ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Vascular Claudication-Assessment for Revascularization.

Vascular claudication is a symptom complex characterized by reproducible pain and weakness in an active muscle group due to peripheral arterial disease. Noninvasive hemodynamic tests such as the ankle brachial index, toe brachial index, segmental pressures, and pulse volume recordings are considered the first imaging modalities necessary to reliably establish the presence and severity of arterial obstructions. Vascular imaging is consequently used for diagnosing individual lesions and triaging patients for medical, percutaneous, or surgical intervention. Catheter angiography remains the reference standard for imaging the peripheral arteries, providing a dynamic and accurate depiction of the peripheral arteries. It is particularly useful when endovascular intervention is anticipated. When combined with noninvasive hemodynamic tests, however, noninvasive imaging, including ultrasound, CT angiography, and MR angiography, can also reliably confirm or exclude the presence of peripheral arterial disease. All modalities, however, have their own technical limitations when classifying the location, extent, and severity of disease. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Assessment of microvascular endothelial function in type 1 diabetes using laser speckle contrast imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) coupled with physiological post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and pharmacological iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) as local vasodilator stimuli could distinguish between cutaneous microvascular responses of Type 1 Diabetes (T1DM)'s patients with endothelial dysfunction and that of healthy controls. METHODS: Patients with T1DM aged ≥12years completed a clinical-epidemiological questionnaire. Data detailing patients' such as daily insulin dose, duration of diabetes, and use of pharmaceuticals such as antihypertensive drugs and statins that could interfere with endothelial function were obtained. Vascular reactivity was assessed in the forearm by LSCI and PORH at baseline and during iontophoresis of ACh using increasing anodic currents of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180µA in 10second intervals. RESULTS: This study included 50 patients with T1DM and 30 control subjects. The mean resting flux did not differ between patients and control subjects. T1DM patients exhibited endothelial dysfunction upon challenge with physiological or pharmacological stimuli. The microvascular response to both ACh and PORH (i.e., maximum response at peak and amplitude) were significantly reduced in patients with diabetes compared with control subjects (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that endothelium-dependent skin microvascular vasodilator responses are significantly impaired in patients with T1DM compared to healthy subjects investigated using LSCI coupled with ACh iontophoresis and PORH. Additionally, we find that LSCI is a promising methodology for studying physiological vascular reactivity in T1DM.

Policy evaluation in diabetes prevention and treatment using a population-based macro simulation model: the MICADO model.

AIMS: To test a simulation model, the MICADO model, for estimating the long-term effects of interventions in people with and without diabetes. METHODS: The MICADO model includes micro- and macrovascular diseases in relation to their risk factors. The strengths of this model are its population scope and the possibility to assess parameter uncertainty using probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Outcomes include incidence and prevalence of complications, quality of life, costs and cost-effectiveness. We externally validated MICADO's estimates of micro- and macrovascular complications in a Dutch cohort with diabetes (n = 498,400) by comparing these estimates with national and international empirical data. RESULTS: For the annual number of people undergoing amputations, MICADO's estimate was 592 (95% interquantile range 291-842), which compared well with the registered number of people with diabetes-related amputations in the Netherlands (728). The incidence of end-stage renal disease estimated using the MICADO model was 247 people (95% interquartile range 120-363), which was also similar to the registered incidence in the Netherlands (277 people). MICADO performed well in the validation of macrovascular outcomes of population-based cohorts, while it had more difficulty in reflecting a highly selected trial population. CONCLUSIONS: Validation by comparison with independent empirical data showed that the MICADO model simulates the natural course of diabetes and its micro- and macrovascular complications well. As a population-based model, MICADO can be applied for projections as well as scenario analyses to evaluate the long-term (cost-)effectiveness of population-level interventions targeting diabetes and its complications in the Netherlands or similar countries.

[Orthostatic hypotension: definition, symptoms, assessment and pathophysiology]. / L'Hypotension orthostatique: 1ère partie: definition, symptomatologie, évaluation et physiopathologie.

