Quality of life of patients with critical lower limb ischemia after prolonged spinal cord stimulation

Abstract

Background. Several previous studies have demonstrated that spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can reduce the amputation rate in patients with critical lower limb ischemia (CLLI) and improve blood circulation parameters of the lower limbs. However, there is a lack of studies on the long-term effects of SCS on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with CLLI. Aim. The present study aimed to assess QoL changes in patients with CLLI after SCS system implantation in the long run (i.e., 30–60 months).Methods. This study included 38 patients with CLLI (10 females, 28 males; age range: 39–83 years) who underwent surgery in 2012–2016. QoL was analyzed using the SF-36 questionnaire before and 30–60 months after SCS. The mortality and amputation rates and amputation levels of the patients were also analyzed. The SF-36 questionnaire scores were normalized according to the data of the respective sex and age groups in the general Russian population. The obtained scores were analyzed in their dynamics and compared with the scores of the general population.Results. The preoperative scores of three of four physical well-being QoL parameters of the patients significantly reduced compared with the scores of the general population (p < 0.001). However, the scores of mental well-being QoL parameters were close to those of the general population. The total physical well-being score reduced (37.9 ± 9.2 points), whereas the total mental well-being score was within the medium range (48.1 ± 8.3 points). At 30–60 months after SCS system implantation, 5 patients or their representatives were unavailable, 12 died, 3 underwent amputation at the tibial level, and 16 showed preserved support function of the legs (2 of these patients underwent toe amputation). SCS system failure was noted in 3 patients. Patients with preserved support function of the legs completed the SF-36 questionnaire at 30–60 months after SCS system implantation. All QoL parameter scores showed increases, and the total postoperative physical well-being score of these patients was close to that of the general population (46.3 ± 10.6 points, p = 0.050 compared with the preoperative score). However, the total mental well-being score of the patients was higher than that of the general population (57.9 ± 3.8 points, p = 0.041). Conclusion. SCS does not reduce the mortality rate in patients with CLLI compared with conservative therapy. However, it reduces the amputation rate in patients who survive. Significant positive changes in QoL persist for a long time after SCS system implantation in most patients. Funding: The study did not have sponsorship. Conflict of interest: Authors declare no conflict of interest.