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Kettis Å, Fagerlind H, Frödin JE, Glimelius B, Ring L. Quality of life assessments in clinical practice using either the EORTC-QLQ-C30 or the SEIOQL-DW: a randomized study. J Patient Rep Outcomes 2021; 5:58. [PMID: 34259966 PMCID: PMC8280256 DOI: 10.1186/s41687-021-00315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective patient-physician communication can improve patient understanding, agreement on treatment and adherence. This may, in turn, impact on clinical outcomes and patient quality of life (QoL). One way to improve communication is by using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Heretofore, studies of the impact of using PROMs in clinical practice have mostly evaluated the use of standardized PROMs. However, there is reason to believe that individualized instruments may be more appropriate for this purpose. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of the standardized QoL-instrument, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life C-30 (EORTC-QOL-C30) and the individualized QoL instrument, the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting (SEIQoL-DW), in clinical practice. METHODS In a prospective, open-label, controlled intervention study at two hospital out-patient clinics, 390 patients with gastrointestinal cancer were randomly assigned either to complete the EORTC-QOL-C30 or the SEIQoL-DW immediately before the consultation, with their responses being shared with their physician. This was repeated in 3-5 consultations over a period of 4-6 months. The primary outcome measure was patients' health-related QoL, as measured by FACIT-G. Patients' satisfaction with the consultation and survival were secondary outcomes. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to study outcomes. Neither intervention instrument resulted in any significant changes in health-related QoL, or in any of the secondary outcomes, over time. This may reflect either a genuine lack of effect or sub-optimization of the intervention. Since there was no comparison to standard care an effect in terms of lack of deterioration over time cannot be excluded. CONCLUSIONS Future studies should focus on the implementation process, including the training of physicians to use the instruments and their motivation for doing so. The effects of situational use of standardized or individualized instruments should also be explored. The effectiveness of the different approaches may depend on contextual factors including physician and patient preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Kettis
- Division for Quality Enhancement, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hanna Fagerlind
- Primary Care and Health, Uppsala County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan-Erik Frödin
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bengt Glimelius
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Lena Ring
- Healthcare Sciences and e-Health, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Pedersen BK, Saltin B. Exercise as medicine - evidence for prescribing exercise as therapy in 26 different chronic diseases. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2016; 25 Suppl 3:1-72. [PMID: 26606383 DOI: 10.1111/sms.12581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1709] [Impact Index Per Article: 213.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review provides the reader with the up-to-date evidence-based basis for prescribing exercise as medicine in the treatment of 26 different diseases: psychiatric diseases (depression, anxiety, stress, schizophrenia); neurological diseases (dementia, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis); metabolic diseases (obesity, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, type 2 diabetes, type 1 diabetes); cardiovascular diseases (hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart failure, cerebral apoplexy, and claudication intermittent); pulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cystic fibrosis); musculo-skeletal disorders (osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, back pain, rheumatoid arthritis); and cancer. The effect of exercise therapy on disease pathogenesis and symptoms are given and the possible mechanisms of action are discussed. We have interpreted the scientific literature and for each disease, we provide the reader with our best advice regarding the optimal type and dose for prescription of exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Pedersen
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism and The Center for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - B Saltin
- The Copenhagen Muscle Research Centre, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
Today, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients need effective medical care for an extended period of their lifetime. Therefore, different treatment modalities have to be tied sequentially into an effective therapeutic chain. First, preventive measures have to be reinforced and risk factors tightly controlled. Furthermore, antiplatelet agents have to be applied in every PAD patient to reduce the risk of cardiac and cerebral ischemic events, restenosis or reocclusion after revascularization, and possibly also progression of the PAD itself. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should be entertained in high-risk groups such as PAD patients with diabetes. In the claudicant, exercise therapy should be strongly encouraged and vasoactive drugs considered for those who are not good candidates for either exercise training or revascularization. In patients with disabling claudication or critical limb ischemia, revascularization procedures are highly effective. Especially for high-grade stenoses or short arterial occlusions, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) should be the method of fi rst choice followed by the best surgical procedure later on. To achieve good long-term effi cacy, a close follow-up including objective tests of both the arterial lesion and hemodynamic status, surveillance of secondary preventive measures and risk factor control is mandatory.