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is defined by a drop in arterial blood pressure (BP) of at least 20 mmHg for systolic BP and 10 mmHg for diastolic BP after standing. Symptoms are generally quite typical, but may also be rather vague. Diagnosis may be easily made by the physician in his/ her office, and confirmed, if necessary, by more sophisticated measurements. Pathophysiology is generally rather complex, but mostly involves a defect in the autonomic nervous system, in its sympathetic component. Failure of peripheral vasoconstriction seems to play a more important role than the defect in reflex tachycardia. Causes of OH are multiples. OH may occur in healthy subjects, when exposed to exceptional circumstances, but is more generally associated with various diseases, either neurological disorders or pathologies characterized by hypovolemia. Medications can also aggravate the risk of OH, among which some antihypertensive or psychotropic agents. Elderly people, especially frailty subjects, are exposed to a high risk of OH, whose origin is often multifactorial, and this complication may have serious medical consequences.

Sequential compression biomechanical device in patients with critical limb ischemia and nonreconstructible peripheral vascular disease.

OBJECTIVES: Critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients who are unsuitable for intervention face the dire prospect of primary amputation. Sequential compression biomechanical device (SCBD) therapy provides a limb salvage option for these patients. This study assessed the outcome of SCBD in severe CLI patients who otherwise would face an amputation. Primary end points were limb salvage and 30-day mortality. Secondary end points were hemodynamic outcomes (increase in popliteal artery flow and toe pressure), ulcer healing, quality-adjusted time without symptoms of disease or toxicity of treatment (Q-TwiST), and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: From 2004 to 2009, we assessed 4538 patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Of these, 707 had CLI, 518 underwent intervention, and 189 were not suitable for any intervention. A total of 171 patients joined the SCBD program for 3 months. RESULTS: All patients were Rutherford category ≥4. Median follow-up was 13 months. Mean toe pressure increased from 39.9 to 55.42 mm Hg, with a mean difference in toe pressure of 15.49 mm Hg (P = .0001). Mean popliteal flow increased from 35.44 to 55.91 cm/s, with mean difference in popliteal flow of 20.47 cm/s (P < .0001). Mortality at 30 days was 0.6%. Median amputation-free survival was 18 months. Limb salvage at 3.5 years was 94%. Freedom from major adverse clinical events (MACE) at 4.5 years was 62.5%. We treated 171 patients with SCBD at a cost of €681,948, with an estimated median per-patient cost of treatment with SCBD of €3988. CONCLUSION: SCBD therapy is a cost-effective and clinically efficacious solution in CLI patients with no option of revascularization. It provides adequate limb salvage and ameliorated amputation-free survival while providing relief of rest pain without any intervention.

An assessment of peripheral vascular disease in patients with diabetic foot ulcer.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a chronic limb ischaemia caused by atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries. Diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for this disease. The most common symptom of PVD is muscle pain in the lower limbs on exercise. In diabetes, pain perception may be blunted by the presence of peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, a patient with diabetes and PVD is more likely to present with an ischaemic ulcer or gangrene than a patient without diabetes. The use of ankle-brachial-pressure index (ABI) in the clinic and bedside provide a measure of blood flow to the ankle. This could help early detection, initiate early therapy and may thus reduce the risk of critical limb ischaemia and limb loss. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the occurrence of peripheral vascular disease using ankle-brachial index in diabetic patients with and without foot ulcers and the risk factors associated with diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). METHOD: This prospective study involved all type 2 DM patients with foot ulcer (DFU population) and those without foot ulcers (non-DFU population) seen in our hospital. Their demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters were noted and documented. Measurement of ABI was done using a portable hand held Doppler and ankle pressures<0.9 is suggestive of PVD. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were recruited. Males were 42 (56.8%) and females were 32 (43.2%). The mean age of the patients was 62.89±10.66 years and the duration of diabetes was 7.61±7.57 years. Forty-six (62.2%) presented with foot ulcer while 28 (37.8%) were without foot ulcer. Patients with PVD represented by ABI<0.9 was DFU 31(76.4%) while in non-DFU it was 10 (13.4%). Multivariant analysis of variables associated with DFU in those with ABI<0.9 showed correlation with tobacco use r=.235, p=0.044; duration of diabetes r=-.427; p=0.001; and systolic blood pressure r=-.301; p=0.009. DISCUSSION: The occurrence of PVD determined by the absence of >2 pulses by palpation alone and using ABI was 25.7% and 55.4% respectively. This suggests that assessment by palpation is subjective while the use of Doppler is quantitative and more reliable. DFU patients with PVD showed a significant correlation with tobacco use, duration of diabetes and systolic blood pressure but not with dyslipidaemia. CONCLUSION: This study shows that these patients had risk factors for PVD. The use of hand held Doppler will aid early diagnosis of critical limb at risk of loss and help to prevent and reduce the high rate of limb loss in our patients.

