Socioeconomic and hospital-related predictors of amputation for critical limb ischemia

How multidisciplinary clinics may mitigate socioeconomic barriers to care for chronic limb-threatening ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Although multidisciplinary clinics improve outcomes in chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), their role in addressing socioeconomic disparities is unknown. Our institution treats patients with CLTI at both traditional general vascular clinics and a multidisciplinary Limb Preservation Program (LPP). The LPP is in a minority community, providing expedited care at a single facility by a consistent team. We compared outcomes within the LPP with our institution's traditional clinics and explored patients' perspectives on barriers to care to evaluate if the LPP might address them.

METHODS

All patients undergoing index revascularization for CLTI from 2014 to 2023 at our institution were stratified by clinic type (LPP or traditional). We collected clinical and socioeconomic variables, including Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Patient characteristics were compared using χ2, Student t, or Mood median tests. Outcomes were compared using log-rank and multivariable Cox analysis. We also conducted semi-structured interviews to understand patient-perceived barriers.

RESULTS

From 2014 to 2023, 983 limbs from 871 patients were revascularized; 19.5% of limbs were treated within the LPP. Compared with traditional clinic patients, more LPP patients were non-White (43.75% vs 27.43%; P < .0001), diabetic (82.29% vs 61.19%; P < .0001), dialysis-dependent (29.17% vs 13.40%; P < .0001), had ADI in the most deprived decile (29.38% vs 19.54%; P = .0061), resided closer to clinic (median 6.73 vs 28.84 miles; P = .0120), and had worse Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) stage (P < .001). There were no differences in freedom from death, major adverse limb event (MALE), or patency loss. Within the most deprived subgroup (ADI >90), traditional clinic patients had earlier patency loss (P = .0108) compared with LPP patients. Multivariable analysis of the entire cohort demonstrated that increasing age, heart failure, dialysis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and increasing WIfI stage were independently associated with earlier death, and male sex was associated with earlier MALE. Ten traditional clinic patients were interviewed via convenience sampling. Emerging themes included difficulty understanding their disease, high visit frequency, transportation barriers, distrust of the health care system, and patient-physician racial discordance.

CONCLUSIONS

LPP patients had worse comorbidities and socioeconomic deprivation yet had similar outcomes to healthier, less deprived non-LPP patients. The multidisciplinary clinic's structure addresses several patient-perceived barriers. Its proximity to disadvantaged patients and ability to conduct multiple appointments at a single visit may address transportation and visit frequency barriers, and the consistent team may facilitate patient education and improve trust. Including these elements in a multidisciplinary clinic and locating it in an area of need may mitigate some negative impacts of socioeconomic deprivation on CLTI outcomes.

Association Between Diagnosis-to-Limb Revascularization Time and Clinical Outcomes in Outpatients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: Insights From the CLIPPER Cohort

BACKGROUND

The extent and consequences of ischemia in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) may change rapidly, and delays from diagnosis to revascularization may worsen outcomes. We sought to describe the association between time from diagnosis to endovascular lower extremity revascularization (diagnosis-to-limb revascularization [D2L] time) and clinical outcomes in outpatients with CLTI.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In the CLIPPER cohort, comprising patients between 66 and 86 years old diagnosed with CLTI betweeen 2010 and 2019, we used Medicare claims data to identify patients who underwent outpatient endovascular revascularization within 180 days of diagnosis. We described the risk-adjusted association between D2L time and clinical outcomes. Among 1 130 065 patients aged between 66 and 86 years with CLTI, 99 221 (8.8%) underwent outpatient endovascular lower extremity revascularization within 180 days of their CLTI diagnosis. Among patients with D2L time <30 days, there was no association between D2L time and all-cause death or major lower extremity amputation. However, among patients with D2L time >30 days, each additional 10-day increase in D2L time was associated with a 2.5% greater risk of major amputation (hazard ratio, 1.025 [95% CI, 1.014-1.036]). There was no association between D2L time and all-cause death.

CONCLUSIONS

A delay of >30 days from CLTI diagnosis to lower extremity endovascular revascularization was associated with an increased risk of major lower extremity amputation among patients undergoing outpatient endovascular revascularization. Improving systems of care to reduce D2L time could reduce amputations.

Management of peripheral arterial disease in the context of a multidisciplinary limb program

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) continues to increase in prevalence worldwide due to risk factors such as advanced age, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. Critical limb ischemia (CLTI) is the advanced form of PAD that can result in a lack of healing and limb loss as the most devastating consequence. Patients with PAD, especially CLTI, benefit from multidisciplinary care to optimize outcomes by reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and preventing lower extremity amputation. Collaboration between various specialties allows a focus on problems involved in treating the patient with PAD including prevention, screening, medical care, wound care, infection, and revascularization when needed. Although there is no clear definition or consensus on the structure of the PAD team, certain guidelines are applicable to most clinical scenarios emphasizing "provider champions" in leading a clinical program. A vascular specialist (vascular surgery, interventional radiology, interventional cardiology) and a soft tissue specialist (podiatry, plastic surgery) are the typical "champions," often involving orthopedics, general surgery, vascular medicine, diabetology/endocrinology, infectious disease, nephrology, and rehabilitation medicine. The team should also include wound nurses, nutritionists, occupational therapists, orthotists, pharmacists, physical therapists, prosthetists, and social workers. This paper presents a brief overview of the structure of the multidisciplinary team with key components and functions of such a team to optimize treatment outcomes for PAD and CLTI.

Toward Uniform Case Identification Criteria in Observational Studies on Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is commonly applied for symptoms related to atherosclerotic obstructions in the lower extremity, though its clinical manifestations range from an abnormal ankle-brachial index to critical limb ischemia. Subsequently, management and prognosis of PAD vary widely with the disease stage. A critical aspect is how this variation is addressed in administrative database-based studies that rely on diagnosis codes for case identification. The objective of this scoping review is to inventory the identification strategies used in studies on PAD that rely on administrative databases, to map the pros and cons of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes applied, and to propose a first outline for a consensus framework for case identification in administrative databases.

METHODS

Registry-based reports published between 2010 and 2021 were identified through a systematic PubMed search. Studies were subcategorized on the basis of the expressed study focus: claudication, critical limb ischemia, or general peripheral arterial disease, and the ICD code(s) applied for case identification mapped.

RESULTS

Ninety studies were identified, of which 36 (40%) did not specify the grade of PAD studied. Forty-nine (54%) articles specified PAD grade studied. Five (6%) articles specified different PAD subgroups in methods and baseline demographics, but not in further analyses. Mapping of the ICD codes applied for case identification for studies that specified the PAD grade studied indicated a remarkable heterogeneity, overlap, and inconsistency.

CONCLUSIONS

A large proportion of registry-based studies on PAD fail to define the study focus. In addition, inconsistent strategies are used for PAD case identification in studies that report a focus. These findings challenge study validity and interfere with inter-study comparison. This scoping review provides a first initiative for a consensus framework for standardized case selection in administrative studies on PAD. It is anticipated that more uniform coding will improve study validity and facilitate inter-study comparisons.

The Impact of Mental Health on Patient Outcomes in Peripheral Arterial Disease and Critical Limb Threatening Ischemia and Potential Avenues to Treatment

The physical consequences of peripheral artery disease (PAD) are well established; however, the impact of comorbid mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety are not well understood. The impact of psychological stress is not only associated with worse perioperative morbidity and mortality but also with a physiologic cascade that accelerates plaque formation. Increasing screening to identify and subsequently treat comorbid mental health disorders is an integral next step in improving outcomes in PAD management. Failure to adequately address social and psychological impact on PAD patients will further widen the gap in disparities faced by high-risk and disenfranchised populations. Integration of mental health professionals, addiction specialists, and community navigators into multidisciplinary care teams can bolster support for PAD patients and improve outcomes.

The Effect of Social Determinants of Health in Treating Chronic Limb- Threatening Ischemia

Social determinants of health (SDOHs) are broadly defined as nonmedical factors that impact the outcomes of one's health. SDOHs have been increasingly recognized in the literature as profound and modifiable factors on the outcomes of vascular care in peripheral artery disease (PAD) and chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) despite surgical and technological advancements. In this paper, we briefly review the SDOH and its impact on the management and outcome of patients with CLTI. We highlight the importance of understanding how SDOH impacts our patient population so the vascular community may provide more effective, inclusive, and equitable care.

