001), chronic renal failure (femoral–popliteal: P = .002), and hypertension (femoral–popliteal: P = .01, tibial–peroneal: P = .006) were found. Nine hundred twenty-four patients undergoing femoral–popliteal atherectomy were analyzed (262 office based, 662 hospital outpatient based); 42.7% of office-based and 36.9% of hospital outpatient-based femoral–popliteal atherectomy patients had repeat PVI within 18 months ( P = .10). Major amputation was performed in 2.3% and 3.2% of patients in office and hospital outpatient settings, respectively ( P = .47). Four hundred twenty-three patients undergoing tibial–peroneal atherectomy were analyzed (202 office based, 221 hospital outpatient based); 46.5% of office-based and 38.9% of hospital outpatient-based tibial–peroneal atherectomy patients had repeat PVI within 1 year ( P = .11). Major amputation was performed in 5.0% and 8.1% of patients in office and hospital outpatient settings, respectively ( P = .19). Our study demonstrates higher than expected rates of major amputation for patients undergoing peripheral arterial atherectomy with regard to previously reported rates. Further studies may be required to prove the efficacy and safety of atherectomy for occlusive disease in the femoral–popliteal and tibial–peroneal segments to ensure outcomes are not worse than the natural history of medically managed claudicants.

Supervised exercise therapy versus home-based exercise therapy versus walking advice for intermittent claudication

BACKGROUND

Although supervised exercise therapy (SET) provides significant symptomatic benefit for patients with intermittent claudication (IC), it remains an underutilized tool. Widespread implementation of SET is restricted by lack of facilities and funding. Structured home-based exercise therapy (HBET) with an observation component (e.g., exercise logbooks, pedometers) and just walking advice (WA) are alternatives to SET. This is the second update of a review first published in 2006.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective was to provide an accurate overview of studies evaluating effects of SET programs, HBET programs, and WA on maximal treadmill walking distance or time (MWD/T) for patients with IC. Secondary objectives were to evaluate effects of SET, HBET, and WA on pain-free treadmill walking distance or time (PFWD/T), quality of life, and self-reported functional impairment.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register (December 16, 2016) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2016, Issue 11). We searched the reference lists of relevant studies identified through searches for other potential trials. We applied no restriction on language of publication.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included parallel-group randomized controlled trials comparing SET programs with HBET programs and WA in participants with IC. We excluded studies in which control groups did not receive exercise or walking advice (maintained normal physical activity). We also excluded studies comparing exercise with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, bypass surgery, or drug therapy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three review authors (DH, HF, and LG) independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed trials for risk of bias. Two other review authors (MvdH and JT) confirmed the suitability and methodological quality of trials. For all continuous outcomes, we extracted the number of participants, mean outcome, and standard deviation for each treatment group through the follow-up period, if available. We extracted Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 outcomes to assess quality of life, and Walking Impairment Questionnaire outcomes to assess self-reported functional impairment. As investigators used different scales to present results of walking distance and time, we standardized reported data to effect sizes to enable calculation of an overall standardized mean difference (SMD). We obtained summary estimates for all outcome measures using a random-effects model. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