The impact of vascular leg disorders on physical activity in methadone-maintained adults.

Chronic venous disorders (CVD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) may affect diverse physical activity domains. How CVD and PAD and other relevant variables affect physical activity was examined in 569 opioid-addicted adults. Both CVD and PAD were significantly inversely related to daily walking, sports, and active living. Effects remained significant in the latent variable regression after controlling covariates. Overall activity was very low; most participants walked less than a half mile daily and rarely engaged in sports. Motivation for physical activity was the strongest predictor (ß = .55) of daily physical activity. Health-care professionals promoting physical activity for injection users should consider the vascular health of their legs and motivational variables in addition to general health.

Should we screen for masked hypertension in patient with vascular disease?

BACKGROUND: The influence of hypertension on cardiovascular risk is well known. Ambulatory blood pressure measurement (ABPM) is able to identify patients with masked hypertension (MH) underdetected by clinical BP measurement. The benefit of screening for MH in a high-risk population was investigated. AIMS: To detect MH in a population with no prior history of hypertension and medically treated for peripheral or coronary arterial disease. METHODS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients with peripheral or coronary artery disease documented with arteriography, without a history of hypertension, and with an admission BP < 140/90 mmHg underwent ABPM after discharge. Ambulatory BP >or= 125/80 mmHg were defined as MH. RESULTS: MH was found in 11 patients (28.9%). The MH group had a mean systolic and diastolic hospitalization BP significantly higher (127 versus 115 mmHg, respectively, P = 0.002 and 76 versus 66 mmHg, P = 0.01), and tended to have a higher admission systolic BP and pulse pressure (127 versus 121 mmHg, respectively, P = 0.07; and 54 versus 46 mmHg, P = 0.06). The first BP measurement on the 24-hour ABPM was significantly higher in the MH group 140 versus 121 mmHg, P = 0.001, for systolic BP and 84 versus 74 mmHg, P = 0.03, for diastolic BP. CONCLUSIONS: MH was found in patients with documented and medically treated vascular disease. BP in the prehypertensive range is associated with MH. Systematic screening for MH in this high-risk population requires further investigation.

The next 10 years in the management of peripheral artery disease: perspectives from the 'PAD 2009' Conference.

OBJECTIVES: To briefly inform on the conclusions from a conference on the next 10 years in the management of peripheral artery disease (PAD). DESIGN OF THE CONFERENCE: International participation, invited presentations and open discussion were based on the following issues: Why is PAD under-recognised? Health economic impact of PAD; funding of PAD research; changes of treatment options? Aspects on clinical trials and regulatory views; and the role of guidelines. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A relative lack of knowledge about cardiovascular risk and optimal management of PAD patients exists not only among the public, but also in parts of the health-care system. Specialists are required to act for improved information. More specific PAD research is needed for risk management and to apply the best possible evaluation of evidence for treatment strategies. Better strategies for funding are required based on, for example, public/private initiatives. The proportion of endovascular treatments is steadily increasing, more frequently based on observational studies than on randomised controlled trials. The role of guidelines is therefore important to guide the profession in the assessment of most relevant treatment.