Socioeconomic status is not associated with unfavorable outcomes in patients with acute limb ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Whether socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with health outcomes in patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI) is largely unknown. We aimed to determine whether SES is associated with worse presentations and outcomes for patients with ALI.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective medical record review of patients who presented with ALI between April 2016 and October 2020 at a single tertiary care center. SES was quantified using individual variables (median household income, level of education, and employment) and a composite endpoint, the neighborhood deprivation index (NDI). The NDI is a standardized and reproducible index that uses census tract data (higher number indicates lower SES status). The NDI summarizes 8 domains of socioeconomic deprivation. ALI severity was categorized using the Rutherford classification. The association between SES and the severity of ALI at presentation and between SES and other health outcomes were analyzed using bivariate analysis of variance, independent t test, and multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

During the study period, 278 patients were treated for ALI, of whom 211 had complete SES data available. The mean age was 64 years, 55% were men, and 57% were White. The Rutherford classification of disease severity was grade 1, 2a, 2b, and 3 for 6%, 54%, 32%, and 8% of patients, respectively. Patients with a low SES status per the NDI were more likely to have a history of peripheral arterial disease and chronic kidney disease at presentation. The ALI etiology (thrombotic vs embolic) was not associated with SES. No significant differences were seen between SES and the severity of ALI at presentation (p = 0.96) or the treatment modality (p = 0.80). No associations between SES and 30-day or 1-year mortality were observed (mean NDI, 0.15 vs 0.26, p = 0.58, and 0.20 vs 0.26, p = 0.71, respectively) or between SES and 30-day or 1-year limb loss (mean NDI, 0.06 vs 0.30, p = 0.18, and 0.1 vs 0.32, p = 0.17, respectively). Lower SES (higher NDI) was associated with increased 30-day readmission (mean NDI, 0.49 vs 0.15, p = 0.021). However, this association was not significant on multivariate analysis (odds ratio 1.4, 95% CI 0.9-2.1, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

SES was not associated with the severity of ALI at patient presentation. Although SES was associated with the presence of peripheral arterial disease and chronic kidney disease at presentation, SES was not a predictor of short-term or 1-year limb loss and mortality. Overall, ALI presentation and treatment outcomes were independent of SES.

Current Status and Principles for the Treatment and Prevention of Diabetic Foot Ulcers in the Cardiovascular Patient Population: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Despite the known higher risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with type 2 diabetes, the pathophysiology and optimal management of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), a leading complication associated with diabetes, is complex and continues to evolve. Complications of type 2 diabetes, such as DFUs, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality and the leading cause of major lower extremity amputation in the United States. There has recently been a strong focus on the prevention and early treatment of DFUs, leading to the development of multidisciplinary diabetic wound and amputation prevention clinics across the country. Mounting evidence has shown that, despite these efforts, amputations associated with DFUs continue to increase. Furthermore, due to increasing patient complexity of management secondary to comorbid conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, the management of peripheral artery disease associated with DFUs has become increasingly difficult, and care delivery is often episodic and fragmented. Although structured, process-specific approaches exist at individual institutions for the management of DFUs in the cardiovascular patient population, there is insufficient awareness of these principles in the general medicine communities. Furthermore, there is growing interest in better understanding the mechanistic underpinnings of DFUs to better define personalized medicine to improve outcomes. The goals of this scientific statement are to provide salient background information on the complex pathogenesis and current management of DFUs in cardiovascular patients, to guide therapeutic and preventive strategies and future research directions, and to inform public policy makers on health disparities and other barriers to improving and advancing care in this expanding patient population.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the influence of sociodemographic factors on amputation in patients with peripheral arterial disease

OBJECTIVE

To identify disparities in sociodemographic factors that are associated with major lower limb amputation in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed to identify studies that reported major lower limb amputation rates in patients with PAD among different sociodemographic groups. Data that compared amputation rates on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, income, insurance, geography, and hospital type were collected and described. Outcomes were then aggregated and standardized, and a meta-analysis was performed to synthesis data into single odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

Forty-one studies were included in the review. There was no association found between males and females (OR, 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.00). Compared with Whites, higher rates of amputation were seen among Blacks/African Americans (OR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.81-2.26) and Native Americans (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.04-1.45). No significant association was found between Whites and Asians, Native Hawaiians, or Pacific Islanders (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00-1.33). Hispanics had higher rates of amputation compared with non-Hispanics (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.22-1.52). Compared with private insurance, higher rates of amputation were seen among Medicare patients (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.27-1.50), Medicaid patients (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.44-1.76), and noninsured patients (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.02-1.95). Compared with the richest income quartile, higher rates of amputation were seen among the second income quartile (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.15), third income quartile (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.07-1.35), and bottom income quartile (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.24-1.49). There was no association found between rural and urban populations (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 0.92-1.97) or between teaching and nonteaching hospitals (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.91-1.12).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study has identified a number of disparities and quantified the influence of sociodemographic factors on major lower limb amputation rates owing to PAD between groups. We believe these findings can be used to better target interventions aimed at decreasing amputation rates, although further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms behind our findings.

Impact of Intensity of Vascular Care Preceding Major Amputation Among Patients With Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

BACKGROUND

Lower-limb amputation rates in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia vary across the United States, with marked disparities in amputation rates by gender, race, and income status. We evaluated the association of patient, hospital, and geographic characteristics with the intensity of vascular care received the year before a major lower-limb amputation and how intensity of care associates with outcomes after amputation.

METHODS

Using Medicare claims data (2016-2019), beneficiaries diagnosed with chronic limb-threatening ischemia who underwent a major lower-limb amputation were identified. We examined patient, hospital, and geographic characteristics associated with the intensity of vascular care received the year before amputation. Secondary objectives evaluated all-cause mortality and adverse events following amputation.

RESULTS

Of 33 036 total Medicare beneficiaries undergoing major amputation, 7885 (23.9%) were due to chronic limb-threatening ischemia; of these, 4988 (63.3%) received low-intensity and 2897 (36.7%) received high-intensity vascular care. Mean age, 76.6 years; women, 38.9%; Black adults, 24.5%; and of low income, 35.2%. After multivariable adjustment, those of low income (odds ratio, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.58-0.72]; P<0.001), and to a lesser extent, men (odds ratio, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.81-0.98]; P=0.019), and those who received care at a safety-net hospital (odds ratio, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.78-0.97]; P=0.012) were most likely to receive low intensity of care before amputation. High-intensity care was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality 2 years following amputation (hazard ratio, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.74-0.85]; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who were of low-income status, and to a lesser extent, men, or those cared for at safety-net hospitals were most likely to receive low-intensity vascular care. Low-intensity care was associated with worse long-term event-free survival. These data emphasize the continued disparities that exist in contemporary vascular practice.

Adherence to vascular care guidelines for emergency revascularization of chronic limb-threatening ischemia

Objective

In 2022, the National Health Service Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) indicator for vascular surgery, with its pay-for-performance incentive for timely (5-day) revascularization of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), was introduced. We sought to assess its effects in terms of (1) changes in the care pathway process measures relating to timing and patient outcomes; and (2) adherence to the Peripheral Arterial Disease Quality Improvement Framework (PAD-QIF) guidelines for patients admitted with CLTI.

Methods

A retrospective before-and-after cohort study was performed from January to June 2022 of nonelective admissions for CLTI who underwent revascularization (open, endovascular, or hybrid) at Cambridge University Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust, a regional vascular "hub." The diagnostic and treatment pathway timing-related process measures recommended in the PAD-QIF were compared between two 3-month cohorts-before vs after introduction of the CQUIN.

Results

For the two cohorts (before vs after CQUIN), 17 of 223 and 17 of 219 total admissions met the inclusion criteria, respectively. After introduction of financial incentives, the percentage of patients meeting the 5-day targets for revascularization increased from 41.2% to 58.8% (P = .049). Improvements were also realized in the attainment of PAD-QIF targets for a referral-to-admission time of ≤2 days (from 82.4% to 88.8%; P = .525) and admission-to-specialist-review time of ≤14 hours (from 58.8% to 76.5%; P = .139). An increase also occurred in the percentage of patients receiving imaging studies within 2 days of referral (from 58.8% to 70.6%; P = .324). The reasons for delay included operating list pressures and unsuitability for intervention (eg, active COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] infection). No statistically significant changes to patient outcomes were observed between the two cohorts in terms of complications (pre-CQUIN, 23.5%; post-CQUIN, 41.2%; P = .086), length of stay (pre-QUIN, 12.0 ± 12.0 days; post-QUIN, 15.0 ± 21.0 days; P = .178), and in-hospital mortality (pre-QUIN, 0%; post-QUIN, 5.9%). Other PAD-QIF targets relating to delivery of care were poorly documented for both cohorts. These included documented staging of limb threat severity with the WIfI (wound, ischemia, foot infection) score (2.9% of patients; target >80%), documented shared decision-making (47.1%; target >80%), documented issuance of written information to patient (5.9%; target 100%), and geriatric assessment (6.3%; target >80%).

Conclusions

The pay-for-performance incentive CQUIN indicators appear to have raised the profile for the need for early revascularization to treat CLTI, engaging senior hospital management, and reducing the time to revascularization in our cohort. Further data collection is required to detect any resultant changes in patient outcomes. Documentation of guideline targets for delivery of care was often poor and should be improved.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Race and Socioeconomic Deprivation on Outcomes After Lower Extremity Bypass

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential pathway, through which race and socioeconomic status, as measured by the social deprivation index (SDI), affect outcomes after lower extremity bypass chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), a marker for delayed presentation.

BACKGROUND

Racial and socioeconomic disparities persist in outcomes after lower extremity bypass; however, limited studies have evaluated the role of disease severity as a mediator to potentially explain these outcomes using clinical registry data.

METHODS

We captured patients who underwent lower extremity bypass using a statewide quality registry from 2015 to 2021. We used mediation analysis to assess the direct effects of race and high values of SDI (fifth quintile) on our outcome measures: 30-day major adverse cardiac event defined by new myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack/stroke, or death, and 30-day and 1-year surgical site infection (SSI), amputation and bypass graft occlusion.