For this update, we included seven additional studies, making a total of 21 included studies, which involved a total of 1400 participants: 635 received SET, 320 received HBET, and 445 received WA. In general, SET and HBET programs consisted of three exercise sessions per week. Follow-up ranged from six weeks to two years. Most trials used a treadmill walking test to investigate effects of exercise therapy on walking capacity. However, two trials assessed only quality of life, functional impairment, and/or walking behavior (i.e., daily steps measured by pedometer). The overall methodological quality of included trials was moderate to good. However, some trials were small with respect to numbers of participants, ranging from 20 to 304.SET groups showed clear improvement in MWD/T compared with HBET and WA groups, with overall SMDs at three months of 0.37 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12 to 0.62; P = 0.004; moderate-quality evidence) and 0.80 (95% CI 0.53 to 1.07; P < 0.00001; high-quality evidence), respectively. This translates to differences in increased MWD of approximately 120 and 210 meters in favor of SET groups. Data show improvements for up to six and 12 months, respectively. The HBET group did not show improvement in MWD/T compared with the WA group (SMD 0.30, 95% CI -0.45 to 1.05; P = 0.43; moderate-quality evidence).Compared with HBET, SET was more beneficial for PFWD/T but had no effect on quality of life parameters nor on self-reported functional impairment. Compared with WA, SET was more beneficial for PFWD/T and self-reported functional impairment, as well as for some quality of life parameters (e.g., physical functioning, pain, and physical component summary after 12 months), and HBET had no effect.Data show no obvious effects on mortality rates. Thirteen of the 1400 participants died, but no deaths were related to exercise therapy. Overall, adherence to SET was approximately 80%, which was similar to that reported with HBET. Only limited adherence data were available for WA groups.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence of moderate and high quality shows that SET provides an important benefit for treadmill-measured walking distance (MWD and PFWD) compared with HBET and WA, respectively. Although its clinical relevance has not been definitively demonstrated, this benefit translates to increased MWD of 120 and 210 meters after three months in SET groups. These increased walking distances are likely to have a positive impact on the lives of patients with IC. Data provide no clear evidence of a difference between HBET and WA. Trials show no clear differences in quality of life parameters nor in self-reported functional impairment between SET and HBET. However, evidence is of low and very low quality, respectively. Investigators detected some improvements in quality of life favoring SET over WA, but analyses were limited by small numbers of studies and participants. Future studies should focus on disease-specific quality of life and other functional outcomes, such as walking behavior and physical activity, as well as on long-term follow-up.

Risk of major amputation in patients with intermittent claudication undergoing early revascularization

BACKGROUND

Revascularization is being used increasingly for the treatment of intermittent claudication and yet few studies have reported the long-term outcomes of this strategy. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcome of patients with intermittent claudication who underwent revascularization compared with a group initially treated without revascularization.

METHODS

Patients with symptoms of intermittent claudication and a diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease were recruited from outpatient clinics at three hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Based on variation in the practices of different vascular specialists, patients were either treated by early revascularization or received initial conservative treatment. Patients were followed in outpatient clinics using linked hospital admission record data. The primary outcome was the requirement for major amputation. Kaplan-Meier curves, Cox regression and competing risks analyses were used to compare major amputation rates.

RESULTS

Some 456 patients were recruited; 178 (39·0 per cent) underwent early revascularization and 278 (61·0 per cent) had initial conservative treatment. Patients were followed for a mean(s.d.) of 5·00(3·37) years. The estimated 5-year major amputation rate was 6·2 and 0·7 per cent in patients undergoing early revascularization and initial conservative treatment respectively (P = 0·003). Early revascularization was associated with an increased requirement for major amputation in models adjusted for other risk factors (relative risk 5·40 to 4·22 in different models).

CONCLUSION

Patients presenting with intermittent claudication who underwent early revascularization appeared to be at higher risk of amputation than those who had initial conservative treatment.

Long-term clinical and quality of life outcomes after stenting of femoropopliteal artery stenosis: 3-year results from the STROLL study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical and health status outcomes of patients undergoing superficial femoral artery (SFA) revascularization using the Shape Memory Alloy Recoverable Technology (S.M.A.R.T.®) nitinol self-expanding stent through 3 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND

Limited long-term data are available describing the durability of benefits after femoropopliteal revascularization.

METHODS

In a multicenter, prospective, core-lab adjudicated study, 250 subjects with de novo or restenotic femoropopliteal arterial lesions were treated with the S.M.A.R.T.® stent. The primary endpoint of target vessel patency, a composite of ultrasound-assessed patency and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization (TLR), was evaluated through 3 years. Secondary endpoints included stent fracture and health status. Health status was measured using generic and disease-specific instruments, including the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire (PAQ).

RESULTS

At 3-year follow-up, Kaplan-Meier estimated target vessel patency was 72.7%, freedom from clinically driven TLR was 78.5%, and the incidence of stent fracture was 3.6%. The PAQ summary score was markedly impaired at baseline (mean 37.3 ± 19.6 points) and improved substantially at 1 month (mean change from baseline of 31.4 points, 95% CI: 28.5-34.3; P < 0.001). Disease-specific health status benefits assessed by the PAQ were largely preserved through 3 years of follow-up (mean change from baseline, 28.0 points, 95% CI: 24.3-31.7; P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients undergoing revascularization for moderately complex SFA disease, use of the self-expanding S.M.A.R.T® stent was associated with a high rate of target vessel patency through 3 years and led to substantial and sustained health status benefits.

