Baseline and Updated Information on Nutritional Status in Patients With Chronic Limb Threatening Ischaemia Undergoing Revascularisation

Impact of Controlling Nutritional Status Score on Comprehensive Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in a Local Area of Super-Aged Society

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between nutritional status and hospital outcomes in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) in a local area of contemporary super-aged society of Japan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analyzed 131 consecutive patients with 179 lower limb diseases admitted to our hospital for the treatment of CLTI between April 2018 and March 2023. These 131 patients were divided into 3 groups according to hospital outcomes: home discharge (HD), out-of-home discharge (OD), and in-hospital death (ID). Patient and lesion backgrounds were compared among the 3 groups, and a multivariable regression analysis was used to analyze the interaction between malnutrition and composite hard endpoints.

RESULTS

The median age was 82.8 years, and non-ambulatory patients comprised 61.8% of the study population. The HD group included more ambulatory and fewer patients with higher CONUT score or inflammation than OD or ID group. The Rutherford classification and Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection stage were significantly more severe in the ID group than in the HD group. Endovascular treatment (EVT) was more often implemented in the HD (94.9%) and OD (81.7%) groups than in the ID group (60.0%). However, all EVT procedures in the ID group were performed until as distally as possible to achieve the target arterial path success contrary to some EVT procedures in the HD or ID group that targeted lesions only above the knee. Multivariate analysis showed that a non-ambulatory state (hazard ratio [HR]=3.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.48-9.02) and a higher controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score (≥5) (HR=7.46, 95% CI=1.66-33.6) were significant predictors for composite endpoints (major amputation or ID). Patients with lower CONUT scores (≤4) showed better outcomes in all indices including overall survival, major amputation-free survival, and wound healing.

CONCLUSION

Condition of the CLTI patients represented by higher CONUT score emerged as the most influential predictor of major amputation or ID. Furthermore, non-ambulatory status or condition of higher CONUT score affects the destination after discharge. Implementing multidisciplinary approaches to address patients' nutritional state and physical disability, in addition to revascularization, may enhance comprehensive prognoses in patients with CLTI.

CLINICAL IMPACT

In this single-center retrospective study, we analyzed prognoses of 131 consecutive patients with 179 lower limb diseases admitted for the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) between April 2018 and March 2023. Our main finding was that condition of the CLTI patients represented by higher controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score was the most significant predictor of either major amputation or in-hospital death. Furthermore, condition of higher CONUT score or non-ambulatory status affects the destination after discharge. This suggests that multidisciplinary approaches to address patients' nutritional state and physical disability, in addition to revascularization, may enhance the prognosis in patients with CLTI. This is the first report to evaluate nutritional status associated with comprehensive hospital outcomes in addition to previously reported hard endpoints, such as major amputation or overall survival, and will be of great help in future clinical practice.

A framework for perioperative care for lower extremity vascular bypasses: A Consensus Statement by the Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS®) Society and Society for Vascular Surgery

The Society for Vascular Surgery and the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society formally collaborated and elected an international, multi-disciplinary panel of experts to review the literature and provide evidence-based suggestions for coordinated perioperative care for patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery for peripheral artery disease. Structured around the ERAS core elements, 26 suggestions were made and organized into preadmission, preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative sections.

Effectiveness of the Vascular Quality Initiative Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Mortality Prediction Model in Patents with Distal Bypass

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of mortality prediction using the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) model in patients with distal bypass.

METHODS

Patients who underwent distal bypass for CLTI from 2009 to 2020 at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. Distal bypass was defined as any bypass with a distal anastomosis to the posterior tibial, anterior tibial, dorsalis pedis, plantar, or peroneal artery. Baseline characteristics, operative details, hospital outcomes, and medium-term outcomes were compared among patients with a low-, medium-, and high-risk of mortality based on a VQI CLTI calculation. The primary endpoints were survival and limb salvage.

