Factors Associated With Major Lower Extremity Amputations in Diabetic Foot Infections at a County Hospital in Guatemala.

INTRODUCTION: Outcomes from diabetic foot infections (DFIs) at the major referral hospital (Hospital Nacional de San Benito) in El Petén, Guatemala have not been analyzed. We hypothesized that poor diabetic control might be associated with a high rate of major lower extremity amputations (mLEAs; above the ankle). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis at Hospital Nacional de San Benito between (8/14 and 6/23) in patients presenting with DFIs. Patients receiving mLEAs were compared with all others (AO = [trans-metatarsal amputations, toe amputations, incision and drainage, and antibiotic treatment]). Interviews surgeons were undertaken to ascertain reasons for index operation choice. Univariable and multivariable analyses were undertaken to determine factors associated with mLEAs. RESULTS: Of 110 patients with DFIs, there were 23 mLEAs (above the knee = 21, below the knee = 2). Age, duration with diabetes, and a prior ipsilateral minor amputation were associated with mLEAs. Multivariable analysis identified white blood cell count as significant for mLEA (odds ratio = 1.5 95% confidence interval [1.0 to 2.5]). Cited reasons for a high rate of above the knee amputation (AKAs) versus below the knee amputation were patient related (advanced disease, patient frailty, and poor compliance), systemic (lack of vascular equipment and knee immobilizer), and surgeon related. CONCLUSIONS: This cohort of patients presented with an average of 15 years with diabetes mellitus and poor adherence to diabetic treatment (40%). Many of these diabetic patients developed a DFI requiring mLEAs (21%), most of which were AKAs (91%). Efforts to minimize the number of AKA versus below the knee amputation require immediate attention. Programs to adhere to DM control and foot care in patients with DM are urgently needed.

Lower-extremity malperfusion syndrome in patients undergoing proximal aortic surgery for acute type A aortic dissection.

Objective: Data regarding management of lower-extremity malperfusion in the setting of type A aortic dissection are limited. This study aimed to compare acute type A aortic dissection with lower-extremity malperfusion outcomes in patients undergoing lower-extremity revascularization with no revascularization. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing acute type A aortic dissection surgery were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Perioperative variables were compared between patients with and without lower-extremity malperfusion. Factors associated with lower-extremity malperfusion, revascularization, and mortality were determined using univariable Cox regression and Firth's penalized likelihood modeling. Results: From January 2007 to December 2021, 601 patients underwent proximal aortic repair for acute type A aortic dissection at a quaternary care center. Of these, 85 of 601 patients (14%) presented with lower-extremity malperfusion and were more often male (P = .02), had concomitant moderate or greater aortic insufficiency (P = .05), had lower ejection fraction (P = .004), had preoperative dialysis dependence (P = .01), and had additional cerebral, visceral, and renal malperfusion syndromes (P < .001). Kaplan-Meier estimated survival fared worse with lower-extremity malperfusion compared with no lower-extremity malperfusion at 1, 5, and 10 years (84% vs 77%, 74% vs 71%, 65% vs 52%, respectively, P = .03). In the lower-extremity malperfusion group, 15 of 85 patients (18%) underwent lower-extremity revascularization without significant differences in postoperative morbidity and mortality compared with patients not undergoing revascularization. Need for peripheral revascularization was associated with peripheral vascular disease (hazard ratio, 3.7 [1.0-14.0], P = .05) and pulse deficit (hazard ratio, 5.6 [1.3-24.0], P = .02) at presentation. Conclusions: Patients presenting with type A aortic dissection and lower-extremity malperfusion have worse overall survival compared with those without lower-extremity malperfusion. However, not all patients with type A aortic dissection and lower-extremity malperfusion require revascularization.

Diffuse dermal angiomatosis of the thigh as the presenting sign of critical limb ischemia.

Diffuse dermal angiomatosis (DDA) is a rare, benign disease that can serve as the precursor to critical limb ischemia. Pruritic, erythematous plaques form from a proliferation of endothelial cells in response to dermal hypoxia. We present the case of a 63-year-old female patient with DDA of the left medial thigh, followed by ischemia of her distal extremities. Revascularization of her left leg resulted in resolution of the DDA and healing of her ulcers. DDA can be an important clue to identify significant peripheral vascular disease.