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Lamberti N, Malagoni AM, Ficarra V, Basaglia N, Manfredini R, Zamboni P, Mascoli F, Manfredini F. Structured Home-Based Exercise Versus Invasive Treatment: A Mission Impossible? A Pilot Randomized Study in Elderly Patients With Intermittent Claudication. Angiology 2015; 67:772-80. [PMID: 26635335 DOI: 10.1177/0003319715618481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We compared the effects of an original structured home-based exercise program and revascularization in elderly patients with peripheral arterial disease over a 4-month period. Twenty-seven participants (n = 21; age = 68 ± 7 years) with moderate to severe claudication were randomized into (1) a test in-train out group (Ti-To; n = 18) that performed a home-based walking program prescribed and controlled at the hospital or (2) a revascularization group (Rev; n = 9) that underwent an endovascular and/or surgical procedure. The primary end point was quality of life as evaluated by the physical component summary (PCS) score of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures included initial claudication distance (ICD) and absolute claudication distance (ACD), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and pain-free walk distance (PFWD), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and cost per walking meter gained. The PCS score significantly increased for both treatments at follow-up without a significant intergroup difference, as did ICD, ACD, and PFWD. The 6MWD and ABI significantly improved in the Rev group, and the Ti-To group exhibited a markedly lower cost per meter gained. The comparable effects of the 2 treatments need to be confirmed in a larger, randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lamberti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Surgical Specialties, Section of Sport Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Malagoni
- Unit of Translational Surgery, Hospital University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valentina Ficarra
- Unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospital University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nino Basaglia
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospital University, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Manfredini
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paolo Zamboni
- Unit of Translational Surgery, Hospital University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesco Mascoli
- Unit of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospital University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Manfredini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Surgical Specialties, Section of Sport Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospital University, Ferrara, Italy
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Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular disease that reduces blood flow capacity to the legs of patients. PAD leads to exercise intolerance that can progress in severity to greatly limit mobility, and in advanced cases leads to frank ischemia with pain at rest. It is estimated that 12 to 15 million people in the United States are diagnosed with PAD, with a much larger population that is undiagnosed. The presence of PAD predicts a 50% to 1500% increase in morbidity and mortality, depending on severity. Treatment of patients with PAD is limited to modification of cardiovascular disease risk factors, pharmacological intervention, surgery, and exercise therapy. Extended exercise programs that involve walking approximately five times per week, at a significant intensity that requires frequent rest periods, are most significant. Preclinical studies and virtually all clinical trials demonstrate the benefits of exercise therapy, including improved walking tolerance, modified inflammatory/hemostatic markers, enhanced vasoresponsiveness, adaptations within the limb (angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and mitochondrial synthesis) that enhance oxygen delivery and metabolic responses, potentially delayed progression of the disease, enhanced quality of life indices, and extended longevity. A synthesis is provided as to how these adaptations can develop in the context of our current state of knowledge and events known to be orchestrated by exercise. The benefits are so compelling that exercise prescription should be an essential option presented to patients with PAD in the absence of contraindications. Obviously, selecting for a lifestyle pattern that includes enhanced physical activity prior to the advance of PAD limitations is the most desirable and beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara L Haas
- Angiogenesis Research Group, Muscle Health Research Centre, Faculty of Health, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Abstract
Peripheral arterial disease is commonly caused by atherosclerosis, and symptoms depend on the location and size of the affected artery, metabolic demands on the tissue, and the presence or absence of a collateral circulation. This article reviews the current evidence for the diagnosis and management of peripheral arterial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Hills
- Imperial Vascular Unit, Imperal College London, Charing Cross Hospital, London
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Ketenci B, Tuygun AK, Gorur A, Bicer M, Ozay B, Gunay R, Guney MR, Sargin M, Cimen S, Demirtas MM, Yekeler I. An approach to cultural adaptation and validation: the Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire. Vasc Med 2009; 14:117-22. [PMID: 19366817 DOI: 10.1177/1358863x08098851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to perform a cultural adaptation and define the validity of the Turkish version of the Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire (ICQ) in order to provide a practical instrument for the evaluation of the impact of intermittent claudication (IC) on patients' quality of life and response to therapy. A standard 'forward-backward' translation method was used to translate the questionnaire into Turkish. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency of the questionnaire reporting Cronbach's alpha coefficient, test-retest reliability that was assessed with the intraclass correlation between instrument scores over time and with the Spearman-Brown coefficient as a variant of split-half reliability. Validity was examined by correlation of the ICQ with the scores of the SF-36 and its eight domains. Eighty-four patients (mean age, 60.7 +/- 7.3 years; male, 57%) were given the ICQ and a final completion rate of 98.8% (83 patients) was reached. The mean total ICQ score was 39.1 +/- 21.8 (SD) (0-100) for the first application of the questionnaire. Thirty patients out of the eligible 83 completed the questionnaire at two time points with a 1-day interval. For the retest, the total ICQ score was 40.6 +/- 26.1 (4.7-97.2). The total SF-36 score of all the study patients was 33.8 +/- 20.7 (3.0-81.0). Cronbach's alpha was 0.95; the Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.92; and the intraclass correlation coefficient for the two measurements was 0.91. For the total score and for the scores of domains except the emotional role domain, the correlations were high and all the correlations were statistically significant. In conclusion, the Turkish version of the ICQ, which is a disease-specific, self-administered, and practical instrument, is reliable and valid. We recommend its use to assess the effect of IC on the quality of life of patients in clinical trials and in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulend Ketenci
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Siyami Ersek Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery Center.
