Referral from vascular surgery to cardiovascular rehabilitation and related outcomes in patients with peripheral arterial disease: the THINKPAD-RELOADED survey.

The utilization of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) programmes in patients with Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease (LEPAD) is generally poor, with limited evidence of current policies for referral. The aim of the study was to evaluate, within a cohesive network of CR and vascular surgery facilities with facilitated referral process, the clinical characteristic of LEPAD patients referred to CR and related outcomes, as compared to patients not referred. The present is an observational prospective study of consecutive patients recruited at vascular surgery facilities. Out of 329 patients observed, the average referral rate to CR was 34% (28% and 39% in patients with and without recent peripheral revascularization, p<0.05). LEPAD patients entering the CR programme were similar to those who did not according to sex, age, the vascular surgery setting of evaluation, and localization of arterial lesions. Patients with moderate intermittent claudication and patients with acute limb ischemia as index event were more represented among those who attended CR (41% vs 21% and 9% vs 2% respectively, p<0.05). Patients referred to CR had five times more episodes of acute coronary syndrome and heart failure as complication of the index event. The cardiovascular risk profile (obesity 29.5% vs 11%, p<0.05; hypercholesterolemia 80% vs 61%, p<0.05) was much worse in LEPAD patients referred to CR, but conversely, they better achieved secondary prevention targets, particularly for blood pressure control (97% vs 57%, p<0.05). All-cause 2-year mortality in the whole patients' population was 6%. Patients entering the CR programme displayed less events (13.5% vs 37.7%, p<0.05), mainly death (3.1% vs 11.3%, p<0.05) and limb-related events (4.2% vs 15.2%, p<0.05). The results of our study suggest that when a cohesive network of vascular surgery and CR facilities becomes available, the referral rate to rehabilitation may increase up to one third of eligible patients. Patients with higher comorbidity and cardiovascular risk seem to have priority in the referral process, nevertheless those with peripheral revascularization are still underestimated. Entering CR may ensure better cardiovascular risk profile and cardiovascular prognosis in LEPAD patients, and consequently the systematic adoption of this care model needs to be strongly recommended and facilitated.

Fisioterapia intra-hospitalar para pacientes com isquemia crítica de membro inferior: consenso de especialistas / Fisioterapia intrahospitalaria para pacientes con isquemia crítica de miembro inferior: consenso de especialistas / Intra-hospital physical therapy for patients with critical lower limb ischaemia: an expert consensus

RESUMO A isquemia crítica de membro inferior (ICMI) gera impacto nos sistemas de saúde, na qualidade de vida e funcionalidade dos indivíduos diagnosticados. Entretanto, há pouca evidência científica que permita fundamentar a intervenção fisioterapêutica para pacientes internados por ICMI. O objetivo desse estudo foi elaborar um consenso de especialistas sobre a fisioterapia intra-hospitalar para pacientes com ICMI. Para tal, foi utilizado o método Delphi. Um painel de especialistas foi formado por 18 fisioterapeutas que representavam 85,7% da equipe de um hospital de referência em cirurgia vascular. Foram consideradas, para o consenso, as respostas com valor mínimo de concordância de 70% e média ou mediana ≥3,1 na escala Likert. Os questionários abordaram itens da avaliação, objetivos e condutas fisioterapêuticas nas fases pré e pós-cirurgia de revascularização. Definiram-se como itens essenciais a avaliação de sintomas, função cognitiva, musculoesquelética e cardiorrespiratória. Controle da dor, redução de edemas, ganho de amplitude de movimento, deambulação e educação em saúde são objetivos no pré-operatório e o ganho de força muscular na fase pós-operatória. Exercícios passivo, assistido, ativo livre e circulatório, incluindo os membros superiores, estão indicados antes e após as cirurgias. Educação em saúde e deambulação com redução de peso em área de lesão plantar são essenciais em todo o período de internação. A eletroanalgesia foi preconizada no pré-operatório e a elevação do membro inferior e exercícios resistidos no pós-operatório.