Endovascular Revascularization and Outcomes of Critical Limb-Threatening Ischemia in Trinidad and Tobago: The EVENT Pilot Study-Challenges in a Limited-Resource, Caribbean Setting.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study investigated major adverse limb events (MALE) and mortality outcomes in critical limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) patients with tissue loss after an endovascular revascularization-first (EVR-1st) strategy. METHODS: MALE and mortality were assessed in 157 consecutive patients with CLTI and tissue loss from June 2019 to June 2022 at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, Trinidad and Tobago. RESULTS: 157 patients underwent the EVR-1st strategy, of whom 20 were pivoted to immediate surgical revascularization (SR). Of the remaining 137 patients, successful EVR was achieved in 112, giving a procedural success of 82% and an all-comer overall success of 71%. The mortality and MALE rates were 2.7% and 8.9% at 2 years, respectively. Males and patients with previous major amputations were at significantly higher risk for MALE (p values of 0.016 and 0.018, respectively). There was a statistically significant difference in successful EVR for both Rutherford-Baker (RB) 5 (minor) and RB 6 (major) classifications: 63 (56%) vs. 5 (20%) and 49 (44%) vs. 20 (80%), both with a p value of 0.01. There were no differences in successful EVR amongst Wound, Ischemia, Foot Infection (WIfI) clinical stages. There were no differences in successful EVR amongst the Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC II) classifications. CONCLUSIONS: This study may prove clinically informative and applicable for an EVR-1st management strategy for high-risk patients with CLTI in a limited-resource, Caribbean setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05547022 (retrospectively registered).

Persistent Sciatic Artery with Peripheral Arterial Disease: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a congenital malformation due to incomplete involution during the embryonic period. Its etiology is unknown, with an estimated incidence of 0.02 - 0.04% in the whole population and a mean age of 60-65 years. Its presentation can be bilateral. It is asymptomatic in most cases and is usually detected accidentally; however, some symptoms may appear, such as claudication, sciatic neuralgia, and pain in the affected limb. It can also manifest as an aneurysmal dilatation or thrombosis that can generate distal embolism with ischemia. CASE REPORT: In this case study, a patient in her 90s with a suspected peripheral arterial disease, which required an angiotomography of the lower limb, showing a superficial femoral artery running to the middle and distal third of the thigh and a vascular structure running in the sciatic neurovascular bundle corresponding to a persistent sciatic artery presenting atherosclerotic changes and extensive occlusion, was presented. The patient's treatment was clinical with dual antiplatelet therapy and prophylactic anticoagulation. This was due to comorbidities and age. Moreover, the PSA occlusion was not critical and did not significantly impact the patient's quality of life. CONCLUSION: Most patients with this anatomical variant are asymptomatic all their lives, but some of them may present symptoms with serious consequences. It is important to suspect it by clinical presentation and perform diagnostic confirmation by angiotomography. Treatment has yielded excellent results with endovascular techniques. Certain patients only require conservative treatment with anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents.

Outcomes of hybrid procedures for peripheral arterial disease: 5-year single center experience.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to present patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) who underwent hybrid procedures at our institution, the results of these interventions for a 5-year period and determine patency, mortality, failure, and amputation rates compared to the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, single center, retrospective, and cross-sectional study which analyzed data gathered from the vascular quality initiative from patients who had hybrid revascularization procedures from January 2010 to December 2015. RESULTS: 87 patients were identified: 51 (58%) male, 36 (41%) female, 9 (10%) had critical limb ischemia (CLI), and 78 (90%) claudication. We analyzed results of hybrid interventions in their variations. Technical success rate was 100%, patency at 2 years 88.5% (primary 65%, primary-assisted 18.3%, and secondary 4.5%) and 11.49% failure rate (lost patency < 1 year, conversion to open or/and amputation). Predictors of failure were: Female, previous chronic heart failure, longer length of stay, and previously transferred from another hospital. Amputation rate was 12.6% (10.3% major and 2.2% minor amputation), the only significant predictor was age (p = 0.035, odds ratio = 0.89) (0.806-99). CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid procedures are effective to treat patients with either CLI or claudication. Our study had outcomes comparable to the literature, with similar patency, amputation, and complication rates. We conclude it is a safe and effective option for PVD with multi-level disease.

OBJETIVO: Presentar pacientes con EAP que requirieron procedimientos híbridos en nuestra institución, resultados en 1 periodo de 5 años y determinar permeabilidad, mortalidad, falla y rangos de amputación comparado con la literatura. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional un céntrico, retrospectivo y transversal que analizó datos obtenidos del VQI de pacientes post-revascularización híbrida de Enero 2010 a Diciembre 2015. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 87 pacientes: 51 masculinos (58%) y 34 femeninos (41%). 9 (10%) presentaron isquemia crítica, 78 (90%) claudicación. Se analizaron resultados de dichas intervenciones en sus variaciones, con éxito técnico 100%, permeabilidad a 2 años 88.5% (primaria 65%, primaria asistida 18.3%, secundaria 4.5%) y 11.49% de falla (pérdida de permeabilidad < 1 año, conversión a cirugía abierta y/o amputación). Predictores de falla: femenino, IC, larga EIH, traslado de hospital previo). El rango de amputación fue 12.6% (10.3% mayor, 2-2% amputación menor) y el único predictor significativo fue edad (p = 0.035, OR = 0.89) (0.806-99). CONCLUSIONES: Los procedimientos híbridos son efectivos para tratar pacientes con isquemia crítica o claudicación. Nuestro estudio tuvo resultados similares a la literatura,permeabilidad, riesgo de amputación y complicaciones comparables con lo descrito. Concluimos que es una opción segura y efectiva para tratar pacientes con EAP multinivel.