Minimally invasive versus conventional aortic valve replacement: a 10-year experience.

AIM: Data on the impact of minimally invasive approach on clinical outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement (MIAVR) are limited and somewhat controversial. The aim of the study was to compare the outcomes of patients undergoing MIAVR and conventional aortic valve replacement (CAVR) in a large cohort of patients operated over a decade. METHODS: The study population consisted of 466 consecutive patients undergoing isolated AVR between 1995 and 2005. Outcomes of 164 patients undergoing MIAVR were compared to 302 patients undergoing CAVR. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of outcomes. RESULTS: Operative mortality and major complication rates were similar among the groups. Univariate analysis revealed that MIAVR was associated with reduced incidence of allogeneic blood transfusions (31% vs. 41%, P=0.03) and a shorter hospital stay (5+/-2 vs. 7+/-5 days, P<0.0001). In multivariable analysis, predictors for blood transfusions were age (OR=2.15), non elective operation (OR=1.36), female gender (OR=1.13), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR=1.12) and CAVR (OR=2.57). Predictors of prolonged hospital stay were peripheral vascular disease (OR=4.83), diabetes mellitus (OR=3.2), aortic cross clamp time (OR=1.17), and CAVR (OR=4.46). CONCLUSION: MIAVR is a safe and effective procedure resulting in significant reduction of allogeneic blood transfusions and a shorter length of hospital stay.

Combined assessment of chronic kidney disease and subclinical peripheral artery disease used to predict future cardiac events.

BACKGROUND: Both the presence of peripheral arterial disease and chronic kidney disease has been reported to be independent risk factors associating with poor prognosis. However, the impact of combination of peripheral arterial disease and chronic kidney disease remains unknown. METHODS: The long-term outcome in 715 consecutive patients who had undergone coronary angiogram for the evaluation of chest pain was analyzed. Patients on haemodialysis were excluded from this analysis. Cohort patients were divided into four groups according to the Ankle Brachial Index (ABI <0.9) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR <60 mL/min per m(2)): group A (n= 498; ABI >0.9, GFR >60); B (n = 65, ABI <0.9, GFR >60); C (n = 99; ABI >0.9, GFR <60); and D (n = 53; ABI <0.9, GFR <60). The mean follow-up period was 620 +/- 270 days and evaluated the major cardiac adverse events included survival, stroke, acute coronary syndrome and heart failure. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 620 +/- 270 days. Total long-term event was present in 89 patients (groups A-D were 9.4%, 18.5%, 15.2% and 28.3%, respectively). Long-term event rate was 28.3% for patients with the presence of peripheral arterial disease and chronic kidney disease, compared to 9.4% for those without peripheral arterial disease and chronic kidney disease (P < 0.0001). Kaplan-Meier event-free survival curves also showed that the combination of peripheral arterial disease and chronic kidney disease predicted long-term event rate. CONCLUSION: The combination of chronic kidney disease and ABI of less than 0.9 undergoing coronary angiogram is strongly associated with long-term event rate.