RESULTS

A total of 7077 patients underwent a lower extremity bypass procedure. Black patients had a higher prevalence of CLTI (80.63% vs 66.37%, P < 0.001). In mediation analysis, there were significant indirect effects where Black patients were more likely to present with CLTI, and thus had increased odds of 30-day amputation [odds ratio (OR): 1.11, 95% CI: 1.068-1.153], 1-year amputation (OR: 1.083, 95% CI: 1.045-1.123) and SSI (OR: 1.052, 95% CI: 1.016-1.089). There were significant indirect effects where patients in the fifth quintile for SDI were more likely to present with CLTI and thus had increased odds of 30-day amputation (OR: 1.065, 95% CI: 1.034-1.098) and SSI (OR: 1.026, 95% CI: 1.006-1.046), and 1-year amputation (OR: 1.068, 95% CI: 1.036-1.101) and SSI (OR: 1.026, 95% CI: 1.006-1.046).

CONCLUSIONS

Black patients and socioeconomically disadvantaged patients tended to present with a more advanced disease, CLTI, which in mediation analysis was associated with increased odds of amputation and other complications after lower extremity bypass compared with White patients and those that were not socioeconomically disadvantaged.

Area Deprivation Index is not predictive of worse outcomes after open lower extremity revascularization

OBJECTIVE

Prior research has shown that socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with higher rates of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and amputation. We sought to determine whether SES or insurance type increases the risk of mortality, major adverse limb events (MALE), or hospital length of stay (LOS) after open lower extremity revascularization.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent open lower extremity revascularization at a single tertiary care center from January 2011 to March 2017 (n = 542). SES was determined using state Area Deprivation Index (ADI), a validated metric determined by income, education, employment, and housing quality by census block group. Patients undergoing amputation in this same time period (n = 243) were included to compare rates of revascularization to amputation by ADI and insurance status. For patients undergoing revascularization or amputation procedures on both limbs, each limb was treated individually for this analysis. We performed a multivariate analysis of the association between ADI and insurance type with mortality, MALE, and LOS using Cox proportional hazard models, including confounding variables such as age, gender, smoking status, body mass index, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes. The cohort with an ADI quintile of 1, meaning least deprived, and the Medicare cohort were used for reference. P values of <.05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

We included 246 patients undergoing open lower extremity revascularization and 168 patients undergoing amputation. Controlling for age, gender, smoking status, body mass index, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes, ADI was not an independent predictor of mortality (P = .838), MALE (P = .094), or hospital LOS (P = .912). Controlling for the same confounders, uninsured status was independently predictive of mortality (P = .033), but not MALE (P = .088) or hospital LOS (P = .125). There was no difference in the distribution of revascularizations or amputations by ADI (P = .628), but there was higher proportion of uninsured patients undergoing amputation compared with revascularization (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that ADI is not associated with an increased risk of mortality or MALE in patients undergoing open lower extremity revascularization, but that uninsured patients are at higher risk of mortality after revascularization. These findings indicate that individuals undergoing open lower extremity revascularization at this single tertiary care teaching hospital received similar care, regardless of their ADI. Further study is warranted to understand the specific barriers that uninsured patients face.

A Review of Healthcare Disparities Relevant to Interventional Radiology

Racial, ethnic, and gender disparities have received focused attention recently, as they became more visible in the COVID era. We continue to learn more about how healthcare disparities manifest for our patients and, more broadly, the structural underpinnings that result in predictable outcomes gaps. This review summarizes what we know about disparities relevant to interventional radiologists. The prevalence and magnitude of disparities are quantified and discussed where relevant. Specific examples are provided to demonstrate how factors like gender, ethnicity, social status, geography, etc. interact to create inequities in the delivery of interventional radiology (IR) care. Understanding and addressing health disparities in IR is crucial for improving real-world patient outcomes and reducing the economic burden associated with ineffective and low-value care. Finally, the importance of intentional mentorship, outreach, education, and equitable distribution of high-quality healthcare to mitigate these disparities and promote health equity in interventional radiology is discussed.

Peripheral Artery Disease: Overview of Diagnosis and Medical Therapy

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects approximately 230 million people worldwide and is associated with an increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular and limb events. Even though this condition is considered a cardiovascular equivalent, it remains an underrecognized and undertreated entity. Antiplatelet and statin therapy, along with smoking cessation, are the foundations of therapy to reduce adverse events but are challenging to fully implement in this patient population. Race and socioeconomic status also have profound impacts on PAD outcomes.

Poor utilization of palliative care among Medicare patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) experience high annual mortality and would benefit from timely palliative care intervention. We sought to better characterize use of palliative care among patients with CLTI in the Medicare population.

METHODS

Using Medicare data from 2017 to 2018, we identified patients with CLTI, defined as two or more encounters with a CLTI diagnosis code. Palliative care evaluations were identified using ICD-10-CM Z51.5 "Encounter for palliative care." Time intervals between CLTI diagnosis, palliative consultation, and death or end of follow-up were calculated. Associations between patient demographics, comorbidities, and palliative care consultation were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 12,133 Medicare enrollees with complete data were categorized as having CLTI. Of these, 7.4% (894) underwent a palliative care evaluation at a median of 170 days (interquartile range, 45-352 days) from their CLTI diagnosis. Compared with those who did not undergo evaluation, palliative patients were more likely to be dual eligible for Medicaid (45.2% vs 38.1%; P < .001) and had more comorbid conditions (P < .001). After controlling for gender and race, age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.04), dual eligibility (OR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.22-1.62), solid organ malignancy (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.92-4.14), hematologic malignancy (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.27-3.98), congestive heart failure (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.15-1.88), complicated diabetes (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11-1.65), dementia (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.04-1.66), and severe renal failure (OR, 1.56; 85% CI. 1.24-1.98) were independently associated with palliative care evaluation. During mean follow up of 410 ± 220 days, 16.9% (2044) of patients died at a mean of 268 (±189) days after their CLTI diagnosis. Among living patients, only 3.2% (325) underwent palliative evaluation. Comparatively, 27.8% (569) of patients who died received palliative care at a median of 196 days (interquartile range, 55-362 days) after their diagnosis and 15 days (interquartile range, 5-63 days) prior to death.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite high mortality, palliative care services were rarely provided to Medicare patients with CLTI. Age, medical complexity, and income status may play a role in the decision to consult palliative care. When obtained, evaluations occurred closer to time of death than to time of CLTI diagnosis, suggesting misuse of palliative care as end-of-life care.

Lower extremity symptoms and ankle-brachial index screening as predictors of cardiovascular outcomes in Black adults

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) and leg symptoms are higher in Black than White adults. We studied the effects of self-reported lower extremity symptoms and ankle-brachial indices (ABI) groups on outcomes.

METHODS

Black participants in the Jackson Heart Study with baseline ABI and PAD symptom assessments (exertional leg pain by the San Diego Claudication questionnaire) were included. Abnormal ABI was < 0.90 or > 1.40. Participants were divided into (1) normal ABI, asymptomatic, (2) normal ABI, symptomatic, (3) abnormal ABI, asymptomatic, and (4) abnormal ABI, symptomatic to examine their associations with MACE (stroke, myocardial infarction, fatal coronary heart disease) and all-cause mortality, using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and stepwise Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for Framingham risk factors.

RESULTS

Of 4586 participants, mean age was 54.6 ± 12.6 years, with 63% women. Compared with participants with normal ABI who were asymptomatic, participants with abnormal ABI and leg symptoms had highest risk of MACE (adjusted HR 2.28; 95% CI 1.62, 3.22) and mortality (aHR 1.82; 95% CI 1.32, 2.56). Participants with abnormal ABI without leg symptoms had higher risk for MACE (aHR 1.49; 95% CI 1.06, 2.11) and mortality (aHR 1.44; 95% CI 1.12, 1.99). Participants with normal ABI and no leg symptoms did not have higher risks.

CONCLUSION

Among Black adults, the highest risk for adverse outcomes were in symptomatic participants with abnormal ABIs, followed by asymptomatic participants with abnormal ABIs. These findings underscore the need for further studies to screen for PAD and develop preventative approaches in Black adults with asymptomatic disease.

Trends of Concomitant Diabetes and Peripheral Artery Disease and Lower Extremity Amputation in US Medicare Patients, 2007 to 2019

BACKGROUND

Previous studies demonstrate geographic and racial/ethnic variation in diagnosis and complications of diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, recent trends for patients diagnosed with both PAD and diabetes are lacking. We assessed the period prevalence of concurrent diabetes and PAD across the United States from 2007 to 2019 and regional and racial/ethnic variation in amputations among Medicare patients.

METHODS

Using Medicare claims from 2007 to 2019, we identified patients with both diabetes and PAD. We calculated period prevalence of concomitant diabetes and PAD and incident cases of diabetes and PAD for every year. Patients were followed to identify amputations, and results were stratified by race/ethnicity and hospital referral region.

