Outcomes for Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers Following Transition from Medicaid to Commercial Insurance.

Objective: This study investigates the outcomes of Medicaid beneficiaries with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) who had transitioned to commercial insurance. Methods: We utilized the PearlDiver claims database to identify adult patients diagnosed with a new DFU between 2010 and 2019. The study cohort comprised 8856 Medicaid beneficiaries who had at least three years of continuous enrollment after DFU diagnosis. Medicaid beneficiaries who transitioned to Medicare during follow-up were excluded. Adjusted comparisons of outcomes were performed by propensity matching the two groups for age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) in a 1:1 ratio. We used logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier estimate to evaluate the association between insurance change (from Medicaid to commercial insurance) and major amputation. Results: Among the 8856 Medicaid beneficiaries with DFUs, 66% (n = 5809) had transitioned to commercial insurance coverage during follow-up. The overall major amputation rate was 2.8% (n = 247), with a lower rate observed in patients who transitioned to commercial insurance compared to those with continuous Medicaid coverage (2.6% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, Medicaid beneficiaries who transitioned to commercial insurance had a 27% lower risk of major amputation (study cohort: odds ratios [OR] 0.75, 95% CI 0.56-0.97, p = 0.03; matched cohort: OR 0.65, 95% 0.22, 0.55, p = 0.01) compared to those with continuous Medicaid coverage. Conclusions: Transitioning from Medicaid to commercial insurance may be associated with a lower risk of major amputation among Medicaid beneficiaries with DFUs.

Prognostic Value of Hospital Frailty Risk Score and Clinical Outcomes in Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia and End-Stage Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: End-stage kidney disease (ESKD) is commonly associated with critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) and frailty. Yet there are no specific tools to predict outcomes of CLTI in ESKD, particularly those that incorporate frailty. We aimed to assess the utility of the medical record-based Hospital Frailty Risk (HFR) score in predicting outcomes of CLTI in ESKD. METHODS AND RESULTS: We identified patients with ESKD diagnosed with CLTI from the US Renal Data System from 2015 to 2018. These patients were categorized into 3 frailty risk groups on the basis of their HFR scores: low (<5), intermediate (5-10), high-risk (>10), and on the basis of whether they underwent revascularization (endovascular revascularization [ER]/surgical revascularization [SR]) or not (no revascularization). Primary outcomes of interest included in-hospital composite of death or major amputation and in-hospital death. We included 49 454 eligible patients, with ER/SR cohort including 19.8% (n=9777). A total of 88.4% (ER/SR) and 90.0% (no revascularization) were frail on the HFR scale. We found a nonlinear association between HFR score and in-hospital adverse outcomes. In both cohorts, intermediate and high-risk HFR scores were associated with greater risk of in-hospital death (high-risk, ER/SR: odds ratio, 2.7 [95% CI, 1.6-4.8]; P<0.0001; no revascularization: odds ratio, 7.8 [95% CI, 5.3-11.6]; P<0.01) and composite of in-hospital major amputation or death (high-risk, ER/SR: odds ratio, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.9-3.1]; P<0.0001; no revascularization: odds ratio, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.5-1.9]; P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The HFR score can predict risk of in-hospital death and composite of death or major amputation in patients with ESKD and CLTI. Further data are needed to determine the utility of the HFR score in this population.

Percutaneous Deep Venous Arterialization Using an IVUS-Guided Technique in no-Option Patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: 24-Month Results.

