Correlation between ankle-brachial index, symptoms, and health-related quality of life in patients with peripheral vascular disease

Long-term patient-reported outcomes among patients undergoing revascularization vs medical therapy for intermittent claudication

OBJECTIVE

Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines recommend revascularization for patients with intermittent claudication (IC) if it can improve patient function and quality of life. However, it is still unclear if patients with IC achieve a significant functional benefit from surgery compared with medical management alone. This study examines the relationship between IC treatment modality (operative vs nonoperative optimal medical management) and patient-reported outcomes for physical function (PROMIS-PF) and satisfaction in social roles and activities (PROMIS-SA).

METHODS

We identified patients with IC who presented for index evaluation in a vascular surgery clinic at an academic medical center between 2016 and 2021. Patients were stratified based on whether they underwent a revascularization procedure during follow-up vs continued nonoperative management with medication and recommended exercise therapy. We used linear mixed-effect models to assess the relationship between treatment modality and PROMIS-PF, PROMIS-SA, and ankle-brachial index (ABI) over time, clustering among repeat patient observations. Models were adjusted for age, sex, diabetes, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Clinical Frailty Score, tobacco use, and index ABI.

RESULTS

A total of 225 patients with IC were identified, of which 40% (n = 89) underwent revascularization procedures (42% bypass; 58% peripheral vascular intervention) and 60% (n = 136) continued nonoperative management. Patients were followed up to 6.9 years, with an average follow-up of 5.2 ± 1.6 years. Patients who underwent revascularization were more likely to be clinically frail (P = .03), have a lower index ABI (0.55 ± 0.24 vs 0.72 ± 0.28; P < .001), and lower baseline PROMIS-PF score (36.72 ± 8.2 vs 40.40 ± 6.73; P = .01). There were no differences in patient demographics or medications between treatment groups. Examining patient-reported outcome trends over time; there were no significant differences in PROMIS-PF between groups, trends over time, or group differences over time after adjusting for covariates (P = .07, P = .13, and P =.08, respectively). However, all patients with IC significantly increased their PROMIS-SA over time (adjusted P = .019), with patients managed nonoperatively more likely to have an improvement in PROMIS-SA over time than those who underwent revascularization (adjusted P = .045).

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported outcomes associated with functional status and satisfaction in activities are similar for patients with IC for up to 7 years, irrespective of whether they undergo treatment with revascularization or continue nonoperative management. These findings support conservative long-term management for patients with IC.

Evaluation of the relationship between adjusted ischemia-modified albumin and the presence and severity of peripheral artery disease

OBJECTIVES

Albumin undergoes structural changes under ischemia and oxidative stress, turning into ischemia-modified albumin (IMA). It has been proposed as an early biomarker for various diseases associated with ischemia. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum IMA and peripheral artery disease (PAD) and whether it is a risk marker for the severity of PAD.

METHODS

This prospective case-control study included 100 patients with lower extremity PAD and 50 volunteers without. Patients with resting pain, ulcer, and gangrene were excluded from the study. Patients with PAD included in the study were divided into two groups as mild claudication and moderate-severe claudication. Adjusted-IMA levels were calculated according to the median albumin values of the groups. The basic clinical features and laboratory findings of the participants were recorded and compared. Possible risk factors for presence and severity of PAD and IMA levels were examined by logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses.

RESULTS

IMA and adjusted-IMA levels were significantly higher in the PAD group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). IMA and adjusted-IMA levels were significantly higher in PAD group 2, which had moderate-to-severe claudication and more pronounced ischemic symptoms (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Advanced age, presence of hypertension, smoking, low albumin levels, and high adjusted-IMA levels were independent predictors of PAD. There was a negative high correlation between adjusted-IMA levels and ABI (r: -0.666, p < 0.001, Spearman's correlation). ROC curve analysis demonstrated that adjusted-IMA cut-off values of 0.802 or above could predict presence and severity of peripheral artery disease with 70% sensitivity and 78% specificity (AUC: 0.825, 95% CI: 0.758-0.893, log rank p: 0.000).

CONCLUSION

We determinated that increased adjusted-IMA levels were a predictors of the presence and severity of PAD. In addition, adjusted-IMA values can be a valuable marker in the follow-up of clinical severity of PAD.

Interruption of Insurance Coverage and the Risk of Amputation in Patients with Pre-Existing Commercial Health Insurance and Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is linked with an increased risk of lower extremity amputation and multiple socioeconomic factors attenuate this risk. Prior studies have demonstrated increased rates of amputation in PAD patients with suboptimal or no insurance coverage. However, the impact of insurance loss in PAD patients with pre-existing commercial insurance coverage is unclear. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of PAD patients who lose commercial insurance coverage.

METHODS

The Pearl Diver all-payor insurance claims database was used to identify adult patients (>18 years) with a PAD diagnosis from 2010 to 2019. The study cohort included patients with pre-existing commercial insurance and at least 3 years continuous enrollment after diagnosis of PAD. Patients were stratified based on whether they had an interruption of commercial insurance coverage over time. Patients who transitioned from commercial insurance to Medicare and other government-sponsored insurance during follow up were excluded. Adjusted comparison (1:1 ratio) was performed using propensity matching for age, gender, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and relevant comorbidities. The main outcomes were major amputation and minor amputation. Cox proportional hazards ratios and Kaplan-Meier estimate were used to examine the association between loss of insurance and outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 214,386 patients included, 43.3% (n = 92,772) had continuous commercial insurance coverage and 56.7% (n = 121,614) had interruption of coverage (transition to uninsured or Medicaid coverage) during follow up. In the crude cohort and matched cohort, interruption of coverage was associated with lower major amputation-free survival on Kaplan Meier estimate (P < 0.001). In the crude cohort, interruption of coverage was associated with 77% increased risk of major amputation (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.49-2.12) and a 41% high risk of minor amputation (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.31-1.53). In the matched cohort, interruption of coverage was associated with 87% increased risk of major amputation (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.57-2.25) and a 104% increased risk of minor amputation (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.36-1.60).

CONCLUSIONS

Interruption of insurance coverage in PAD patients with pre-existing commercial health insurance was associated with increased risks of lower extremity amputation.

Effects of walking impairment on mental health burden, health risk behavior and quality of life in patients with intermittent claudication: A cross-sectional path analysis

Introduction

Intermittent claudication is the leading symptom of peripheral artery disease (leg pain when walking). The present study investigates the extent to which walking impairment is associated with health-related quality of life, mental health and health risk behavior.

