Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Review of Disease Awareness and Management

Sex Differences in Mortality Risk after the First Hospitalisation with Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease

OBJECTIVE

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a severe condition that increases the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, major adverse limb events, and all cause mortality. This study aimed to investigate the mortality risk among females and males hospitalised for the first time with lower extremity PAD.

METHODS

Three cohorts of patients who were admitted for the first time with lower extremity PAD in 2007 - 2010, 2011 - 2014, and 2015 - 2018 were constructed. For the 2007 - 2010 and 2011 - 2014 cohorts, the 28 day, one year, and five year mortality rates were calculated, assessing survival time from date of hospital admission until date of death, end of study period, or censoring. For the 2015 - 2018 cohort, only 28 day and one year mortality were investigated due to lack of follow up data. Mortality rates of these cohorts were compared with the general population using standardised mortality rates (SMRs), and the risk of death between sexes was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Cox models were adjusted for age, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes mellitus to account for potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

In total, 7 950, 9 670, and 13 522 patients were included in the 2007 - 2010, 2011 - 2014, and 2015 - 2018 cohorts, respectively. Over 60% of individuals in each cohort were males. Mortality rates at 28 day and one year remained stable across all cohorts, while the five year mortality rate increased for both males and females in the 2011 - 2014 cohort. The SMRs both of females and males with PAD were significantly higher than in the general population. Multivariable regression analyses found no significant differences in mortality risk between sexes at 28 day and one year. However, the five year mortality risk was lower in females, with a hazard ratio of 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83 - 0.97) in the 2007 - 2010 cohort and 0.88 (95% CI 0.82 - 0.94) in the 2011 - 2014 cohort.

CONCLUSION

The five year mortality risk has increased, and females face a lower mortality risk than males. Lower extremity PAD still carries unfavourable long term consequences compared with the general population.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) in primary care-educational experiences for PAD primary care in England-a mixed-method study

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), the pathophysiologic narrowing of arterial blood vessels of the lower leg due to atherosclerosis, is a highly prevalent disease, with sharp increases in prevalence with age. Primary care is ideally located to identify and manage PAD.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to identify the educational experiences, opinions, and confidence of primary care clinicians (PCCs) regarding PAD.

METHOD

This mixed-method study was conducted within primary care in England. An online survey was completed with follow-on semistructured interviews, between January and September 2021, with PCCs, namely GPs, practice nurses, and allied professionals (survey n = 874, interviews n = 50).

RESULTS

PCCs report variation in PAD education received, where the content could not often be recalled. Patient-focussed experiential and self-directed learning, formed the largest method to gain PAD education. All PCCs recognized that they have an important role in recognizing PAD yet confidence in recognizing and diagnosing PAD was lacking. PCCs acknowledged that late or missed PAD diagnosis resulted in significant patient morbidity and mortality. Yet many did not recognize PAD as a common disease.

CONCLUSION

As "specialist-generalists" with finite resources, education provided to primary care needs to be applicable for the multimorbid patient presentations often seen, utilizing resources available in primary care, with consideration to the time constraints endured.

Peripheral Artery Disease Screening in the Community and 1-Year Mortality, Cardiovascular Events, and Adverse Limb Events

Introduction

This study aimed to examine all-cause mortality, 1- and 2-year major cardiovascular events, and major adverse limb events in individuals aged ≥65 years who received an in-home health visit with peripheral artery disease screening. In addition, we compared 1-year healthcare utilization before and after peripheral artery disease screening for those who screened positive.

Setting/Participants

Medicare Advantage beneficiaries aged ≥65 years participating in the Optum HouseCalls program in the U.S. between April 1, 2017 and February 1, 2019 were included.

Intervention

The intervention consisted of a peripheral artery disease screening program using a plethysmography system.

Main outcome measures

One-year all-cause mortality as a landmark analysis, 1- and 2-year major cardiovascular events, and major adverse limb events after screening were compared by peripheral artery disease screen status using claims data. We compared cardiovascular medications and revascularization procedures between the year before and after the peripheral artery disease screening event for those with peripheral artery disease.

