Presence Of Peripheral Vascular Disease Research Articles

Abstract 16971: Unraveling the Burden of Cerebrovascular Disease: Exploring the Role of Peripheral Vascular Disease and Kidney Transplant in End-Stage Renal Disease Hospitalization Rates (Insights From the National Inpatient Sample, 2005 to 2019)

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) face a higher risk of cerebrovascular disease, but the impact of peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and a kidney transplant (KiTx) on hospitalization rates for cerebrovascular conditions remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the rates of hospitalization for cerebrovascular disease in patients with ESRD, PVD, KiTx, or a combination. Methods: Using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), 2,713,194 ESRD hospitalizations (2005-2019) were analyzed. We focused on two cerebrovascular conditions of interest: 1) cerebral infarction due to thrombosis, embolism, and occlusion (CITO) and 2) artery occlusion resulting in cerebral ischemia (AOSI). Comparative analysis utilized t-tests and odds ratios. Results: Among ESRD hospitalizations, 66,927 (2.47%) had KiTx, 63,411 (2.34%) had PVD, and 1,406 (0.05%) had both. Key findings included: 1) ESRD patients with PVD had higher odds of hospitalization for CITO (OR 1.33, CI 1.1-1.8, p=0.009) or AOSI (OR 2.63, CI 2.5-2.8, p<0.001) compared to those without PVD (Fig. 1AB); 2) ESRD patients hospitalized with CITO had higher odds of having KiTx and PVD compared to those without KiTx or PVD (OR 3.17, CI 1.0-9.3, p=0.035, Fig. 1AB); 3) ESRD patients with PVD had higher rates of being hospitalized with AOSI (7.29%) than those without AOSI (2.29%, p<0.001); 4) ESRD patients hospitalized with CITO had higher odds of having KiTx and PVD compared to those without KiTx or PVD (OR 3.17, CI 1.0-9.3, p=0.035, Fig. 1AB) and 5) ESRD patients hospitalized with AOSI demonstrated a higher rate of having KiTx and PVD (0.09%) compared to those without AOSI (0.05%, p=0.002). Conclusion: This nationwide analysis reveals that the presence of PVD and KiTx is associated with increased rates of hospitalization for cerebrovascular conditions. These findings underscore the importance of proactive management to mitigate the risk of cerebrovascular disease in this vulnerable patient population.

#5195 MORTALITY OF PATIENTS ON CHRONIC HEMODIALISYS: CAUSED OR RELATED TO SARS-COV-2 INFECTION?

Abstract Background and Aims Patients on chronic hemodialysis (HD) treatment had a higher mortality rate than the general population with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ERA registry showed a 20% mortality at 28 days for these patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the causes and risk factors of mortality for patients on chronic HD hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection; particularly if the cause of death is directly attributable to the COVID-19 infection or to another pathology. Method Clinical data of chronic HD patients admitted for COVID-19 infection at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli from March 15th 2020 to February 28th 2022 were analysed. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis for mortality risk factors was performed. Causes of mortality were obtained by hospital discharge forms. COVID-19 related cause of death was defined through intra-hospital codes as COVID-19 pneumonia, COVID-19 ARDS and COVID-19 respiratory failure. Results One hundred and fifty-two chronic HD patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 infection. Table 1 shows the general characteristics of the patients. The 28-day all-cause mortality was 21.9%, wich 11.9% was COVID-19 related. Table 2 shows the cause of mortality. Multivariate Cox regression demonstrated that an increased risk of death from COVID-19 at 28 days was significantly and independently associated with age >73 years (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.0-1.09; p<0.05), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) > 5 at entry (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.02-1.60; p<0.01), Continuous Renal Replacement Therapies (CRRT) (HR 2.89, 95% CI 1.03-8.11; p = 0.04) and the presence of peripheral vasculopathy (HR 3.48, 95% CI 1.31-9.27; p = 0.01). Plasma albumin >25 g/L at entry (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80-0.96; p<0.01) and pre-admission SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.09-0.72; p = 0.01) significantly reduced the risk of mortality. Conclusion Our study shows that on the total of deaths with a positive COVID-19 test, 59% were caused by the infection while the remaining 41% occurred from other causes. Age, CCI, the presence of peripheral vascular disease and the need for CRRT are independent risk factors for mortality. Vaccination was confirmed as a protective factor.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Nonhealing Wounds-A Long-term Retrospective Cohort Study.