Caracterización de factores de riesgo aterosclerótico en pacientes con pie diabético en Ecuador / Characterization of atherosclerotic risk factors in patients with diabetic foot in Ecuador

Introducción: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 se asocia con un alto riesgo cardiovascular. Los pacientes que la padecen triplican el riesgo de mortalidad cardiovascular y duplican el de mortalidad total, en comparación con los no diabéticos. La enfermedad cardiovascular constituye la principal causa de morbimortalidad de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Los factores de riesgo y las enfermedades consecuentes de la aterosclerosis son prevenibles, mediante estrategias de prevención dirigidas a su control y un estilo de vida que promueva la salud desde edades tempranas. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas y demográficas, y los factores de riesgo aterogénico asociados a los pacientes atendidos en consulta de pie diabético del Hospital "León Becerra Camacho" de Ecuador. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo en los servicios de consulta externa con diagnóstico de pie diabético en el Hospital "León Becerra Camacho". El período de estudio fue febrero-agosto de 2017. Se tuvieron en cuenta los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2 y los factores de riesgo presentes. Los resultados se expresaron en tablas con frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Resultados: Se encontró un predominio del sexo masculino, de la sexta década de la vida, del área urbana y de los factores de riesgo: hipertensión arterial, hábito de fumar, sedentarismo y alcoholismo, así como comorbilidades: cardiopatía isquémica y macroangiopatía diabética. La amputación mayor tuvo menor proporción. Conclusiones: Los factores de riesgo de mayor incidencia encontrados fueron: hipertensión arterial, hábito de fumar, dislipidemia y alcoholismo; así como la asociación de más de tres factores de riesgo(AU)

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with high cardiovascular risk. Patients with cardiovascular mortality triple the risk of cardiovascular mortality and double the risk of total mortality, compared to non-diabetic patients. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The risk factors and consequent diseases of atherosclerosis are preventable, through prevention strategies aimed at its control and a lifestyle that promotes health from an early age. Objective: Describe the clinical-epidemiological and demographic characteristics and the atherogenic risk factors associated with patients treated in the diabetic foot clinic of "León Becerra Camacho" Hospital in Ecuador. Methods: Descriptive observational study in outpatient services with a diagnosis of diabetic foot at "León Becerra Camacho" Hospital. The study period was February-August 2017. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and present risk factors were taken into account. The results were expressed in tables with absolute and relative frequencies. Results: A predominance of the male sex, the sixth decade of life, the urban area and the risk factors were found: arterial hypertension, smoking habit, sedentary lifestyle and alcoholism; as well as comorbidities: ischemic heart disease and diabetic macroangiopathy. Major amputations had a lower proportion. Conclusions: The risk factors of greater incidence found were: arterial hypertension, smoking habit, dyslipidemia and alcoholism; as well as the association of more than three risk factors(AU)

Continuous peripheral nerve block for in-patients with lower limb ischemic pain.

OBJECTIVES: Demonstrate that continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) may be an alternative with adequate analgesia and a lower incidence of side effects for ischemic pain due peripheral obstructive arterial disease (POAD). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 21 patients with POAD, Fontaine IV graded, with foot pain. Patients were submitted to continuous sciatic nerve block (CSNB), through a perineural catheter. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (by numerical rating scale) and opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents). RESULTS: During CSNB, pain scores markedly decreased in comparison to the pre-block period. CONCLUSIONS: CPNB may be a good option for ischemic pain treatment in in-patients, as it provides effective pain control with fewer adverse effects.