Endovascular revascularisation versus conservative management for intermittent claudication

BACKGROUND

Intermittent claudication (IC) is the classic symptomatic form of peripheral arterial disease affecting an estimated 4.5% of the general population aged 40 years and older. Patients with IC experience limitations in their ambulatory function resulting in functional disability and impaired quality of life (QoL). Endovascular revascularisation has been proposed as an effective treatment for patients with IC and is increasingly performed.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this systematic review is to summarise the (added) effects of endovascular revascularisation on functional performance and QoL in the management of IC.

SEARCH METHODS

For this review the Cochrane Vascular Information Specialist (CIS) searched the Specialised Register (February 2017) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 1). The CIS also searched trials registries for details of ongoing and unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing endovascular revascularisation (± conservative therapy consisting of supervised exercise or pharmacotherapy) versus no therapy (except advice to exercise) or versus conservative therapy (i.e. supervised exercise or pharmacotherapy) for IC.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed the methodological quality of studies. Given large variation in the intensity of treadmill protocols to assess walking distances and use of different instruments to assess QoL, we used standardised mean difference (SMD) as treatment effect for continuous outcome measures to allow standardisation of results and calculated the pooled SMD as treatment effect size in meta-analyses. We interpreted pooled SMDs using rules of thumb (< 0.40 = small, 0.40 to 0.70 = moderate, > 0.70 = large effect) according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We calculated the pooled treatment effect size for dichotomous outcome measures as odds ratio (OR).

MAIN RESULTS

We identified ten RCTs (1087 participants) assessing the value of endovascular revascularisation in the management of IC. These RCTs compared endovascular revascularisation versus no specific treatment for IC or conservative therapy or a combination therapy of endovascular revascularisation plus conservative therapy versus conservative therapy alone. In the included studies, conservative treatment consisted of supervised exercise or pharmacotherapy with cilostazol 100 mg twice daily. The quality of the evidence ranged from low to high and was downgraded mainly owing to substantial heterogeneity and small sample size.Comparing endovascular revascularisation versus no specific treatment for IC (except advice to exercise) showed a moderate effect on maximum walking distance (MWD) (SMD 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 1.08; 3 studies; 125 participants; moderate-quality evidence) and a large effect on pain-free walking distance (PFWD) (SMD 1.29, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.68; 3 studies; 125 participants; moderate-quality evidence) in favour of endovascular revascularisation. Long-term follow-up in two studies (103 participants) showed no clear differences between groups for MWD (SMD 0.67, 95% CI -0.30 to 1.63; low-quality evidence) and PFWD (SMD 0.69, 95% CI -0.45 to 1.82; low-quality evidence). The number of secondary invasive interventions (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.12 to 5.28; 2 studies; 118 participants; moderate-quality evidence) was also not different between groups. One study reported no differences in disease-specific QoL after two years.Data from five studies (n = 345) comparing endovascular revascularisation versus supervised exercise showed no clear differences between groups for MWD (SMD -0.42, 95% CI -0.87 to 0.04; moderate-quality evidence) and PFWD (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.38 to 0.29; moderate-quality evidence). Similarliy, long-term follow-up in three studies (184 participants) revealed no differences between groups for MWD (SMD -0.02, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.32; moderate-quality evidence) and PFWD (SMD 0.11, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.48; moderate-quality evidence). In addition, high-quality evidence showed no difference between groups in the number of secondary invasive interventions (OR 1.40, 95% CI 0.70 to 2.80; 4 studies; 395 participants) and in disease-specific QoL (SMD 0.18, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.41; 3 studies; 301 participants).Comparing endovascular revascularisation plus supervised exercise versus supervised exercise alone showed no clear differences between groups for MWD (SMD 0.26, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.64; 3 studies; 432 participants; moderate-quality evidence) and PFWD (SMD 0.33, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.93; 2 studies; 305 participants; moderate-quality evidence). Long-term follow-up in one study (106 participants) revealed a large effect on MWD (SMD 1.18, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.70; low-quality evidence) in favour of the combination therapy. Reports indicate that disease-specific QoL was comparable between groups (SMD 0.25, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.56; 2 studies; 330 participants; moderate-quality evidence) and that the number of secondary invasive interventions (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.55; 3 studies; 457 participants; high-quality evidence) was lower following combination therapy.Two studies comparing endovascular revascularisation plus pharmacotherapy (cilostazol) versus pharmacotherapy alone provided data showing a small effect on MWD (SMD 0.38, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.68; 186 participants; high-quality evidence), a moderate effect on PFWD (SMD 0.63, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.94; 186 participants; high-quality evidence), and a moderate effect on disease-specific QoL (SMD 0.59, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.91; 170 participants; high-quality evidence) in favour of combination therapy. Long-term follow-up in one study (47 participants) revealed a moderate effect on MWD (SMD 0.72, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.36; P = 0.02) in favour of combination therapy and no clear differences in PFWD between groups (SMD 0.54, 95% CI -0.08 to 1.17; P = 0.09). The number of secondary invasive interventions was comparable between groups (OR 1.83, 95% CI 0.49 to 6.83; 199 participants; high-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In the management of patients with IC, endovascular revascularisation does not provide significant benefits compared with supervised exercise alone in terms of improvement in functional performance or QoL. Although the number of studies is small and clinical heterogeneity underlines the need for more homogenous and larger studies, evidence suggests that a synergetic effect may occur when endovascular revascularisation is combined with a conservative therapy of supervised exercise or pharmacotherapy with cilostazol: the combination therapy seems to result in greater improvements in functional performance and in QoL scores than are seen with conservative therapy alone.