Resting energy expenditure in patients with intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to compare the resting energy expenditure of patients with intermittent claudication and critical limb ischemia. A secondary aim was to identify predictors of resting energy expenditure. METHODS: One hundred patients limited by intermittent claudication and 40 patients with critical limb ischemia participated in this study. Patients were assessed on resting energy expenditure, body composition, ankle brachial index (ABI), and calf blood flow. RESULTS: Patients with critical limb ischemia had a lower resting energy expenditure than patients with intermittent claudication (1429 +/- 190 kcal/day vs 1563 +/- 229 kcal/day; P = .004), and higher body fat percentage (34.8 +/- 7.8% vs 31.5 +/- 7.8%; P = .037), higher fat mass (30.0 +/- 9.3 kg vs 26.2 +/- 8.9 kg;P = .016), and lower ABI (0.31 +/- 0.11 vs 0.79 +/- 0.23; P < .001). Resting energy expenditure was predicted by fat free mass (P < .0001), age (P < .0001), ABI (P < .0001), ethnicity (P < .0001), calf blood flow (P = .005), and diabetes (P = .008). Resting energy expenditure remained lower in the patients with critical limb ischemia after adjusting for clinical characteristics plus fat free mass (1473 +/- 27.8 kcal/day [mean +/- SEM] vs 1527 +/- 19.3 kcal/day; P = .031), but it was no longer different between groups after further adjustment for ABI and calf blood flow (1494 +/- 25.2 kcal/day vs 1505 +/- 17.7 kcal/day; P = .269). CONCLUSION: Resting energy expenditure is decreased with a progression in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) symptoms from intermittent claudication to critical limb ischemia. Furthermore, patients with critical limb ischemia who are most susceptible for decline in resting energy expenditure are older, African American patients with diabetes. The lower resting energy expenditure of patients with critical limb ischemia, combined with their sedentary lifestyle, suggests that they are at high risk for long-term positive energy balance and weight gain.

Walking economy before and after the onset of claudication pain in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

PURPOSE: To determine the walking economy before and after the onset of claudication pain in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and to identify predictors of the change in walking economy following the onset of claudication pain. METHODS: A total of 39 patients with PAD were studied, in which 29 experienced claudication (Pain group) during a constant load, walking economy treadmill test (speed = 2.0 mph, grade = 0%) and 10 were pain-free during this test (Pain-Free group). Patients were characterized on walking economy (ie, oxygen uptake during ambulation), as well as on demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, baseline exercise performance measures, and the ischemic window calculated from the decrease in ankle systolic blood pressure following exercise. RESULTS: During the constant load treadmill test, the Pain group experienced onset of claudication pain at 323 +/- 195 seconds (mean +/- standard deviation) and continued to walk until maximal pain was attained at 759 +/- 332 seconds. Walking economy during pain-free ambulation (9.54 +/- 1.42 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) changed (P < .001) after the onset of pain (10.18 +/- 1.56 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). The change in walking economy after the onset of pain was associated with ischemic window (P < .001), hypertension (P < .001), diabetes (P = .002), and height (P = .003). In contrast, the Pain-Free group walked pain-free for the entire 20-minute test duration without a change in walking economy (P = .36) from the second minute of exercise (9.20 +/- 1.62 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)) to the nineteenth minute of exercise (9.07 +/- 1.54 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). CONCLUSION: Painful ambulation at a constant speed is associated with impaired walking economy, as measured by an increase in oxygen uptake in patients limited by intermittent claudication, and the change in walking economy is explained, in part, by severity of PAD, diabetes, and hypertension.

Preoperative functional status predicts perioperative outcomes after infrainguinal bypass surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Infrainguinal surgical bypass (BPG) is a durable method for lower extremity revascularization, but is accompanied by significant 30-day morbidity and mortality (MM). The goal of this study is to relate preoperative functional status, a defined metric in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, to perioperative MM. METHODS: Between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2007, all patients who underwent BPG from the NSQIP private sector database were reviewed. The primary end-point was 30-day MM. Patients were stratified by preoperative functional status: independent (IND) vs dependent (DEP). Associated patient demographic/clinical data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods. Composite odds ratios were constructed with clusters of high-risk comorbidities. RESULTS: There were 5639 BPG patients (4600 [81.6%] IND and 1039 [18.4%]) DEP. DEP patients were significantly older (71.6 +/- 11.8 vs 66.8 +/- 11.8 years; P < .0001), had more chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (16.7% vs 11.4%; P < .0001), diabetes (54.2% vs 40.7%; P < .0001), dialysis dependence (16.4% vs 5.6%; P < .0001), and critical limb ischemia (64.6% vs 44.0%; P < .0001). DEP patients had a higher incidence of death (6.1% vs 1.5%; P < .0001) and major complications (30.3% vs 14.2%; P < .0001). DEP was an independent predictor of major complications (odds ratio [OR]: 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.7-2.4]; P < .0001) major systemic complications (2.5 [1.9-3.2]; P < .0001), major operative site complications (1.6 [1.4-1.9]; P < .0001) and death (2.3[1.6-3.4]; P < .0001). The combination of DEP with emergency surgery, Cr > 1.8, or rest pain increased the odds of major complications by five, seven, or 11-fold, respectively. The combination of DEP with hemodialysis, emergency surgery, or age > or = 80 years increased the odds of death by 13, 38, or 87-fold, respectively. CONCLUSION: Preoperative DEP is significantly correlated with all adverse 30-day outcomes in BPG patients. Furthermore, when combined in high-risk composites with specific preoperative clinical variables, DEP is associated with prohibitive MM, thereby identifying patient cohorts that may be unsuitable for BPG.