Younger patients have worse outcomes after peripheral endovascular interventions for suprainguinal arterial occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE: The choice of intervention for treating suprainguinal arterial disease, open bypass vs endovascular intervention, is often tempered by patient age and comorbidities. In the present study, we compared the association of patient age with 1-year major adverse limb events (MALE)-free survival and reintervention-free survival (RFS) rates among patients undergoing intervention for suprainguinal arterial disease. METHODS: The Vascular Quality Initiative datasets for bypass and peripheral endovascular intervention (PVI; aorta and iliac only) were queried from 2010 to 2017. The patients were divided into two age groups: <60 and ≥60 years at the procedure. Age-stratified propensity matching of patients in bypass and endovascular procedure groups by demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and disease severity was used to identify the analysis samples. The 1-year MALE-free survival and RFS rates were compared using the log-rank test and Kaplan-Meier plots. Proportional hazard Cox regression was used to perform propensity score-adjusted comparisons of MALE-free survival and RFS. RESULTS: A total of 14,301 cases from the Vascular Quality Initiative datasets were included in the present study. Propensity matching led to 3062 cases in the ≥60-year group (1021 bypass; 2041 PVI) and 2548 cases in the <60-year group (1697 bypass; 851 PVI). In the crude comparison of the matched samples, the older patients undergoing bypass had had significantly greater in-hospital (4.6% vs 0.9%; P < .001) and 1-year (10.5% vs 7.5%; P = .005) mortality compared with those who had undergone endovascular intervention. The rates of MALE (7.5% vs 14.3%; P < .001) and reintervention (6.7% vs 12.7%; P < .001) or death were significantly higher for the younger group undergoing PVI than bypass at 1 year. However, the rates of MALE (12.9% vs 14.3%; P = .298) and reintervention (12.7% vs 12.9%; P = .881) or death for were similar both procedures for the older group. Both log-rank analyses and the adjusted propensity score analyses of MALE-free survival and RFS in the two age groups confirmed these findings. The adjusted comparison of outcomes using propensity score matching favored PVI at 1-year survival (hazard ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-1.9; P = .003) for the older group but was not different for the younger group (hazard ratio, 0.6; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-1.0; P = .054). CONCLUSIONS: Among the patients aged <60 years undergoing intervention for suprainguinal arterial disease, the choice of therapy should be open surgical intervention given the higher risk of reintervention and MALE with endovascular intervention. Endovascular intervention should be favored for patients aged ≥60 years because of reduced perioperative mortality.

Continuous peripheral nerve block for in-patients with lower limb ischemic pain

OBJECTIVES: Demonstrate that continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB) may be an alternative with adequate analgesia and a lower incidence of side effects for ischemic pain due peripheral obstructive arterial disease (POAD). METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with 21 patients with POAD, Fontaine IV graded, with foot pain. Patients were submitted to continuous sciatic nerve block (CSNB), through a perineural catheter. Primary outcomes were pain intensity (by numerical rating scale) and opioid consumption (in oral morphine equivalents). RESULTS: During CSNB, pain scores markedly decreased in comparison to the pre-block period. CONCLUSIONS: CPNB may be a good option for ischemic pain treatment in in-patients, as it provides effective pain control with fewer adverse effects.

Effects of Isometric Handgrip Training in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Meta-analyses have shown that isometric handgrip training (IHT) can reduce brachial systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) by >6/4 mm Hg, respectively. However, whether IHT promotes these effects among patients with peripheral artery disease, who exhibit severe impairment in cardiovascular function, is currently unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of IHT on the cardiovascular function of patients with peripheral artery disease. Methods and Results A randomized controlled trial with peripheral artery disease patients assigned to either the IHT or control group was conducted. The IHT group performed 3 sessions per week, for 8 weeks, of unilateral handgrip exercises, consisting of 4 sets of isometric contractions for 2 minutes at 30% of maximum voluntary contraction and a 4-minute interval between sets. The control group received a compression ball in order to minimize the placebo effects, representing sham training. The primary outcome was brachial BP. The secondary outcomes were central BP, arterial stiffness parameters, cardiac autonomic modulation, and vascular function. The IHT program reduced diastolic BP (75 [10] mm Hg preintervention versus 72 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with no change in the control group (74 [11] mm Hg preintervention versus 74 [11] mm Hg postintervention), with this between-group difference being significant (P=0.04). Flow-mediated dilation improved in the IHT group (6.0% [5.7] preintervention versus 9.7% [5.5] postintervention), with no change in the control group (7.6% [5.5] preintervention versus 7.4% [5.1] postintervention), with this between-group difference being significant (P=0.04). There was no change in other measured variables over the intervention period. Conclusions IHT reduced brachial diastolic BP and improved local vascular function in patients with peripheral artery disease. Clinical Trial Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02742220.

Perfil lipídico mínimo para el diagnóstico del riesgo de enfermedad vascular periférica de los miembros inferiores / Minimum lipid profile for the diagnostic of the peripheral vascular disease's risk