Results

Of 192,500 beneficiaries, 27.7% screened positive. One-year all-cause mortality rates for those who screened positive for peripheral artery disease versus those who screened negative were higher (1.51% vs 0.89%; p<0.001; adjusted hazard ratio=1.21; 95% CI=1.08, 1.36) as well as 1-year major cardiovascular events (5.54% vs 3.60%; adjusted hazard ratio= 1.22; 95% CI=1.15, 1.30) and major adverse limb events (0.23% vs 0.04%; adjusted hazard ratio=3.15; 95% CI=2.10, 4.73). Similar risks were observed for 2-year results. Before and after peripheral artery disease screening, medications remained stable for those who screened positive (e.g., statin therapy=54.2% vs 56.6%); rates of peripheral vascular interventions remained stable (0.0% vs 0.1%).

Conclusions

A national peripheral artery disease screening effort is feasible. Detecting previously undiagnosed peripheral artery disease is a way to risk stratify a population that would benefit from further cardiovascular risk management.

Effects of intermittent claudication due to arterial disease on pain-free gait

INTRODUCTION

Studies of intermittent claudication gait report inconsistent outcomes. Changes in gait are often attributed to degradation of calf muscles, but causation has not been proven through real-time electromyographic data. Neither have effects of walking speed been fully considered. This study aimed to investigate the effect of intermittent claudication on kinematics, kinetics and muscle activity during pain-free gait.

METHODS

18 able bodied individuals and 18 with intermittent claudication walked at their preferred speed while lower limb kinematic, kinetic and electromyography data were collected.

FINDINGS

People with intermittent claudication walk slower and with reduced step length. Internal ankle plantarflexion moment (P = 0.004, effect size = 0.96) and ankle power generation (P < 0.001, effect size = 1.36) in late stance were significantly reduced for individuals with intermittent claudication. Significant moment and power reductions at the knee and power reduction at hip occurred in early stance, with similar reductions in early and late stance for ground reaction forces. Peak electromyography of soleus activity was significantly reduced in late stance (P = 0.01, effect size = 1.1, n = 13). Effects were independent of walking speed.

INTERPRETATION

Reductions in ankle plantarflexion moments and power generation were consistent with reduced soleus electromyography activity and reduced peak vertical ground reaction forces during late stance. These effects are not due to a reduced walking speed. Changes in knee and hip function are also unrelated to walking speed. These outcomes provide a platform for the design and evaluation of interventions that seek to restore normal walking and improve pain-free walking distances for people with intermittent claudication.

Detecting Peripheral Arterial Disease in Primary Care: A Population Based Study

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can progress silently without any clinical symptoms. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is the recommended method used in primary care. We aimed to determine the prevalence of PAD and its related risk factors in primary care.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 250 participants aged ≥45 years were recruited randomly from the registered patients of family health center in a district of Izmir, Turkey. Patients' demographic data, PAD symptoms, and PAD risk factors were obtained. The PAD group consisted of patients with ABI levels <0.9; the non-compressible artery (NCA) group consisted of patients with ABI levels >1.3.

RESULTS

The prevalence of PAD was 17.6% (22.5% in women and 11.1% in men), while that of NCA was 15.2% (12.7% in women and 25.0% in men). About 27.3% and 54.5% of patients with PAD did not have claudication and problems with walking distance, respectively. Of the NCA patients, 15.8% had problems with walking distance and 39.5% had claudication. Regression analysis revealed two predictors of PAD (age ≥65 years: odds ratio [OR], 3.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65-7.47; claudication: OR, 3.41; 95% CI, 1.58-7.39) and three predictors of NCA (age <65 years: OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.01-6.45; male sex: OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.10-5.25; triglyceride [TG] >200 mg/dL: OR, 4.11; 95% CI, 1.58-10.67).

CONCLUSION

PAD had a prevalence of 17.6% and was associated with age ≥65 years and claudication. NCA had a prevalence of 15.2% and was associated with age <65 years, TG >200 mg/dL, and male sex.

Evaluation of skeletal muscle perfusion in canine hind limb ischemia model using color-coded digital subtraction angiography

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate perfusion alterations in skeletal muscle in a canine hind limb ischemia model using color-coded digital subtraction angiography (CC-DSA).