RESULTS

9 410 785 patients with diabetes and PAD were identified (mean age, 72.8 [SD, 10.94] years; 58.6% women, 74.7% White, 13.2% Black, 7.3% Hispanic, 2.8% Asian/API, and 0.6% Native American). Period prevalence of diabetes and PAD was 23 per 1000 beneficiaries. We observed a 33% relative decrease in annual new diagnoses throughout the study. All racial/ethnic groups experienced a similar decline in new diagnoses. Black and Hispanic patients had on average a 50% greater rate of disease compared with White patients. One- and 5-year amputation rates remained stable at ≈1.5% and 3%, respectively. Native American, Black, and Hispanic patients were at greater risk of amputation compared with White patients at 1- and 5-year time points (5-year rate ratio range, 1.22-3.17). Across US regions, we observed differential amputation rates, with an inverse relationship between the prevalence of concomitant diabetes and PAD and overall amputation rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant regional and racial/ethnic variation exists in the incidence of concomitant diabetes and PAD among Medicare patients. Black patients in areas with the lowest rates of PAD and diabetes are at disproportionally higher risk for amputation. Furthermore, areas with higher prevalence of PAD and diabetes have the lowest rates of amputation.

Supervised segmentation for guiding peripheral revascularization with forward-viewing, robotically steered ultrasound guidewire

BACKGROUND

Approximately 500 000 patients present with critical limb ischemia (CLI) each year in the U.S., requiring revascularization to avoid amputation. While peripheral arteries can be revascularized via minimally invasive procedures, 25% of cases with chronic total occlusions are unsuccessful due to inability to route the guidewire beyond the proximal occlusion. Improvements to guidewire navigation would lead to limb salvage in a greater number of patients.

PURPOSE

Integrating ultrasound imaging into the guidewire could enable direct visualization of routes for guidewire advancement. In order to navigate a robotically-steerable guidewire with integrated imaging beyond a chronic occlusion proximal to the symptomatic lesion for revascularization, acquired ultrasound images must be segmented to visualize the path for guidewire advancement.

METHODS

The first approach for automated segmentation of viable paths through occlusions in peripheral arteries is demonstrated in simulations and experimentally-acquired data with a forward-viewing, robotically-steered guidewire imaging system. B-mode ultrasound images formed via synthetic aperture focusing (SAF) were segmented using a supervised approach (U-net architecture). A total of 2500 simulated images were used to train the classifier to distinguish the vessel wall and occlusion from viable paths for guidewire advancement. First, the size of the synthetic aperture resulting in the highest classification performance was determined in simulations (90 test images) and compared with traditional classifiers (global thresholding, local adaptive thresholding, and hierarchical classification). Next, classification performance as a function of the diameter of the remaining lumen (0.5 to 1.5 mm) in the partially-occluded artery was tested using both simulated (60 test images at each of 7 diameters) and experimental data sets. Experimental test data sets were acquired in four 3D-printed phantoms from human anatomy and six ex vivo porcine arteries. Accuracy of classifying the path through the artery was evaluated using microcomputed tomography of phantoms and ex vivo arteries as a ground truth for comparison.

RESULTS

An aperture size of 3.8 mm resulted in the best-performing classification based on sensitivity and Jaccard index, with a significant increase in Jaccard index (p < 0.05) as aperture diameter increased. In comparing the performance of the supervised classifier and traditional classification strategies with simulated test data, sensitivity and F1 score for U-net were 0.95 ± 0.02 and 0.96 ± 0.01, respectively, compared to 0.83 ± 0.03 and 0.41 ± 0.13 for the best-performing conventional approach, hierarchical classification. In simulated test images, sensitivity (p < 0.05) and Jaccard index both increased with increasing artery diameter (p < 0.05). Classification of images acquired in artery phantoms with remaining lumen diameters ≥ 0.75 mm resulted in accuracies > 90%, while mean accuracy decreased to 82% when artery diameter decreased to 0.5 mm. For testing in ex vivo arteries, average binary accuracy, F1 score, Jaccard index, and sensitivity each exceeded 0.9.

CONCLUSIONS

Segmentation of ultrasound images of partially-occluded peripheral arteries acquired with a forward-viewing, robotically-steered guidewire system was demonstrated for the first-time using representation learning. This could represent a fast, accurate approach for guiding peripheral revascularization.

Mortality differences by race over 20 years in individuals with peripheral artery disease

INTRODUCTION

Racial disparities exist in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), with Black individuals having worse PAD-specific outcomes. However, mortality risk in this population has been mixed. As such, we sought to evaluate all-cause mortality by race among individuals with PAD.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Baseline data were obtained from 1999 to 2004. Patients with PAD were grouped according to self-reported race. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HR) by race. A separate analysis was performed to study the effect of burden of social determinants of health (SDoH) on all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

Of 647 individuals identified, 130 were Black and 323 were White. Black individuals had more premature PAD (30% vs 20%, p < 0.001) and a higher burden of SDoH compared to White individuals. Crude mortality rates were higher in Black individuals in the 40-49-year and 50-69-year age groups compared to White individuals (6.7% vs 6.1% and 8.8% vs 7.8%, respectively). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that Black individuals with both PAD and coronary artery disease (CAD) had a 30% higher hazard of death over 20 years compared to White individuals (HR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-2.1). The cumulative burden of SDoH marginally (10-20%) increased the risk of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In a nationally representative sample, Black individuals with PAD and CAD had higher rates of mortality compared to their White counterparts. These findings add further proof to the ongoing racial disparities among Black individuals with PAD and highlight the necessity to identify ways to mitigate these differences.

Impact of neighborhood social disadvantage on the presentation and management of peripheral artery disease

OBJECTIVE

Studies examining the relationship between socioeconomic disparities and peripheral artery disease (PAD) often focus on individual social health determinants and fail to account for the complex interplay between factors that ultimately impact disease severity and outcomes. Area deprivation index (ADI), a validated measure of neighborhood adversity, provides a more comprehensive assessment of social disadvantage. Therefore, we examined the impact of ADI on PAD severity and its management.

METHODS

We identified all patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization (open or endovascular) or amputation for symptomatic PAD in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry between 2003 and 2020. An ADI score of 1 to 100 was assigned to each patient based on their residential zip code, with higher ADI scores corresponding with increasing adversity. Patients were categorized by ADI quintiles (Q1-Q5). The outcomes of interest included indication for procedure (claudication, rest pain, or tissue loss) and rates of revascularization (vs primary amputation). Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate for an independent association between ADI quintile and these outcomes.

RESULTS

Among the 79,973 patients identified, 9604 (12%) were in the lowest ADI quintile (Q1), 14,961 (18.7%) in Q2, 19,800 (24.8%) in Q3, 21,735 (27.2%) in Q4, and 13,873 (17.4%) in Q5. There were significant trends toward lower rates of claudication (Q1: 39% vs Q5: 34%, P < .001), higher rates of rest pain (Q1: 12.4% vs Q5: 17.8%, P < .001) as the indication for intervention, and lower rates of revascularization (Q1: 80% vs Q5: 69%, P < .001) with increasing ADI quintiles. In adjusted analyses, there was a progressively higher likelihood of presenting with rest pain vs claudication, with patients in Q5 having the highest probability when compared with those in Q1 (relative risk: 2.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.8-2.2; P < .001). Patients in Q5, when compared with those in Q1, also had a higher likelihood of presenting with tissue loss vs claudication (relative risk: 1.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.3-1.6; P < .001). Compared with patients in Q1, patients in Q2-Q5 had a lower likelihood of undergoing any revascularization procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization or amputation in the Vascular Quality Initiative, those with higher neighborhood adversity had more advanced disease at presentation and lower rates of revascularization. Further work is needed to better understand neighborhood factors that are contributing to these disparities in order to identify community-level targets for improvement.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatment in the Non-Hospital Setting

Treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) has undergone a progressive shift toward less invasive, endovascular options within the last three decades. For PAD patients, the benefits of this shift are numerous and include less periprocedural pain, decreased blood loss, shorter recovery times, and fewer missed workdays. Commonly, patient-reported outcomes are very positive with this "endovascular first" strategy and the number of open surgical procedures for various stages of PAD has declined steadily over the last 20 years. Coincident with this trend is the move toward "ambulatory" lower extremity arterial intervention (LEAI) in the hospital outpatient "same-day" department. The next logical extension was then performing LEAI in a true physician office-based lab (OBL), ambulatory surgical center (ASC), or "non-hospital setting." This article examines these trends and the concept that the OBL/ASC provides a safe, alternative site of service for PAD patients requiring LEAI.

Revascularizations and limb outcomes of hospitalized patients with diabetic peripheral arterial disease in the contemporary era

BACKGROUND

Concomitant diabetes mellitus and peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a complex disease process. This retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample sought to understand trends in limb outcomes of this unique and prevalent cohort of patients.

METHODS

The National Inpatient Sample was queried between 2003 and 2017 for hospitalizations of patients with both type 2 diabetes mellitus and PAD. Trends in hospitalizations, limb outcomes, vascular interventions, and costs were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 10,303,673 hospitalizations of patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus and PAD that were identified between 2003 and 2017. The prevalence of hospitalizations associated with this disease process increased from 1644 to 3228 per 100,000 hospitalizations, a 96.4% increase. This included an increase of 288 to 587 per 100,000 hospitalizations of patients aged 18 to 49 years old, which was accompanied by a 10.8% increase in minor amputations. Nontraumatic lower extremity amputations decreased overall. Black and Hispanic ethnicity were associated with an increased risk for amputation, along with Medicaid insurance and lower income quartile. Inpatient endovascular revascularization has increased over time with an associated decrease in open revascularization procedures. Amputation-related hospital costs significantly increased from $6.6 billion in 2003 to $14.8 billion in 2017.