Introducción: El perfil lipídico mínimo está relacionado con la enfermedad vascular de tipo aterosclerótica, pero se desconoce cuál es el tipo de perfil más frecuente en los adultos y el tipo de riesgo que representan para la enfermedad vascular periférica de los miembros inferiores. Objetivo: Determinar si el perfil lipídico mínimo sirve para diagnosticar el riesgo de enfermedad vascular periférica de los miembros inferiores. Métodos: Se trabajó con 533 muestra sanguíneas de personas adultas de diferentes municipios de la provincia La Habana. Se cuantificaron las concentraciones de colesterol total y de triglicéridos. Se calculó la media y la desviación estándar. Se diagnosticó y clasificó la hiperlipemia, se identificó el riesgo de enfermedad vascular periférica de los miembros inferiores y su asociación con la hiperlipemia. Se trabajó con un nivel de confiabilidad del 95 por ciento (a=0,05). Resultados: Los perfiles lipídicos mínimos más frecuentes fueron: el hipercolesterolemia leve (46,0 por ciento) y la hipertrigliceridemia (22,6 por ciento). El 53,8 por ciento presentó riesgo de enfermedad vascular periférica de los miembros inferiores entre potencial (24,8 por ciento) y alto (29,0 por ciento). Existió una asociación entre la hiperlipemia y la presencia de enfermedades vasculares periféricas de los miembros inferiores (chi cuadrada= 120,4; p= 0,00000). Se detectó que el 50 por ciento de las personas requería de un tratamiento hipolipemiante. Conclusión: El perfil lipídico mínimo sirve para diagnosticar el tipo de riesgo de enfermedad vascular periférica de los miembros inferiores. Se observó una fuerte asociación de dicha enfermedad con la presencia de hiperlipemia(AU)

Introduction: The minimum lipid profile is related to atherosclerotic vascular disease, but it is not known what is the most common type in adults and the kind of risk it represent for peripheral vascular disease of the lower limbs. Objective: To determine if the minimum lipid profile is used to diagnose the risk of peripheral vascular disease of the lower limbs. Methods: It was carried out a study with 533 blood sample of adults from different municipalities in Havana province. Concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides were quantified. Average and standard deviation were calculated. Hyperlipidemia was diagnosed and classified, the risk of peripheral vascular disease of the lower limbs and the association of the latter with hyperlipidemia were identified. The level of reliability used was of 95 percent (a= 0.05). Results: The most common minimum lipid profiles were: mild hypercholesterolemia (46 percent) and hypertriglyceridemia (22.6 percent). 53.8 percent presented a risk of peripheral vascular disease of the lower limbs between potential (24.8 percent) and high (29 percent). There was a relation between the hyperlipidemia and the presence of peripheral vascular diseases of the lower limbs (chi-cudrada= 120.4, p= 0.00000). It was detected that 50 percent of the people required a hypolipidemic treatment. Conclusion: The minimum lipid profile is used to diagnose the risk's type of peripheral vascular disease of the lower limbs, observing a strong relation of the latter with the presence of hyperlipidemia(AU)

Impact of calcification and infrapopliteal outflow on the outcome of endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVES: In this paper, we report the long-term outcomes of the endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal occlusive disease, focusing on the importance of calcification and runoff outflow on limb salvage and patency, and the factors associated with these outcomes at a single center. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients with femoropopliteal occlusive who underwent femoropopliteal angioplasty at the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual, São Paulo, Brazil, between January 2015 and July 2017. RESULTS: In total, 86 femoropopliteal occlusive angioplasties were performed in 86 patients, with an initial technical success rate of 95.34%. The mean ± standard deviation follow-up time was 880 ± 68.84 days. The analysis was performed at 720 days. Technical failure occurred in four patients, who were excluded from the analysis, leaving 82 patients and 82 femoropopliteal occlusive angioplasties. The estimated primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and overall survival rates at 720 days were 60%, 96%, 90%, and 82.5%, respectively. In univariate and multivariate analyses, Cox regression showed worse primary patency rates in patients with one tibial vessel or isolated popliteal artery runoff (p = 0.005), calcification grade 4 (p = 0.019), calcification grade > 2 (p = 0.017), small vessel diameter < 4 mm (p = 0.03) or primary angioplasty without stenting (p = 0.021). A univariate analysis showed worse limb salvage in patients with one tibial vessel or isolated popliteal artery runoff (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the main factors associated with worse outcomes in the endovascular treatment of femoropopliteal occlusive in terms of loss of primary patency were one tibial vessel or isolated popliteal artery runoff, calcification grade 4, or calcification grade > 2, small vessel diameter < 4 mm, and no stents use. One tibial vessel or isolated popliteal artery runoff was also associated with limb loss in a univariate Cox regression analysis.