PURPOSE: In some patients, revascularization is not possible or is not effective. For these, percutaneous deep vein arterialization (p-DVA) could be considered an alternative treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term results of an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS)-guided technique that has only one percutaneous access. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective monocentric study on 18 no-option CLTI limbs treated with an IVUS-guided p-DVA. The primary outcome measures are: the freedom from major adverse events (MAEs) and survival at 30 days; limb salvage and amputation free survival (AFS) at 30 days, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months. The secondary outcome measures are: procedural success, survival, patency and wound healing. RESULTS: We treated 14 patients with no-option CLTI, carrying out 18 p-DVA. Median age was 74,4 years (60-87). All these patients had a previous failed angioplasty of the tibial and foot arteries. Procedural success rate, defined as the establishment of arterial flow into the venous system of the foot, was 100%. No deaths and MAEs recorded at 30 days. Survival was 100%, 83.4% and 77.8%; limb salvage was 88.9%, 77.8% and 77.8%; AFS was 88.9%, 61.1% and 55.6% at 6, 12 and 24 months. Complete wound healing was 18.7% at 6 months, 80.0% at 12 months and 100% at 24 months. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, the IVUS-guided p-DVA seems to be safe and effective for no-option CLTI patients, with no mortality related to the intervention, an acceptable limb salvage rate and amputation free survival.

Construction of a Prognostic Nomogram for Major Amputation Within 30 Days Postrevascularization in Patients With Acute Lower Limb Ischemia Based on 2D Perfusion Parameters.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to develop a prediction model for major amputation (MA) within 30 days after arterial revascularization in patients with acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) using 2-dimensional (2D) perfusion imaging parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in ALLI patients undergoing arterial revascularization between October 2015 and May 2022. Patients were randomly assigned into training and validation cohorts in a ratio of 7:3. Variables were selected using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A nomogram for the MA risk within 30 days after arterial revascularization in ALLI patients was created. Its discrimination, calibration, and clinical effectiveness were reported. RESULTS: A total of 310 ALLI patients (326 limbs) were included. The MA rate within 30 days after arterial revascularization was 11.6%. Skin speckle, myoglobin, and time-to-peak were independent risk factors, while atrial fibrillation was a protective factor (all p<0.05). The nomogram predicted 30-day MA with satisfactory discriminative ability. The integrated discrimination improvement was 0.279 and 0.379 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively (both p<0.001). Calibration curves were close to the standard curve. The decision curve analysis demonstrated net benefits. CONCLUSION: This 2D perfusion imaging parameter-based nomogram could accurately predict the risk of MA within 30 days postrevascularization in ALLI patients. CLINICAL IMPACT: This study introduces a novel nomogram based on 2-dimensional (2D) perfusion imaging that can significantly advance the prognosis prediction in ALLI patients. By calculating the risk of major amputation within 30 days postrevascularization, this nomogram offers an accurate predictive tool and can lead to more informed decision-making on patient management. The innovative aspect of this research lies in its utilization of 2D perfusion parameters, a novel approach that enhances risk assessment accuracy in ALLI patients. This nomogram represents a significant step toward risk stratification and can guide future research for appropriate management on ALLI patients with different risk profiles.

Development of a major amputation prediction model and nomogram in patients with diabetic foot.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus, as one of the world's fastest-growing diseases, is a chronic metabolic disease that has now become a public health problem worldwide. The purpose of this research was to develop a predictive nomogram model to demonstrate the risk of major amputation in patients with diabetic foot. METHODS: A total of 634 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) patients with diabetic foot ulcer hospitalized at the Air Force Medical Center between January 2018 and December 2023 were included in our retrospective study. There were 468 males (73.82%) and 166 females (26.18%) with an average age of 61.64 ± 11.27 years and average body mass index of 24.45 ± 3.56 kg/m2. The predictive factors were evaluated by single factor logistic regression and multiple logistic regression and the predictive nomogram was established with these features. Receiver operating characteristic (subject working characteristic curve) and their area under the curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis of this major amputation nomogram were assessed. Model validation was performed by the internal validation set, and the receiver operating characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to further evaluate the nomogram model performance and clinical usefulness. RESULTS: Predictors contained in this predictive model included body mass index, ulcer sites, hemoglobin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, blood uric acid (BUA), and ejection fraction. Good discrimination with a C-index of 0.957 (95% CI, 0.931-0.983) in the training group and a C-index of 0.987 (95% CI, 0.969-1.000) in the validation cohort were showed with this predictive model. Good calibration were displayed. The decision curve analysis showed that using the nomogram prediction model in the training cohort and validation cohort would respectively have clinical benefits. CONCLUSION: This new nomogram incorporating body mass index, ulcer sites, hemoglobin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, BUA, and ejection fraction has good accuracy and good predictive value for predicting the risk of major amputation in patients with diabetic foot.