Exercise Rehabilitation for Peripheral Artery Disease: A REVIEW

PURPOSE

To summarize evidence regarding exercise therapy for people with lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

Literature was reviewed regarding optimal strategies for delivering exercise interventions for people with PAD. Randomized trial evidence and recent studies were emphasized.

RESULTS

Randomized clinical trial evidence consistently demonstrates that supervised treadmill exercise improves treadmill walking performance in people with PAD. A meta-analysis of 25 randomized trials (1054 participants) concluded that supervised treadmill exercise was associated with 180 m of improvement in maximal treadmill walking distance and 128 m of improvement in pain-free walking distance compared with a control group. Three randomized trials of 493 patients with PAD demonstrated that home-based walking exercise interventions that incorporate behavioral change techniques improve walking ability in patients with PAD. Furthermore, evidence suggests that home-based walking exercise improves the 6-min walk more than supervised treadmill exercise. Upper and lower extremity ergometry also significantly improved walking endurance in PAD. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently determined that Medicare would cover 12 wk (36 sessions) of supervised treadmill exercise for patients with PAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Supervised treadmill exercise and home-based walking exercise each improve walking ability in patients with PAD. The availability of insurance coverage for supervised treadmill exercise for patients with PAD will make supervised treadmill exercise more widely available and accessible. Home-based exercise that incorporates behavioral change technique is an effective alternative for patients unwilling or unable to attend 3 supervised exercise sessions per week.

Dietary nitrate supplementation in cardiovascular health: an ergogenic aid or exercise therapeutic?

Oral consumption of inorganic nitrate, which is abundant in green leafy vegetables and roots, has been shown to increase circulating plasma nitrite concentration, which can be converted to nitric oxide in low oxygen conditions. The associated beneficial physiological effects include a reduction in blood pressure, modification of platelet aggregation, and increases in limb blood flow. There have been numerous studies of nitrate supplementation in healthy recreational and competitive athletes; however, the ergogenic benefits are currently unclear due to a variety of factors including small sample sizes, different dosing regimens, variable nitrate conversion rates, the heterogeneity of participants’ initial fitness levels, and the types of exercise tests used. In clinical populations, the study results seem more promising, particularly in patients with cardiovascular diseases who typically present with disruptions in the ability to transport oxygen from the atmosphere to working tissues and reduced exercise tolerance. Many of these disease-related, physiological maladaptations, including endothelial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species, reduced tissue perfusion, and muscle mitochondrial dysfunction, have been previously identified as potential targets for nitric oxide restorative effects. This review is the first of its kind to outline the current evidence for inorganic nitrate supplementation as a therapeutic intervention to restore exercise tolerance and improve quality of life in patients with cardiovascular diseases. We summarize the factors that appear to limit or maximize its effectiveness and present a case for why it may be more effective in patients with cardiovascular disease than as ergogenic aid in healthy populations.