RESULTS

A total of 287 distal bypasses were performed in 230 patients (153 males; median age, 74 years; diabetes mellitus, 70%; end-stage renal disease [ESRD] with hemodialysis, 38%). These patients were stratified into 153 (66%) low-, 35 (15%) medium-, and 42 (18%) high-risk cases based on the VQI CLTI model. There were two hospital deaths (1%) within 30 days. During a mean follow-up period of 33 ± 29 months, 105 patients died and 26 limbs (9%) required major amputation. The 2-year survival rate of 81% in the low-risk group was significantly higher than those of 41% in the medium-risk group and 46% in the high-risk group (both P < 0.001). The 2-year survival rates did not differ significantly between the medium- and high-risk groups (P = 0.81). The 2-year limb salvage rate of 93% in the low-risk group was significantly higher than those of 81% in the medium-risk (P = 0.023) and those of 87% in the high-risk (P = 0.039) groups. There were no significant differences in graft patency and wound healing among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that distal bypass is optimal treatment for patients with a low VQI-predicted risk of mortality. However, the lower limb salvage and higher mortality rates at 2 years suggest that the decision-making for VQI medium- and high-risk patients may be carefully considered.

Predictive Value of Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index in Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Background

Conflicting results have been reported on the value of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) in predicting adverse outcomes in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the association of GNRI with adverse outcomes in patients with lower extremity PAD.

Methods

Relevant studies were comprehensively searched in PubMed and Embase databases until December 31, 2021. Eligible studies should evaluate the value of GNRI in predicting major adverse cardiovascular and leg events (MACLEs), all-cause mortality, and amputation in patients with lower extremity PAD.

Results

Eight studies reporting on 9 articles involving 5,541 patients were included. A fixed-effect model meta-analysis showed that patients with PAD with low GNRI had an increased risk of MACLEs [adjusted risk ratio (RR) 2.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54–3.31] and all-cause mortality (RR 2.38; 95% CI 1.71–3.31) compared with those with high GNRI. When analysis of GNRI is by continuous data, 10 units of GNRI decrease was associated with 36% and 44% higher risk of MACLEs and all-cause mortality, respectively. However, per 10 units GNRI score decrease was not significantly associated with a higher risk of amputation (p = 0.051).

Conclusion

Low GNRI may be an independent predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with lower extremity PAD. Routine screening of nutritional status using the GNRI may provide important prognostic information in patients with PAD.

A scoping review of malnutrition in patients undergoing interventions for peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with comorbid conditions and frailty. The role of pre-operative nutrition in these patients with PAD is not well characterized. This scoping review sought to describe the prevalence and prognostic implications of pre-operative malnutrition in patients undergoing vascular interventions for claudication or critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI).

METHODS

Studies were systematically searched across 6 databases from inception to August 2021. Studies focusing on patients with claudication or CLTI undergoing open or endovascular procedures were included if pre-operative nutrition was measured and correlated with a clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Of 4186 records identified, 24 studies addressed the prevalence or prognostic impact of malnutrition in patients undergoing interventions for PAD. The proportion of women included in these studies ranged from 6% to 58%. The prevalence of pre-operative malnutrition ranged from 14.6% to 72%, and notably 7 different malnutrition assessments were used in these studies. Across all scales, pre-operative malnutrition was associated with at least one of the following outcomes: mortality, post-operative complications, length of stay, readmission rates, as well as delayed wound healing.

CONCLUSION

There are a variety of tools used to measure malnutrition in patients undergoing interventions for PAD. Our findings suggest that pre-operative malnutrition is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients undergoing open and endovascular procedures for claudication or CLTI, and there is lack of consensus on which tool to use. Clinicians and surgeons should be sensitized to the importance of assessing malnutrition preoperatively in adults undergoing interventions for PAD.