Major adverse foot events and functional mobility deficits associated with diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy.

Aim: The purpose is to determine the risk ratios (RR) for both major adverse foot events (MAFEs) and the presence of moderate and severe functional mobility deficits in participants with diabetic peripheral neuropathy across the stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: We studied 284 participants with diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and CKD. MAFEs including foot fracture, ulcerations, Charcot neuropathic arthropathy (CN), osteomyelitis, and minor foot amputations were collected from foot x-ray reports in the medical records of 152 participants; functional mobility deficits were assessed in 132 participants using the modified physical performance test (mPPT). Moderate mobility deficit was categorized as mPPT scores 22-29 and severe mobility deficit as < 22. Unadjusted and adjusted (age, body weight, race, HbA1c) RR were calculated across each stage of CKD, with stage 1 CKD used as the reference group. Results: The RR for neuropathic foot fracture, CN, and diabetic foot ulceration remained consistent across CKD stages. The RR of minor amputation is greater in CKD stages 4 and 5. The RR of moderate or severe mobility deficit is greater in CKD stages 3 and 5 and in CKD stages 3, 4, and 5, respectively. An inverse association was observed between MAFE prevalence and mPPT scores across CKD stages. Conclusion: Major adverse foot events and functional mobility deficits are prevalent in individuals with DPN and diabetic kidney disease. The risks for minor foot amputation and functional mobility deficits increase as early as stage 3 CKD and increase further in stages 4 and 5.

Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms in Moroccan Patients Following Major Lower Limb Amputation: A Three-Month Follow-Up.

OBJECTIVE: Major amputation of a lower limb is a traumatic experience that causes physical and psychosocial disabilities. This study set out to ascertain how anxiety and depression symptoms changed during the three months following the amputation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective longitudinal observational study was conducted between October 1, 2019, and January 1, 2021, in the Department of Vascular Surgery and the Department of Orthopedic Traumatology of the Ibn Sina Hospital Center in Rabat, Morocco. The study assesses symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients who have undergone a major lower limb amputation over a three-month interval. RESULTS: In patients who had undergone a major lower limb amputation, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was very high immediately postoperatively (47.4% and 79.2%, respectively), with a significant decrease in these symptoms. Three months later, anxiety was reported in 24.4% of cases, and depressive symptoms in 65.1% of cases. Age, amputation level, stump pain, phantom limb pain, re-amputation, and emergency amputation were all associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression. The patient's psychological preparation prior to the amputation, the anesthetic technique used during the procedure, the patient's mobility, and the patient's post-amputation professional status were all protective factors. CONCLUSION: Our research findings bolster the necessity of promptly evaluating and managing anxiety and depression in the initial three months following major lower limb amputation. Thus, we believe that amputee patients ought to receive a formal psychological evaluation, which could be helpful, particularly for those whose anxiety or depression symptoms did not improve after three months.

Risk factors and predictors of prolonged hospital stay in the clinical course of major amputations of the upper and lower extremity a retrospective analysis of a level 1-trauma center.

PURPOSE: The objective was to analyze the treatment and complications of the patients after a major amputation of the upper and lower extremities. Risk factors and predictors of a prolonged hospital stay should be outlined. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of a national Level-1 Trauma center in Germany. In a 10-year period, patients were identified by major amputations in the upper and lower extremities. The medical reports were considered and the results were split into four main groups with analysis on basic-, clinical data, the course on intensive care unit and the outcome. A recovery index was established. The patients' degree of recovery was summed up. Statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: 81 patients were included. A total of 39 (48.1%) major amputations were carried out on the lower leg and 34 (42.0%) involved the thigh. There were two instances (2.5%) of hip joint disarticulation. 6 major amputations were done on the upper extremities (n = 3 on the upper arm, n = 3 on the forearm). 13.83 ± 17.10 days elapsed between hospital admission and major amputation. The average length of hospital stay was 38.49 ± 26,75 days with 5.06 ± 11.27 days on intensive care unit. Most of the patients were discharged home followed by rehabilitation. A significant correlation was found between the hospital length of stay and the increasing number of operations performed (p = 0.001). The correlation between the hospital length of stay and the CRP level after amputation was significant (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Major amputations in trauma patients lead to a prolonged stay in hospital due to severe diseases and complications. Especially infections and surgical revisions cause such lengthenings.