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Keeling AN, Naughton PA, O'Connell A, Lee MJ. Does percutaneous transluminal angioplasty improve quality of life? J Vasc Interv Radiol 2008; 19:169-76. [PMID: 18341944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvir.2007.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2006] [Revised: 07/18/2007] [Accepted: 09/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To prospectively assess the impact of peripheral percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) on quality of life (QOL) in patients with intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia (CLI). The secondary purpose was to determine if periprocedural medication altered patient QOL. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 72 patients underwent lower-limb PTA (86 lesions) over a period of 12 months. QOL data were obtained before PTA and at 1 and 6 months after PTA with use of the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. RESULTS The SF-36 questionnaire was completed in 100% of cases before PTA, in 89% at 1 month after PTA, and in 78% at 6 months after PTA. Baseline QOL was worse than the QOL quoted for the normal population. Overall, there was an improvement in QOL in seven of the nine health domains at 1 month after PTA, and the improvements were significant (P < .01) in five. Improvement was demonstrated at 6 months in all nine QOL domains measured, which was significant (P < .01) in five. Patients with intermittent claudication (n = 40) exhibited an improvement in all nine health domains at 6 months, which was significant (P < .05) in seven. The CLI group (n = 32) showed an improvement in five domains at 6 months, which was significant (P < .05) in two. Subjects with intermittent claudication experienced a more significant improvement than those with CLI. SF-36 pain scores at 1 month after PTA were significantly better in patients taking aspirin than in those who were not (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS PTA results in improved QOL in patients with intermittent claudication and CLI as early as 1 month, which was shown to be maintained at 6 months in our small series. Aspirin significantly improves pain after PTA. QOL assessment is useful after peripheral angioplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife N Keeling
- Department of Academic Radiology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont Road, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Risk attitudes to treatment among patients with severe intermittent claudication. J Vasc Surg 2008; 47:988-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2007.12.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2007] [Revised: 12/24/2007] [Accepted: 12/31/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
Exercise advice is a well established component of the conservative management of intermittent claudication. Supervised programmes of exercise remain relatively uncommon and are provided mainly in secondary care. This review outlines the evidence for the effectiveness of different exercise regimens and the relative benefits of exercise therapy, where comparisons have been made with medical therapy, angioplasty and surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- A H R Stewart
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary.
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Wind J, Koelemay MJW. Exercise therapy and the additional effect of supervision on exercise therapy in patients with intermittent claudication. Systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2007; 34:1-9. [PMID: 17329131 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2006.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the evidence for the effectiveness of exercise therapy and to estimate the additional effect of supervision on exercise therapy in patients with intermittent claudication. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review was performed of all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing supervised exercise therapy to unsupervised exercise regimens or observation in patients with intermittent claudication. Main endpoints were pain free walking distance (PWD) and absolute walking distance (AWD). Quality assessment and data extraction were performed independently by two observers. RESULTS Fifteen manuscripts, published between 1990 and May 2006, were eligible for analysis, evaluating 761 patients. In the studies comparing supervised exercise to standard care the weighted mean difference in pain free walking distance (PWD) and absolute walking distance (AWD) was 81.3meters (95% CI; 35.5-127.1) and 155.8meters (95% CI; 80.8-230.7), respectively. In the studies comparing supervised to unsupervised exercise therapy, the weighted mean difference in PWD and AWD was 143.8meters (95% CI; 5.8-281.8) and 250.4meters (95% CI; 192.4-308.5). CONCLUSION Exercise therapy increases the PWD and AWD in patients with intermittent claudication. Supervised exercise therapy increases the PWD and AWD more than standard care. However, the additional value of supervision over unsupervised exercise regimens needs further clarification.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Wind
- Tergooiziekenhuizen, location Hilversum, Department of Surgery, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Considerable knowledge has accumulated in recent decades concerning the significance of physical activity in the treatment of a number of diseases, including diseases that do not primarily manifest as disorders of the locomotive apparatus. In this review we present the evidence for prescribing exercise therapy in the treatment of metabolic syndrome-related disorders (insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity), heart and pulmonary diseases (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary heart disease, chronic heart failure, intermittent claudication), muscle, bone and joint diseases (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome) and cancer, depression, asthma and type 1 diabetes. For each disease, we review the effect of exercise therapy on disease pathogenesis, on symptoms specific to the diagnosis, on physical fitness or strength and on quality of life. The possible mechanisms of action are briefly examined and the principles for prescribing exercise therapy are discussed, focusing on the type and amount of exercise and possible contraindications.
