Prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections in diabetic foot ulcers: A meta-analysis.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections have become increasingly common in recent years due to the increased prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). We carried out a meta-analysis aimed at investigating the prevalence of MDR bacteria isolated from DFUs and analysing the risk factors for MDR bacterial infection in patients with DFUs. The PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid, Scopus, and ProQuest databases were searched for studies published up to November 2023 on the clinical outcomes of MDR bacteria in DFUs. The main outcome was the prevalence of MDR bacteria in DFUs. A total of 21 studies were included, representing 4885 patients from which 2633 MDR bacterial isolates were obtained. The prevalence of MDR bacteria in DFUs was 50.86% (95% confidence interval (CI): 41.92%-59.78%). The prevalence of MDR gram-positive bacteria (GPB) in DFUs was 19.81% (95% CI: 14.35%-25.91%), and the prevalence of MDR gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in DFUs was 32.84% (95% CI: 26.40%-39.62%). MDR Staphylococcus aureus (12.13% (95% CI: 8.79%-15.91%)) and MDR Enterococcus spp. (3.33% (95% CI: 1.92%-5.07%)) were the main MDR-GPB in DFUs. MDR Escherichia coli, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa, MDR Enterobacter spp., MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae, and MDR Proteus mirabilis were the main MDR-GNB in DFUs. The prevalence rates were 6.93% (95% CI: 5.15%-8.95%), 6.01% (95% CI: 4.03%-8.33%), 3.59% (95% CI: 0.42%-9.30%), 3.50% (95% CI: 2.31%-4.91%), and 3.27% (95% CI: 1.74%-5.21%), respectively. The clinical variables of diabetic foot ulcer patients infected with MDR bacteria and non-MDR bacteria in the included studies were analysed. The results showed that peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, osteomyelitis, Wagner's grade, previous hospitalization and previous use of antibacterial drugs were significantly different between the MDR bacterial group and the non-MDR bacterial group. We concluded that there is a high prevalence of MDR bacterial infections in DFUs. The prevalence of MDR-GNB was greater than that of MDR-GPB in DFUs. MDR S. aureus was the main MDR-GPB in DFUs, and MDR E. coli was the main MDR-GNB in DFUs. Our study also indicated that peripheral vascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, nephropathy, osteomyelitis, Wagner's grade, previous hospitalization, and previous use of antibacterial drugs were associated with MDR bacterial infections in patients with DFUs.

Association between systemic sclerosis and risk of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease: a meta-analysis.

We aimed to evaluate the association between systemic sclerosis (SSc) and major cerebrovascular/cardiovascular risks through a systematic approach. Databases were systematically searched from their inception to October 10, 2023 for studies comparing cerebrovascular/cardiovascular event rates between patients with SSc and controls. The primary outcome was the stroke risk in patients with SSc. Secondary outcomes included risk of myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular disease (CVD), peripheral vascular disease (PVD), and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Seventeen studies with 6,642,297 participants were included. SSc was associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke (HR, 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35-2.01), CVD (HR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.36-3.3), MI (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.23-3.77), VTE (HR, 2.75; 95% CI, 1.77-4.28), and PVD (HR, 5.23; 95% CI, 4.25-6.45). Subgroup analysis revealed a significantly increased stroke risk in the non-Asian group (HR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.26-1.9), while the Asian group displayed a higher but not statistically significant risk (HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 0.97-3.55). The study found that SSc is associated with a significantly increased risk of cerebrovascular/cardiovascular events. These findings highlight the importance of vasculopathy in SSc and suggest the need for enhanced clinical monitoring and preventive measures in this high-risk population.

The association between variability of risk factors and complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study.

The variability in diabetes risk factors, such as uric acid and lipids, may influence the development of complications. This study aimed to investigate the influence of such variability on the occurrence of diabetic complications. A retrospective analysis of electronic medical records was conducted with type 2 diabetic patients who received treatment at a tertiary care hospital in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, between 2013 and 2022. The risk factor variability is presented as the standard deviation (SD). The associations between the variability and complications were examined using a binary logistic regression model. The study included 369 patients with type 2 diabetes. The findings revealed that outpatient special disease management served as a protective factor against the development of complications [OR = 0.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.29-0.10)], particularly for the prevention of diabetic peripheral neuropathy [OR = 0.51, 95% CI (0.30-0.86)]. Variability in total cholesterol (TC-SD) was found to be a risk factor for the development of complications [OR = 2.42, 95% CI (1.18-4.97)] and acted as a risk factor for diabetic peripheral vasculopathy [OR = 2.50, 95% CI (1.25-5.02)]. TC-SD is a risk factor for the occurrence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic peripheral vasculopathy, whereas outpatient special disease management functions as a protective factor against complications and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Thus, in addition to glycaemic control, the regulation of lipid levels should be emphasized, particularly among patients without outpatient special disease management, to delay the onset of complications.