Bypass Patency and Amputation-Free Survival after Popliteal Aneurysm Exclusion Significantly Depends on Patient Age and Medical Complications: A Detailed Dual-Center Analysis of 395 Consecutive Elective and Emergency Procedures.

Background/Objectives: A popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is traditionally treated by an open PAA repair (OPAR) with a popliteo-popliteal venous graft interposition. Although excellent outcomes have been reported in elective cases, the results are much worse in cases of emergency presentation or with the necessity of adjunct procedures. This study aimed to identify the risk factors that might decrease amputation-free survival (efficacy endpoint) and lower graft patency (technical endpoint). Patients and Methods: A dual-center retrospective analysis was performed from 2000 to 2021 covering all consecutive PAA repairs stratified for elective vs. emergency repair, considering the patient (i.e., age and comorbidities), PAA (i.e., diameter and tibial runoff vessels), and procedural characteristics (i.e., procedure time, material, and bypass configuration). Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistics were used. Results: In 316 patients (69.8 ± 10.5 years), 395 PAAs (mean diameter 31.9 ± 12.9 mm) were operated, 67 as an emergency procedure (6× rupture; 93.8% severe acute limb ischemia). The majority had OPAR (366 procedures). Emergency patients had worse pre- and postoperative tibial runoff, longer procedure times, and more complex reconstructions harboring a variety of adjunct procedures as well as more medical and surgical complications (all p < 0.001). Overall, the in-hospital major amputation rate and mortality rate were 3.6% and 0.8%, respectively. The median follow-up was 49 months. Five-year primary and secondary patency rates were 80% and 94.7%. Patency for venous grafts outperformed alloplastic and composite reconstructions (p < 0.001), but prolonged the average procedure time by 51.4 (24.3-78.6) min (p < 0.001). Amputation-free survival was significantly better after elective procedures (p < 0.001), but only during the early (in-hospital) phase. An increase in patient age and any medical complications were significant negative predictors, regardless of the aneurysm size. Conclusions: A popliteo-popliteal vein interposition remains the gold standard for treatment despite a probably longer procedure time for both elective and emergency PAA repairs. To determine the most effective treatment strategies for older and probably frailer patients, factors such as the aneurysm size and the patient's overall condition should be considered.

Development of an Education Material Targeting Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Amputation due to Severe Limb Ischemia-A Qualitative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is associated with a high risk of amputation, yet patients undergoing amputation due to CLTI have little knowledge of the amputation process and the rehabilitation that awaits. The aim of the present study was to develop and validate information material for patients undergoing amputation. METHODS: Nine participants were included in the study. Two focus group interviews were performed with seven patients who had undergone lower extremity amputation due to CLTI within the past 2 y. Additionally, two individual interviews were carried out. A semistructured interview guide was used, and the interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using qualitative content analysis with a deductive approach. RESULTS: Three themes were identified as essential for the design of the written information: Perspectives on design and formatting, Providing information to enhance participation in care, and Accessibility to information and support. The prototyped information leaflet was perceived as acceptable, useable, relevant, and comprehensible by the participants. CONCLUSIONS: For patients to actively engage in their care, it is vital that their information needs are met and that they are provided with psychosocial support when needed. Written and oral information should be provided by a trusted healthcare professional.

Risk Factors for Major Lower Limb Amputation and Effect of Endovascular Revascularization in Patients with Diabetic Foot Wound.