A systematic review of the limitations and approaches to improve detection and management of peripheral arterial disease in Hispanics.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a highly prevalent public health problem associated with major detrimental effects on quality of life and functional status, and it is also the main cause of limb amputation. More importantly, PAD has been classified as a coronary artery disease equivalent, meaning that patients with a diagnosis of PAD carry a risk for major coronary events equal to that of established coronary artery disease. PAD is also a potent predictor of stroke and death. Despite its frequent occurrence (8 to 10 million Americans are affected), little is known about the natural history of PAD in racial/ethnic minorities, particularly in Hispanics, who represent 12.5% of the United States population. Furthermore, the disease is commonly underdiagnosed and undertreated in this minority group, and outcomes are poorer in Hispanics as compared with whites. Limited access to health care, difficulties for recruitment in population-based studies, and limitations of the noninvasive screening tests are well-established barriers to determine the prevalence and natural history of PAD in Hispanics. Although the most widely used test for assessment of patients at risk for PAD is the ankle-brachial index (ABI), the test has substantial limitations in individuals with diabetes and arterial calcification, which are highly prevalent in Hispanics. The ABI should, therefore, be supplemented by the use of other noninvasive tests, such as the pulse volume recordings (PVR) and toe-brachial index. Besides the use of a combination of diagnostic techniques, the implementation of a research methodology that improves recruitment of Hispanics in population-based studies is necessary to obtain better knowledge of the epidemiology of the disease in this group. Community-based participatory research may be the most appropriate approach to study this ethnic minority because it overcomes barriers for limited access to health care and increases the possibility of overcoming distrust of research on the part of communities. Understanding the epidemiology of PAD to improve its detection and treatment among Hispanics is relevant to reduce disparities in the health status of this group, the most rapidly growing ethnic minority in the United States.

Assessment of peripheral arterial disease of lower limbs with ultrasonography and ankle brachial index at the initiation of hemodialysis.

AIM: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) of the lower limbs carries high risks of leg amputation, quality of life deterioration, and death in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, the frequency of PAD at the initiation of HD has not been adequately documented. In addition, the applicability of ultrasonography to diagnosing PAD is not yet clear in HD patients. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients within three months after HD initiation were enrolled. Ultrasonography was performed regardless of ischemic symptoms. Significant stenosis or obstruction of lower limb arteries on ultrasonography was diagnosed as PAD. RESULTS: Sixteen of the 27 (59.3%) showed PAD on echography. On the other hand, only six of the 27 (22.2%) had an ABI < 0.9. Sixteen patients had a total of 37 lesions revealed by ultrasonography, and the average number of PAD lesions was 2.3 per patient. The numbers of PAD lesions on ultrasonography were as follows: iliac artery, 7; femoral-popliteal artery, 15; and infra-popliteal artery, 15. The ABI was 0.95 +/- 0.29 in PAD and 1.23 +/- 0.13 in non-PAD patients (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of PAD at HD initiation was demonstrated. PAD may be missed using only the ABI (ankle brachial index). Ultrasonography is a reliable and non-invasive examination for detecting PAD.

Lower extremity angioplasty: impact of practitioner specialty and volume on practice patterns and healthcare resource utilization.