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy and synchronous mononeuritis multiplex secondary to idiopathic small vessel vasculitis.

Membranous nephropathy has been associated with demyelinating polyneuropathies and antiglomerular membrane disease; however, an association with vasculitic neuropathy has not been described. This case describes a patient with biopsy-proven idiopathic membranous nephropathy and synchronous mononeuritis multiplex secondary to idiopathic small vessel vasculitis, who presented with lower limb microvascular ischaemia, peripheral neuropathy and active urinary sediment. Her extensive non-invasive screening for immunological disease and radiological investigations for occult malignancy were unremarkable. The patient received intravenous methylprednisolone and intravenous rituximab induction therapy resulting in complete remission of both the idiopathic membranous nephropathy and small vessel vasculitis at 7 months post treatment.

Sjögren's disease activity associates with cardiovascular disease and monoclonal gammopathy: a university cohort study of disease activity and comorbidities.

BACKGROUND: We used the University of Wisconsin cohort to determine the extent to which the EULAR Sjögren's syndrome disease activity index (ESSDAI) was associated with comorbidities that contribute to mortality. METHODS: Our University of Wisconsin, Madison cohort had 111 patients with Sjögren's Disease (SjD) by 2016 ACR/EULAR criteria and 194 control patients with sicca. Our study was performed from March 1st, 2020 through April 1st, 2023. We collected data using a standardized collection tool, including components of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Stratifying our SjD patients by ESSDAI < 5 and ESSDAI ≥ 5, we assessed differences in comorbidities associated with mortality. RESULTS: At time of SjD diagnosis, the ESSDAI ≥ 5 group had increased odds of peripheral vascular disease compared to controls (OR 10.17; 95% CI 1.18-87.87). Patients with a current ESSDAI ≥ 5 were more likely to have a myocardial infarction compared to controls (OR 9.87; 95% CI 1.17-83.49). SjD patients had increased prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy compared to controls (9.3% vs 0.5%, p < 0.001). SjD patients with high ESSDAI at diagnosis had greater prevalence of monoclonal gammopathy compared to the SjD patients with a low ESSDAI (16% vs 5%, p = .04). As reported elsewhere, the ESSDAI ≥ 5 group had increased odds of chronic pulmonary disease (OR 4.37; 95% CI 1.59-11.97). CONCLUSION: We found high ESSDAI scores were associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes, specifically peripheral vascular disease and myocardial infarction. Furthermore, monoclonal gammopathy was more frequent in SjD patients compared to sicca controls, supporting screening for monoclonal gammopathy in the appropriate clinical scenario. Key Points • High ESSDAI scores are associated with worse cardiovascular outcomes, specifically peripheral vascular disease and myocardial infarction. • Monoclonal gammopathy is more frequent in SjD patients than sicca controls, supporting screening for monoclonal gammopathy in the appropriate clinical scenario.

Risk of circulatory diseases associated with proton-pump inhibitors: a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records in Thailand.

Background: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are prescribed to treat gastric acid-related diseases, while they may also have potential risks to population health. Recent studies suggested that a potential mechanism explaining the association between PPIs and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) includes the inhibition of the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide (NO) pathway. However, previous observational studies showed controversial results of the association. In addition, the inhibition of the NO pathway due to PPIs use may lead to peripheral vascular diseases (PVD); however, none of the studies explore the PPI-PVD association. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association of PPIs with circulatory diseases (CVD, ischemic strokes or IS, and PVD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective hospital-based cohort study from Oct 2010 to Sep 2017 in Songkhla province, Thailand. PPIs and histamine 2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs) prescriptions were collected from electronic pharmacy records, while diagnostic outcomes were retrieved from electronic medical records at Songklanagarind hospital. Patients were followed up with an on-treatment approach. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to measure the association comparing PPIs vs H2RAs after 1:1 propensity-score-matching. Sub-group analysis, multi-bias E-values, and array-based sensitivity analysis for some covariates were used to assess the robustness of associations. Results: A total of 3,928 new PPIs and 3,928 H2RAs users were included in the 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort. As compared with H2RAs, the association of PPIs with CVD, IS, and PVD, the hazard ratios were 1.76 95% CI = [1.40-2.20] for CVD, 3.53 95% CI = [2.21-5.64] for ischemic strokes, and 17.07 95% CI = [13.82-76.25] for PVD. The association between PPIs and each outcome was significant with medication persistent ratio of over 50%. In addition, the association between PPIs and circulatory diseases was robust to unmeasured confounders (i.e., smoking and alcohol). Conclusion: PPIs were associated with circulatory diseases, particularly ischemic strokes in this hospital-based cohort study, whereas, the strength of associations was robust to unmeasured confounders.