Methods

A theory-based, cross-sectional path model was empirically examined using pre-intervention baseline data from a multicenter, randomized-controlled trial of patients with intermittent claudication (PAD-TeGeCoach). Data were available from 1 696 patients who completed a battery of questionnaires between April 14, 2018 and March 12, 2019, including measures of walking impairment (Walking Impairment Questionnaire), health-related quality of life (SF-12), mental burden (GAD-7, PHQ-9), nicotine- and alcohol-related risk behavior (Fagerström-Test, AUDIT-C). Sociodemographic characteristics and comorbid conditions were included in the postulated model a priori to minimize confounding effects.

Results

Walking impairment was associated with an increase in depressive (β = -.36, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms (β = -.24, p < .001). The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms was 48.3% and 35.5%, respectively, with female patients and those of younger age being at greater risk. Depressive symptoms were predictive of an increased tobacco use (β = .21; p < .001). Walking impairment had adverse effects on physical quality of life, both directly (β = .60, p < .001) and indirectly mediated through depressive symptoms (β = -.16, p < .001); and indirectly on mental quality of life mediated through depressive (β = -.43, p < .001) and anxiety symptoms (β = -.35, p < .001).

Discussion

The findings underscore the need for a comprehensive treatment strategy in patients with intermittent claudication. Measures to improve walking impairment (e.g. exercise training) are key to enhance quality of life and should be the primary treatment. As a key mediator of mental quality of life, depressive and anxiety symptoms should be addressed by rigorously including mental health treatment. Risky health behaviors should be approached by promoting behavior change (e.g. smoking cessation) as a secondary prevention of peripheral artery disease.

Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Symptomatic, Non-Limb-Threatening Peripheral Artery Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are health outcomes directly reported by the patient that can be used to measure the effect of disease and treatments on patient perceived well-being. This review summarizes current evidence regarding the validation of PROMs in people with symptomatic, nonlimb-threatening peripheral artery disease. A literature search was conducted to identify studies of symptomatic peripheral artery disease without limb-threatening ischemia that included PROMs and had sample sizes ≥25. PROMs were summarized along a continuum of validation using classical test theory framework and according to whether they fulfilled defined criteria for (1) content validity; (2) psychometric validation; and (3) further validation evidence base expansion. Of 2198 articles identified, 157 (7.1%) met inclusion criteria. Twenty-four PROMs in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease were reviewed. Among disease-specific PROMs, 8 of 15 had excellent reliability as measured by a Cronbach alpha ≥0.80. Based on established criteria for PROM responsiveness, 6 of 15 disease-specific PROMs demonstrated excellent sensitivity to change. Of these, the disease-specific peripheral artery questionnaire, vascular quality of life questionnaire, and walking impairment questionnaire met criteria for validation at each stage of the continuum. For generic (nondisease specific) PROMs, the European Quality of Life 5-Dimension and SF-36 had the most extensive evidence of validation. Evidence from this review can inform selection of PROMs aligned with scientific and clinical goals, given the variable degree of validation and potential complementary nature of the measures.

Use of the walking impairment questionnaire as a measure of functional assessment

Background: A significant consequence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is an impaired functional capacity and deteriorated quality of life. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the usefulness of a symptom questionnaire and walk tests for the determination of the functional capacity of patients with intermittent claudication. Patients and methods: The study included 53 patients (38 males) with stable claudication distance (50-300m). A detailed history and physical examination, ankle-brachial index (ABI), treadmill exercise test, and 6-minute walk test were performed and compared to walking impairment questionnaire (WIQ). Results: Claudication distance reported from patients' history and 6-minute walk test were significantly correlated with ABI (p=0.033, p=0.044). There were no significant correlations between ABI and treadmill walk test or WIQ. Results of WIQ were significantly correlated with the history and the most of performed walk tests: treadmill initial and maximal claudication distance (p=0.004 and 0.012, respectively) and 6-minute walk test (p=0.026). 6-minute walk test was correlated with maximal claudication distance of treadmill (p=0.018), but not with an initial claudication distance. Conclusions: The validity of WIQ is comparable to walk tests and represents the useful technique for the investigation of the functional capacity of patients with PAD. A self-report based on WIQ enables a longer period of observation. It should be routinely used as a basic diagnostic tool for the estimation of the functional capacity of PAD patients with stable intermittent claudication.

Health-related quality of life amongst people diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm and peripheral artery disease and the effect of fenofibrate

The aims of this study were, firstly, to assess the effect of concurrent peripheral artery disease (PAD) on the health-related quality of life (QOL) of people diagnosed with a small abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA); and secondly, to test whether the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α agonist fenofibrate improved QOL of people diagnosed with a small AAA, including those diagnosed with concurrent PAD. The study included both a cross-sectional observational study and a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. 140 people diagnosed with a 35-49 mm diameter AAA, 56 (40%) of whom had concurrent PAD, and 25 healthy controls were prospectively recruited. QOL was assessed with the short form (SF) 36. Findings in participants that were diagnosed with both AAA and PAD were compared separately with those of participants that had a diagnosis of AAA alone or who had neither AAA nor PAD diagnosed (healthy controls). All participants diagnosed with an AAA were then randomly allocated to 145 mg of fenofibrate per day or identical placebo. Outcomes were assessed by changes in the domains of the SF-36 and ankle brachial pressure Index (ABPI) from randomization to 24 weeks. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests. Participants diagnosed with both AAA and PAD had significantly worse QOL than participants diagnosed with AAA alone or healthy controls. Fenofibrate did not significantly alter SF-36 scores or ABPI over 24 weeks. Fenofibrate does not improve QOL of people diagnosed with small AAA, irrespective of whether they have concurrent PAD.Trial registration: ACTN12613001039774 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry.

Assessment of anxiety and health-related quality of life in patients with lower extremity peripheral arterial occlusive disease

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chronic occlusive vascular disease on anxiety with adverse outcome with health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three hundred and thirty-five patients who were treated for peripheral arterial occlusive disease were enrolled in this study. 187 patients who had undergone percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and 148 patients who had one or more surgical revascularizations enrolled in the study. Mean age of the patients was 62.6 ±10 years. Two hundred and eighty-nine patients were male, 46 patients were female. Physical and mental domains of quality of life were measured using the 36-item Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) self-administered questionnaire and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). At baseline 335 patients filled out the SF-36 and STAI, and 304 patients (90.7 % of the series) filled them out at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

There was no mortality and no significant morbidity after vascular interventions in the series. Significant improvement was found in two of eight health domains. The score of social functioning increased to 60.4 from 52.6 (p < 0.03) and general health perception increased to 75.1 from 60.5 (p < 0.04) at 6-month follow-up. The two STAI sub-scores, the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) and the Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) were found high (≥ 40) both preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. Postoperatively there was no significant decrease of the levels of anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the assessment of psychosocial factors, particularly the ongoing assessment of anxiety, could help in risk stratification and prediction of functional status in patients suffering from lower extremity peripheral arterial occlusive disease.