To analyze wound healing results of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for a variety of different wound types. This retrospective cohort study included all patients treated with HBOT and wound care at a single hyperbaric center between January 2017 and December 2020. The primary outcome was wound healing. Secondary outcome measures were quality of life (QoL), number of sessions, adverse effects, and treatment cost. Investigators also examined possible influencing factors, including age, sex, type and duration of wound, socioeconomic status, smoking status, and presence of peripheral vascular disease. A total of 774 treatment series were recorded, with a median of 39 sessions per patient (interquartile range, 23-51 sessions). In total, 472 wounds (61.0%) healed, 177 (22.9%) partially healed, 41 (5.3%) deteriorated, and 39 (5.0%) minor and 45 (5.8%) major amputations were performed. Following HBOT, median wound surface area decreased from 4.4 cm 2 to 0.2 cm 2 ( P < .01), and patient QoL improved from 60 to 75 on a 100-point scale ( P < .01). The median cost of therapy was €9,188 (interquartile range, €5,947-€12,557). Frequently recorded adverse effects were fatigue, hyperoxic myopia, and middle ear barotrauma. Attending fewer than 30 sessions and having severe arterial disease were both associated with a negative outcome. Adding HBOT to standard wound care increases wound healing and QoL in selected wounds. Patients with severe arterial disease should be screened for potential benefits. Most reported adverse effects are mild and transient.

Preoperative Predictors of Free Flap Failure.

Microvascular free tissue transfer is an important reconstructive option for defects of the head and neck. The present study aims to identify preoperative patient- and tumor-specific characteristics, laboratory values, and other risk factors associated with early free flap failure. Retrospective cohort study of 1070 patients. Head and neck surgical oncology service at a tertiary care center from 2005 to 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative laboratory values, treatment history, and cancer stage were collected for consecutive patients who underwent free flap reconstruction of the head and neck and experienced early free flap failure (<8 days from surgery). In 1070 patients, the prevalence of early free flap failure was 3.8% (n = 41). Female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.58; 95% CI, 1.36-4.99), presence of peripheral vascular disease (OR, 2.78; 95% CI, 1.05-6.57), and elevated preoperative platelet count (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.20-5.47) were independently associated with risk of early free flap failure. Female sex, peripheral vascular disease, and preoperative thrombocytosis are all strong predictors of early free flap failure. This suggests that hypercoagulability and poor vessel quality may predispose patients to flap loss. Patients with elevated platelets or peripheral vascular disease warrant careful reconstructive decision making and close monitoring in the perioperative period.

540 Progressive temporal reduction of complications after TAVI

Abstract Aims The TAVI registry represents a single-centre observational retrospective study that consecutively collected symptomatic patients with severe aortic stenosis between September 2009 and February 2021 at the Magna Graecia University (Catanzaro, Italy). Our aim was to evaluate the rate of complications which can occur after Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and its possible predictors. Methods We included a total of 346 consecutive patients, admitted to our institution between September 2009 and February 2021. Inclusion criteria were: severe aortic stenosis in high-risk patients unsuitable for surgery after cardiac team consent, valve anatomy adjusted according to device instructions for use, life expectancy&amp;gt; 1 year. Clinical, echocardiographic and procedural data were collected and reported in an electronic database. Surgical risk was prospectively assessed using the European Cardiac Operational Risk Assessment System (EuroSCORE II, https://www.euros core.org/calc.html). The mean age of the population was 80.3 ± 5.4 years; 144 patients (41.6%) were male. The average EuroSCORE II was 6.3 ± 5.7. All reported P-values are two-sided and P-values &amp;lt;0.05 were considered significant. STATA (StataCorp, USA) was used for data analysis. Results Out of the total population analysed, the number of patients who underwent a vascular complication was 23 or 6.6%. Female sex was an independent predictor of vascular complication (P 0.015) regardless of the presence of peripheral vascular disease (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.20–11.5), while no correlation was found with BSA. The number of patients experiencing severe bleeding and/or need for transfusion was 85 or 24.6% of the total. Mean baseline haemoglobin values were 12.1 g/dL ± 1.7 with lower mean values reported during hospitalization of 9.2 g/dL ± 1.4 (P &amp;lt;0.001), while predicted values at discharge were 9.8 g/dL ± 1.2. The pre and post procedural PR interval value was 171.1 ± 33.6 ms vs. 193.3 ± 35.7 ms (P &amp;lt;0.001) (Figure 2). The pre-procedural QRS interval value was 95.0 ± 21.7, the post-procedural mean value was 115.4 ± 26.5 (P &amp;lt;0.001). The number of patients with QRS&amp;gt; 120 ms after the procedure was 92 (26.5%). Out of the total number of patients analysed, the number of subjects who required PM implantation was 77 patients, i.e. 22.3% of the total. Of these, 25 patients (32.4%), Evolut R 45 patients (58.6%) and Sapien 7 patients (9.0%) had received implants. The need for pacemaker implantation did not affect the average length of stay (P 0.5). Conclusions Since its advent, the transfemoral aortic valve prosthesis implant has experienced impressive and continuous growth, radically revolutionizing the treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis. Furthermore, the clear improvement of the procedural safety and efficacy profiles, due on the one hand to the technological evolution of the devices, of the introduction and release systems and of the experience of the operators, has reduced the number of complications related to the implant and improved the management of the same.

Temporal changes and risk factors for death from early withdrawal within 12 months of dialysis initiation-a cohort study.