Photoacoustic imaging of peripheral vessels in extremities by large-scale synthetic matrix array.

Significance: Various peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) in extremities, such as arterial atherosclerosis or venous occlusion in arm or legs, are a serious global health threat. Noninvasive vascular imaging is of great value for both diagnosis and assessment of PVD. Approach: By scanning a one-dimensional non-focusing linear array, an equivalent large two-dimensional (2D) matrix array with hundreds of thousands or more ultrasound elements is formed, thereby achieving a wide signal reception angle as well as large imaging area for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of peripheral extremities. Aim: To provide a feasible bedside and noninvasive imaging method for vascular imaging in extremities. Results: Our system can achieve high-quality photoacoustic (PA) peripheral vessel imaging. The 3D subcutaneous vascular imaging results of the palms and arms of healthy volunteers demonstrate the superior performance of the system. Conclusions: This work proposes a clinically oriented PA 3D subcutaneous vascular imaging system for human extremities. The system employs a synthetic matrix array via scanning a one-dimensional non-focusing linear probe, providing noninvasive, high-resolution, and high-contrast images of human extremities. It has potential application value in the diagnosis and monitoring of vascular diseases.

Use of consecutive transcutaneous oxygen measurement when assessing the need for revascularization and association with the outcomes of ischemic diabetic ulcers.

This study compared the ankle-brachial index (ABI) with transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2 ) in assessing peripheral vascular disease (PVD) prevalence in 100 diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients. Patients were categorized into vascular or nonvascular reconstruction groups and underwent both ABI and TcPO2 measurements four times over 6 months. Predictive validity for PVD diagnosis was analysed using the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC). The study found TcPO2 to be a superior predictor of PVD than ABI. Among the DFU patients, 51 with abnormal TcPO2 values underwent vascular reconstruction. Only TcPO2 values showed significant pretreatment differences between the groups and increased post-reconstruction. These values declined over a 6-month follow-up, whereas ABI values rose. For those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), TcPO2 values saw a sharp decrease within 3 months. Pre-reconstruction TcPO2 was notably lower in amputation patients versus limb salvage surgery patients. In conclusion, TcPO2 is more effective than ABI for evaluating ischemic limb perfusion and revascularization necessity. It should be prioritized as the primary follow-up tool, especially for ESRD patients.

Diabetic Vasculopathy: Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Insights.

Clinical and basic studies have documented that both hyperglycemia and insulin-resistance/hyperinsulinemia not only constitute metabolic disorders contributing to cardiometabolic syndrome, but also predispose to diabetic vasculopathy, which refers to diabetes-mellitus-induced microvascular and macrovascular complications, including retinopathy, neuropathy, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and peripheral artery disease. The underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms include inappropriate activation of the renin angiotensin-aldosterone system, mitochondrial dysfunction, excessive oxidative stress, inflammation, dyslipidemia, and thrombosis. These abnormalities collectively promote metabolic disorders and further promote diabetic vasculopathy. Recent evidence has revealed that endothelial progenitor cell dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, and the abnormal release of extracellular vesicles and their carried microRNAs also contribute to the development and progression of diabetic vasculopathy. Therefore, clinical control and treatment of diabetes mellitus, as well as the development of novel therapeutic strategies are crucial in preventing cardiometabolic syndrome and related diabetic vasculopathy. The present review focuses on the relationship between insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus in diabetic vasculopathy and related cardiovascular disease, highlighting epidemiology and clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, and molecular mechanisms, as well as management strategies.