Objective: Major lower extremity amputation (LEA) such as below-knee or above-knee amputations can result in more physical disabilities and poorer socioeconomic functions than minor LEAs in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). Therefore, identification of risk factors for major LEA and investigation of effectiveness of endovascular revascularization are critical for prevention and better prognosis of DFU patients. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2017, a total of 125 patients with DFU treated with any level of amputation were included in this study. Demographic, diabetes-related, DFU-related and -relevant laboratory information were investigated to predict major amputation. To identify risk factors for major amputation, logistic regression analysis was performed for each variable. The effectiveness of endovascular revascularization treatment was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: Major amputation was performed for 22 of 125 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that DM duration, peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) previous amputation, abscess, Wagner grade, CRP and albumin were significant risk factors for major amputation in DFU patients. PAOD was the most important risk factor. Major amputation-free survival rate at 5 years was 97.4% in a non-PAOD group, 58.3% in a PAOD without revascularization group, and 88.0% in a PAOD with revascularization group, showing statistically significant differences among them. Conclusion: The duration of DM, PAOD, previous amputation, abscess, Wagner grade, CRP and albumin were major risk factors for major LEA in DFU patients. The most valuable and critical finding was that revascularization in diabetic foot patients with PAOD significantly improved major amputation-free survival rates.

Unique Challenges in Diabetic Foot Science.

In the past 30 years, there has been a rapid influx of information pertaining to the diabetic foot (DF) coming from numerous directions and sources. This article discusses the current state of the DF literature and challenges it presents to clinicians with its associated increase in knowledge on their derivations, complications, and interventions. Further, we attempt to provide tips on how to navigate and criticize the current literature to encourage and maximize positive outcomes in this challenging patient population.

Comparison of limb outcomes between bypass surgery and endovascular therapy in dialysis-dependent and -independent patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine limb salvage (LS) and wound healing in dialysis-dependent and -independent patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) after infrainguinal bypass surgery or endovascular therapy (EVT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the multi-center data of patients who underwent infrainguinal revascularization for CLTI with Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) stage 2 to 4 between 2015 and 2020. The primary endpoint was LS. The secondary endpoint included wound healing, amputation-free survival (AFS), periprocedural complications, and 2-year survival. Comparison of these outcomes were made after propensity score matching. RESULTS: We analyzed 252 dialysis-dependent (318 limbs) and 305 dialysis-independent (354 limbs) patients. Propensity score matching extracted 202 pairs with no significant differences in characteristics. The LS rate in bypass surgery was better than that in EVT in dialysis-dependent patients (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the LS rates between bypass surgery and EVT in dialysis-independent patients (P = .168). The wound healing rate of bypass surgery was better than that of EVT both dialysis-dependent and -independent patients with CLTI. The AFS rate of bypass surgery was better than that of EVT in dialysis-dependent patients (P < .001). There was no significant difference in the AFS rates between bypass surgery and EVT in dialysis-independent patients (P = .099). There was no significant difference in the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo ≥ IV and V between bypass surgery and EVT in dialysis-dependent and -independent patients. Age ≥75 years, serum albumin levels <3.5 g/dL, and non-ambulatory status were risk factors for 2-year mortality in dialysis-dependent patients. The 2-year survival rates in dialysis-dependent patients with risk factors of 0, 1, 2, and 3 were 82.5%, 67.1%, 49.5%, and 10.2%, respectively (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: For LS and wound healing, bypass surgery was preferred for revascularization in dialysis-dependent patients with WIfI stage 2 to 4. Although dialysis dependency was one of the risk factors for 2-year mortality, dialysis-dependent patients, who have 0 to 1 risk factors, may benefit from bypass surgery, as 2-year survival of >50% is expected.

Bypass surgery versus endovascular revascularization for occlusive infrainguinal peripheral artery disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for the development of the Italian Guidelines for the treatment of diabetic foot syndrome.