Daily Passive Muscle Stretching Improves Flow-Mediated Dilation of Popliteal Artery and 6-minute Walk Test in Elderly Patients with Stable Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

BACKGROUND

Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often have walking impairment due to insufficient oxygen supply to skeletal muscle. In aged rats, we have shown that daily stretching of calf muscles improves endothelium-dependent dilation of arterioles from the soleus muscle and increases capillarity and muscle blood flow during exercise. Therefore, we hypothesized that daily muscle stretching of calf muscles would improve endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the popliteal artery and walking function in PAD patients.

METHODS

We performed a randomized, non-blinded, crossover study whereby 13 patients with stable symptomatic PAD were randomized to undergo either 4 weeks of passive calf muscle stretching (ankle dorsiflexion applied 30 min/d, 5 days/wk) followed by 4 weeks of no muscle stretching and vice versa. Endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and endothelium-independent nitroglycerin-induced dilation of the popliteal artery and 6 minute walk test (6MWT) were evaluated at baseline and after each 4 week interval.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of muscle stretching, FMD and 6MWT improved significantly in the muscle stretching group vs. the control (FMD: 5.1 ± 0.5% vs. 3.7 ± 0.3%, P = 0.005; 6MWT continuous walking distance: 304 ± 43 m vs. 182 ± 34 m; P = 0.0006). No difference in nitroglycerin-induced dilation was found between groups (10.9 ± 1.2 vs. 9.9 ± 0.4%, P = 0.48). Post-stretching, 6MWT total walking distance was positively correlated with normalized FMD (R = 0.645, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Passive calf muscle stretching enhanced vascular endothelial function and improved walking function in elderly patients with stable symptomatic PAD. These findings merit further investigation in a prospective randomized trial.

Associations of exercise ankle-brachial index, pain-free walking distance and maximum walking distance with the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire: Finding from the PORTRAIT PAD Registry

An exercise ankle-brachial index (ABI) test can provide further insight into the functional significance of peripheral artery disease (PAD). The variability in its use, associated patient factors and its relation to patients' symptoms are unknown. From the international PORTRAIT registry, we identified 1131 patients with PAD. We fit a hierarchical logistic regression model, adjusting for patient factors, country and site, to examine predictors of and variation in ordering exercise ABI testing. We also examined the associations between test components and health status as quantified by the Peripheral Artery Questionnaire (PAQ) using semi-parametric regression methods. Testing was ordered in 22% in the United States versus 80% in the Netherlands and 90% in Australia. Testing was likely to be performed if the patient was male, younger, had typical symptoms and a higher resting ABI, with substantial variability across sites (median odds ratio=5.9, 95% CI: 3.2-19.5). Adjusting for country and site, the resting ABI and all exercise ABI metrics were associated with the PAQ Physical Limitation score. In addition, important components of the test, namely time to onset of claudication, pain-free walking distance (PFWD), and maximum walking distance (MWD), were also associated with PAQ Symptoms and Summary scores. More importantly, even after adjusting for resting ABI, a patient with a post-exercise ABI of 0.29 (25th percentile), compared to 0.61 (75th percentile), achieved 4.4 (95% CI: 0.4-8.4, p=0.031) points less on the PAQ Physical Limitation score. Exercise ABI test use is remarkably variable, and less used in the United States. Its data, specifically PFWD and MWD, might help in objectively assessing the impact of PAD on patients' functioning and quality of life.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Genetics: Progress to Date and Challenges Ahead

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this paper, we review the progress made thus far in research related to the genetics of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) by detailing efforts to date in heritability, linkage analyses, and candidate gene studies. We further summarize more contemporary genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and epigenetic studies of PAD. Finally, we review current challenges and future avenues of advanced research in PAD genetics including whole genome sequencing studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

Studies have estimated the heritability of PAD to be moderate, though the contribution to this heritability that is independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors remains unclear. Recent efforts have identified SNPs associated with PAD in GWAS analyses, but these have yet to be replicated in independent studies. Much remains to be discovered in the field of PAD genetics. An improved understanding of the genetic foundation for PAD will allow for earlier diagnosis of disease and a more complete pathophysiological understanding of the mechanisms of the disease leading to novel therapeutic interventions. Future avenues for success will likely arise from very large-scale GWAS, whole genome sequencing, and epigenetic studies involving very well-characterized cohorts.

A content analysis of peripheral arterial disease patient-reported outcome measures using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to link, classify and describe the content of peripheral arterial disease (PAD)-specific patient-reported outcome measures using the International Classification of Functioning. The results were then analyzed to determine if these assessments provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of the lived experience of patients with PAD.

METHODS

Each meaningful concept in identified PAD assessments was linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to determine included and excluded content areas. An overall perspective was assigned to each assessment item. Inter-rater reliability was established using a kappa statistic.

RESULTS

The body functions component is most frequently addressed overall followed by the activities and participation component. International Classification of Functioning chapter and category distribution vary greatly between assessments and no assessment comprehensively examines community participation and relationships. The majority of the assessment items are of the health status-disability and quality of life perspectives.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest the need for the development of a comprehensive PAD assessment that includes a more even distribution of International Classification of Functioning topics and subtopics. A more comprehensive assessment would better capture the lived experience of this patient population. Implications for Rehabilitation A better understanding of the data collected using the current peripheral arterial disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures may contribute to the development of more comprehensive assessment tools that will ultimately lead to improved patient care. This study contributes to the preliminary foundation for the development of a peripheral arterial disease International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set. Clinicians and researchers interested in using peripheral arterial disease-specific patient-reported outcome measures for clinical and research purposes can better understand what topics are included and excluded in the collection and what perspectives are addressed.