Relevance of comorbidities for main outcomes during different periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Throughout the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic, the severity of the disease has varied. The aim of this study was to determine how patients' comorbidities affected and were related to, different outcomes during this time. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of all patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection between March 1, 2020, and January 9, 2022. We extracted sociodemographic, basal comorbidities, prescribed treatments, COVID-19 vaccination data, and outcomes such as death and admission to hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) during the different periods of the pandemic. We used logistic regression to quantify the effect of each covariate in each outcome variable and a random forest algorithm to select the most relevant comorbidities. Results: Predictors of death included having dementia, heart failure, kidney disease, or cancer, while arterial hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular diseases, and leukemia were also relevant. Heart failure, dementia, kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer were predictors of adverse evolution (death or ICU admission) with arterial hypertension, ischemic heart, cerebrovascular, peripheral vascular diseases, and leukemia also relevant. Arterial hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, kidney, ischemic heart diseases, and cancer were predictors of hospitalization, while dyslipidemia and respiratory, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases were also relevant. Conclusions: Preexisting comorbidities such as dementia, cardiovascular and renal diseases, and cancers were those most related to adverse outcomes. Of particular note were the discrepancies between predictors of adverse outcomes and predictors of hospitalization and the fact that patients with dementia had a lower probability of being admitted in the first wave.

Impact of comorbidities in COPD clinical control criteria. The CLAVE study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexists with other chronic diseases, namely comorbidities. They negatively impact prognosis, exacerbations and quality of life in COPD patients. However, no studies have been performed to explore the impact of these comorbidities on COPD clinical control criteria. RESEARCH QUESTION: Determine the relationship between individualized comorbidities and COPD clinical control criteria. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Observational, multicenter, cross-sectional study performed in Spain involving 4801 patients with severe COPD (< 50 predicted forced expiratory volume in the first second [FEV1%]). Clinical control criteria were defined by the combination of COPD assessment test (CAT) scores (≤16 vs ≥17) and exacerbations in the previous three months (none vs ≥1). Binary logistic regression adjusted by age and FEV1% was performed to identify comorbidities potentially associated with the lack of control of COPD. Secondary endpoints were the relationship between individualized comorbidities with COPD assessment test and exacerbations within the last three months. RESULTS: Most frequent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (51.2%), dyslipidemia (36.0%), diabetes (24.9%), obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (14.9%), anxiety (14.1%), heart failure (11.6%), depression (11.8%), atrial fibrillation (11.5%), peripheral arterial vascular disease (10.4%) and ischemic heart disease (10.1%). After age and FEV1% adjustment, comorbidities related to lack of clinical control were cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and atrial fibrillation; p < 0.0001), psychologic disorders (anxiety and depression; all p < 0.0001), metabolic diseases (diabetes, arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity; all p < 0.001), sleep disorders (p < 0.0001), anemia (p = 0.015) and gastroesophageal reflux (p < 0.0001). These comorbidities were also related to previous exacerbations and COPD assessment test scores. INTERPRETATION: Comorbidities are frequent in patients with severe COPD, negatively impacting COPD clinical control criteria. They are related to health-related quality of life measured by the COPD assessment test. Our results suggest that comorbidities should be investigated and treated in these patients to improve their clinical control. TAKE-HOME POINTS: Study question: What is the impact of comorbidities on COPD clinical control criteria? RESULTS: Among 4801 patients with severe COPD (27.5% controlled and 72.5% uncontrolled), after adjustment by age and FEV1%, comorbidities related to lack of clinical control were cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, peripheral vascular disease and atrial fibrillation; p < 0.0001), psychologic disorders (anxiety and depression; p < 0.0001), metabolic diseases (diabetes, arterial hypertension and abdominal obesity; p < 0.001), obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (p < 0.0001), anaemia (p = 0.015) and gastroesophageal reflux (p < 0.0001), which were related to previous exacerbations and COPD assessment test scores. INTERPRETATION: Comorbidities are related to health-related quality of life measured by the COPD assessment test scores and history of exacerbations in the previous three months.