OBJECTIVES: Lower extremity percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (LE PTA) is currently performed by a variety of endovascular specialists. We hypothesized that cardiologists (CRD) and vascular surgeons (VAS) may have different practice patterns, indications for intervention, and hospital resource utilization. METHODS: Using the State Inpatient Databases for New Jersey (2003-2007), patients with elective admission undergoing PTA procedures with indications of claudication, rest pain, and gangrene/ulceration were examined. Physician specialty was determined based on all procedures performed. We contrasted by specialty, the indication for LE PTA for the procedure, volume, and hospital resource utilization. RESULTS: Of the 1887 cases of LE PTA, VAS performed 866 (45.9%) and CRD 1021 (54.1%) procedures. The mean patient age was 68.0 years (CRD) vs 70.7 years (VAS), P = .0163. Indications for intervention were compared for CRD vs VAS: claudication 80.7% vs 60.7%, (P < .002); rest pain 6.2% vs 16.0%, (P < .002); gangrene/ulceration 13.1% vs 23.3%, (P < .002). Stents (64.8% of cases) were utilized similarly among physicians (P = .18), and mean hospital length of stay were similar (2.38 days vs 2.41 days, P = .85). Hospital charges by indication varied between CRD vs VAS (all procedures: $49,748 vs $42,158 [P < .0001]). Revenue center charges were different between CRD vs VAS: medical surgical supply $19,128 vs $12,737, (P < .0001); pharmacy $1,959 vs $1,115, (P < .0001). Only 10.7% of CRD were high volume practitioners, compared with 36.8% among VAS (P < .05). High volume practitioners had significantly lower hospital charges ($41,730 vs $51,014, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiologists performing lower extremity angioplasty were more likely to treat patients with claudication than those with rest pain or gangrene/ulceration. Despite treating younger patients with less severe peripheral vascular disease, cardiologists used significantly greater hospital resources. High practitioner volume, regardless of specialty, was associated with lower hospital resource utilization. Reducing variations in indication and practitioner volume may offer substantial cost savings for lower extremity endovascular interventions.

Prediction rule for cardiovascular events and mortality in peripheral arterial disease patients: data from the prospective Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART) cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at high risk of secondary cardiovascular death and events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. To minimize this elevated risk, cardiovascular risk factors should be treated in all PAD patients. Secondary risk management may benefit from a prediction tool to identify PAD patients at the highest risk who could be referred for an additional extensive workup. Stratifying PAD patients according to their risk of secondary events could aid in achieving optimal therapy compliance. To this end we developed a prediction model for secondary cardiovascular events in PAD patients. METHODS: The model was developed using data from 800 PAD patients who participated in the Second Manifestations of ARTerial disease (SMART) cohort study. From the baseline characteristics, 13 candidate predictors were selected for the model development. Missing values were imputed by means of single regression imputation. Continuous predictors were truncated and transformed where necessary, followed by model reduction by means of backward stepwise selection. To correct for over-fitting, a bootstrapping technique was applied. Finally, a score chart was created that divides patients in four risk categories that have been linked to the risk of a cardiovascular event during 1- and 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 4.7 years, 120 events occurred (27% nonfatal myocardial infarction, 21% nonfatal stroke, and 52% mortality from vascular causes), corresponding to a 1- and 5-year cumulative incidence of 3.1% and 13.2%, respectively. Important predictors for the secondary risk of a cardiovascular event are age, history of symptomatic cardiovascular disease, systolic blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, smoking behavior, ankle-brachial pressure index, and creatinine level. The risk of a cardiovascular event in a patient as predicted by the model was 0% to 10% and 1% to 28% for the four risk categories at 1- and 5-year follow-up, respectively. The discriminating capacity of the prediction model, indicated by the c statistic, was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.80). CONCLUSION: A prediction model can be used to predict secondary cardiovascular risk in PAD patients. We propose such a prediction model to allow for the identification of PAD patients at the highest risk of a cardiovascular event or cardiovascular death, which may be a viable tool in vascular secondary health care practice.