CONCLUSIONS

An alarming increase of disease prevalence, negative in-hospital limb outcomes, and costs are seen in the current era in this analysis of patients with concurrent diabetes and PAD.

The impact of neighborhood social disadvantage on abdominal aortic aneurysm severity and management

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have highlighted socioeconomic disparities in the severity and management of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease. However, these studies focus on individual measures of social disadvantage such as income and insurance status. The area deprivation index (ADI), a validated measure of neighborhood deprivation, provides a more comprehensive assessment of social disadvantage. Therefore, we examined the impact of ADI on AAA severity and its management.

METHODS

We identified all patients who underwent endovascular or open repair of an AAA in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry between 2003 and 2020. An ADI score of 1 to 100 was assigned to each patient based on their residential zip code, with higher ADI scores corresponding with increasing deprivation. Patients were categorized by ADI quintiles. Outcomes of interest included rates of ruptured AAA (rAAA) repair versus an intact AAA repair and rates of endovascular repair (EVAR) versus the open approach. Logistic regression was used to evaluate for an independent association between ADI quintile and these outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 55,931 patients who underwent AAA repair, 6649 (12%) were in the lowest ADI quintile, 11,692 (21%) in the second, 15,958 (29%) in the third, 15,035 (27%) in the fourth, and 6597 (12%) in the highest ADI quintile. Patients in the two highest ADI quintiles had a higher proportion of rAAA repair (vs intact repair) compared with those in the lowest ADI quintile (8.8% and 9.1% vs 6.2%; P < .001). They were also less likely to undergo EVAR (vs open approach) when compared with the lowest ADI quintile (81% and 81% vs 88%; P < .001). There was an overall trend toward increasing rAAA and decreasing EVAR rates with increasing ADI quintiles (P < .001). In adjusted analyses, when compared with patients in the lowest ADI quintile, patients in the highest ADI quintile had higher odds of rAAA repair (odds ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-1.8; P < .001) and lower odds of undergoing EVAR (odds ratio, 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.45-0.65; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients who underwent AAA repair in the Vascular Quality Initiative, those with higher neighborhood deprivation had significantly higher rates of rAAA repair (vs intact repair) and lower rates of EVAR (vs open approach). Further work is needed to better understand neighborhood factors that are contributing to these disparities to identify community-level targets for improvement.

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic inequities in amputation risk for patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetes

Peripheral artery disease and diabetes are highly prevalent diseases and the leading cause of limb loss. Despite advances in medical and surgical techniques, there are stark differences in delivery and outcomes of lower extremity amputation among populations when stratified by race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. We reviewed studies from the last 2 decades (1999-2022) to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current impact of disparities on the risk for, and management of, lower extremity amputation and offer action items that can optimize health outcomes.

The use of telemedicine in peripheral artery disease and limb salvage

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia represents the morbid end stage of severe peripheral artery disease, with significant impact on patient quality of life. Early diagnosis of arterial insufficiency and referral for vascular intervention are essential for successful limb salvage. Disparate outcomes have been reported among patients residing in rural areas due to decreased access to care. Remote telemedicine outreach programs represent an opportunity to improve access to care in these rural communities. Establishment of a telehealth program requires identification of communities most in need of specialty care. After locating an ideal site, collaboration with local providers is necessary to develop a program that meets the specific needs of providers and patients. Surgeon guidance in development of screening and management algorithms ensures that patients obtain care reliably and with adjustments as needed to suit the referring provider, the patient, and the specialist. Telehealth evaluations can limit the financial burden associated with travel, while ensuring access to higher levels of care than are available in the patients' immediate area. Multiple barriers to telehealth exist. These include limited reimbursement, local provider resistance to new referral patterns, lack of in-person interaction and evaluation, and the inability to do a physical examination. Improved reimbursement models have made telehealth feasible, although care must be taken to ensure that practice patterns complement existing resources and are designed in a way that omits the need for in-person evaluation until the time of specialist intervention. Telemedicine is an underused tool in the arsenal of vascular surgeons. Targeted telehealth programs aid in increasing patient access to expert-level care, thereby improving health disparities that exist in rural populations.

Disparities in limb preservation and associated socioeconomic burden among patients with diabetes and/or peripheral artery disease in the United States

Racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities in limb preservation and nontraumatic lower extremity amputation (LEA) are consistently demonstrated in populations with diabetes and peripheral artery disease (PAD). Higher rates of major LEA in disadvantaged groups are associated with increased health care utilization and higher costs of care. Functional decline that often follows major LEA confers substantial risk of disability and premature mortality, and the burden of these outcomes is more prevalent in racial and ethnic minority groups, people with low socioeconomic status, and people in geographic regions where limited resources or distance from specialty care are barriers to access. We present a narrative review of the existing literature on estimated costs of diabetic foot disease and PAD, inequalities in care that contribute to excess costs, and disparities in outcomes that lead to a disproportionate burden of diabetes- and PAD-related LEA on systematically disadvantaged populations.

The outcomes of lower extremity revascularization: What role do race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status play?

Lower extremity peripheral artery disease and the resultant complications disproportionately affect underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups, as well as those with low socioeconomic status (SES). Revascularization, including both open surgical and endovascular techniques, is a mainstay of therapy for symptomatic peripheral artery disease; it is required to maximize limb salvage in chronic limb-threatening ischemia and used to improve function and quality of life in patients with claudication. The outcomes of lower extremity revascularization in Black and Hispanic patients, as well as patients with low SES, are not widely known and this knowledge gap formed the basis for this review. The preponderance of evidence suggests that Black, Hispanic, and low-SES patients have inferior limb-related outcomes after revascularization compared with White patients. Based solely on the limited published evidence in the revascularization literature, the specific reasons for these disparities are not clear. The high prevalence of comorbidities and risks factors, as well as the advanced presentation of peripheral artery disease in Black, Hispanic, and low-SES patients, appear to contribute to the inferior limb outcomes post revascularization seen in these groups, but do not account for all of the disparities. Undoubtedly, a complex interplay of social determinants underlies these disparities in care and outcomes at individual, community, and societal levels. Additional understanding of the underpinnings and mechanisms of inferior outcomes in these populations in the specific context of lower extremity revascularization is needed, as this would allow us to identify targets for intervention to improve post-revascularization outcomes in these at-risk populations.

Dual-eligible, dual-risk? A brief review on the impact of dual-eligible status on health disparities and peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) has been associated with poorer outcomes based on particular social determinants of health, including insurance status. A unique population to study treatment outcomes related to PAD is those with dual-eligible status-those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid-comprising more than 12 million people. We performed a systematic review of the literature surrounding dual-eligible patients and impact on PAD, with final inclusion of six articles. Dual eligibility has been associated with higher rates of comorbidities; more severe symptoms at initial presentation for PAD; and poorer treatment outcomes, including mortality. Further studies are needed to specifically look at the association between PAD and dual-eligible status, but what is clear is that patients in this population would benefit from early identification to prevent disease progression and improve equity.

Impact of neighborhood social disadvantage on carotid artery disease presentation, management, and discharge outcomes

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have highlighted that race and socioeconomic status serve as important determinants of disease presentation and perioperative outcomes in carotid artery disease. However, these investigations only focus on individual factors of social disadvantage, and fail to account for community factors that may drive disparities. Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is a validated measure of neighborhood adversity that offers a more comprehensive assessment of social disadvantage. We examined the impact of ADI ranking on carotid artery disease severity, management, and postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We identified patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA), transfemoral carotid artery stenting (tfCAS), and transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR) in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry between 2016 and 2020. Patients were assigned ADI scores of 1 to 100 based on zip codes and grouped into quintiles, with higher quintiles reflecting increasing adversity. Outcomes assessed included disease presentation, intervention type, and discharge patterns. Logistic regression was used to evaluate independent associations between ADI quintiles and these outcomes.

RESULTS

Among 91,904 patients undergoing carotid revascularization, 9811 (10.7%) were in the lowest ADI quintile (Q1), 18,905 (20.6%) in Q2, 25,442 (27.7%) in Q3, 26,099 (28.4%) in Q4, and 11,647 (12.7%) in Q5. With increasing ADI quintiles, patients were more likely to present with symptomatic disease (Q5, 52.1% vs Q1, 46.6%; P < .001), and stroke vs transient ischemic attack (Q5, 63.1% vs Q1, 53.5%; P < .001); they also more frequently underwent CAS vs CEA (Q5, 46.4% vs Q1, 33.9%; P < .001), and specifically tfCAS vs TCAR (Q5, 54.2% vs Q1, 33.9%; P < .001). In adjusted analyses, higher ADI quintiles remained as independent risk factors for presenting with symptomatic disease and stroke and undergoing CAS and tfCAS. Across ADI quintiles, patients were more likely to experience death (Q5, 0.8% vs Q1, 0.4%; P < .001), stroke/death (Q5, 2.1% vs Q1, 1.6%; P = .001), failure to discharge home (Q5, 11.5% vs Q1, 8.0%; P < .001) and length of stay >2 days (Q5, 33.3% vs Q1, 26.3%; P < .001) following revascularization.