Crossroads between peripheral atherosclerosis, western-type diet and skeletal muscle pathophysiology: emphasis on apolipoprotein E deficiency and peripheral arterial disease

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory process that, in the presence of hyperlipidaemia, promotes the formation of atheromatous plaques in large vessels of the cardiovascular system. It also affects peripheral arteries with major implications for a number of other non-vascular tissues such as the skeletal muscle, the liver and the kidney. The aim of this review is to critically discuss and assimilate current knowledge on the impact of peripheral atherosclerosis and its implications on skeletal muscle homeostasis. Accumulating data suggests that manifestations of peripheral atherosclerosis in skeletal muscle originates in a combination of increased i)-oxidative stress, ii)-inflammation, iii)-mitochondrial deficits, iv)-altered myofibre morphology and fibrosis, v)-chronic ischemia followed by impaired oxygen supply, vi)-reduced capillary density, vii)- proteolysis and viii)-apoptosis. These structural, biochemical and pathophysiological alterations impact on skeletal muscle metabolic and physiologic homeostasis and its capacity to generate force, which further affects the individual's quality of life. Particular emphasis is given on two major areas representing basic and applied science respectively: a)-the abundant evidence from a well-recognised atherogenic model; the Apolipoprotein E deficient mouse and the role of a western-type diet and b)-on skeletal myopathy and oxidative stress-induced myofibre damage from human studies on peripheral arterial disease. A significant source of reactive oxygen species production and oxidative stress in cardiovascular disease is the family of NADPH oxidases that contribute to several pathologies. Finally, strategies targeting NADPH oxidases in skeletal muscle in an attempt to attenuate cellular oxidative stress are highlighted, providing a better understanding of the crossroads between peripheral atherosclerosis and skeletal muscle pathophysiology.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Review of the Potential Mechanisms of Action

BACKGROUND

Lower limb peripheral arterial disease (PAD) affects 20% of population over 65 years. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has recently emerged as a novel, safe, and effective treatment option. This review aims to assess the mechanism of action by which ESWT improves symptoms in patients with PAD.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Any article investigating the mechanism of action of ESWT in PAD was considered for inclusion.

RESULTS

The systematic review of the current literature yielded 8 relevant articles reporting studies on animal models of hind limb ischemia or on patients with PAD. These articles described the effects of ESWT on angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, vasculogenesis, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, lower limb micro/macrocirculation, and atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSION

ESWT increases the expression of angiogenic, arteriogenic, and vasculogenic factors, reduces vessel wall stenosis, and improves limb perfusion. However, most of the evidence is based on animal studies. Future research should focus on elucidating the mechanism of action of ESWT in PAD patients.

Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease and Quality of Life Among Older Individuals in the Community

Background

Evidence regarding the association of lower extremity peripheral arterial disease with quality of life (QOL) is mainly from selected clinical populations or relatively small clinical cohorts. Thus, we investigated this association in community‐derived populations.

Methods and Results

Using data of 5115 participants aged 66 to 90 years from visit 5 (2011‐2013) of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, we quantified the associations of ankle‐brachial index (ABI) with several QOL parameters, including 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey (SF‐12), after accounting for potential confounders using linear and logistic regression models. Peripheral arterial disease defined by an ABI <0.90 (n=402), was independently associated with a low SF‐12 Physical Component Summary score (−3.26 [95% CI −5.60 to −0.92]), compared to the ABI reference 1.10 to 1.19 (n=1900) but not with the Mental Component Summary score (−0.07 [−2.21 to 2.06]). A low ABI was significantly associated with poorer status of all SF‐12 physical domains (physical functioning, role‐physical, bodily pain, and general health) but only vitality out of 4 mental domains. Similarly, low ABI values were more consistently associated with other physically related QOL parameters (leisure‐time exercise/activity/walking) than mentally related parameters (significant depressive symptoms and hopeless feeling). Lower physical QOL was observed even in individuals with borderline low ABI (0.90 to 0.99; n=426).

Conclusions

Low ABI (even borderline) was independently associated with poor QOL, especially for physical components, in community‐dwelling older adults. QOL is a critical element for older adults, and thus, further studies are warranted to assess whether peripheral arterial disease‐specific management can improve QOL in older populations.

Comorbidities and characteristics of coronary heart disease patients: their impact on health-related quality of life

BACKGROUND

Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) commonly present with more than one comorbid condition, contributing to poorer health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of our study was to identify the associations between HRQoL and patient characteristics, vascular comorbidities and anxiety/depression disorders.

METHODS

This observational study was conducted in 36 family medicine practices selected by random stratified sampling from all regions of Slovenia. HRQoL was assessed using the European Quality of Life - 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire and EQ Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS). The associations between HRQoL and patient characteristics stratified by demographics, vascular comorbidities, health services used, their assessment of chronic illness care, and anxiety/depression disorders were identified by ordinal logistic regression and linear regression models.

RESULTS

The final sample included 423 CHD patients with a mean age of 68.0 ± SD 10.8 years; 35.2% were female. Mean EQ-VAS score was 58.6 ± SD 19.9 (median: 60 with interquartile range of 45-75), and mean EQ-5D index was 0.60 ± SD 0.19 (median: 0.56 with interquartile range of 0.41-0.76). The statistically significant predictors of a lower EQ-VAS score were higher family physician visit frequency, heart failure (HF) and anxiety/depression disorders (R² 0.240; F = 17.368; p < 0.001). The statistically significant predictor of better HRQoL, according to EQ-5D was higher patient education, whereas higher family physician visit frequency, HF and peripheral artery disease (PAD) were predictors of poorer HRQoL (Nagelkerke R 2 = 0.298; χ 2 = 148.151; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of our study reveal that comorbid conditions (HF and PAD), family physician visit frequency and years in education are significant predictors of HRQoL in Slovenian CHD patients.

Efficacy of brief behavioral counselling by allied health professionals to promote physical activity in people with peripheral arterial disease (BIPP): study protocol for a multi-center randomized controlled trial

Background

Physical activity is recommended for people with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and can improve walking capacity and quality of life; and reduce pain, requirement for surgery and cardiovascular events. This trial will assess the efficacy of a brief behavioral counselling intervention delivered by allied health professionals to improve physical activity in people with PAD.

Methods

This is a multi-center randomised controlled trial in four cities across Australia. Participants (N = 200) will be recruited from specialist vascular clinics, general practitioners and research databases and randomised to either the control or intervention group. Both groups will receive usual medical care, a written PAD management information sheet including advice to walk, and four individualised contacts from a protocol-trained allied health professional over 3 months (weeks 1, 2, 6, 12). The control group will receive four 15-min telephone calls with general discussion about PAD symptoms and health and wellbeing. The intervention group will receive behavioral counselling via two 1-h face-to-face sessions and two 15-min telephone calls. The counselling is based on the 5A framework and will promote interval walking for 3 × 40 min/week. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and 4, 12 and 24 months by staff blinded to participant allocation. Objectively assessed outcomes include physical activity (primary), sedentary behavior, lower limb body function, walking capacity, cardiorespiratory fitness, event-based claudication index, vascular interventions, clinical events, cardiovascular function, circulating markers, and anthropometric measures. Self-reported outcomes include physical activity and sedentary behavior, walking ability, pain severity, and health-related quality of life. Data will be analysed using an intention-to-treat approach. An economic evaluation will assess whether embedding the intervention into routine care would likely be value for money. A cost-effectiveness analysis will estimate change in cost per change in activity indicators due to the intervention, and a cost-utility analysis will assess change in cost per quality-adjusted life year. A full uncertainty analysis will be undertaken, including a value of information analysis, to evaluate the economic case for further research.

