Epidemiological and Prognostic Profile of Patients Operated for Obliterative Arteriopathy of the Lower Limbs (OALL) at the General Hospital of Yaoundé – Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: Obliterative Arteriopathy of the Lower Limbs (OALL) is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular diseases in the world with high morbidity and economic impact. In Cameroon, this condition is also present but little studied. For this purpose, this study aims to analyze the epidemiological profile and prognosis of patients operated for OALL at the Yaounde General Hospital (YGH). Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study in the surgery department of the YGH relating to ninety-seven medical records of OALL operated patients between 2008 and 2018 (ten years) using a quantitative research approach. Results: It emerges from this study that the mean age was 67.1 ± 13.3 years. Male sex was predominant (57.7%). Stroke was the most frequent clinical past history (15.5%). The most frequent cardiovascular risk factors were arterial hypertension (63.9%), diabetes mellitus (41.2%) and smoking (32.9%). Grade III-IV and acute limb ischemia were the most prevalent OALL grades (41.2% and 32% respectively). Amputation was the most practiced surgical procedure (41.2%). The one-year mortality rate was 39.2%. We found no factor associated with one-year survival. Conclusion: We, therefore, suggest that public health actors develop actions and interventions to exercise in order to reduce this health indicator (mortality rate) and revalue the place of psychosocial care in amputees.