Comparative Efficacy of Endovascular Revascularization Versus Supervised Exercise Training in Patients With Intermittent Claudication: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVES

The authors performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to compare the efficacy of initial endovascular treatment with or without supervised exercise training (SET) versus SET alone in patients with intermittent claudication.

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines recommend SET as the initial treatment modality for patients with intermittent claudication, in addition to optimal medical therapy. The role of endovascular therapy as primary treatment for claudication has been controversial.

METHODS

The primary outcome was treadmill-measured maximal walk distance at the end of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included resting ankle brachial index (ABI) and treadmill-measured ischemic claudication distance on follow-up. Risk of revascularization or amputations was also compared. Pooled estimates of the difference in outcomes between endovascular therapy with or without SET and SET-only groups were calculated using fixed and random effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 987 patients from 7 trials were included. In pooled analysis, compared with SET only (reference group), patients that underwent combined endovascular therapy and SET had significantly higher maximum walk distance (standardized mean difference 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18 to 1.39]; weighted mean difference 98.9 [95% CI: 31.4 to 166.4 feet], and lower risk of revascularization or amputation (odds ratio 0.19 [95% CI: (0.09 to 0.40]; p < 0.0001, number needed to treat = 8) over a median follow-up of 12.4 months. By contrast, revascularization was not associated with significant improvement in exercise capacity or risk of future revascularization or amputation, compared with SET alone. Follow-up ABI was significantly higher among patients that underwent endovascular therapy with or without SET as compared with SET alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with initial SET only, endovascular therapy in combination with SET is associated with significant improvement in total walking distance, ABI, and risk of future revascularization or amputation. By contrast, endovascular therapy-only was not associated with any improvement in functional capacity or clinical outcomes over an intermediate duration of follow-up.

Risk Factors for Mortality Among Individuals With Peripheral Arterial Disease

Morbidity and mortality from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) continues to increase. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors are implicated in the development of PAD, yet the extent to which those risk factors correlate with mortality in such patients remains insufficiently assessed. Using data from the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association of cardiovascular risk factors and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. A total of 647 individuals ≥40 years old with PAD (i.e., ankle-brachial index [ABI] ≤ 0.9) were followed for a median of 7.8 years. There were 336 deaths, of which 98 were attributable to cardiovascular disease. Compared with never smokers, current (hazard ratio [HR] 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.62 to 3.71) and former (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.29) smokers with PAD had higher rates of death. Moderate or vigorous physical activity of ≥10 minutes monthly was associated with lower death rates (HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.91). Also associated with increased rates of cardiovascular death were an ABI of <0.5 (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.28 to 5.15, compared with those with an ABI of 0.7 to 0.9) and diabetes mellitus (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.33 to 4.73). Neither C-reactive protein nor body mass index was associated with mortality. In conclusion, tobacco use increased the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular death, whereas physical activity was associated with a decreased mortality risk. A low ABI and diabetes were also predictive of cardiovascular death.

2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: Executive Summary: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

Since 1980, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) have translated scientific evidence into clinical practice guidelines with recommendations to improve cardiovascular health. These guidelines, based on systematic methods to evaluate and classify evidence, provide a cornerstone of quality cardiovascular care.

In response to reports from the Institute of Medicine1 ,2 and a mandate to evaluate new knowledge and maintain relevance at the point of care, the ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines (Task Force) modified its methodology.3 –5 The relationships among guidelines, data standards, appropriate use criteria, and performance measures are addressed elsewhere.5

2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines

Since 1980, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) have translated scientific evidence into clinical practice guidelines with recommendations to improve cardiovascular health. These guidelines, based on systematic methods to evaluate and classify evidence, provide a cornerstone of quality cardiovascular care.

In response to reports from the Institute of Medicine1 ,2 and a mandate to evaluate new knowledge and maintain relevance at the point of care, the ACC/AHA Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines (Task Force) modified its methodology.3 –5 The relationships among guidelines, data standards, appropriate use criteria, and performance measures are addressed elsewhere.5