RESUMEN La isquemia crítica de miembro inferior (ICMI) afecta a los sistemas de salud y la calidad de vida y funcionalidad de los individuos diagnosticados. Sin embargo, hay poca evidencia científica que fundamente la intervención fisioterapéutica para pacientes internados por ICMI. El objetivo de este estudio fue elaborar un consenso de especialistas sobre la fisioterapia intrahospitalaria para pacientes con ICMI. Para ello, se utilizó el método Delphi. Se formó un panel de expertos con 18 fisioterapeutas que representaban el 85,7% del equipo de un hospital de referencia en cirugía vascular. Se consideraron, para el consenso, las respuestas con un valor mínimo de concordancia del 70% y media o mediana ≥3,1 en la escala Likert. Los cuestionarios abordaron ítems de evaluación, objetivos y conductas fisioterapéuticas en las fases pre y poscirugía de revascularización. Se definieron como elementos esenciales la evaluación de síntomas y las funciones cognitiva, musculoesquelética y cardiorrespiratoria. En el preoperatorio, control del dolor, reducción de edemas, ganancia de amplitud de movimiento, deambulación y educación en salud son los objetivos; en la fase posoperatoria, la ganancia de fuerza muscular. Los ejercicios pasivos, asistidos, activos libres y circulatorios, incluidos los miembros superiores, se indican antes y después de las cirugías. La educación en salud y la deambulación con reducción de peso en el área de lesión plantar son esenciales en todo el período de internación. La electroanalgesia fue preconizada en el preoperatorio; y, en el postoperatorio, elevación del miembro inferior y ejercicios resistidos.

ABSTRACT Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a disease with a great burden for the healthcare system, patient's functionality and quality of life. However, there is little evidence to guide intrahospital physical therapy programs for patients with CLI. Thus, this study aimed to provide an expert consensus on intrahospital physiotherapeutic care for CLI patients. An expert panel was made up with 18 experienced physical therapists, which represented 85.7% of physical therapists from a reference vascular surgery team in a university hospital. The Delphi method was used to produce a consensus, considering a minimum agreement of 70% and a mean or median score in the Likert scale ≥3.1. The questionnaires included items related to assessment, goals and physiotherapeutic interventions prior and after revascularization. A consensus was reached on assessing symptoms, cognitive, articular, musculoskeletal and cardiorespiratory functions. Pain control, edema drainage, range of motion gain, walking incentive and health education are goals in the pre-operatory and the muscular strengthening in postoperatory phase. In both phases there was a consensus on the use of passive, active-assisted and active exercises, including upper limb exercises. Walking and therapeutic education are essential during the hospitalization period with offloading practices in area of plantar ulcer. Electroanalgesia should be used in preoperative phase and resisted exercises and lower limb elevation at postoperatory.

Fucoidan improves bioactivity and vasculogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells in murine hind limb ischemia associated with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. Although mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy is a promising strategy for treatment of ischemic diseases associated with CKD, the associated pathophysiological conditions lead to low survival and proliferation of transplanted MSCs. To address these limitations, we investigated the effects of fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide, on the bioactivity of adipose tissue-derived MSCs and the potential of fucoidan-treated MSCs to improve neovascularization in ischemic tissues of CKD mice. Treatment of MSCs with fucoidan increased their proliferative potential and the expression of cell cycle-associated proteins, such as cyclin E, cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 2, cyclin D1, and CDK4, via focal adhesion kinase and the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-Akt axis. Moreover, fucoidan enhanced the immunomodulatory activity of MSCs through the ERK-IDO-1 signal cascade. Fucoidan was found to augment the proliferation, incorporation, and endothelial differentiation of transplanted MSCs at ischemic sites in CKD mice hind limbs. In addition, transplantation of fucoidan-treated MSCs enhanced the ratio of blood flow and limb salvage in CKD mice with hind limb ischemia. To our knowledge, our findings are the first to reveal that fucoidan enhances the bioactivity of MSCs and improves their neovascularization in ischemic injured tissues of CKD. In conclusion, fucoidan-treated MSCs may provide an important pathway toward therapeutic neovascularization in patients with CKD.