To report a review and meta-analysis of all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing bypass surgery (BS) and endovascular treatment (ET) in infrainguinal peripheral arterial disease (PAD) for several endpoints, such as major and minor amputation, major adverse limb events (MALEs), ulcer healing, time to healing, and all-cause mortality to support the development of the Italian Guidelines for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Syndrome (DFS). A MEDLINE and EMBASE search was performed to identify RCTs, published since 1991 up to June 21, 2023, enrolling patients with lower limb ischemia due to atherosclerotic disease (Rutherford I-VI). Any surgical BS or ET was allowed, irrespective of the approach, route, or graft employed, from iliac to below-the-knee district. Primary endpoint was major amputation rate. Secondary endpoints were amputation-free survival major adverse limb events (MALEs), minor amputation rate, all-cause mortality, ulcer healing rate, time to healing, pain, transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) or ankle-brachial index (ABI), quality of life, need for a new procedure, periprocedural serious adverse events (SAE; within 30 days from the procedure), hospital lenght of stay, and operative time. Twelve RCTs were included, one enrolled two separate cohorts of patients, and therefore, the studies included in the analyses were 13. Participants treated with ET had a similar rate of major amputations to participants treated with BS (MH-OR 0.85 [0.60, 1.20], p = 0.36); only one trial reported separately data on patients with diabetes (N = 1), showing no significant difference between ET and BS (MH-OR: 0.67 [0.09, 5.13], p = 0.70). For minor amputation, no between-group significant differences were reported: MH-OR for ET vs BS: 0.83 [0.21, 3.30], p = 0.80). No significant difference in amputation-free survival between the two treatment modalities was identified (MH-OR 0.94 [0.59, 1.49], p = 0.80); only one study reported subgroup analyses on diabetes, with a non-statistical trend toward reduction in favor of ET (MH-OR 0.62 [0.37, 1.04], p = 0.07). No significant difference between treatments was found for all-cause mortality (MH-OR for ET vs BS: 0.98 [0.80, 1.21], p = 0.88). A significantly higher rate of MALE was reported in participants treated with ET (MH-OR: 1.44 [1.05, 1.98], p = 0.03); in diabetes subgroup analysis showed no differences between-group for this outcome (MH-OR: 1.34 [0.76, 2.37], p = 0.30). Operative duration and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter for ET (WMD: - 101.53 [- 127.71, - 75.35] min, p < 0.001, and, - 4.15 [- 5.73, - 2.57] days, p < 0.001 =, respectively). ET was associated with a significantly lower risk of any SAE within 30 days in comparison with BS (MH-OR: 0.60 [0.42, 0.86], p = 0.006). ET was associated with a significantly higher risk of reintervention (MH-OR: 1.57 [1.10, 2.24], p = 0.01). No significant between-group differences were reported for ulcer healing (MH-OR: 1.19 [0.53, 2.69], p = 0.67), although time to healing was shorter (- 1.00 [0.18, 1.82] months, p = 0.02) with BS. No differences were found in terms of quality of life and pain. ABI at the end of the study was reported by 7 studies showing a significant superiority of BS in comparison with ET (WMD: 0.09[0.02; 0.15] points, p = 0.01). The results of this meta-analysis showed no clear superiority of either ET or BS for the treatment of infrainguinal PAD also in diabetic patients. Further high-quality studies are needed, focusing on clinical outcomes, including pre-planned subgroup analyses on specific categories of patients, such as those with diabetes and detailing multidisciplinary team approach and structured follow-up.

Opioid Use Disorder in Patients Undergoing Major Lower Extremity Amputation: Prevalence and Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with a history of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) have higher postoperative complication rates and mortality in many settings. Yet, it remains poorly understood how the opioid epidemic has affected patients undergoing major lower extremity amputation (LEA) and whether outcomes differ by OUD status. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of all 689 patients who underwent major LEA at a large tertiary referral center from 2015 to 2021. This study assessed patient characteristics and long-term postoperative outcomes for patients with preoperative OUD. RESULTS: 133 (19.3%) patients had a lifetime history of preoperative OUD. Preoperative OUD was associated with key characteristics, comorbidities, and outcome measures. OUD was significantly associated with younger age (P < .001), black race (P = .026), single relationship status (P < .001), BMI <30 (P = .024), no primary care provider (P = .004), and Medicaid insurance (P < .001). Comorbidities significantly associated with OUD include current smoking (P < .001), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV; P = .003), and history of osteomyelitis (P < .001). Preoperative OUD independently predicted lower rates of 30-60-day readmission (odds ratio [OR] .54, P = .018) and 1-12-month reamputation (OR .41, P = .006). There was no significant difference in long-term mortality and follow-up. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the prevalence of OUD in patients undergoing major LEA and reports associations and long-term outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of recognizing OUD and raise questions about the mechanisms underlying its relation to rates of postoperative readmission and reamputation.