Enfermedad arterial periférica determinada por índice tobillo-brazo en pacientes con síndrome metabólico

RESUMEN Introducción: el síndrome metabólico se asocia con un mayor riesgo cardiovascular, incluyendo la enfermedad arterial periférica. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia de la enfermedad arterial periférica detectada por el método índice tobillo brazo en pacientes con síndrome metabólico, describir las características clínicas y laboratoriales del síndrome metabólico y detallar la sintomatología de los pacientes con EAP según la escala de Fontaine Metodología: estudio observacional prospectivo realizado en 100 pacientes adultos que cumplían con criterios para síndrome metabólico, según los criterios armonizados del año 2009 internados en el Servicio de Clínica Médica del Hospital Nacional (Itauguá, Paraguay) en años 2016 y 2017. El índice tobillo-brazo derecho se calculó por el cociente de la presión arterial sistólica del tobillo derecho dividido la presión arterial sistólica más elevada de cualquier brazo y de forma similar para el índice tobillo-brazo izquierdo. Se consideró índice tobillo-brazo compatible con enfermedad arterial periférica todo valor ≤ 0,9. Resultados: se hallo 23% de insuficiencia vascular periférica, siendo 18% del lado derecho, 13% del lado izquierdo y 8% bilateral. Los criterios para síndrome metabólico fueron: hipertensión arterial (100%), circunferencia abdominal aumentada (89%), glicemia en ayunas elevada o diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (50%), colesterol HDL bajo (47%), triglicéridos elevados (35%). Solo 7/23 (30%) sujetos presentaron síntomas según la escala de Fontaine, 5 pacientes en estadio IIa y 2 en estadio IIb. Conclusión: la frecuencia de enfermedad arterial periférica fue 23%. La claudicación de miembros estaba presente en 30% de los afectados.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk, including peripheral arterial disease. Objectives: To determine the frequency of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) detected by the ankle-brachial index method in patients with metabolic syndrome, to describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the metabolic syndrome and to detail the symptomatology of patients with PAD according to Fontaine scale. Methodology: A prospective observational study performed on 100 adult patients who met criteria for metabolic syndrome, according to the harmonized criteria of 2009, and admitted in the Medical Clinic Service of the Hospital Nacional (Itauguá, Paraguay) in 2016 and 2017. The right ankle-brachial index was calculated by the ratio of the systolic blood pressure of the right ankle divided by the higher systolic blood pressure of any arm and similarly for the left ankle-brachial index. The ankle-brachial index compatible with peripheral arterial disease was considered to be any value ≤0.9. Results: Twenty three percent of peripheral vascular insufficiency was found, being 18% of the right side, 13% of the left side and 8% bilateral. The criteria for metabolic syndrome were: arterial hypertension (100%), increased abdominal circumference (89%), high fasting blood sugar or type 2 diabetes mellitus (50%), low HDL cholesterol (47%), high triglycerides (35%). Only 7/23 (30%) subjects presented symptoms according to the Fontaine scale, 5 patients in stage IIa and 2 in stage IIb. Conclusion: The frequency of peripheral arterial disease was 23%. Claudication of limbs was present in 30% of those affected.

Ficha de avaliação clínica de membros inferiores para prevenção do pé diabético / Ficha de avaliação clínica de membros inferiores para prevención do pé diabético / Clinical evaluation form of lower members for diabetic foot prevention

Objetivo: Elaborar ficha de avaliação clínica (FAC) dos membros inferiores (MIs) para prevenção do pé diabético (PD). Métodos: Partindo de revisão da literatura, elaborou-se uma FAC com 4 fases: as fases 1 e 2 contemplam o exame clínico (anamnese e exame físico, respectivamente) com ênfase na avaliação dos pés e na pesquisa de fatores de risco para úlceras; a fase 3 avalia o autocuidado com os pés e a fase 4 descreve as principais orientações para este cuidado. Resultados: Após a realização das fases 1 e 2, segue uma classificação de risco de ulceração dos pés. A fase 3 avalia com dez questões os cuidados com os pés e a fase 4 apresenta dez orientações educacionais para prevenção do PD. Conclusão: A FAC proposta possibilita detectar e intervir precocemente no risco de ulceração nos pés.

Objective: To elaborate a clinical evaluation sheet (CES) of the lower limbs (LL) for diabetic foot (DF) prevention. Methods: Based on literature review, a four-phased CES has been elaborated: phases 1 and 2 contemplate clinical evaluation (anamnesis and physical evaluation, respectively) with emphasis on feet evaluation and search for soreness risk factors; phase 3 evaluates feet care and phase 4 describes the main guidelines for this care. Results: With the completion of phases 1 and 2, a feet soreness risk rating follows. Phase 3 evaluates feet care with ten questions and phase 4 presents ten educational guidelines for DF prevention. Conclusion: The proposed CES enables the detection and early intervention on foot soreness risk.

Objetivo: Desarrollar formulario de evaluación clínica (FEC) de los miembros inferiores (MIs) para la prevención del pie diabético (PD). Métodos: A partir de la revisión de la literatura, fue preparada una FEC con 4 fases: fases 1 y 2 incluyen examen clínico (anamnesis y la exploración física, respectivamente), con énfasis en la evaluación de los pies y los factores de riesgo para buscar úlceras; fase 3 se evalúa el auto-cuidado con sus pies y la fase 4 se describen las pautas principales para este tipo de atención. Resultados: Después de la terminación de las fases 1 y 2 sigue la clasificación de riesgo de la ulceración de los pies. Fase 3 evalúa con diez preguntas del cuidado de los pies y la fase 4 presenta diez directrices educativas para prevenir el PD. Conclusión: La propuesta FEC permite detectar e intervenir temprano en riesgo de ulceración de los pies.