The Effects of Limb Elevation on Muscle Oxygen Saturation: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study in Humans.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic and rehabilitation physicians often instruct patients to elevate a traumatized or postoperative lower extremity. Elevation is thought to improve patient comfort, as well as decrease swelling, wound complications, and the risk of compartment syndrome. Elevating a limb with increased compartment pressures, however, has been shown to reduce perfusion pressure and contribute to tissue ischemia. This investigation aims to advance our understanding of the tissue effects of limb elevation using a healthy patient model. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the effects of elevation, experimentally induced ischemia, and immobilization on muscle oxygen saturation in the human leg using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). DESIGN: Experimental crossover study. SETTING: Orthopaedic Surgery research laboratory, Stanford Hospitals & Clinics. PATIENTS FOR PARTICIPATION: Twenty-six healthy volunteers. METHODS: Using transcutaneous sensors, we measured muscle oxygen saturation of the anterior compartment of the left (control) leg at 0, 15, and 30 cm of elevation relative to the heart using NIRS. A standardized short leg splint and a thigh tourniquet inflated to 50 mmHg were then applied to the right (experimental) leg to simulate a traumatized state. NIRS measurements were then repeated, again at 0, 15, and 30 cm of elevation. Muscle oxygen saturation values at various degrees of elevation of the control and experimental limb were then compared and analyzed by the use of a crossover study design and mixed-effects regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Muscle oxygen saturation at varying levels of elevation in both the (1) control leg and (2) experimental leg in a simulated traumatic state. RESULTS: Male (18) males and female (8) patients between 22 and 62 years of age (mean 29.8 years) were enrolled. Mean regional muscle oxygen saturation (rSO2) of the control limbs at 0, 15 and, 30 cm of elevation were 74.2%, 72.5%, and 70.6%, respectively, whereas mean rSO2 of the experimental limbs were 66.3%, 65.0%, and 63.3%. A statistically significant decrease of rSO2 was observed (mean 7.65%) in the experimental limbs compared with the control limbs. As elevation increased, there was a statistically significant decrease in rSO2 of 0.12% per centimeter of elevation. Elevation did not decrease the rSO2 in the experimental limb to a greater degree than in the control limb. CONCLUSION: Increasing levels of elevation in a human limb results in progressively compromised muscle oxygen saturation as measured by NIR.

Red wine polyphenol compounds favor neovascularisation through estrogen receptor α-independent mechanism in mice.

Red wine polyphenol compounds (RWPC) exert paradoxical effects depending on the dose on post-ischemic neovascularisation. Low dose RWPC (0.2 mg/kg/day) is pro-angiogenic, whereas high dose (20 mg/kg/day) is anti-angiogenic. We recently reported that the endothelial effect of RWPC is mediated through the activation of a redox-sensitive pathway, mitochondrial biogenesis and the activation of α isoform of the estrogen receptor (ERα). Here, we investigated the implication of ERα on angiogenic properties of RWPC. Using ovariectomized mice lacking ERα treated with high dose of RWPC after hindlimb ischemia, we examined blood flow reperfusion, vascular density, nitric oxide (NO) production, expression and activation of proteins involved in angiogenic process and muscle energy sensing network. As expected, high dose of RWPC treatment reduced both blood flow and vascular density in muscles of mice expressing ERα. These effects were associated with reduced NO production resulting from diminished activity of eNOS. In the absence of RWPC, ERα deficient mice showed a reduced neo-vascularisation associated with a decreased NO production. Surprisingly in mice lacking ERα, high dose of RWPC increased blood flow and capillary density in conjunction with increased NO pathway and production as well as VEGF expression. Of particular interest is the activation of Sirt-1, AMPKα and PGC-1α/ß axis in ischemic hindlimb from both strains. Altogether, the results highlight a pro-angiogenic property of RWPC via an ERα-independent mechanism that is associated with an up-regulation of energy sensing network. This study brings a corner stone of a novel pathway for RWPC to correct cardiovascular diseases associated with failed neovascularisation.

Gender-related differences in critical limb ischemia due to peripheral arterial occlusive disease / Diferenças entre os gêneros em pacientes com isquemia critica por doenca arterial obstrutiva periferica

BACKGROUND: Mortality from cardiovascular disease has declined among men and increased among North American women. Recent studies have revealed differences between genders in the epidemiology of atherosclerotic disease. OBJECTIVE: To study possible differences between male and female patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) according to risk factors of atherosclerosis and clinical characteristics of lower limbs with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). METHODS: The study included 171 male and female patients treated for CLI due to infrainguinal PAOD and compared clinical characteristics (Rutherford category and PAOD territory), risk factors for atherosclerosis (diabetes, age, smoking and hypertension) and number of opacified arteries on digital angiograms of the leg. The EPI-INFO software was used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS: Mean age was 70 years, and 88 patients were men (52%). For most patients (both genders), Rutherford category was 5 (82 % of men and 70% of women; p=0.16). The group of women had higher mean age (73 vs. 67 years; p=0.0002) and greater prevalence of diabetes (66% vs. 45%; p=0.003) and hypertension (90% vs. 56%; p=0.0000001). Among men, the prevalence of smoking was higher (76% vs. 53%; p=0.0008). The analysis of digital angiograms revealed that opacification of only one artery in the leg was found for 74% of women (vs. 50% of men). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of risk factors for atherosclerosis and the characteristics of PAOD are different between male and female patients with CLI. .