METHODS

Twelve beagles underwent embolization at the branch of their left deep femoral artery. Right hind limbs were used as the control group. Angiography was performed before and immediately after embolization. Upon CC-DSA analysis, time to peak (TTP) was measured before embolization in both sides of the beagles' hind limbs at the middle iliac artery, and the distant, middle and proximal femoral artery. Regions of interest (ROI) peak and ROI peak time were symmetrically computed in proximal and distal thigh muscles before and immediately after embolization. The data were analyzed and compared using the Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS

Before embolization, ROI peak in the proximal thigh was lower than in the ipsilateral distal thigh, whereas ROI peak time in the proximal thigh was longer than in the distal thigh. In the iliac femoral artery, there was no significant difference in ROI peak, ROI peak time, or TTP between right and left sides. After embolization, ROI peaks in proximal and distal skeletal muscles of the left hind limb were significantly lower than on the contralateral side. ROI peak time was significantly longer in the left proximal and left distal thigh compared to the contralateral side. There were no significant changes in ROI peak or ROI peak time in the right proximal and right distal thigh compared to pre-embolization values. Changes in ROI peak and ROI peak time were larger in the left proximal than in the left distal thigh.

CONCLUSION

CC-DSA provided real-time measurement of changes in vascular hemodynamics and skeletal muscle perfusion without increasing X-ray usage or contrast agent dose.

Living a burdensome and demanding life: A qualitative systematic review of the patients experiences of peripheral arterial disease

Background

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has a significant negative impact on the quality of life of individuals. Understanding the experiences of people living with PAD will be useful in developing comprehensive patient-centred secondary prevention therapies for this population.

Aim

The aim of this study is to identify first-hand accounts of patients’ experiences of living with PAD.

Methods

Six databases (CINALH, PsyclNFO, MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, Social citation index/Science citation index via Web of Science (WOS)) and reference lists of identified studies were searched until September 2017 (updated February 2018). Qualitative studies reporting patients’ account of living with PAD were eligible for inclusion. A framework thematic synthesis was implemented.

Results

Fourteen studies with 360 participants were included. Pain and walking limitation were recurrent among the varied symptom descriptions. Patients’ ignorance and trivialisation of symptoms contributed to delays in diagnosis. Inadequate engagement in disease understanding and treatment decisions meant patients had poor attitudes towards walking treatments and unrealistic expectations about surgery. Depending on symptom progression, patients battle with walking impairment, powerlessness, and loss of independence which were a source of burden to them. Lack of disease understanding is central through patients’ journey with PAD and, although they subsequently began adaptation to long term living with PAD, many worried about their future.

Conclusions

Disease understanding is vital across the illness trajectory in patients with PAD. Although certain experiences are common throughout patient journey, some might be unique to a particular stage (e.g. unrealistic expectation about surgery, or rationale of walking in spite of pain in a supervised exercise program). Given that PAD is an overarching construct ranging from the mildest form of intermittent claudication to severe critical limb ischemia with ulceration and gangrene, consideration of important patient constructs specific to each stage of the disease may enhance treatment success. Systematic review registration CRD42017070417.

Peripheral artery disease and osteoporosis: Not only age‑related (Review)

Osteoporosis and atherosclerosis are two chronic degenerative diseases that share several biochemical pathways and risk factors. Previous studies have associated osteoporosis with carotid atherosclerosis, cardiovascular mortality and stroke, but data on the relationship with peripheral artery disease are few and conflicting. The OPG/RANK/RANKL system and Wnt/beta catenin signaling seem to be deeply involved in the pathogenesis of bone alterations and atherosclerotic processes also affect arteries of the lower extremities. Hypovitaminosis D could also play a role in the relationship of these two diseases. New and larger studies are necessary to shed light on this association and to design new drugs able to act in both these chronic degenerative diseases.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty/stent treatment of totally occlusive iliofemoral artery with limb ischemia: Experience of surgical team

Background

In this study, we present our center's experience on percutaneous transluminal angioplasty/stenting.

Methods

Between January 2015 and March 2017, a total of 40 patients (34 males, 6 females; mean age 64.5±8.7 years; range, 49 to 85 years) who were treated in our clinic due to totally occluded iliofemoral artery disease were included. There were 45 legs and 51 targeted vessels. Hybrid procedure was performed to those patients with iliofemoral or femoropopliteal bypass grafts.