Discussion

This trial will evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a brief behavioral counselling intervention for a common cardiovascular disease with significant burden.

Trial registration

ACTRN 12614000592640 Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Registration Date 4 June 2014.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-3801-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Limb hemodynamics are not predictive of functional capacity in patients with PAD

To the practicing clinician, it seems obvious that limb hemodynamics would be the primary determinant of walking distance. However, other determinants, such as skeletal muscle metabolism, may play a role. Accordingly, in the current study, we examined the relationship between measures of limb hemodynamics and walking capacity in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). We measured toe and ankle pressures for calculation of toe-(TBI) and ankle (ABI)-brachial indices; basal and hyperemic calf blood flow (CBF; by plethysmography); and initial (ICT) and absolute (ACT) claudication time using the Skinner-Gardner protocol. As expected, PAD patients had impaired limb hemodynamics with reduced TBI, ABI and a reduction in ABI post-exercise. However, there was no relationship between any of the hemodynamic variables (including ABI, ABI reduction post-exercise, TBI, baseline or maximal CBF) and walking distance as assessed by ICT or ACT. A subset of PAD patients with an ACT >750 s (n =16; ‘long claudicators’) were compared with a subset of PAD patients with an ACT <260 s (n = 16; ‘short claudicators’). The average ACT in the long claudicants was over fivefold greater than the short claudicators. Surprisingly, there were no differences between the two groups in any of the hemo-dynamic variables. There was also no relationship between the initial ABI, TBI, toe pressure, baseline or hyperemic CBF, and the improvement in ACT over the 3-month course of the study. This study found little relationship between hemodynamic variables and functional capacity in PAD. Accordingly, to assess the response to therapeutic interventions, exercise performance and functional status need to be directly measured, and cannot be predicted from hemodynamic measurements.

Vascular structure and function and their relationship with health-related quality of life in the MARK study

Background

There is limited evidence concerning the relationship between vascular disease and health-related quality of life (HRQL). We investigated the relationship between vascular structure and function with health-related quality of life in a population with intermediate cardiovascular risk.

Methods

This study analyzed 303 subjects with ankle-brachial index (ABI) values ranging from 0.9 to 1.4 who were included in the MARK study (age 35 to 74 years; mean:60.5 ± 8.5), of which 50.2 % were women. Measurements included: ABI, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV), and cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), all measured using the VaSera device. The central augmentation index was adjusted to 75 lpm (AIx_75) using the Mobil-O-Graph device. HRQL was assessed by the Spanish version of the SF-12, version2. The highest obtained CAVI and ba-PWV values and the lowest ABI values were considered for the study.

Results

The cohort was composed of21 % smokers, 76 % hypertensive patients, and 24 % diabetic patients. The ABI mean was 1.09 ± 0.07,the ba-PWV mean was 14.64 ± 2.55 m/s with a 12.9 % of subjects higher than 17.5 m/s, AIx_75 26.46 ± 14.05, and CAVI 8.61 ± 1.08 with a 36.6 % of subjects higher than 9. Men scored higher than women in the HRQL measurements for physical (PSC-12; 49.9 vs. 46.9, p = 0.004) and mental (MSC-12) domains (51.2 vs. 47.7, p = 0.003). Age was positively correlated with CAVI (r = 0.547), ba-PWV (r = 0.469), AIx_75 (r = 0.255, p < 0.01), and the MSC-12 (r = 0.147, p < 0.05), but not the PSC-12. In the adjusted multiple linear regression analysis, the positive association of ABI and CAVI with the PSC-12 was maintained.

Conclusions

The ABI in the normal range has a positive association with the PSC-12 of HRQL evaluated with the SF-12. The CAVI also showed a positive association with the PSC-12 of HRQL.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01428934.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-016-0272-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Ankle-brachial index predicts change over time in functional status in the San Diego Population Study

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions of people, both in the U.S. and worldwide. Even when asymptomatic, PAD and the ankle-brachial index (ABI), the major clinical diagnostic criterion for PAD, are associated with decreased functional status and quality of life, as well as mobility impairment. Whether the ABI or change in the ABI predicts decline in functional status over time has not been previously assessed in a population-based setting.

METHODS

Participants were 812 non-Hispanic white, African American, Hispanic, and Asian men and women from the San Diego Population Study (SDPS) who attended a baseline examination (1994-1998), and follow-up clinic examination approximately 11 years later. The Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form (SF-36) was obtained at both the baseline and follow-up examinations, and the summary performance score (SPS) at the follow-up examination. Associations of the baseline ABI and clinically relevant change in the ABI (<-0.15 vs ≥-0.15) with change in SF-36 scores over time were assessed using growth curve models, a type of mixed model that accounts for within participant correlation of measurements over time, and using linear regression for SPS. Models were adjusted for baseline age, sex, race/ethnicity, body mass index, ever smoking, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

Mean ± standard deviation (SD) for the baseline ABI was 1.11 ± 0.10, and 50.8 ± 9.0 for the baseline Physical Component Score (PCS), 50.1 ± 9.5 for the baseline Mental Component Score (MCS), and 11.2 ± 1.9 for the SPS at the follow-up examination. In fully adjusted models, each SD lower of the baseline ABI was significantly associated with an average decrease over time of 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.1 to -0.1; P = .02) units on SF-36 PCS. Each SD lower of the baseline ABI was also significantly associated with an average decrease over time of 1.2 units (95% CI, -2.3 to -0.2; P = .02) on the SF-36 physical functioning subscale, and a decrease of 1.3 units (95% CI, -2.3 to -0.3; P = .01) on the SF-36 energy/vitality subscale in fully adjusted models. Baseline ABI was not significantly associated with change in the SF-36 MCS over time, or the SPS at the follow-up examination. Change in the ABI was not associated with SF-36 PCS, MCS, or the SPS.

CONCLUSIONS

In this multiethnic population of healthy middle-aged community-living men and women, we showed that participants with a lower baseline ABI had declines in functional status over 11 years. Findings suggest that small differences in the ABI, even within the normal range, may identify subclinical lower extremity PAD, which in turn may help to identify individuals at risk for declining functional status with age.