CONTEXTO: A mortalidade por doença cardiovascular vem declinando entre os homens e aumentando entre as mulheres norte-americanas. Pesquisas mostraram diferenças relacionadas ao gênero na epidemiologia da doença aterosclerótica. OBJETIVO: Estudar possíveis diferenças entre pacientes com isquemia crítica por doença arterial obstrutiva periférica (DAOP), de ambos os gêneros, em relação à presença de fatores de risco para a aterosclerose e características da DAOP infrainguinal. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos 171 doentes internados com isquemia crítica por DAOP infrainguinal. Estudamos comparativamente, entre homens e mulheres, as características clínicas (Classificação de Rutherford e território da DAOP), a presença de fatores de risco para a aterosclerose (diabetes, idade, tabagismo e hipertensão arterial) e o número de artérias com alguma opacificação nas angiografias digitais da perna. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo EPI-INFO. Considerou-se significante p <0,05. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 171 casos, a média de idade foi 70 anos, sendo 88 doentes do gênero masculino (52%). A maioria dos pacientes, de ambos os gêneros, era Categoria 5 da Classificação de Rutherford (82% dos homens e 70% das mulheres/ p =0,16). O gênero feminino apresentou média de idade mais avançada (73 VS 67 anos/ p =0,0002), maior prevalência de diabetes (66% VS 45%/ p =0,003) e de HAS (90% VS 56%/ p =0,0000001). Os homens mostraram maior prevalência de tabagismo (76% VS 53%/ p =0,0008). Nas arteriografias, 74% das mulheres (VS 50% homens) apresentaram opacificação de apenas uma artéria na perna CONCLUSÃO: O estudo mostrou que existe diferença entre homens e mulheres com isquemia crítica em relação à ...

Calidad de vida en pacientes con isquemia crónica de miembros inferiores tratados con células madre adultas / Quality of life in patients with chronic lower limb ischemia treated with adult stem cells

Se hizo una evaluación de la calidad de vida en 45 pacientes mayores de 60 años con isquemia arterial crónica de miembros inferiores; de ellos, 34 con isquemia severa y 11 con pie diabético isquémico, también con lesiones severas. A todos se les habían implantado en el miembro inferior afectado, células mononucleares derivadas de la médula ósea movilizadas a la sangre periférica con factor estimulador de colonias de granulocitos. Para la evaluación de la calidad de vida se seleccionó el cuestionario SF-36, que centra su contenido en 2 áreas: el estado funcional y el bienestar emocional. En todos los casos se manifestó una mala calidad de vida preimplante. La mejoría fue evidente a partir del sexto mes después de la terapia celular. Los casos con un año de evolución habían logrado una buena calidad de vida. La mayor parte de los pacientes que evolucionaron satisfactoriamente pudieron incorporarse a las actividades sociales y laborales, lo que con anterioridad no les era posible

An assessment of the quality of life in 45 patients older than 60 years with chronic arterial ischemia of the lower limbs was conducted. Out of them, 34 had severe ischemia, and 11 had ischemic diabetic foot, as well as severe injuries. All had been implanted mononuclear cells in the affected lower limb, which derived from the bone marrow, and mobilized to the peripheral blood with granulocyte colony stimulating factor. For assessing quality of life, SF-36 questionnaire was selected, which focuses its content on two areas: functional status and emotional well being. All cases showed poor quality of life before implantation. Improvement was evident on the sixth month after cell therapy. Cases with a year of evolution had achieved good quality of life. Most of the patients, who had successful outcomes, could join social activities and employment, which was previously not possible

Efeito da cinesioterapia na lesão isquêmica e reperfusão em ratos / Effects of kinesiotherapy in ischemic lesion and reperfusion in rats

OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito da cinesioterapia na funcionalidade do membro pélvico de ratos após lesão isquêmica e reperfusão. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 10 ratos, divididos em dois grupos, GI (controle) e GII (cinesioterapia). Todos os animais foram submetidos à isquemia por um período de três horas, seguido de reperfusão tecidual. No Grupo GII foi realizado cinesioterapia sistêmica (natação) não resistida em três sessões semanais de 50 minutos durante quatro semanas, enquanto que no grupo GI os animais permaneceram em repouso. A análise funcional do comportamento motor foi realizada semanalmente. Posteriormente, os animais foram mortos e retirados os músculos sóleo, gastrocnêmio e nervo ciático para análise histopatológica. RESULTADOS: Houve uma recuperação significativa do comportamento motor com o tratamento cinesioterapêutico ao longo das quatro semanas de tratamento. No entanto, na avaliação histológica os tecidos não mostraram alterações morfológicas de lesão e reparação celular. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi possível afirmar que o exercício mostrou-se eficiente na reparação celular, pois, tanto no grupo controle como no experimental, não apresentou diferença histológica. Por outro lado, a cinesioterapia sistêmica apresentou um efeito benéfico na reabilitação funcional após isquemia e reperfusão. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Caso-Controle.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of kinesiotherapy on the functionality of the pelvic limb of rats after ischemic and reperfusion injury. METHODS: 10 rats were divided into two groups, GI (control) and GII (kinesiotherapy). All the animals underwent ischemia for a period of three hours, followed by tissue reperfusion. In Group GII, non-resistive systemic kinesiotherapy was performed (swimming) in three weekly sessions of 50 minutes, over a period of four weeks, while the GI animals remained at rest. Functional analysis of motor behavior was evaluated weekly. The animals were then sacrificed, and the soleus, gastrocnemius and sciatic nerve removed for histopathological analysis. RESULTS: There was a significant recovery of motor behavior with kinesiotherapeutic treatment during the four weeks of treatment. However, the histological tissues showed no morphological changes of cell injury and repair. CONCLUSION: It was not possible to affirm that the exercise was effective in cell repair, because neither of the groups (control and experimental) showed any histological difference. On the other hand, systemic kinesiotherapy showed a beneficial effect on functional rehabilitation after ischemia and reperfusion. Level of evidence III, Case-Control Study.

Enhanced neurogenesis and cell migration following focal ischemia and peripheral stimulation in mice.

Peripheral stimulation and physical therapy can promote neurovascular plasticity and functional recovery after CNS disorders such as ischemic stroke. Using a rodent model of whisker-barrel cortex stroke, we have previously demonstrated that whisker activity promotes angiogenesis in the penumbra of the ischemic barrel cortex. This study explored the potential of increased peripheral activity to promote neurogenesis and neural progenitor migration toward the ischemic barrel cortex. Three days after focal barrel cortex ischemia in adult mice, whiskers were manually stimulated (15 min x 3 times/day) to enhance afferent signals to the ischemic barrel cortex. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU, i.p.) was administered once daily to label newborn cells. At 14 days after stroke, whisker stimulation significantly increased vascular endothelial growth factor and stromal-derived factor-1 expression in the penumbra. The whisker stimulation animals showed increased doublecortin (DCX) positive and DCX/BrdU-positive cells in the ipsilateral corpus of the white matter but no increase in BrdU-positive cells in the subventricular zone, suggesting a selective effect on neuroblast migration. Neurogenesis indicated by neuronal nuclear protein and BrdU double staining was also enhanced by whisker stimulation in the penumbra at 30 days after stroke. Local cerebral blood flow was better recovered in mice that received whisker stimulation. It is suggested that the enriched microenvironment created by specific peripheral stimulation increases regenerative responses in the postischemic brain and may benefit long-term functional recovery from ischemic stroke.

Acute radial artery ischemia following therapeutic steroid injection.

Intra-arterial corticosteroid injection at the wrist can have devastating consequences. Anatomic arterial variation of the hand can lead to atypical presentation. A careful history and examination, with appropriate investigations, can lead to an accurate diagnosis in such difficult cases.

Survival and quality of life after arterial revascularization or major amputation for critical leg ischemia in Guadeloupe.

Functional outcome and survival in 253 patients treated for critical leg ischemia (CLI) in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) were analyzed. Analysis included calculation of quality-of-life score (QLS) from telephone survey data, with a median follow-up time of 42 months (range 12-109). A slight but significant benefit was observed in the 140 patients who underwent arterial reconstruction, with 76% autonomous ambulatory function, 51% independent residential status, and a QLS of 6.9 +/- 1.5 in comparison with the 113 patients who underwent amputation: 34%, 17%, and 5.1 +/- 2, respectively (p < 0.0001). Survival was comparable in the two groups. Inadequate medical follow-up that was either totally lacking or performed only in case of recurrent CLI as well as low rates of rehabilitation (50%) and prosthetic fitting (32%) in the amputation group highlight the existence of a double problem involving therapeutic compliance and vascular follow-up care/rehabilitation in Guadeloupe.