Enfermedades vasculares periféricas y niveles de calidad de vida en el municipio Diez de Octubre / Peripheral vascular diseases and levels of quality of life in 10 of October municipality

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de las enfermedades vasculares periféricas y los niveles de calidad de vida en el municipio "Diez de Octubre". Métodos: Estudio descriptivo en una muestra aleatorizada (n= 200) de los 201 586 habitantes del municipio. El diagnóstico de las enfermedades vasculares periféricas se realizó por examen físico-vascular confirmado por estudios hemodinámico, ultrasonográfico, y ecográfico. Se aplicó el cuestionario de "Calidad de vida" SF-36 a los mayores de 18 años sin discapacidad mental. Resultados: La tasa de enfermedades vasculares periféricas fue de 66 por 100 000 habitantes debida a las flebopatías (59,5 por ciento), la macroangiopatia diabética (13,9 por ciento), la enfermedad arterial periférica (8,4 por ciento) y la cerebrovascular (6,4 por ciento). Los factores de riesgo más frecuentes fueron: obesidad (48,5 por ciento), hipertensión arterial (37,5 por ciento) y tabaquismo (33,5 por ciento). Hubo un incremento de enfermedades vasculares periféricas a partir de los 50 años con la presencia de dos o más enfermedades en el 37,3 por ciento. De las personas. En aquellas con enfermedad vascular se encontró una disminución (p < 0,05) en todas las escalas de la calidad de vida con un deterioro en la medida sumaria "salud física", la que se encontró asociada a su presencia (χ2 = 27,11; p = 0,001). Conclusiones: En el municipio Diez de Octubre, hay una elevada tasa de enfermedades vasculares periféricas con un deterioro importante en los niveles de calidad de vida de las personas que la padecen(AU)

Objective: To determine the prevalence of peripheral vascular diseases and the levels of quality of life in 10 of October municipality. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on a random sample (n=200) from 201 586 inhabitants of the municipality. The diagnosis of peripheral vascular diseases was performed by physical-vascular examination confirmed by hemodynamic, ultrasound, and echo-Doppler studies. The "Quality of life" questionnaire SF-36 was applied to people older than 18 years without mental disabilities. Results: The rate of peripheral vascular disease was 66 per 100 000 inhabitants due to phlebopathies (59.5 percent), diabetic macroangiopathy (13.9 percent), peripheral arterial disease (8.4 percent) and cerebrovascular disease (6.4percent). The most frequent risk factors were obesity (48.5 percent), hypertension (37.5 percent) and smoking (33.5 percent). There was an increase in peripheral vascular diseases after the age of 50 years with two or more types of diseases in 37.3 percent of the population. A decrease (p <0.05) in all the quality of life scales, with deterioration in the disease-related summary measure "physical health", was found in people with vascular disorders (χ2= 27.11; p= 0.001). Conclusions: In 10 of October municipality, there is a high rate of peripheral vascular diseases with a significant deterioration of the quality of life of people who suffer them(AU)

Pacientes con cardiopatía isquémica y enfermedad arterial periférica asintomática determinada mediante el índice tobillo-brazo / Patients with ischemic heart disease and asymptomatic peripheral vascular disease determined by means of the ankle-arm index

Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, de serie de casos, de 42 pacientes con afecciones cardiovasculares isquémicas y enfermedad arterial periférica asintomática ingresados en el Servicio de Cardiología Hospital Provincial Docente Clinicoquirúrgico Saturnino Lora Torres de Santiago de Cuba, desde enero hasta diciembre de 2012, con vistas a determinar la frecuencia de dicha enfermedad mediante la estimación del índice tobillo-brazo. En la serie prevaleció el valor bajo de dicho índice (64,0 por ciento), seguido del normal (29,0 por ciento). Cabe destacar que solo 7,0 por ciento presentó calcificación arterial por encima de 1,3; datos reveladores del predominio de la enfermedad arterial periférica asintomática o subclínica

A serial cases descriptive study of 42 patients with ischemic cardiovascular disorders and asymptomatic peripheral vascular disease was carried out. They were admitted to the Cardiology Service of Saturnino Lora Torres Teaching Clinical Surgical Provincial Hospital in Santiago de Cuba from January to December, 2012, aimed at determining the frequency of this disease by means of the ankle-arm index estimation. In the series the low value of this index prevailed (64.0 percent), followed by the normal index (29.0 percent). It is necessary to highlight that only 7.0 percent presented arterial calcification over 1.3; data revealing the prevalence of the asymptomatic or subclinic peripheral vascular disease