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Affiliation(s)
- B K Pedersen
- The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Hirsch AT, Haskal ZJ, Hertzer NR, Bakal CW, Creager MA, Halperin JL, Hiratzka LF, Murphy WR, Olin JW, Puschett JB, Rosenfield KA, Sacks D, Stanley JC, Taylor LM, White CJ, White J, White RA, Antman EM, Smith SC, Adams CD, Anderson JL, Faxon DP, Fuster V, Gibbons RJ, Halperin JL, Hiratzka LF, Hunt SA, Jacobs AK, Nishimura R, Ornato JP, Page RL, Riegel B. ACC/AHA 2005 Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease (Lower Extremity, Renal, Mesenteric, and Abdominal Aortic): A Collaborative Report from the American Association for Vascular Surgery/Society for Vascular Surgery,⁎Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, Society for Vascular Medicine and Biology, Society of Interventional Radiology, and the ACC/AHA Task Force on Practice Guidelines (Writing Committee to Develop Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease). J Am Coll Cardiol 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2006.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Kügler CFA, Rudofsky G. Do Age and Comorbidity Affect Quality of Life or PTA-Induced Quality-of-Life Improvements in Patients With Symptomatic PAD? J Endovasc Ther 2005; 12:387-93. [PMID: 15943516 DOI: 10.1583/04-1449.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To elucidate whether age or comorbidity influences (1) quality of life (QoL) or (2) the gain in QoL due to percutaneous angioplasty procedures in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. METHODS One hundred two consecutive patients (81 men; mean age 66.3+/-9.1 years, range 44-83) with symptomatic PAD (83.2% with intermittent claudication, 16.8% with chronic critical limb ischemia) were tested cross-sectionally for their self-reported QoL and degree of leg pain during walking or rest according to standardized scales. A subgroup of 48 patients with a comparable clinical profile was prospectively investigated before and shortly after angioplasty. Quantitative indices of comorbidity burden and hemodynamic parameters were also obtained. RESULTS QoL impairment significantly increased with a greater comorbidity burden and greater degree of leg pain during exercise or at rest, but decreased with advancing age (R = 0.91, p < 0.0001, stepwise regression). The angioplasty-associated gain in QoL, however, was positively correlated with the initial degree of QoL impairment and the degree of improvement in intermittent claudication (R = 0.873, p < 0.0001, multiple regression). By contrast, neither age nor comorbidity burden adversely affected angioplasty-induced QoL improvements. CONCLUSIONS PAD patients with higher levels of leg pain or a greater comorbidity burden generally have more pronounced QoL impairment. They can gain considerable QoL benefits from percutaneous procedures, especially if they have greater QoL impairment initially, and experience substantial improvements in exertional leg pain after treatment. In general, neither age nor comorbidity should negatively influence the decision for percutaneous therapy in symptomatic PAD patients.