Knee disarticulation vs. transfemoral amputation after failed transtibial amputation: Surgical outcome and prosthetic fitting in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to compare transfemoral amputation (TFA) to knee disarticulation (KD) as a reamputation level after failed transtibial amputation (TTA) in patients with peripheral vascular disease and/or diabetes. METHODS: We studied 152 patients undergoing reamputation, 86 TFA and 66 KD, after a failed TTA. The primary outcome was reamputation and reoperation, and secondary outcomes were prosthetic fitting and mortality. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome. RESULTS: The reamputation rate was 36% after KD and 15% after TFA ( p = 0.004). The multivariable analysis showed that TFA was associated with a significantly reduced risk of reamputation, odds ratio (OR) = 0.31 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.1-0.7). The overall reoperation rate was 38% after KD and 22% after TFA ( p = 0.03). This reduction of risk for TFA was not significant in the multivariable analysis, OR = 0.49 (95% CI, 0.2-1.0). Prosthetic limb fitting was possible in 30% after KD and 19% after TFA ( p = 0.1). Previous amputation in the contralateral leg was the only factor associated with reduced ability for prosthetic fitting in the multivariable analysis, OR = 0.15 (95% CI, 0.03-0.7). Mortality at 30 d was 17% and 53% at 1 year. No independent factors affected 30-d mortality in the multivariable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found a significantly lower risk of reamputation after TFA compared with KD after a failed TTA. We consider TFA to be the reamputation level of choice, especially when there is a need of reducing risk of further reamputations.

Management of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia Without Surgical Revascularization - A Population-Based Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes of management without surgical revascularization in patients with acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) in a population-based setting. DESIGN: Retrospective observational population-based study. MATERIALS: Patients from Malmö, Sweden, hospitalized for ALI between 2015 and 2018. METHODS: In-hospital, surgical, radiological, and autopsy registries were scrutinized for descriptive data on ALI patients managed by endovascular and open vascular surgery, conservative vascular therapy, primary major amputation, and palliative care. RESULTS: Among 161 patients, 73 (45.3%) did not undergo any operative revascularization. Conservative vascular therapy, primary amputation, and palliative care were conducted in 25 (15.5%), 26 (16.1%), and 22 (13.7%) patients, respectively. Conservatively treated patients had Rutherford class ≥ IIb ischemia and embolic occlusion in 33% and 68% of cases, respectively. Their median C-reactive protein level at admission was 7 mg/L (interquartile range 2 - 31 mg/L). Among conservatively treated patients, anticoagulation therapy in half to full dose was given to 22 (88%) patients for six weeks or longer, and analgesics in low or moderate doses were given to twelve (48%) patients at discharge. The major amputation rate at 1 year was 8% among conservatively treated patients, and four patients with foot embolization had not undergone amputation at 1 year. CONCLUSION: Patients selected for initial conservative therapy of ALI with anticoagulation alone may have a good outcome, even when admitted with Rutherford class IIb ischemia. A low C-reactive protein level at admission seems to be a favorable marker when choosing conservative therapy. A prospective, preferably multicenter, study with a predefined protocol in these conservatively treated patients is warranted to better define the dose and length of anticoagulation therapy.

Diabetes, Hypertension, and Smoking Do Not Affect Outcomes of Iliofemoral Vein Stenting for Chronic Proximal Venous Outflow Obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes, hypertension, and smoking are well-recognized risk factors for peripheral artery disease (PAD), but little is known of their impact on chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This study evaluates these factors in patients undergoing iliac vein stenting (IVS) for CVI. METHODS: A registry of 708 patients who underwent IVS from August 2011 to June 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Symptoms were quantified using venous clinical severity score (VCSS) and CEAP classification. Both major and minor reinterventions were recorded. Logistic regression models were used to determine the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio of any reintervention. Log-rank test was used to assess differences in reintervention-free survival. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension was 51.1% (N = 362), diabetes was 23.0% (N = 163), and smoking was 22.2% (N = 157). Patients with diabetes (3.6 vs. 3.4; P = 0.062), hypertension (3.6 vs. 3.3; P < 0.001), and smoking (3.7 vs. 3.4; P = 0.003) had higher CEAP scores than those without these comorbidities. Improvement in VCSS composite scores showed no differences postoperatively (diabetes: P = 0.513; hypertension: P = 0.053; smoking: P = 0.608), at 1-year follow-up (diabetes: P = 0.666; hypertension: P = 0.681; smoking: P = 0.745), or at 5-year follow-up (diabetes: P = 0.525; hypertension: P = 0.953; smoking: P = 0.146). Diabetes (P = 0.454), smoking (P = 0.355), and hypertension (P = 0.727) were not associated with increased odds of major reintervention. Log-rank test similarly showed no differences in reintervention-free survival for major or minor reoperations between those with and without diabetes (P = 0.79), hypertension (P = 0.14), and smoking (P = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes, hypertension, and smoking were prevalent among CVI patients, but unlike in PAD patients, they had little to no impact on long-term outcomes or reinterventions after IVS.