Results

A total of 48 target vessels (94.1%) were implanted using 55 stents at the initial attempt. Failed three target vessels (5.9%) were treated by surgical revascularization. There was no procedure-related mortality. Below-knee amputation was performed in one patient after 70 days. Two patients underwent single-finger amputation. Contrast nephropathy occurred in one patient and this patient was treated medically. The mean follow-up was 16.7±5 (range, 8 to 29) months. After follow-up, 41 stents were found to be patent without any intervention, and the primary patency rate was 74.5%. Five stent thrombosis patients (12.5%) were treated at different times.

Conclusion

Our study results suggest that percutaneous transluminal angioplasty/stent treatment may be advisable in patients with significant comorbidities. The lower rates of complication in the stent series strongly suggest that, in experienced hands, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty/stent can offer lower procedural risks than surgical revascularization. Hybrid procedure is likely to be a reasonable choice for previously intervened comorbid patients for limb salvage.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects 15% of the Australian population and is a powerful and serious predictor of cardiovascular mortality yet continues to be under-recognised and undertreated. Diagnosis is simple and management is centred upon symptom relief and risk minimisation. While novel and specialised therapies play a role, the bulk of management is approachable and feasible. In this review, we cover the epidemiology, risk factors, associated conditions, classification, and natural history of PAD. We then discuss current diagnostic and therapeutic options as well as emerging therapies for this common condition.

Treatment of Superficial Femoral Artery Restenosis

PURPOSE

To determine the predictors of restenosis, major adverse limb events (MALEs), postoperative death (POD), and all-cause mortality after repeat endovascular treatment of superficial femoral artery (SFA) restenosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 440 patients with 518 SFA lesions who were treated between January 2002 and October 2011. Ninety-six limbs were treated for restenosis with bare metal stents (BMSs) or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), of which 28 limbs developed another restenosis requiring a third procedure. The interaction measured in this study was between the second and third intervention. Predictors of SFA patency, MALEs, POD, and all-cause mortality after SFA restenosis treatment were identified.

RESULTS

Patients who were treated with BMSs (n = 51) had similar rates of restenosis compared with patients who were treated with PTA (n = 45) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68-2.90; P = .37). Patients in the BMS group who took statins had a significantly lower risk of restenosis than patients who did not take statins (HR 0.13; 95% CI 0.04-0.41; P < .001). Stage 4-5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) (n = 12) was associated with a significantly higher risk of MALE + POD (HR 6.17; 95% CI 1.45-26.18; P = .014) and all-cause mortality (HR 2.83; 95% CI 1.27-6.33; P = .01). Clopidogrel was protective against all-cause mortality (HR 0.41; 95% CI 0.20-0.80; P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients in the BMS group who took statins at the time of intervention had a significantly lower risk of developing restenosis. Stage 4-5 CKD was a risk factor for MALE + POD and all-cause mortality, while clopidogrel decreased all-cause mortality risk.

A 3-D ultrasound imaging robotic system to detect and quantify lower limb arterial stenoses: in vivo feasibility

The degree of stenosis is the most common criterion used to assess the severity of lower limb peripheral arterial disease. Two-dimensional ultrasound (US) imaging is the first-line diagnostic method for investigating lesions, but it cannot render a 3-D map of the entire lower limb vascular tree required for therapy planning. We propose a prototype 3-D US imaging robotic system that can potentially reconstruct arteries from the iliac in the lower abdomen down to the popliteal behind the knee. A realistic multi-modal vascular phantom was first conceptualized to evaluate the system's performance. Geometric accuracies were assessed in surface reconstruction and cross-sectional area in comparison to computed tomography angiography (CTA). A mean surface map error of 0.55 mm was recorded for 3-D US vessel representations, and cross-sectional lumen areas were congruent with CTA geometry. In the phantom study, stenotic lesions were properly localized and severe stenoses up to 98.3% were evaluated with -3.6 to 11.8% errors. The feasibility of the in vivo system in reconstructing the normal femoral artery segment of a volunteer and detecting stenoses on a femoral segment of a patient was also investigated and compared with that of CTA. Together, these results encourage future developments to increase the robot's potential to adequately represent lower limb vessels and clinically evaluate stenotic lesions for therapy planning and recurrent non-invasive and non-ionizing follow-up examinations.