CONCLUSIONS

Among carotid revascularization patients, those with greater neighborhood social disadvantage had greater disease severity and more frequently underwent tfCAS. These patients also had higher rates of death and stroke/death, were less frequently discharged home, and had prolonged hospital stays. Greater efforts are needed to ensure that patients in higher ADI quintiles undergo better carotid surveillance and are treated appropriately for their carotid artery disease.

The Relationship Between Peripheral Arterial Disease Severity and Socioeconomic Status

BACKGROUND

Although socioeconomic disparities in outcomes of peripheral artery disease (PAD) have been well studied, little is known about relationship between severity of PAD and socioeconomic status. The objective of this study was to examine this relationship.

METHODS

Patients who had operations for severe PAD (rest pain or tissue loss) were identified in the National Inpatient Sample, 2005-2014. They were stratified by the median household income (MHI) quartiles of their residential ZIP codes. Other characteristics such as race/ethnicity and insurance type were extracted. Factors associated with more severe disease (tissue loss) were evaluated using multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

There were 765,175 patients identified; 34% in the first MHI quartile and 18% in the fourth MHI quartile. Compared to patients in the first quartile, those in the fourth quartile were more likely White (69% vs. 42%, P < 0.001), more likely ≥65 years old (75% vs. 62%, P < 0.001), and were less likely to undergo amputations (25% vs. 34%, P < 0.001). After adjusting for patient characteristics, the fourth quartile was associated with more severe disease [Odds ratio: 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-1.27] compared to the first quartile.

CONCLUSIONS

While higher MHI was associated with higher PAD severity, patients with high MHI were less likely to undergo amputations indicating a disparity in the choice of treatment for PAD. Increased efforts are necessary to reduce socioeconomic disparities in the treatment of severe PAD.

Racial Disparity Between the Post-Procedural Outcomes Among Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The Racial disparity between the clinical outcomes post interventions among Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) have not been well studied, with limited literature available. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the post-procedure outcomes among PAD patients between Black and White race. We systematically searched all electronic databases from inception until first November 2022. The primary endpoint was major amputation within 30 days. Secondary endpoints were myocardial infarction (MI) within 30 days, mortality within 30 days, and all-cause mortality (ACM). A total of 136,395 patients were included in the analysis, with 117,177 patients of the White race and 19,218 patients of the Black race. The mean age of the patients in each group was (66.41 vs 62.75). Most common comorbidity among White and Black patients was diabetes mellitus (42.15% vs 55.90%), and hypertension (HTN) (39.53% vs 90.07%). The odds of major amputation within 30 days was significantly higher in Black patients compared to white patients (OR, 0.40 (95% CI: 0.19-0.84, P = 0.02), while the odds of MI was higher in White patients compared to Black race PAD patients (OR, 1.29, (95%CI:1.05-1.58), P < 0.02). There was no significant difference in ACM (OR, 0.97(95%CI: 0.64-1.47, P = 0.88), and mortality within 30 days (OR, 1.09(95%CI:0.77-1.53, P = 0.64) between both groups. To our knowledge, this is the first meta-analysis with the largest sample size thus far, highlighting that Black patients are at a higher risk for major amputation within 30 days compared to white patients although mortality remains comparable between the 2 races.

Healthcare Disparities in Interventional Radiology

Racial, ethnic, and sex-based healthcare disparities have been documented for the past several decades. Nonetheless, disparities remain firmly entrenched in our care delivery systems, with multiple contributing factors, including patient interactions with care providers, systemic barriers to access, and socioeconomic determinants of health. Interventional radiology is also subject to these drivers of health inequity. In this review, documented disparities for the most common conditions being addressed by interventional radiologists are summarized; their magnitude is quantified where relevant, and underlying drivers are identified. Specific examples are provided to illustrate how medical, cultural, and socioeconomic factors interact to produce unequal outcomes. By outlining known disparities and common contributors, this review aims to motivate future efforts to mitigate them.

Advancing Peripheral Artery Disease Quality of Care and Outcomes Through Patient-Reported Health Status Assessment: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is chronic in nature, and individualized chronic disease management is a central focus of care. To accommodate this reality, tools to measure the impact and quality of the PAD care delivered are necessary. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and instruments to measure them, that is, PRO measures, have been well studied in the research and clinical trial context, but a shift toward integrating them into clinical practice has yet to take place. A framework to use PRO measures as indicators of the quality of PAD care delivered, that is, PRO performance measures (PRO-PMs), is provided in this scientific statement. Measurement goals to consider by PAD clinical phenotypes are provided, as well as an overview of potential benefits of adopting PRO-PMs in the clinical practice of PAD care, including reducing unwanted variability and promoting health equity. A central discussion with considerations for risk adjustment of PRO-PMs, individualized PAD care, and the need for patient engagement strategies is offered. Furthermore, necessary conditions in terms of required competencies and training to handle PRO-PM data are discussed because the interpretation and handling of these data come with great responsibility and consequences for designing care that adopts a broader framework of risk that goes beyond the inclusion of biomedical variables. To conclude, health system perspectives and an agenda to reach the next steps in the implementation of PRO-PMs in PAD care are offered.

Racial and ethnic disparities in 3-year outcomes following infrainguinal bypass for chronic limb-threatening ischemia

OBJECTIVE

Black and Hispanic patients have had higher rates of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and experienced worse perioperative outcomes after lower extremity bypass compared with White patients. The underlying reasons for these disparities have remained unclear, and data on 3-year outcomes are limited. Therefore, we examined the differences in 3-year outcomes after open infrainguinal bypass for CLTI stratified by race/ethnicity and explored the potential factors contributing to these differences.

METHODS

We identified all CLTI patients who had undergone primary open infrainguinal bypass in the Vascular Quality Initiative registry from 2003 to 2017 with linkage to Medicare claims through 2018 for the 3-year outcomes. Our primary outcomes were the 3-year rates of major amputation, reintervention, and mortality. We also recorded the 30-day major adverse limb events (MALE) defined as major amputation or reintervention. We used Kaplan-Meier estimation methods and multivariable Cox regression analyses to evaluate the outcomes stratified by race/ethnicity and identify contributing factors.

RESULTS

Of the 7108 patients with CLTI, 5599 (79%) were non-Hispanic White, 1053 (15%) were Black, 48 (1%) were Asian, and 408 (6%) were Hispanic patients. Compared with White patients, Black patients had higher rates of 3-year major amputation (Black vs White, 32% vs 19%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7-2.2), reintervention (Black vs White, 61% vs 57%; HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.3), and 30-day MALE (Black vs White, 8.1% vs 4.9%; HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.4) but lower mortality (Black vs White, 38% vs 42%; HR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.8-0.99). Hispanic patients also experienced higher rates of amputation (Hispanic vs White, 27% vs 19%; HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-2.0), reintervention (Hispanic vs White, 70% vs 57%; HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.6), and MALE (Hispanic vs White, 8.7% vs 4.9%; HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.3-1.7. However, mortality was similar between the two groups (Hispanic vs White, 38% vs 42%; HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.76-1.0). The low number of Asian patients prevented a meaningful assessment of amputation (Asian vs White, 20% vs 19%; HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.44-2.0), reintervention (Asian vs White, 55% vs 57%; HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.51-1.2), MALE (Asian vs White, 8.5% vs 4.9%; HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.46-1.1), or mortality (Asian vs White, 36% vs 42%; HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.52-1.3). In the adjusted analyses, the association of Black race and Hispanic ethnicity with amputation and reintervention was explained by differences in the demographic characteristics (ie, age, sex) and baseline comorbidities (ie, tobacco use, diabetes, renal disease).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with White patients, Black and Hispanic patients had higher 3-year major amputation and reintervention rates. However, mortality was lower for Black patients than for the White patients and similar between Hispanic and White patients. Disparities in amputation and reintervention were partly attributable to differences in demographic characteristics and the higher prevalence of comorbidities in Black and Hispanic patients with CLTI. Future work is necessary to determine whether interventions to improve access to care and reduce the burden of comorbidities in these populations will confer limb salvage benefits.

The Differential Impact of Medicaid Expansion on Disparities in Outcomes Following Peripheral Vascular Intervention

BACKGROUND

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) disproportionately affects nonwhite, Hispanic/Latino, and low socioeconomic status patients, who are less likely to have insurance and routine healthcare visits. Medicaid expansion (ME) has improved insurance rates and access to care, potentially benefitting these patients. We sought to assess the impact of ME on disparities in outcomes after peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) for PAD.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of prospectively-collected Vascular Quality Initiative PVI procedures between 2011 and 2019 was conducted. The sample was restricted to first-record procedures in adults under the age 65 in states that expanded Medicaid on January 1, 2014 (ME group) or had not expanded before January 1, 2019 (non-expansion [NE] group). ME and NE groups were compared between pre-expansion (2011-2013) and post-expansion (2014- 2019) time periods to assess baseline demographic and operative differences. We used difference-in-differences multivariable logistic regression adjusted for patient factors and clinical center and year fixed effects. Our primary outcome was 1-year major amputation. Secondary outcomes included trends in presentation, 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality, and 1-year primary and secondary patency. Outcomes were stratified by race and ethnicity.