Role of Anticoagulation in Nonagenarian Patients with Acute Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative anticoagulant therapy is known to have a positive impact on the prognosis of patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI). However, little is known about its efficacy in elderly patients. We aimed to investigate the potential effect of anticoagulation in nonagenarian patients managed for ALI. METHODS: Between January 2015 and December 2021, we identified all nonagenarian patients managed for ALI at a single center. Long-term anticoagulation and hemostasis parameters (prothrombin rate, activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], platelet count) measured on admission were reviewed. The primary end point was mortality at 30-day mortality (D30) in patients with or without long-term anticoagulation therapy. We also studied the effect of these factors on the occurrence of revascularization failure in operated patients (initial failure, ischemic recurrence during hospitalization, necrosis requiring major amputation). RESULTS: A total of 68 nonagenarian patients were managed for ALI, with a mean age of 93.8 years (from 90-107 years), 76.5% of whom were women. Of these patients, 47 (69%) were managed surgically. Long-term anticoagulation therapy was associated with better survival at D30, both in nonoperated (P < 0.01) and operated (P < 0.05) patients. In operated patients, the absence of long-term anticoagulation therapy was associated with the occurrence of revascularization failure (P < 0.05). In operated patients, survival to D30 and successful revascularization were associated with a longer APTT (P < 0,05). We were able to observe the survival of 4 patients contraindicated for surgery and treated with a single medical therapy (intravenous unfractionated heparin). CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulation appears to have an impact on the survival and postoperative prognosis of nonagenarian patients with ALI. In addition, curative anticoagulation therapy may be an alternative treatment when surgery is contraindicated in this frail population.

One-Year Clinical Outcomes and Prognostic Factors Following Revascularization in Patients With Acute Limb Ischemia　- Results From the RESCUE ALI Study.

BACKGROUND: Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a limb- and life-threatening condition and urgent treatment including revascularization should be offered to patients unless the limb is irreversibly ischemic. The aim of this study was to investigate 1-year clinical outcomes and prognostic factors following revascularization in patients with ALI.Methods and Results: A retrospective, multicenter, nonrandomized study examined 185 consecutive patients with ALI treated by surgical revascularization (SR), endovascular revascularization (ER), or hybrid revascularization (HR) in 6 Japanese medical centers from January 2015 to August 2021. The 1-year amputation-free survival (AFS) rate was estimated to be 69.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 62.8-76.2%). There were no significant differences among SR, ER, and HR regarding both technical success and perioperative complications. Multivariate analysis revealed that Rutherford category IIb and III ischemia (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.86; 95% CI: 1.06-3.25), supra- to infrapopliteal lesion (HR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.08-3.95), and technical failure (HR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.49-4.46) were independent risk factors for 1-year AFS. CONCLUSIONS: Rutherford category IIb and III ischemia, supra- to infrapopliteal lesions, and technical failures were identified as independent risk factors for 1-year AFS. Furthermore, patients with multiple risk factors had a lower AFS rate.

Outcomes for 160 Consecutive Lateral Arm Free Flaps for Head and Neck Reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: Examine outcomes for lateral arm autologous tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary cancer center. METHODS: All patients who underwent traditional lateral arm, extended lateral arm, and lateral forearm flaps for head and neck reconstruction from 2012 to 2022 were assessed. Disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) was measured. Factors associated with complications and enteral or mixed diet were evaluated by multivariable regression. RESULTS: Among 160 patients followed for a median of 2.3 ± 2.1 years, defects were 54% oral tongue, 18% external, 9% maxilla, 8% buccal mucosa, 9% floor of mouth, and 3% pharynx. Flap types (and median pedicle lengths) were 41% traditional lateral arm (8 cm), 25% extended lateral arm (11.5 cm), and 34% lateral forearm (14 cm). All donor sites were closed primarily; 19.6% and 0% of patients had increased DASH scores 2 and 12 weeks after reconstruction. Major complications occurred in 18.1% of patients, including 6.3% reoperation, 6.9% readmission, 3.7% fistula, and 1.8% flap loss. Complications were independently associated with peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio [OR]: 5.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-21.6, P = .01), pharyngeal defects (OR: 11.3, 95% CI: 1.4-94.5, P = .025), and interposition vein grafts (OR: 3.78, 95% CI: 1.1-13.3, P = .037). CONCLUSION: The lateral arm free flap was safe, versatile, and reliable for head and neck reconstruction with low donor-site morbidity. Complications occurred in a fifth of patients and were associated with peripheral vascular disease, pharyngeal defects, and vein grafts.