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.

The relationship between hyperpolypharmacy and one-year outcomes in patients with critical limb ischemia undergoing below-knee endovascular therapy.

BACKGROUND: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients take too many medications because they are elderly and frail patients with multiple comorbidities. Polypharmacy is associated with frailty, although its prognostic significance in CLI patients is unknown. In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of hyperpolypharmacy among adults with CLI and its effect on 1-year amputation and mortality. METHODS: A total of 200 patients with CLI who underwent endovascular therapy (EVT) for below-knee (CTC) lesions were included in this study. Hyperpolypharmacy was defined as using ≥10 drugs. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of hyperpolypharmacy. RESULTS: We detected hyperpolypharmacy in 66 patients. The incidence of 1-year amputation [24 (36.4) versus 12 (9), p<.001] and mortality [28 (42.4) versus 12 (9), p<.001] were higher in patients with hyperpolypharmacy. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were used to determine the independent predictors of amputation and mortality. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off value was defined as 10 or more drug use was able to detect the presence of 1-year mortality with 67.5% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity. The Kaplan-Meier method showed a significant difference (rank p <.001 between log groups), and hyperpolypharmacy was associated with 1-year amputation and mortality. CONCLUSION: Hyperpolypharmacy was significantly associated with 1-year mortality and major amputation in CLI patients. Hyperpolypharmacy can be a valuable aid in patient risk assessment in the CLI.

The Indirect Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Lower Extremity Amputations - An Australian Study.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had indirect and deleterious effects on patient health due to interruptions to routine provision of healthcare. This is particularly true for patients with chronic conditions like peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This study aims to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on patients with PVD in Australia by analysing rates of amputation, indications for amputation and urgency of surgery in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Methods: The Australian Vascular Audit was used to capture lower extremity amputation data in Victoria, Australia, in the 22 months before and after the start of the pandemic. Results: The number of total amputations increased from 1770 pre-pandemic to 1850 during the pandemic, a 4.3% increase. This was largely driven by a statistically significant, 19% increase in major amputations. The number of minor amputations remained relatively similar in the two time periods. Amputations due to tissue loss secondary to arterial insufficiency increased from 474 to 526, an 11% increase, potentially indicating disruptions to revascularisation procedures contributing to the rise in amputations. Elective and emergency surgeries fell by 14% and 18%, respectively, while semi-urgent amputations increased by 32%. Conclusion: This study found an increase in the number of amputations overall and a significant increase in major amputations during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times. Tissue loss secondary to arterial insufficiency was an increasingly common indication for amputation that was observed in the pandemic group, indicating that disruption to revascularisation likely contributed to this increase in amputations. These findings can inform and direct future vascular surgery service delivery to prepare for the post-pandemic recovery. Additionally, this study further confirms that patients with chronic diseases are often disproportionately disadvantaged when global crises affect routine provision of healthcare and calls for better systems to be developed that can be used in such crises in the future.