RESULTS

We examined 34,313 PVI procedures, including 20,378 with follow-up data. Rates of Medicaid insurance increased post-expansion in ME and NE states (ME 16.7% to 23.0%, P < 0.001; NE 10.0% to 11.9%, P = 0.013) while rates of self-pay decreased in ME states only (ME 4.6% to 1.8%, P < 0.001; NE 8.1% to 8.4%, P = 0.620). Adjusted difference-in-differences analysis revealed lower odds of urgent/emergent PVI among all patients and all nonwhite patients in ME states post-expansion compared to NE states (all: odds ratio [OR] 0.53 [95% confidence interval 0.33-0.87], P = 0.011; nonwhite: OR 0.41 [0.19-0.88], P = 0.023). No differences were observed for 1-year major amputation (OR 0.70 [0.43-1.14], P = 0.152), primary patency (OR 0.93 [0.63-1.38], P = 0.726), or secondary patency (OR 1.29 [0.69-2.41], P = 0.431). Odds of 1-year mortality were higher in ME states post-expansion compared to NE states (OR 2.50 [1.07-5.87], P = 0.035), although 30-day mortality was not different (OR 2.04 [0.60-6.90], P = 0.253). Notably, odds of 1-year major amputation among Hispanic/Latino patients decreased in ME states post-expansion compared to NE states (OR 0.11 [0.01-0.86], P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

ME was associated with lower odds of 1-year major amputation among Hispanic/Latino patients who underwent PVI for PAD. ME was also associated with lower odds of urgent/emergent procedures among patients overall and nonwhite patients specifically. However, 1-year mortality increased in the overall cohort. Further study is needed to corroborate our findings that ME may have benefits for certain underserved populations with PAD.

A systematic review of racial/ethnic disparities in pharmacotherapy and surgical treatment outcomes in peripheral arterial disease among African American/non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White and Hispanic patients

Background

Lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in racial/ethnic diverse populations. However, limited data exist on treatment outcome disparities in racial/ethnic diverse populations, particularly in AA/NHB populations.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review is to analyze disparities in the outcomes of PAD treatments, particularly pharmacotherapy and surgery, among racial/ethnic groups in the US.

Methods

A comprehensive search of original investigations pertaining to PAD treatments between 2015 and 2021 was performed. Quality assessment of the studies was also completed.

Results

Fourteen studies were included. Thirteen studies reported differences in treatment outcomes for surgical intervention, and one study reported differences for concurrent surgical and pharmacotherapy. NHB and Hispanic/Latinx ethnicities were associated with decreased overall and perioperative mortality in four studies. Six studies noted increased amputation risk among racial/ethnic diverse populations. Only one study noted significant survival benefit by race/ethnicity. Three studies noted increased risk of major adverse limb events and post-operative complications. One study noted increased limb patency after intervention in racial/ethnic cohorts. Overall, all studies reported high methodological quality with adequate assessment of outcomes and follow-up of cohort.

Conclusion

In this analysis, the predominant intervention reported is surgical. Overall, racial/ethnic populations are less likely to experience PAD-associated mortality but are more likely to experience adverse events. Further studies are necessary to include all racial/ethnic diverse populations in assessing PAD therapeutic intervention outcomes. Moreover, targeted public health efforts are necessary to increase PAD educational awareness, community-driven risk modification, and patient-centered care planning.

Disparities in peripheral artery disease care: A review and call for action

Peripheral artery disease (PAD), the pathophysiologic narrowing of arterial blood vessels of the lower leg due to atherosclerosis, is a highly prevalent disease that affects more than 6 million individuals 40 years and older in the United States, with sharp increases in prevalence with age. Morbidity and mortality rates in patients with PAD range from 30% to 70% during the 5- to 15-year period after diagnosis and PAD is associated with poor health outcomes and reduced functionality and quality of life. Despite advances in medical, endovascular, and open surgical techniques, there is striking variation in care among population subgroups defined by sex, race and ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, with concomitant differences in preoperative medication optimization, amputation risk, and overall health outcomes. We reviewed studies from 1995 to 2021 to provide a comprehensive analysis of the current impact of disparities on the treatment and management of PAD and offer action items that require strategic partnership with primary care providers, researchers, patients, and their communities. With new technologies and collaborative approaches, optimal management across all population subgroups is possible.

Closing the Gaps in Racial Disparities in Critical Limb Ischemia Outcome and Amputation Rates: Proceedings from a Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation Research Consensus Panel

Minority patients such as Blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans are disproportionately impacted by critical limb ischemia and amputation due to multiple factors such as socioeconomic status, type or lack of insurance, lack of access to health care, capacity and expertise of local hospitals, prevalence of diabetes, and unconscious bias. The Society of Interventional Radiology Foundation recognizes that it is imperative to close the disparity gaps and funded a Research Consensus Panel to prioritize a research agenda. The following research priorities were ultimately prioritized: (a) randomized controlled trial with peripheral arterial disease screening of at-risk patients with oversampling of high-risk racial groups, (b) prospective trial with the introduction of an intervention to alter a social determinant of health, and (c) a prospective trial with the implementation of an algorithm that requires criteria be met prior to an amputation. This article presents the proceedings and recommendations from the panel.

Hospital Payer Mix and Amputation Rates Among Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease Complications

BACKGROUND

/Objective: Studies have shown that Medicaid coverage is associated with higher rates of primary amputation among patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We sought to identify whether hospital payer makeup also influences outcomes among these patients.

METHODS

Patients who underwent treatment for foot complications in Texas were identified and aggregated by hospital. Hospitals were grouped by payer mix: low-income payer predominant vs high-income payer predominant. Variance analyses were used to find differences between the groups. Individual and hospital-level regression analyses were used to find associations with amputation rates.

RESULTS

Out of 21,592 patients, 9,098 (42%) underwent amputation. They presented to 337 hospitals out of which 49 (15%) had a low-income predominant payer mix and 109 (32%) had a high-income predominant payer mix. Patients at low-income payer predominant hospitals were more likely to present with gangrene (0.74 vs 0.65, p<0.01), undergo emergency admissions (0.67 vs 0.50, p<0.01), undergo amputation (0.53 vs 0.42, p<0.05), and incur higher per-day charges ($8145 vs $6790, p<0.05). At the individual level, despite risk-adjusting for disease-specific factors, amputation rate was associated with hospital payer mixes with greater proportions of Medicaid and lower proportions of commercially insured patients. At the hospital level, amputation rate was associated with higher proportion of Medicaid patients in hospital payer mix, lower hospital volumes, lower per-day charges, and higher gangrene and osteomyelitis rates (R²=0.30, p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Higher proportion of Medicaid patients in a hospital payer mix is associated with an increased risk of primary amputation for PAD patients regardless of insurance coverage.

Disparities in Advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease Presentation by Socioeconomic Status

Background

Diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often synergistically lead to foot ulceration, infection, and gangrene, which may require lower limb amputation. Worldwide there are disparities in the rates of advanced presentation of PAD for vulnerable populations. This study examined rates of advanced presentations of PAD for unemployed patients, those residing in low Index of Economic Resources (IER) areas, and those in rural areas of Australia.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted at a regional tertiary care centre (2008–2018). To capture advanced presentations of PAD, the proportion of operative patients presenting with complications (gangrene/ulcers), the proportion of surgeries that are amputations, and the rate of emergency to elective surgeries were examined. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for year, age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and sociodemographic variables was performed.

Results

In the period examined, 1115 patients underwent a surgical procedure for PAD. Forty-nine per cent of patients had diabetes. Following multivariable testing, the rates of those requiring amputations were higher for unemployed (OR 1.99(1.05–3.79), p = 0.036) and rural patients (OR 1.83(1.21–2.76), p = 0.004). The rate of presentation with complications was higher for unemployed (OR 7.2(2.13–24.3), p = 0.001), disadvantaged IER (OR 1.91(1.2–3.04), p = 0.007), and rural patients (OR 1.73(1.13–2.65), p = 0.012). The rate of emergency to elective surgery was higher for unemployed (OR 2.32(1.18–4.54), p = 0.015) and rural patients (OR 1.92(1.29–2.86), p = 0.001).

Conclusions

This study found disparities in metrics capturing delayed presentations of PAD: higher rates of presentations with complications, higher amputation rates, and increased rates of emergency to elective surgery, for patients of low socioeconomic status and those residing in rural areas. This suggests barriers to appropriate, effective, and timely care exists for these patients.