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Amighi J, Sabeti S, Schlager O, Francesconi M, Ahmadi R, Minar E, Schillinger M. Outcome of Conservative Therapy of Patients with Severe Intermittent Claudication. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2004; 27:254-8. [PMID: 14760593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2003.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intermittent claudication due to peripheral artery disease (PAD) can be treated conservatively, or by revascularization. OBJECTIVES To assess the short-term outcome of conservatively-treated claudicants, and determine predictors for clinical improvement. Design. A retrospective cohort study. METHODS We evaluated Fontaine stage, walking distance and ankle brachial index (ABI) at baseline and after median 9 months (interquartile range (IQR) 6-24) in 181 patients with severe claudication. RESULTS We found clinical improvement by at least one Fontaine stage in 38 patients (21%) with an increased walking distance from baseline median 100 m (IQR 50-150) to follow-up median 650 m (IQR 300 to unlimited; p<0.001), but without changes in ABI (median 0.57, IQR 0.48-0.73 vs. median 0.54, IQR 0.45-0.81; p=0.10). One hundred and thirty-eight patients (76%) remained clinically and hemodynamically stable. A worsening of the clinical stage but without amputation was recorded in five patients (3%). Female gender (hazard ratio (HR) 0.51, p=0.052), diabetes (HR 0.35, p=0.020), and baseline ABI below 0.44 (HR 0.31, p=0.019) were associated with a reduced probability of clinical improvement. CONCLUSION Certain patients with intermittent claudication show substantial clinical improvement with conservative medical therapy, despite any lack of hemodynamic improvement. Given the low number of patients with clinical deterioration in the short term, primarily conservative therapy should be the preferred initial option for most claudicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Amighi
- Department of Angiology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical School, Vienna, Austria
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Cheetham DR, Burgess L, Ellis M, Williams A, Greenhalgh RM, Davies AH. Does Supervised Exercise Offer Adjuvant Benefit Over Exercise Advice Alone for the Treatment of Intermittent Claudication? A Randomised Trial. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 2004; 27:17-23. [PMID: 14652832 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejvs.2003.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exercise advice is the main treatment for symptom relief in the UK for patients with mild to moderate Intermittent Claudication (IC). Would a weekly exercise and motivation class for 6 months offer adjuvant benefit over written and verbal exercise advice alone? PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty-nine patients attending a regional vascular centre for whom IC was the main factor affecting mobility were randomised to either exercise advice alone (n=30) or exercise advice with a once a week 45 min supervised exercise/motivation class (n=29). The mean age was 68 years. Baseline and 6-month assessment included a Quality of Life Questionnaire--the Short-Form-36, the Charing Cross Symptom Specific Claudication Questionnaire (CCCQ) and treadmill walking distance (3.5 km/h 12%). RESULTS At 6-month follow-up the supervised exercise group had improved their treadmill walking by 129% compared to 69% in the advice alone group (p=0.001). This significant improvement was maintained at the subsequent 9 and 12-month follow-up assessments. By the 9-month stage the advice only group CCCQ score had improved 16% from baseline, while the supervised exercise group had a significantly better 43% improvement in base line score (p<0.05). Self reported frequency of walks was higher in the exercise class group being significant for improvement in CCCQ score. CONCLUSION A weekly, supervised exercise and motivation class for a 6-month period provides a significant improvement in patients' symptoms, quality of life, and distance walked compared with advice alone and this improvement continues after attendance at class has ceased.
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Affiliation(s)
- D R Cheetham
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Imperial College School of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
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Fowler B, Jamrozik K, Norman P, Allen Y, Wilkinson E. Improving maximum walking distance in early peripheral arterial disease: randomised controlled trial. THE AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY 2003; 48:269-75. [PMID: 12443521 DOI: 10.1016/s0004-9514(14)60166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of increased physical activity and cessation of smoking on the natural history of early peripheral arterial disease. We conducted a randomised controlled trial in Perth, Western Australia, involving 882 men with early peripheral arterial disease identified via population-based screening using the Edinburgh Claudication Questionnaire and the ankle:brachial index. Members of the control group (n = 441) received "usual care" from their general practitioner while members of the intervention group (n = 441) were allocated to a "stop smoking and keep walking" regime - a combined community-based intervention of cessation of smoking (where applicable) and increased physical activity. Postal follow-up occurred at two and 12 months post-entry into the trial. The main outcome of interest was maximum walking distance. There were no statistically significant differences in the characteristics of the "intervention" and "usual care" groups at recruitment. Follow-up information at two and 12 months was available for 85% and 84% of participants, respectively. At 12 months, more men allocated to the intervention group had improved their maximum walking distance (23% vs 15%; chi2 = 9.74, df = 2, p = 0.008). In addition, more men in the intervention group reported walking more than three times per week for recreation (34% vs 25%, p = 0.01). Although not statistically significant, more men in the intervention group who were smokers when enrolled in the trial had stopped smoking (12% vs 8%, p = 0.43). It is concluded that referral of older patients with intermittent claudication to established physiotherapy programs in the community can increase levels of physical activity and reduce disability related to peripheral arterial disease. A combination of simple and safe interventions that are readily available in the community through physiotherapists and general practitioners has the potential to improve early peripheral arterial disease.
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