Avaliação do leito arterial distal em revascularização de membros inferiores: estudo comparativo entre ecografia-doppler, arteriografia e medidas diretas do fluxo no intra-operatório / Arterial distal bed evaluation in revascularization of the lower extremities: comparative study enter doppler echography, arteriography and intra operative direct measures flow

A cirurgia de restauração circulatória aterial no paciente portador de isquemia crítica de membros inferiores apresenta indicações clínicas e técnica operatória já bastante estudadas e definidas. Ainda hoje, no entanto, um considerável número de enxertos evolui para oclusão. Entre as causas relacionadas à falência precoce, podemos destacar a resistência do leito distal receptor do enxerto. Interessou-nos estudar a existência de correlação hemodinâmica entre a Ecografia-Dopller, a Arteriografia pré-operatória e medidas diretas intra-operatórias de resistência do leito arterial receptor de enxerto. Foram estudadas 68 operações de revascularização de membros inferiores portadores de isquemia crítica . A Ecografia-Dopller foi considerada tenicamente satisfatória em 93,2%. Foi verificada a presença de correlação hemodinâmica positiva entre os métodos descritos acima (Teste de Pearson), particularmente para artéria a ser revascularizada pode auxiliar no estudo hemodinâmico do leito arterial receptor do enxerto e dessa forma auxiliar na definição do prognóstico do enxerto e no estabelecimento da melhor estratégia terapêutica a ser tomada ainda no período pré-operatório.

Recovery of neurologic function following nontraumatic spinal cord lesions in Israel.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To assess neurologic recovery and the manner in which it is affected by various factors following nontraumatic spinal cord lesions (NTSCLs). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: NTSCLs comprise a considerable portion of spinal cord lesions. However, information about neurologic recovery in these lesions is scarce. METHOD: The study sample included 1,085 patients with NTSCL treated between 1962 and 2000 at the premier referral hospital for rehabilitation in Israel. Demographic and clinical data were collected from hospital charts. The degree of neurologic recovery was determined by comparing each patient's Frankel grades of neurologic deficit at first admission to rehabilitation and at discharge from the same hospitalization. The study population was also compared with previously studied 250 patients with traumatic spinal cord lesions (TSCLs). RESULTS: Complete or substantial neurologic recovery (upgrade to Frankel Grade D or E) occurred during rehabilitation in 51% of patients who were Grade A, B, or C on admission, and in 57% of those who were Grade C. Neurologic recovery in NTSCL during rehabilitation was significantly affected by initial Frankel grade and by NTSCL etiology. Age had a borderline effect. Gender, lesion level, and the decade of rehabilitation did not affect recovery. Recovery rate was usually higher in NTSCLs than in TSCLs. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis for neurologic recovery is affected mainly by SCL severity and etiology, and is usually better in NTSCLs than in TSCLs.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials assessing spinal cord stimulation for inoperable critical leg ischaemia.

BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may have a place in the treatment of patients with inoperable chronic critical leg ischaemia. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed of all controlled studies comparing SCS in addition to any form of conservative treatment for inoperable chronic critical leg ischaemia. Main endpoints were limb salvage, pain relief and clinical situation. Systematic methodological appraisal and data extraction were performed by independent reviewers. RESULTS: Of the 18 reports found, nine trials, comprising 444 patients, matched the selection criteria. After pooling, limb salvage at 12 months appeared significantly greater in the SCS group (risk difference (RD) -0.13 (95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) -0.04 to -0.22)). Significant pain relief occurred in both treatment groups, but patients who received SCS required significantly less analgesia and reached Fontaine stage 2 more often than those who did not have SCS (RD 0.33 (95 per cent c.i. 0.19 to 0.47)). Complications of SCS were problems of implantation (8.2 per cent), changes in stimulation requiring reintervention (14.8 per cent) and infection (2.9 per cent). CONCLUSION: The addition of SCS to standard conservative treatment improves limb salvage, ischaemic pain and the general clinical situation in patients with inoperable chronic critical leg ischaemia. These benefits should be weighed against the cost and the (minor) complications associated with the technique.

[Nonoperative treatment of ischemic contractures of forearm and hand]. / Die nichtoperative Behandlung der ischämischen Muskelkontraktur an Unterarm und Hand.