Impact of Serum Zinc Level and Oral Zinc Supplementation on Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Infrainguinal Bypass for Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Zinc (Zn) has been reported to play an important role in wound healing (WH). Nevertheless, the effect of Zn in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients is unclear. This study investigated the effect of Zn on the clinical outcomes of CLTI patients undergoing bypass surgery.Methods and Results:This study reviewed 111 consecutive patients who underwent an infrainguinal bypass from 2012 to 2020. Patients with Zn deficiency (serum Zn level <60 μg/dL) received oral Zn supplementation and maintained a normal level until WH. This study aimed to explore: (1) the effect of Zn deficiency; and (2) Zn supplementation in Zn-deficient patients on the clinical outcomes of this cohort. Patients with Zn deficiency, Zn supplementation, and no Zn supplementation despite Zn deficiency accounted for 48, 21, and 42 patients, respectively. (1) Zn deficiency was associated with WH (HR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.29-0.78: P=0.003), major adverse limb events (MALE) (HR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.26-5.09: P=0.009), and major amputation or death (HR, 3.17; 95% CI, 1.51-6.63: P=0.002). (2) Zn supplementation was positively related to WH (HR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.21-4.34: P=0.011). This result was confirmed using propensity score matching (HR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.02-4.87: P=0.043).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study revealed that Zn level was associated with clinical outcomes in CLTI patients after bypass surgery. Oral Zn supplementation could improve WH in these patients.

The impact of nutrition on the development and progression of peripheral artery disease: A systematic review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

This systematic review sought to identify and summarize existing evidence for the impact of nutrition on the development, progression, and outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD).

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search of available studies published between January 1974 and December 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCT), observational studies, and cross-sectional studies reporting either the primary or secondary prevention of PAD with nutritional intake were included. The quality assessment was performed for the RCTs, without pooling a meta-risk estimate.

RESULTS

Among a total of 8502 records screened, 186 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 82 studies (30% RCT) were analyzed. The nutrients were structured in fruits, vegetables and antioxidants, fats and oils, dietary fiber, meat, proteins, vitamins and trace elements, and diets and lifestyle. The findings of the current systematic review indicate that the Mediterranean diet, nuts, and polyunsaturated fat are associated with a lower incidence of PAD and saturated fat, cholesterol, and processed meat were associated with higher rates of cardiovascular events in patients suffering from PAD.

CONCLUSIONS

The current review found evidence of a beneficial impact of the Mediterranean diet including nuts in this target population. More RCTs and high-quality registries are needed that focus on nutritional habits among patients with PAD to design appropriate preventive programs.

Impact of Controlling a Nutritional Status Score on Wound Healing in Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia after Endovascular Treatment

Background: Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is the most advanced stage of peripheral artery disease. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to avoid major amputation in CLTI patients. Malnutrition worsens the condition of CLTI patients, and therefore, it may be important to evaluate the nutritional status in patients with CLTI. This study was designed to evaluate the baseline patient characteristics and the influence of the controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score on the clinical results. Method and Results: A retrospective, single-center, non-randomized study was conducted to evaluate the associations of death, major amputation, and wound healing rate at 12 months with the CONUT score on admission. Consecutive CLTI patients (mean age 73.2 ± 10.4 years; 84 males) who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) for infra-popliteal lesions at Fukuoka University Hospital from January 2014 to May 2019 were enrolled and divided into two groups (higher and lower CONUT score groups). The higher CONUT group showed a higher percentage of dialysis (66.7% vs. 33.9%, p < 0.001) and a higher clinical frailty scale (5.9 ± 1.4 vs. 4.9 ± 1.9, p = 0.005) than the lower CONUT group. Rates of amputation-free survival were 89.5% and 69.8% in the lower and higher CONUT groups, respectively. In addition, rates of wound healing at 12 months were 98.0% and 78.3% in the lower and higher CONUT groups, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that a higher CONUT score was an independent predictor for delayed wound healing (OR: 11.2; 95% CI: 1.29–97.5; p = 0.028). Conclusion: An assessment of the nutritional status using the CONUT score could be useful for predicting wound healing, and earlier nutritional intervention may improve the outcome of CLTI patients. Early examination and treatment, along with raising awareness of the issue, may be important for improving the prognosis.