Associations between the toe brachial index and health-related quality of life in older people

BACKGROUND

Peripheral arterial disease is responsible for impaired health-related quality of life as a consequence of associated morbidity and mortality. The toe brachial index (TBI) provides non-invasive assessment of peripheral arterial health. Lower TBI values have been associated with foot ulceration, amputation and impaired healing, however, the relationship with health-related quality of life has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the TBI and health-related quality of life.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of 100 participants aged over 50 years recruited from podiatry clinics in New South Wales, Australia. The TBI was calculated using automated equipment and quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2). Strength of associations was determined using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients.

RESULTS

Lower TBI values demonstrated modest significant associations with poorer scores for the SF-36v2 domains Role Physical (r s = 0.219, p > 0.05), Social Function (r s = 0.219, p < 0.05) and the Physical Component Summary score (r s = 0.203, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The toe brachial index demonstrates limited associations with physical and social aspects of health-related quality of life in older people.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Peripheral Arterial Disease in a Japanese Population

Characteristics of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are the occlusion or stenosis of multiple vessel sites caused mainly by atherosclerosis and chronic lower limb ischemia. To identify PAD susceptible loci, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 785 cases and 3,383 controls in a Japanese population using 431,666 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). After staged analyses including a total of 3,164 cases and 20,134 controls, we identified 3 novel PAD susceptibility loci at IPO5/RAP2A, EDNRA and HDAC9 with genome wide significance (combined P = 6.8 x 10⁻¹⁴, 5.3 x 10⁻⁹ and 8.8 x 10⁻⁸, respectively). Fine-mapping at the IPO5/RAP2A locus revealed that rs9584669 conferred risk of PAD. Luciferase assay showed that the risk allele at this locus reduced expression levels of IPO5. To our knowledge, these are the first genetic risk factors for PAD.

A review of the pathophysiology and potential biomarkers for peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is due to the blockage of the arteries supplying blood to the lower limbs usually secondary to atherosclerosis. The most severe clinical manifestation of PAD is critical limb ischemia (CLI), which is associated with a risk of limb loss and mortality due to cardiovascular events. Currently CLI is mainly treated by surgical or endovascular revascularization, with few other treatments in routine clinical practice. There are a number of problems with current PAD management strategies, such as the difficulty in selecting the appropriate treatments for individual patients. Many patients undergo repeated attempts at revascularization surgery, but ultimately require an amputation. There is great interest in developing new methods to identify patients who are unlikely to benefit from revascularization and to improve management of patients unsuitable for surgery. Circulating biomarkers that predict the progression of PAD and the response to therapies could assist in the management of patients. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology of PAD and examines the association between circulating biomarkers and PAD presence, severity and prognosis. While some currently identified circulating markers show promise, further larger studies focused on the clinical value of the biomarkers over existing risk predictors are needed.

Review: Quality of life in lower limb peripheral vascular surgery

PURPOSE

Vascular intervention studies generally consider patency and limb salvage as primary outcomes. However, quality of life is increasingly considered an important patient-oriented outcome measurement of vascular interventions. Existing literature was analyzed to determine the effect of different treatments on quality of life for patients suffering from either claudication or critical limb ischemia.

BASIC METHODS

A review of the literature was undertaken in the Medline library. A search was performed on quality of life in peripheral arterial disease. Results were stratified according to treatment groups.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Twenty-one articles described quality of life in approximately 4600 patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease. Invasive treatment generally results in better quality of life scores (at a maximum of 2 years of follow-up), compared with non-invasive treatment. In patients with critical limb ischemia, successful revascularization improves quality of life scores. Only one study reported long-term results.

CONCLUSIONS

Increase in quality of life scores can be found for any intervention performed for peripheral arterial disease. However, there is scarce information on long-term quality of life after vascular intervention.

Identification of peripheral arterial disease in diabetic patients and its association with quality of life, physical activity and body composition

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Neither the prevalence of PAD in type 2 (T2) DM nor its detrimental effects on quality of life (QoL) or physical activity (PA) have been well described in the Brazilian population. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of newly diagnosed PAD and its associations with QoL, PA and body composition in a sample of T2DM patients from a University Hospital. METHODS: Seventy-three (73) T2DM patients without previous diagnoses of major complications related to T2DM were enrolled. PAD was assessed using the ankle-brachial index (ABI); QoL was measured using a translated and validated SF-36 questionnaire; PA was measured using a modified Baecke questionnaire; and body composition was measured by segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance. RESULTS: PAD prevalence was 13.7%, predominantly of mild severity (ABI between 0.8-0.9). The ABI results correlated with age (ρ=-0.26, P=0.03), DM duration (ρ=-0.28, P=0.02) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (ρ=-0.33, P=0.007 and ρ=-0.28, P=0.02; respectively). Scores for the SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) were below the normal range, but no negative impact from PAD was identified by the PCS scores (normal-ABI 42.9±11.2 vs. PAD-ABI 38.12±11.07) or the Baecke PA results. Body composition analysis detected excessive body fat, especially in women, but there was no difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of previously undiagnosed PAD in this population of T2DM patients was 13.7%, predominantly mild and asymptomatic forms, and was not yet associated with worsened QoL, PA levels or body composition variables.

Relative value of the Ankle-Brachial Index of intermittent claudication

INTRODUCTION

The Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) makes it possible to identify patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Intermittent claudication (IC) is the first major symptom of PAD, although many patients with an ABI ≤ 0.9 do not exhibit IC, and the range of ABI among those who do have IC is very variable. This study evaluates the correlation between ABI and the perception (symptomatology) of claudicant patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational, cross-sectional and multicentre, study of 920 patients with IC. Clinical history, ABI, Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) and European Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D) were recorded. Associations were analysed using Spearman's correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

The mean ABI of the series was 0.63 (SD = 0.19). The mean WIQ-distance was 34.07 (SD = 26.77), values being smaller for lower ABI values (r = 0.343, p < 0.001). The mean EQ-5D score of the series was 0.58 (SD = 0.21), also showing lower values as the ABI decreased (r = 0.278, p < 0.001). The correlations of WIQ and EQ-5D with ABI were statistically significant in both cases, but always less than 0.400 (between 0.278 and 0.343).

CONCLUSIONS

The correlations of ABI with the questionnaires of walking capacity and quality of life are weak. For this reason, although in clinical practice the ABI of CI patients is commonly measured, decisions should not be taken during the development of IC exclusively on the basis of the ABI.