The acute compartment syndrome of the forearm and hand leads to severe muscle necrosis and nerve damage if the diagnosis is not recognized. The resulting ischemic contractures and paralyses require a distinctive regime of therapy. Therefore,physiotherapy and occupational therapy are of main importance. In mild cases exclusively nonoperative treatment is possible. The goal is to exercise the function of the remaining muscles, mobilize the joints, and stretch muscle scars. Severe forms need surgery. To reach the best starting point for the operation, extensive preoperative active and passive exercises as well as splint therapy are required. Postoperatively, this regime has to be continued to retain a favorable outcome. The treatment approach is demonstrated with a case report.

Exercise therapy or angioplasty? A summation analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcome of exercise therapy or angioplasty for the treatment of patients with intermittent claudication. DESIGN: A summation analysis. METHODS: A search using MEDLINE and PUBMED between 1966 and April 1999 followed by a review of the manuscripts yielded 54 studies involving angioplasty and 27 studies involving exercise therapy for intermittent claudication. Studies were only included (12 angioplasty and nine exercise series) when results were available for patients with intermittent claudication alone, and when outcome was assessed in terms of symptoms at a minimum of 6 months. RESULTS: The total number of claudicants undergoing exercise therapy was 294 patients, with a mean symptomatic success rate of 38. 4% and a mean improvement in maximum walking distance of 189.7% at 6 months. The total number of claudicants undergoing angioplasty was 2071, with a mean overall symptomatic success rate of 76.6%. The mean overall complication rate was 9% and mean major complication rate was 2.7% for the angioplasty studies. CONCLUSION: Although the result demonstrates an advantage of angioplasty over exercise therapy at 6 months, there is a small risk of major complications. However, comparison of studies was impaired due to disparity in patient numbers, limited follow-up time and lack of uniformity in outcome assessment. In order to achieve a valid comparison of these therapies in a future randomised study, a validated disease-specific instrument for the assessment of symptomatic outcome for claudicants is required.

Exercise training for claudicants: changes in blood flow, cardiorespiratory status, metabolic functions, blood rheology and lipid profile.

OBJECTIVE: Exercise training improves the walking distance of claudicants. The aim of this study was to investigate factors associated with the improvement in the maximum walking distance (MWD) in respect to cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic adaptations. METHODS: Forty claudicants were studied. Common femoral artery blood flow (BF), heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO(2)), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), lactate levels, blood rheology and lipid profiles were measured. Tests were repeated after 3 months of exercise training. RESULTS: Fifteen patients did not complete the exercise program. For patients who did complete the program, MWD improved by 82%. A significant reduction in HR and VO(2)during exercise was demonstrated. No significant changes occurred in BF or RER. Although MWD increased significantly, there was no increase in recovery VO(2)(oxygen debt). A significant reduction in post-exercise lactate levels occurred. Blood rheology was unchanged, but an improvement in HDL levels was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Many claudicants could not complete an exercise program, mainly due to osteoarthritis. Exercise training improved exercise tolerance significantly without any increase in BF. The HR and oxygen cost of similar exercise was reduced. An improved MWD did not correlate with a higher oxygen debt or lactate load. Favourable changes in lipid profiles occurred.

Prospective analysis of quality of life in patients following infrainguinal reconstruction for chronic critical ischaemia.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this prospective study were to analyse the health-related quality of life (QOL) changes associated with infrainguinal arterial reconstruction for chronic critical limb ischaemia (CLI) and to assess the impact of graft patency and limb salvage. METHODS: Fifty-five consecutive patients, 28 women and 27 men of median age 71 (range 41-86) years, undergoing infrainguinal arterial reconstruction for CLI, consented to participate in the study. QOL was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF36) health survey questionnaire, which was completed before and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months following surgery. Graft patency was assessed by duplex imaging at the same postoperative intervals. RESULTS: CLI severely impaired QOL. Cumulative graft patency at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery was 82, 78, 76 and 64 per cent respectively. Reconstruction resulted in significant improvements in the SF36 domains Physical Functioning, Pain, Vitality and Social Functioning (P< 0.01). With a patent graft these improvements began soon after surgery and were maintained for the 12 months studied. Following irredeemable graft occlusion, patients who had secondary amputation also described some QOL improvements. CONCLUSION: A patent graft following infrainguinal arterial reconstruction for critical ischaemia results in an immediate and lasting improvement in health-related QOL.