Gene expression of adhesion molecules in endothelial cells from patients with peripheral arterial disease is reduced after surgical revascularization and pharmacological treatment

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by immunological activity, in which endothelial dysfunction represents an early event leading to subsequent inflammatory vascular damage. We investigated gene expression of the adhesion molecules (AMs) ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and β1-integrin in endothelial cells (ECs) isolated from venous blood (circulating EC, cEC) and purified from femoral plaques (pEC) obtained from 9 patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) submitted to femoral artery thrombendarterectomy (FEA). In addition, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the same subjects, we investigated gene expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, TGF-β, and IL-10. Patients were longitudinally evaluated 1 month before surgery, when statin treatment was established, at the time of surgery, and after 2 and 5 months. All AM mRNA levels, measured by means of real-time PCR, in cEC diminished during the study, up to 41–50% of initial levels at followup. AM mRNA expression was significantly higher in pEC than in cEC. During the study, in PBMCs, TGF-β and IL-10 mRNA levels remained unchanged while IFN-γ and IL-4 levels increased; however, the ratio IFN-γ/IL-4 showed no significant modification. In PAD patients, FEA and statin treatment induce a profound reduction of AM expression in cEC and affect cytokine mRNA expression in PBMCs.

Assessment of gait dynamics in rats submitted to limb ischemia

PURPOSE

To describe a method for the assessment of gait dynamics in rats submitted to limb ischemia.

METHODS

Twenty-four male Wistar rats (150-160g) were used. Twelve animals were submitted to limb ischemia by ligation of the common left iliac artery (ischemic group: n = 12); and a sham-operated group was used as control (n=12). After a recovery period of 6 weeks, gait dynamics was assessed by counting the complete footprints and the number of hindlimb-floor contacts during a treadmill test for five minutes at a speed of 12 m.min(-1) and angulation of 15°. The number of contacts of the left hindlimb was divided by the right hindlimb values (LRR) for group comparisons. Ischemic disability was quantified by comparing the area under curve (AUC) created by plotting each contact versus time for each hindlimb. The left hindlimb ischemic disability index (LHDI), which was compared between groups, was defined by the formula: LHDI = (1- AUC (left) / AUC (right)) x 100.

RESULTS

Surgery was well tolerated by all animals. Rats did not suffer tissue loss or ulcerations. Complete footprint LRR was 0.3 ± 0.08 for the ischemic group and 1.3 ± 0.9 for controls (p=0.0043). Number of contacts LLR was 0.5 ± 0.2 for the ischemic group and 1.0 ± 0.1 for the control group (p=0.0051). LHDI was 56.83 ± 10.67 for the ischemic group and 2.50 ± 13.10 for the control group (P = 0.031).

CONCLUSION

Assessment of gait dynamics in rats submitted to limb ischemia could be done by footprint analysis and hindlimb contact recording during a treadmill test.

The dynamics of mortality in follow-up time after an acute myocardial infarction, lower extremity arterial disease and ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND

Most studies providing data on survival in patients with atherosclerosis only address a single disease site: heart, brain or legs. Therefore, our objective was to determine risk of death after first hospital admission for atherosclerotic disease located at different sites.

METHODS

A nationwide cohort of patients hospitalized for the first time for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), peripheral arterial disease of the lower extremities (PAD) or ischemic stroke was identified through linkage of national registers. The mortality rate in AMI patients was compared to mortality rate in ischemic stroke and PAD patients by estimating relative risks (with 95%CI). Cox's proportional hazard models were used to estimate sex differences in risk of death.

RESULTS

Case fatality was high for ischemic stroke patients (men:21.0%, women:23.8%) and AMI patients (men:12.7%, women:20.9%) though low for PAD patients (men:2.4%, women:3.5%). The five-year risk of death was similar for male AMI compared to PAD patients (men: RR1.04; 95%CI 0.98-1.11). The risk of death for ischemic stroke patients remained the highest though the differences with AMI and PAD patients attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

The dynamics of mortality over follow-up time clearly differ between atherosclerotic diseases, located at different vascular beds. The risk of death increases considerably over follow-up time for PAD patients, and 5 years after first hospital admission the differences in risks of death between AMI- and PAD patients and between AMI- and ischemic stroke patients have largely attenuated. Clinicians should be aware of these dynamics of mortality over follow-up time to provide optimal secondary prevention treatment.