Evaluación de aspectos clínicos relacionados con la amputación de miembros inferiores en personas que viven con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en México / Evaluation of clinical aspects related to lower limb amputation among individuals living with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Mexico

RESUMEN Introducción: La diabetes continúa siendo una de las principales causas de discapacidad y muerte en la población mundial. Alrededor del 25% de las personas con diabetes desarrollarán una úlcera en alguno de sus miembros pélvicos inferiores. Objetivo: El presente estudio evalúa los aspectos clínicos relacionados con la amputación del miembro inferior pélvico en una cohorte de pacientes con diabetes mellitus. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, transversal, realizado en colaboración entre el Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social y la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, implicó una revisión de expedientes de pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 en el Hospital General Regional "Ignacio García Téllez". Se seleccionaron 100 expedientes clínicos y Electrónicos basados en criterios de inclusión, que incluían edad mayor de 18 años, afiliación en el sitio del estudio, evolución de la diabetes de al menos 10 años, tratamiento farmacológico para la diabetes y diagnóstico de pie diabético con curación completa o amputación como resultado. Los análisis estadísticos se realizaron mediante STATA y se obtuvo aprobación ética. Resultados: Los pacientes con un control glucémico óptimo cuantificando sus niveles de glucosa en ayunas (<130 mg/dl) así como sus valores de hemoglobina glicosilada (< 7%) tuvieron una menor frecuencia de amputaciones (p˂0,001; Chi2) en comparación con aquellos pacientes sin un control glucémico adecuado. Conclusión: Se encontró que ser hombre, valores de hemoglobina glucosilada superiores al 7% y valores promedio de glucosa en ayunas superiores a 130 mg/L aumentan la probabilidad de presentar una amputación de extremidad inferior.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Diabetes continues to be a leading cause of disability and death in the world's population. About 25% of people with diabetes will develop an ulcer in one of their lower pelvic limbs. Objective: The present study evaluates the clinical aspects related to lower pelvic limb amputation in a cohort of patients with diabetes mellitus. Lazarte Echegaray Hospital during the period 2017-2020. Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study, conducted in collaboration between the Mexican Institute of Social Security and the School of Pharmacy of the Autonomous University of Morelos State, involved a review of records of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at the Regional General Hospital "Ignacio García Téllez". One hundred clinical and electronic records were selected based on inclusion criteria, which included age over 18 years, affiliation at the study site, diabetes evolution of at least 10 years, pharmacological treatment for diabetes and diagnosis of diabetic foot with complete healing or amputation as an outcome. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA and ethical approval was obtained. Results: Patients with optimal glycemic control by quantifying their fasting glucose levels (<130 mg/dl) as well as their glycated hemoglobin values (< 7%) had a lower frequency of amputations (p˂0.001; Chi2) compared to those patients without adequate glycemic control. Conclusion: Being male, glycosylated hemoglobin values greater than 7% and mean fasting glucose values greater than 130 mg/L were found to increase the likelihood of having a lower extremity amputation.

Impact of Optimal Medical Therapy on Reintervention and Survival Rates after Endovascular Infrapopliteal Revascularization.

Within this single-center cohort study, we investigated the impact of optimal medical therapy on all-cause mortality, major amputation-free survival and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD TLR) in 552 patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) undergoing endovascular infrapopliteal revascularization. From the overall cohort, 145 patients were treated for intermittent claudication (IC) and 407 were treated for critical limb ischemia (CLI). Optimal medical therapy (OMT) was defined as the presence of at least one antiplatelet agent, statin and ACE inhibitor or AT-2 antagonist based on guideline recommendations. About half (55.5%) of all patients were prescribed OMT at discharge, with a higher proportion in claudicants (62.1%) versus CLI patients (53.2%). Over three years of follow-up, survival was significantly better in patients with IC (80.6 ± 3.8% vs. 59.9 ± 2.9%; p < 0.001). There was a signal towards better survival in those patients receiving OMT (log-rank p = 0.09). Similarly, amputation-free survival (AFS) was significantly better in patients with IC (p = 0.004) and also in patients receiving OMT (78.8 ± 3.6%) compared to that in those without OMT (71.5 ± 4.2%; p = 0.046). Freedom from CD TLR within three years was significantly better in the IC group (p = 0.002), but there were no statistically significant differences for CD TLR dependent on the presence of OMT (p = 0.79). In conclusion, there is still an important underuse of OMT in patients undergoing infrapopliteal interventions, which is even more pronounced in CLI despite a signal for its benefit regarding all-cause mortality and major amputation-free survival.