EP-474 An audit of cardiovascular risk modification in patients undergoing major limb amputation for the complications of peripheral atherosclerotic arterial disease and diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The 5-year mortality for patients with peripheral atherosclerotic arterial disease is significant. Major adverse cardiovascular events are common – 16% of patients will have an event within 1-year of the diagnosis. Patients who present requiring major limb amputation represent a group where cardiovascular complications are significant – we have audited how risk is modified for this group at the point of discharge from hospital following treatment. Methods This was a retrospective review of patients admitted for major limb amputation. Specific variables of interest were the prescription of an antiplatelet agent (or oral anticoagulant) and a statin at the time of discharge from hospital. This was defined from immediate discharge letters. Results During the period of interest there were 282 major limb amputations performed and 235 patients were discharged from hospital. Most patients had peripheral atherosclerotic arterial disease (68%). A diagnosis of diabetes was mellitus was also common (52%). In this group of patients many had previous major adverse cardiovascular events – myocardial infarct 21%, angina 16% and previous stroke 18%. At the time of discharge on 80% of patients were prescribed an antiplatelet agent (or anticoagulant) and only 82% of patients had been prescribed a statin. Discussion Pharmacological management of cardiovascular risk in this high-risk group should be improved. At the point of admission a comprehensive assessment of cardiovascular risk should be made and modifiable risk factors addressed.