Clinical implication of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentrations in patients with advanced carotid atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is well established as an early and specific biomarker of kidney disease. Recent evidence further suggests that NGAL may play a crucial role in vascular remodeling and plaque instability during the development of atherosclerosis.

METHODS

Plasma NGAL concentrations measured using a solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were correlated with medical history, risk factors and medication intake in 141 patients with advanced carotid atherosclerotic lesions who underwent carotid endarterectomy for vascular repair.

RESULTS

Plasma NGAL concentrations were associated with patient age (R(s)=0.2055, p=0.0144), plasma homocysteine (R(s)=0.4274, p<0.00001) and serum creatinine (R(s)=0.4640, p<0.00001) concentrations and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (R(s)=-0.4911, p<0.00001). Hypertensive patients, as well as those receiving therapy with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, presented with significantly enhanced plasma NGAL concentrations when compared to normotensive (p=0.0341) patients and those not treated (p=0.0004). Enhanced NGAL concentrations did not meet statistical significance for patients with advanced stenosis grade (p=0.0971) or a history of peripheral artery disease (p=0.0827). Multiple regression analysis identified homocysteine, creatinine, eGFR and treatment with ACE inhibitors (p=0.0019, <0.00001, 0.0005 and 0.0219, respectively) as independent predictors of NGAL concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma NGAL concentrations were associated with patient age, hypertension, eGFR, creatinine and homocysteine concentrations and therapy with ACE inhibitors. The role of NGAL in the development of atherosclerosis needs to be further explored taking into consideration the uncontrolled effect of renal disease in atherosclerotic patients with multiple risk factors.

Evaluation of the consequences associated with diffuse vascular disease history in patients diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease: estimates from Saskatchewan health data

Background

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is caused by narrowing of the arteries in the lower extremities. Limited data exist concerning the impact of diffuse vascular disease (DVD) on prognosis and costs. Thus, the objective of this study is to estimate the impact of DVD on morbidity, mortality and costs.

Methods

PAD was identified between 1985 and 1995 and classified by extent of DVD at diagnosis: none (PAD only, reference group), prior myocardial infarction (MI), prior stroke, prior MI and stroke (MI + stroke), prior transient ischemic attack (TIA). Deaths and hospitalizations were identified through December 2000. Hospitalization costs were estimated from the Ontario Case Cost Project, reported in 2002 $CAD. Proportional hazards analyses measured the impact of vascular involvement on mortality while controlling for risk factors (e.g., age, cardiovascular history).

Results

Overall, 16,439 patients with PAD were included; 14.8% had a prior MI, 10.2% a prior stroke, 2.6% prior MI + stroke, 6.4% prior TIA, two-thirds had PAD only. Median survival was shorter for patients with prior MI (9.3 yrs), TIA (6.3), stroke (4.7), and MI+stroke (4.1) versus the reference group (9.9, p < 0.05, all comparisons). Analyses revealed that the death risk was 60% higher in patients with prior stroke and 84% higher for MI + stroke. Atherothrombotic and bleeding event-related costs were $712, $337, $268, and $170 higher per patient/year of follow-up in patients with a history of MI+stroke, MI, stroke, and TIA, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients diagnosed with PAD with DVD have higher risk of poor outcomes and increased costs.

Role of superficial femoral artery stents in the management of arterial occlusive disease: review of current evidence

The objectives of this study were to compare the 1-year patency of superficial femoral artery (SFA) stent placement with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone and to attempt to define the role of stents in arterial occlusive disease. Literature searches of the Embase, Medline, and Cochrane databases identified relevant articles, which were split into two subgroups: those containing case-controlled matches for stenting and PTA and those considering only stent placement. The review conformed to the QUORUM statement. One-year patency rates were 219 of 383 (57%) in the stented group and 319 of 607 (53%) in the PTA group for matched cases (odds ratio 1.206 [95% CI 0.932-1.559; p = .115]). The patency of stents deployed secondarily was 554 of 909 (61%). The combined 1-year patency of primary and secondary SFA stents for matched and unmatched case series was 816 of 1,282 (64%). One-year patency rates following stent placement or PTA alone in well-matched patient groups demonstrated no significant difference. This would suggest that the routine use of primary SFA stenting should be undertaken only in selected cases and should mainly be used in "bailout" situations or for complex lesions where surgery is precluded. However, the studies used displayed a high degree of heterogeneity, and some used stent technology that is now considered obsolete. Ongoing randomized controlled trials will provide a more definitive answer to this important problem.