Exercise capacity is the strongest predictor of mortality in patients with peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the predictive value of clinical and exercise test variables in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

METHODS

A customized symptom-limited ramp treadmill protocol was used to assess 725 PAD patients referred for exercise testing at the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital between 1997 and 2011. Detailed clinical and exercise test data were collected at baseline, and patients were followed up for a mean of 11.3 ± 6.3 years.

RESULTS

During follow-up, there were 364 deaths. Baseline exercise capacity was 7.0 ± 2.6 metabolic equivalents (METs) among survivors and 5.5 ± 2.4 METs in those who died (P < .001). Although several physiologic parameters differed between survivors and nonsurvivors, age-adjusted Cox regression revealed that exercise capacity was the strongest independent predictor of death. Each additional MET achieved was associated with age-adjusted 18% and 20% reductions in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively (P < .001 for both). This variable surpassed all classical risk factors (including smoking and history of congestive heart failure) and all measured exercise test responses (including symptoms and electrocardiograph abnormalities).

CONCLUSIONS

Among PAD patients, reduced exercise capacity is the most powerful harbinger of long-term mortality. This factor has predictive power beyond traditional risk factors and confirms the critical importance of fitness in this cohort.

Quality of life in elderly diabetic patients with peripheral arterial disease

AIM

To study the impact of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) on quality of life and functional status in Egyptian elderly diabetic patients.

METHODS

This case-control study included 90 non-demented patients aged 60 years and older. Quality of life assessment was carried out using the Short Form 36 health survey (SF-36), Arterial duplex for diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease; Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, Activity of Daily Living and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living were used.

RESULTS

SF-36 domains (except emotional well-being) were significantly affected in diabetic patients with PAD compared with the diabetic patients without PAD. Most of functional assessment items were significantly affected in diabetic patients with PAD compared with diabetic patients without PAD. Increasing PAD severity and presence of PAD symptoms had a significant negative impact on SF-36 scores. Among diabetic complications in PAD patients, cardiovascular disease or stroke significantly affected quality of life.

CONCLUSION

PAD significantly affects quality of life and functional status in elderly diabetic patients.

W, Thomas L, Alexander KP, Patel MR, Ohman EM, Gibler WB, Peterson ED, Roe MT. Polyvascular disease and long-term cardiovascular outcomes in older patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The impact of polyvascular disease (peripheral arterial disease [PAD] and cerebrovascular disease [CVD]) on long-term cardiovascular outcomes among older patients with acute myocardial infarction has not been well studied.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction aged ≥65 years from the CRUSADE (Can Rapid Risk Stratification of Unstable Angina Patients Suppress Adverse Outcomes with Early Implementation of the ACC/AHA Guidelines) registry who survived to hospital discharge were linked to longitudinal data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (n=34 205). All patients were presumed to have coronary artery disease (CAD) and were classified into the following 4 groups: 10.7% with prior CVD (CAD+CVD group); 11.5% with prior PAD (CAD+PAD); 3.1% with prior PAD and CVD (CAD+PAD+CVD); and 74.7% with no polyvascular disease (CAD alone). Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to examine the hazard of long-term mortality and composite of death or readmission for myocardial infarction or stroke (median follow-up, 35 months; interquartile range, 17-49 months). Compared with the CAD alone group, patients with polyvascular disease had greater comorbidities, were less likely to undergo revascularization, and received less often recommended discharge interventions. Three-year mortality rates increased with number of arterial bed involvement as follows: 33% for CAD alone, 49% for CAD+PAD, 52% for CAD+CVD, and 59% for CAD+PAD+CVD. Relative to the CAD alone group, patients with all 3 arterial beds involved had the highest risk of long-term mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [95% CI], 1.49 [1.38-1.61]; CAD+CVD, 1.38 [1.31-1.44]; CAD+PAD, 1.29 [1.23-1.35]). Similarly, the risk of long-term composite ischemic events was highest among patients in the CAD+PAD+CVD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older patients with non-ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction, those with polyvascular disease have substantially higher long-term risk for recurrent events or death. Future studies targeting greater adherence to secondary prevention strategies and novel therapies are needed to help to reduce long-term cardiovascular events in this vulnerable population.

Relação entre aptidão física e os indicadores de qualidade de vida de indivíduos com claudicação intermitente

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre a aptidão física e os indicadores de qualidade de vida de indivíduos com claudicação intermitente (CI). Participaram do estudo 42 indivíduos (65,2 ± 8,3 anos) com CI, de ambos os gêneros. Para a avaliação da aptidão física, foram realizados teste de esforço em esteira, para obtenção da distância de claudicação (DC) e da distância total de marcha (DTM) e o teste de uma repetição máxima no exercício extensão de joelho. Os indicadores de qualidade de vida foram avaliados por meio do Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire Short Form 36, composto por oito domínios: capacidade funcional (CF), aspectos físicos (AF), dor, estado geral de saúde, vitalidade (VI), aspectos sociais (AS), aspectos emocionais (AE) e saúde mental. Para a análise estatística foi utilizado o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, com p < 0,05. Foi observada correlação significante entre o domínio da CF com a DC e a DTM (r = 0,60, p < 0,01 e r = 0,49, p < 0,01, respectivamente), o domínio da AF com a DTM (r = 0,46, p < 0,01), o domínio da VI e dos AS com a DC (r = 0,34, p = 0,03 e r = 0,33, p = 0,04, respectivamente) e o domínio da AE com a DC e a DTM (r = 0,43, p = 0,01 e r = 0,44, p = 0,01, respectivamente). Como conclusão, os resultados deste estudo sugerem que os indicadores da qualidade de vida nos domínios da saúde física e da saúde emocional são relacionados com a capacidade de caminhada de indivíduos com CI

The evaluation of surgical reconstruction for intermittent claudication by the Walking Impairment Questionnaire

BACKGROUND: No standards reflecting the quality of life (QOL) and activity of daily living (ADL) in postoperative clinical course have been validated in the area of vascular disease. The Walking Impairment Questionnaire (WIQ) is a disease-specific questionnaire that evaluates patients with intermittent claudication due to arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO). The WIQ uses four subscales: pain severity, walking distance, walking speed, and stair climbing while walking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation between postoperative arterial blood flow and the Japanese edition of the WIQ. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (47 limbs) with intermittent claudication who had been subjected to lower limb surgical arterial reconstruction were assessed by WIQ, and compared with Ankle-Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI) and angiography. RESULTS: A significant increase in the WIQ score was identified in walking pain (26 versus 89.5, p<0.001), walking distance (13.1 versus 83.3, p<0.001), walking speed (10 versus 46, p<0.001), and stair climbing (6.2 versus 79, p<0.001). The correlation coefficient between the increase in postoperative ABPI and the WIQ score was R²=0.1889, which shows weak correlation. The correlation between blood flow obstruction due to the postoperative bypass that was scored by angiography and WIQ score was R²=0.3894, which shows moderate correlation. CONCLUSION: An improvement in the Japanese edition of the WIQ score was correlated not only with the patients' QOL after bypass revascularization but also with the rate of increase of postoperative ABPI and image findings, such as the postoperative angiography.