Collateral Arteriogenesis Involves a Sympathetic Denervation That Is Associated With Abnormal α-Adrenergic Signaling and a Transient Loss of Vascular Tone

Stimulating collateral arteriogenesis is an attractive therapeutic target for peripheral artery disease (PAD). However, the potency of arteriogenesis-stimulation in animal models has not been matched with efficacy in clinical trials. This may be because the presence of enlarged collaterals is not sufficient to relieve symptoms of PAD, suggesting that collateral function is also important. Specifically, collaterals are the primary site of vascular resistance following arterial occlusion, and impaired collateral vasodilation could impact downstream tissue perfusion and limb function. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of arteriogenesis on collateral vascular reactivity. Following femoral artery ligation in the mouse hindlimb, collateral functional vasodilation was impaired at day 7 (17 ± 3 vs. 60 ± 8%) but restored by day 28. This impairment was due to a high resting diameter (73 ± 4 μm at rest vs. 84 ± 3 μm dilated), which does not appear to be a beneficial effect of arteriogenesis because increasing tissue metabolic demand through voluntary exercise decreased resting diameter and restored vascular reactivity at day 7. The high diameter in sedentary animals was not due to sustained NO-dependent vasodilation or defective myogenic constriction, as there were no differences between the enlarged and native collaterals in response to eNOS inhibition with L-NAME or L-type calcium channel inhibition with nifedipine, respectively. Surprisingly, in the context of reduced vascular tone, vasoconstriction in response to the α-adrenergic agonist norepinephrine was enhanced in the enlarged collateral (−62 ± 2 vs. −37 ± 2%) while vasodilation in response to the α-adrenergic antagonist prazosin was reduced (6 ± 4% vs. 22 ± 16%), indicating a lack of α-adrenergic receptor activation by endogenous norepinephrine and suggesting a denervation of the neuroeffector junction. Staining for tyrosine hydroxylase demonstrated sympathetic denervation, with neurons occupying less area and located further from the enlarged collateral at day 7. Inversely, MMP2 presence surrounding the enlarged collateral was greater at day 7, suggesting that denervation may be related to extracellular matrix degradation during arteriogenesis. Further investigation on vascular wall maturation and the functionality of enlarged collaterals holds promise for identifying novel therapeutic targets to enhance arteriogenesis in patients with PAD.

The association between socioeconomic distress communities index and amputation among patients with peripheral artery disease

Background

Socioeconomic factors have been shown to be associated with amputation in peripheral artery disease (PAD); however, analyses have normally focused on insurance status, race, or median income. We sought to determine whether community-level socioeconomic distress was associated with major amputation and if that association differed by race.

Materials and methods

Community-level socioeconomic distress was measured using the distressed communities index (DCI). The DCI is a zip code level compositive socioeconomic score (0-100) that accounts for unemployment, education level, poverty rate, median income, business growth, and housing vacancies. A distressed community was defined as a zip code with DCI of 40 or greater. We calculated one-year risk of major amputation by DCI score for individuals with peripheral artery disease in South Carolina, 2012-2017. Treating death as competing event, we reported Fine and Gray subdistribution hazards ratios (sdHR), adjusted for patient demographic and clinical comorbidities associated with amputation. Further analyses were completed to identify potential differences in outcomes within strata of race and DCI.

Results

Among 82,848 individuals with peripheral artery disease, the one-year incidence of amputation was 3.5% (95% CI: 3.3%, 3.6%) and was significantly greater in distressed communities than non-distressed communities (3.9%; 95% CI: 3.8%, 4.1% vs. 2.4%; 95% CI: 2.2%, 2.6%). After controlling for death and adjusting for covariates, we found an increased hazard of amputation among individuals in a distressed community (sdHR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.37), which persisted across racial strata. However, regardless of DCI score, Black individuals had the highest incidence of amputation.

Conclusion

Socioeconomic status is independently predictive of limb amputation after controlling for demographic characteristics and clinical comorbidities. Race continues to be an important risk factor, with Black individuals having higher incidence of amputation, even in non-distressed communities, than White individuals had in distressed communities.

Neurorehabilitation in Adults With Traumatic Upper Extremity Amputation: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Most of the current literature around amputation focuses on lower extremity amputation or engineering aspects of prosthetic devices. There is a need to more clearly understand neurobehavioral mechanisms related to upper extremity amputation and how such mechanisms might influence recovery and utilization of prostheses.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review aims to identify and summarize the current literature on adult traumatic upper limb amputation in regard to recovery and functional outcomes and how neuroplasticity might influence these findings.

METHODS

We identified appropriate articles using Academic Search Complete EBSCO, OVID Medline, and Cochrane databases. The resulting articles were then exported, screened, and reviewed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

RESULTS

Eleven (11) studies met the study criteria. Of these studies, 7 focused on sensory involvement, 3 focused on neuroplastic changes post-amputation related to functional impact, and 1 study focused on motor control and learning post-amputation. Overall, these studies revealed an incomplete understanding of the neural mechanisms involved in motor rehabilitation in the central and peripheral nervous systems, while also demonstrating the value of an individualized approach to neurorehabilitation in upper limb loss.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a gap in our understanding of the role of neurorehabilitation following amputation. Overall, focused rehabilitation parameters, demographic information, and clarity around central and peripheral neural mechanisms are needed in future research to address neurobehavioral mechanisms to promote functional recovery following traumatic upper extremity amputation.

Social determinants of diabetes-related foot disease among older adults in New South Wales, Australia: evidence from a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Diabetes-related foot is the largest burden to the health sector compared to other diabetes-related complications in Australia, including New South Wales (NSW). Understanding of social determinants of diabetes-related foot disease has not been definitive in Australian studies. This study aimed to investigate the social determinants of diabetes-related foot disease in NSW.

METHODOLOGY

The first wave of the 45 and Up Study survey data was linked with NSW Admitted Patient Data Collection, Emergency Department Data Collection, and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data resulting in 28,210 individuals with diabetes aged 45 years and older in NSW, Australia. Three outcome variables were used: diabetes-related foot disease (DFD), diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), and diabetic foot infection (DFI). They were classified as binary, and survey logistic regression was used to determine the association between each outcome measure and associated factors after adjusting for sampling weights.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DFD, DFU and DFI were 10.8%, 5.4% and 5.2%, respectively, among people with diabetes. Multivariate analyses revealed that the common factors associated with DFD, DFU and DFI were older age (75 years or more), male, single status, background in English speaking countries, and coming from lower-income households (less than AUD 20,000 per year). Furthermore, common lifestyle and health factors associated with DFD, DFU, and DFI were low physical activity (< 150 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week), history of diabetes for over 15 years, and having cardiovascular disease.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that about 1 in 10 adults with diabetes aged 45 years and older in NSW reported DFD. Interventions, including the provision of related health services aimed at reducing all forms of DFD in NSW, are recommended to target older individuals with a long history of diabetes, and coming from lower-income households.

Social Deprivation and the Association With Survival Following Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

BACKGROUND

Social deprivation is associated with poor clinical outcomes. It is known to have an impact on length of stay and post-operative mortality across a number of other surgical specialties. This study evaluates the impact of social deprivation on outcomes following fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR).

METHODS

All elective FEVARs performed between 2010 and 2018 at a tertiary vascular center were analyzed. Deprivation (index of multiple deprivation [IMD]) data was sourced from the English indices of deprivation 2019, by postcode. Primary outcome was overall survival by Kaplan-Meier. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay (LOS) and complications. Cox-proportional hazard analyses were conducted.

RESULTS

Some 132 FEVAR patients were followed-up for 3.7 (SD 2.2) years. Fifty-seven patients lived in areas with high levels of deprivation (IMD 1-3), 34 in areas with moderate deprivation (IMD 4-6) and 41 in areas with the lowest level (IMD 7-10) of deprivation. Groups were comparable for Age, BMI, AAA diameter and co-morbidity. A higher proportion of patients from deprived areas had renal failure (15% [26.3%] vs. 9% [11.8%] P = 0.019) but no overall difference in procedure time was observed (200 min [155-250] vs. 180 min [145-240] P = 0.412). Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated significantly poorer survival for patients living in areas with high levels of deprivation (IMD 1-3) (P = 0.03). Mortality was comparable for IMD 4-6 and 7-10 groups. Patients from the most deprived areas had longer hospital stay (6 days [4-9] vs. 5 [3-7] P = 0.005) and higher all-cause complication rates (21 [36.8%] vs. 14 [18.4%] P = 0.02). Decreasing IMD was associated with worse survival (HR -0.85 [0.75-0.97] [P = 0.02]).

CONCLUSIONS

Social deprivation was associated with increased mortality, length of stay and all-cause complication rates in patients undergoing FEVAR for complex abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). These results may help direct preoptimization measures to improve outcomes in higher risk sub-groups.

Racial disparities in surgical management and outcomes of acute limb ischemia in the United States

Background

Although significant racial disparities in the surgical management of lower extremity critical limb threatening ischemia have been previously reported, data on disparities in lower extremity acute limb ischemia are lacking.

Methods

The 2012–2018 National Inpatient Sample was queried for all adult hospitalizations for acute limb ischemia (N = 225,180). Hospital-specific observed-to-expected rates of major lower extremity amputation were tabulated. Multivariable logistic and linear models were developed to assess the impact of race on amputation and revascularization.

Results

Nonwhite race was associated with significantly increased odds of overall (adjusted odds ratio: 1.16, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.28) and primary (adjusted odds ratio: 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.17–1.53) major amputation, decreased odds of revascularization (adjusted odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.73–0.85), but decreased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.74–0.99). The nonwhite group incurred increased adjusted index hospitalization costs (β: +$4,810, 95% confidence interval 3,280-6,350), length of stay (β: + 1.09 days, 95% confidence interval 0.70–1.48), and nonhome discharge (adjusted odds ratio: 1.15, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.26).

Conclusion

Significant racial disparities exist in the management of and outcomes of lower extremity acute limb ischemia despite correction for variations in hospital amputation practices and other relevant hospital and patient characteristics. Whether the etiology lies primarily in patient, institution, or healthcare provider–specific factors has not yet been determined. Further studies of race-based disparities in management and outcomes of acute limb ischemia are warranted to provide effective and equitable care to all.