Peripheral arterial disease: Pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is a strong predictor of MI, stroke and death due to vascular causes. PAD affects 8-12 million people in the United States. As the population lives longer with chronic diseases, researchers estimate that the incidence of PAD will increase, likely increasing myocardial infarction, stroke and death. This paper reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, treatment and management of PAD. With improved understanding of the disease process, risk factors and treatment, clinicians will be able to detect PAD earlier, provide diagnosis, treat and manage this disease. PAD is associated with reduced quality of life, and persons with PAD are also at risk of developing coronary artery disease and cerebrovascular disease. Better clinical evaluation and routine screening are important in identifying and treating patients at risk for PAD. All patients with PAD should receive risk-factor modification, such as treatment and education, about smoking cessation, blood pressure control and lowering of cholesterol. Appropriate pharmacological management includes antiplatelet therapy of aspirin, use of clopidogrel for those individuals who are sensitive to aspirin. Patients who have had bypass surgery or stent placement require dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel. The American Heart Association (AHA) states that treatment with beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors is appropriate pharmacotherapy to treat PAD. Other FDA approved medications such as Cilostazol and Pentoxifylline are also used in the treatment of pain associated with intermittent claudication.

Long-term survival after initial hospital admission for peripheral arterial disease in the lower extremities

BACKGROUND

As the population ages, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the lower extremities will become a larger public health problem. Awareness in patients as well clinicians of the high risk of morbidity and mortality is important but seems currently low. Insights in absolute mortality risks following admission for PAD in the lower extremities can be useful to improve awareness as they are easy to interpret.

METHODS

A nationwide cohort of 4,158 patients with an initial admission for PAD in the lower extremities was identified through linkage of the national hospital and population register in 1997 and 2000.

RESULTS

Over 60% of 4,158 patients were men. 28 days, 1 year and 5 year mortality risk were 2.4%, 10.3% and 31.0% for men and 3.5%, 10.4% and 27.4% for women. Coronary heart disease and stroke were frequent cause of death. Five years mortality risk was higher for men compared to women (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.21-1.53).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that, 5 year mortality risk is high, especially in men and comparable to that of patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Though, in general population the awareness of the severity of PAD in the lower extremities is significantly lower than that for any other cardiovascular disease and it seems that cardiovascular risk factor management for prevention in PAD patients is very modest.

Risk factor profiles and use of cardiovascular drug prevention in women and men with peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

To determine cardiovascular comorbidities and use of cardiovascular disease preventive drugs in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), with special attention to sex differences.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional point-prevalence study.

PATIENTS

A population sample of patients that are 60-90 years old.

SETTING

Primary care areas in four Swedish regions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Prevalence of PAD stages, comorbidities and medication use.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any type of PAD was 18.0% (range 16-20), of asymptomatic peripheral arterial disease (APAD) was 11.1% (range 9-13), intermittent claudication was 6.8% (range 6.5-7.1), and of critical limb ischemia (CLI) was 1.2% (range 1.0-1.5). APAD and CLI were more common in women. Statins were used by 17.5% (range 16.9-18.2), 29.4% (range 29.0-30.1), and 30.3% (range 29.9-30.8) of the patients with APAD, intermittent claudication, and CLI, respectively, and antiplatelet therapy was reported by 34.1% (range 33.7-34.3), 47.6% (range 47.3-47.9), and 60.2% (range 59.1-60.7). The odds ratio for having APAD was 1.7 (range 1.2-2.4) for women with a smoking history of 10 years in relation to nonsmokers. This association was observed only in men who had smoked for at least 30 years or more. Preventive drug use was more common in men with PAD. Compared with women they had an odds ratio of 1.3 (range 1.1-1.5) for lipid-lowering therapy, 1.3 (range 1.0-1.7) for [beta]-blockers or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and 1.5 (range 1.2-1.9) for antiplatelet therapy.

CONCLUSION

The patients' risk factor profiles differed among the PAD stages. Smoking duration already seemed to be a risk factor for women with PAD after 10 years of smoking, as compared with 30 years for men, and fewer women reported use of preventive medication. These observations may partly explain the sex differences in prevalence that were observed.