TcPO2 Value Can Predict Wound Healing Time in Clinical Practice of CLTI Patients

Abstract

Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) is a noninvasive, nonradiological test to measure local oxygen released from capillaries through the skin. Since it reflects the metabolic state of the lower limb, it can predict wound healing in patients with critical limb threatening ischemia (CLTI). The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of TcPO2 test in evaluating wound healing potential of patients with CLTI. This was a retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized, and observational study. A prospectively registered database of patients who visited Vascular Surgery Department of St. Mary's Hospital for CLTI and underwent TcPO2 tests from October 1, 2015 to July 1, 2021 was reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) those who had amputation only; and (2) those who underwent revascularization procedures. Patients whose wound healing status could not be determined were excluded. The clinical characteristics of patients, patient characteristics related to lower TcPO2 value, treatment success rate, and time for the wound to be healed were analyzed. A total of 84 patients were included in this study. There was no difference in background patient characteristics between the 2 groups despite better survival within 12months and shorter healing time in the revascularization group. A total of 76 patients survived 12months after surgery, and 63 patients were healed. Higher HbA1c, higher serum creatinine, history of stroke, and history of coronary artery disease were related to lower TcPO2 value on multiple linear regression. The cutoff value of TcPO2 was determined to be 40mm Hg for predicting wound healing. This value was similar to those of previous studies. In addition, there was a negative correlation between TcPO2 and wound healing time. Correlations among the anklebrachial index (ABI), toe-brachial index (TBI), and TcPO2 were not determined because ABI and TBI for some patients could not be obtained due to wound condition. The TcPO2 value can predict the wound healing process of ischemic lower extremity injury.