The Association Between Ankle-Brachial Index and Quality of Life in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is an important indicator of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and PAD has a negative impact on quality of life (QOL). However, the correlation between ABI and QOL is unknown among chronic hemodialysis patients. Ankle-brachial index was measured, and WHOQOL-BRIEF (TW) questionnaire was completed. The association between ABI and QOL was analyzed using linear regression. A total of 54 chronic hemodialysis patients (mean age of 56.2 ± 14.6 years) were included. Ankle-brachial index was positively associated with QOL (r = .448, P = .001). The QOL scores were 3.1 ± 2.9 and 2.6 ± 0.4 for 37 patients with an ABI more than 0.9 and 17 patients with an ABI less than 0.9 or more than 1.3 (p < .001). In linear regression, only ABI was significantly associated with QOL scores with a β of .448 (95% CI: 0.443 to 1.55, P = .001). Ankle-brachial index is positively correlated to QOL among chronic hemodialysis patients.

Health-related quality of life predicts long-term survival in patients with peripheral artery disease

We examined whether health-related quality of life (HRQoL) predicts long-term survival in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) independent of established prognostic risk factors. In 2004, data on 711 consecutive patients with PAD undergoing vascular surgery were collected from 11 hospitals in The Netherlands. After 1 year, patients were contacted to complete the EuroQol Questionnaire (EQ-5D), of which 503 complied. HRQoL assessed by the EQ-5D was divided into tertiles (i.e. poor, intermediate and good HRQoL). Mortality was subsequently assessed 3 years after surgery. Of the 503 patients, 55 (11%) patients died during follow-up. Mortality was 21% in patients with poor HRQoL, 8% in patients with intermediate HRQoL, and 5% in patients with good HRQoL. Patients with poor HRQoL (HR = 5.4; 95% CI 2.3—12.5) had a worse survival compared to patients with a good HRQoL, after adjusting for established prognostic factors. In conclusion, the study indicates that poor HRQoL predicts long-term survival in patients with PAD, and provides prognostic value above established risk factors.

The AMC linear disability score (ALDS): a cross-sectional study with a new generic instrument to measure disability applied to patients with peripheral arterial disease

BACKGROUND

The AMC Linear Disability Score (ALDS) is a calibrated generic itembank to measure the level of physical disability in patients with chronic diseases. The ALDS has already been validated in different patient populations suffering from chronic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the clinimetric properties of the ALDS in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

METHODS

Patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and critical limb ischemia (CLI) presenting from January 2007 through November 2007 were included. Risk factors for atherosclerosis, ankle/brachial index and toe pressure, the Vascular Quality of Life Questionnaire (VascuQol), and the ALDS were recorded. To compare ALDS and VascuQol scores between the two patient groups, an unpaired t-test was used. Correlations were determined between VascuQol, ALDS and pressure measurements.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients were included (44 male, mean +/- sd age was 68 +/- 11 years) with IC (n = 26) and CLI (n = 36). The average ALDS was significantly higher in patients with IC (80, +/- 10) compared to patients with CLI (64, +/- 18). Internal reliability consistency of the ALDS expressed as Cronbach's alpha coefficient was excellent (alpha > 0.90). There was a strong convergent correlation between the ALDS and the disability related Activity domain of the VascuQol (r = 0.64).

CONCLUSION

The ALDS is a promising clinimetric instrument to measure disability in patients with various stages of peripheral arterial disease.

Tibial artery calcification as a marker of amputation risk in patients with peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between calcification in tibial arteries, the degree of limb ischemia, and the near-term risk of amputation.

BACKGROUND

Determining the amputation risk in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remains difficult. Developing new measures to identify patients who are at high risk for amputation would allow for targeted interventions and focused trials aimed at limb preservation.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty-nine patients underwent evaluation by history, arterial Doppler, and multislice computed tomography of the lower extremities. We then explored the relationship between a tibial artery calcification (TAC), traditional risk factors for PAD, limb status at presentation, and near-term amputation risk.

RESULTS

Increased age and traditional atherosclerosis risk factors were associated with higher TAC scores. Patients with critical limb ischemia had the highest TAC scores, and increasing TAC scores were associated with worsening levels of limb ischemia in ordinal regression analysis. Receiver-operator characteristic analysis suggested that the TAC score predicted amputation better than the ankle-brachial index (ABI). Symptomatic patients with a TAC score greater than 400 had a significantly increased risk of amputation. In Cox regression analysis, there was a strong association between the TAC score and the risk of major amputation that remained after adjustment for traditional risk factors and the ABI.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients presenting with PAD, the TAC score is associated with the stage of disease and it identifies those who are at high risk for amputation better than traditional risk factors and an abnormal ABI.

Physiological and functional impact of an unsupervised but supported exercise programme for claudicants

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate an unsupervised home-based exercise programme for physiological, functional, and quality of life impact in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort with exercise intervention.

MATERIALS

Human performance laboratory with non-invasive haemodynamic assessment facilities.

METHODS

Forty-seven patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (mean age 67.6+/-7 years, 33 males) participated in an unsupervised home-based exercise programme. Heart rate (HR), ankle brachial blood pressure index (ABPI), leg blood flow (BF), and blood lactate were measured before and after a graded treadmill walk at baseline and after the 12-week exercise programme. Maximum walking distance (MWD) during the treadmill walk was measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Exercise compliance, functional parameters, and quality of life (VascuQoL) were assessed by questionnaire.

RESULTS

MWD, leg BF, and VascuQoL scores increased significantly, while resting HR, exercise HR, and end of walk rate-pressure-product (RPP) decreased significantly after 12 weeks. Exercise compliance was significantly correlated with increase in MWD (r=0.89, p<0.001) and QOL score improvement (r=0.61, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This supported but unsupervised exercise programme generated improvements in walking distance and leg blood flow without detectable increases in cardiorespiratory work. Exercise compliance is related to MWD and VascuQoL score in a dose-response manner.