Prevalencia de enfermedades vasculares periféricas en el municipio de Arroyo Naranjo / Prevalence of vascular peripheral diseases in Arroyo Naranjo municipality

Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de enfermedades vasculares periféricas en el municipio de Arroyo Naranjo según edad y sexo, su distribución en las personas detectadas enfermas y factores de riesgo asociados. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en una muestra aleatorizada (n= 200) de los 208 554 habitantes del municipio de Arroyo Naranjo. El diagnóstico de la enfermedad vascular periférica se realizó por examen físico­vascular confirmado por estudios hemodinámico, ultrasonográfico, y ecográfico. Los datos de interés se obtuvieron del interrogatorio. Resultados: Se halló una elevada frecuencia del sexo femenino (80,5 por ciento) y del grupo mayor de 60 años (33,5 por ciento). La tasa de enfermedades vasculares periféricas fue de 77,2 por 100 000 habitantes contribuyó a esta cifra las flebopatías. Se observó un predominio de la obesidad (45 por ciento), la hipertensión arterial (44,5 por ciento) y el tabaquismo (41 por ciento). Se encontró que el 47,8 por ciento de las personas enfermas tenían más de tres factores de riesgo. Las mujeres mayores de 50 años, a diferencia de los hombres, presentaban más enfermedad carotidea (80,8 por ciento) y macroangiopatía diabética (65,7 por ciento). Conclusiones: En el municipio de Arroyo Naranjo, hay una elevada tasa de enfermedades vasculares periféricas sobre todo en las mujeres mayores de 50 años, más aún cuando tienen tres o más factores de riesgo, lo que indica la importancia del diagnóstico precoz, ya que estas personas desconocían que estaban enfermas y que requerían de un tratamiento oportuno(AU)

Objective: To determine the prevalence of peripheral vascular diseases in Arroyo Naranjo municipality by sex and age, their distribution in the detected sick persons and the associated risk factors. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in a randomized sample (n= 200) of 208 554 inhabitants of Arroyo Naranjo municipality. Peripheral vascular diseases were diagnosed through physical-vascular examination and confirmed with hemodynamic, ultrasonografic and echographic studies. Questioning of patients provided the necessary information. Results: There was high frequency of females (80.5 percent) and of the age group over 60 years (33.5 percent). The rate of peripheral vascular diseases was 77.2 per 100 000 inhabitants in which phlebopathies influence. Obesity (45,0 percent), arterial hypertension (44.5 percent) and smoking (41,0 percent) predominated. It was found that 47.8 percent of the sick persons had more than three risk factors. Unlike men, women older than 50 years were more affected by carotid disease (80.8 percent) and diabetic macroangiopathy (65.7 percent). Conclusions: In Arroyo Naranjo municipality, there is a high rate of peripheral vascular disease mainly in women older than 50 years, even more when they have three or more risk factors, which points to the importance of early diagnosis since these persons did not know that they were sick and required timely treatment(AU)

Association of thoracic aorta calcium and non cardiac vascular events in cardiac disease-free individuals.

OBJECTIVE: Thoracic aorta calcium (TAC) is measurable on the same computed tomography (CT) scan as coronary artery calcium (CAC) but has still unclear clinical value. We assessed TAC and CAC relations with non-cardiac vascular events history in a cohort of subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively 1000 consecutive subjects having undergone CAC detection by non-contrast multi-slice CT with measurement field longer than usual in order to measure total TAC including aortic arch calcium. We also determined partial TAC restricted to ascending and descending thoracic aorta sites by removing arch calcium from total TAC. Calcium deposits were measured with a custom made software using Agatston score. RESULTS: Compared with the rest of the cohort, the 30 subjects with non-cardiac vascular event history had higher median values [95% CI] of total TAC (282 [28-1809] vs 39 [0-333], p < 0.01) and partial TAC (4 [0-284] vs 0 [0-5], p < 0.01) but no different value of CAC (73 [0-284] vs 16 [0-148]). Odds ratio [95% CI] of having non-cardiac vascular event per 1-SD increase in log-transformed calcium value was significant for total TAC but not for CAC, if total TAC and CAC were entered separately (1.56 [1.12-2.24], p < 0.01 and 1.13 [0.86-1.50], respectively) or together (1.57 [1.10-2.32], p < 0.01 and 0.98 [0.73-1.32], respectively) in the logistic adjusted model. CONCLUSION: TAC assessment simultaneous with CAC detection provides complementary information on the extra coronary component of cardiovascular risk beyond CAC's coronary risk prediction. Further studies are required to prospectively confirm this result.