BackgroundMortality risk is high soon after dialysis initiation in patients with kidney failure, and dialysis withdrawal is a major cause of early mortality, attributed to psychosocial or medical reasons. The temporal trends and risk factors associated with cause-specific early dialysis withdrawal within 12 months of dialysis initiation remain uncertain.MethodsUsing data from the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry, we examined the temporal trends and risk factors associated with mortality attributed to early psychosocial and medical withdrawals in incident adult dialysis patients in Australia between 2005 and 2018 using adjusted competing risk analyses.ResultsOf 32 274 incident dialysis patients, 3390 (11%) experienced death within 12 months post-dialysis initiation. Of these, 1225 (36%) were attributed to dialysis withdrawal, with 484 (14%) psychosocial withdrawals and 741 (22%) medical withdrawals. These patterns remained unchanged over the past two decades. Factors associated with increased risk of death from early psychosocial and medical withdrawals were older age, dialysis via central venous catheter, late referral and the presence of cerebrovascular disease; obesity and Asian ethnicity were associated with decreased risk. Risk factors associated with early psychosocial withdrawals were underweight and higher socioeconomic status. Presence of peripheral vascular disease, chronic lung disease and cancers were associated with early medical withdrawals.KEY LEARNING POINTSWhat is already known about this subject?dialysis withdrawal is a major cause of death in patients with kidney failure, and international registry reports suggested temporal increase in withdrawal-related mortality; andrisk factors associated with mortality from dialysis withdrawal were older age, Caucasian ethnicity, late nephrologist referral and haemodialysis as initial dialysis modality.What this study adds?the proportion of early mortality from dialysis withdrawal has remained unchanged in Australia since 2005;the annual proportion of early mortality attributed to medical withdrawals consistently surpassed the proportion of psychosocial withdrawals; andearly mortality attributed to psychosocial and medical withdrawals was associated with similar risk factors.What impact this may have on practice or policy?recognizing the patient at risk of early mortality attributed to dialysis withdrawal may better inform the shared decision-making process, empower patient-focused treatment choices and facilitate advanced care planning.ConclusionsDeath from dialysis withdrawal accounted for >30% of early deaths in kidney failure patients initiated on dialysis and remained unchanged over the past two decades. Several shared risk factors were observed between mortality attributed to early psychosocial and medical withdrawals.

Patient characteristics predict patency of early-cannulation arteriovenous grafts

There is a new emphasis on tailoring appropriate vascular access for hemodialysis to patients and their life-plans, but there is little known about the optimal use of newer devices such as early-cannulation arteriovenous grafts (ecAVG), with studies utilising them in a wide variety of situations. The aim of this study was to determine if the outcome of ecAVG can be predicted by patient characteristics known pre-operatively. This retrospective analysis of 278 consecutive ecAVG with minimum one-year follow-up correlated functional patency with demographic data, renal history, renal replacement and vascular access history. On univariate analysis, aetiology of renal disease, indication for an ecAVG, the number of previous tunnelled central venous catheters (TCVC) prior to insertion of an ecAVG, peripheral vascular disease, and BMI were significant associates with functional patency. On multivariate analysis the number of previous TCVC, the presence of peripheral vascular disease and indication were independently associated with outcome after allowing for age, sex and BMI. When selecting for vascular access, understanding the clinical circumstances such as indication and previous vascular access can identify patients with differing outcomes. Importantly, strategies that result in TCVC exposure have an independent and cumulative association with decreasing long-term patency for subsequent ecAVG. As such, TCVC exposure is best avoided or minimised particularly when ecAVG can be considered.

Effect of short-term low molecular weight heparin on patency following successful salvage of arteriovenous access with recurrent thrombosis.

This study aims to investigate the effect of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in maintaining the patency of arteriovenous (AV) access with recurrent thrombosis. Following successful thrombectomy, 66 patients with recurrent thrombosis were included in the study. The primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates of patients who received LMWH (n = 24) were compared with those who did not receive anticoagulant (n = 42) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Cox-regression analysis was performed to investigate potential predictors of patency rates. The mean dose of enoxaparin used was 40 ± 13.1 mg or 0.74 ± 0.2 mg/kg daily for a median duration of 14 (IQR 7,28) days. The mean trough anti-Xa concentrations measured after two doses of LMWH was 0.17 ± 0.13 IU/mL. Kaplan-Meier analyses for mean primary, assisted primary and secondary patency rates of LMWH vs no anticoagulation groups were 149 (95% CI: 91 - 207) vs 87 (95% CI: 42-132) days (P < .006), 230 (95% CI: 142-320) vs 107 (95% CI: 62-150) days (P = .01) and 438 (299-579) vs 294 (95% CI: 197-392) days (P = .08) respectively. LMWH remained a significant protective predictor of primary (HR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.25-0.86; P = .02) and assisted primary patency rates (HR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.27-0.98; P = .04) after adjusting for patient age, access age, type of AV access, presence of peripheral vascular disease and haemoglobin levels. LMWH may improve short and mid-term patency rates for AV accesses with recurrent thrombosis.

Existing Non-cardiac Comorbidities Negatively Impact Quality of Life Gains After Left Ventricular Assist Device Implant

IntroductionThe Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) collects quality of life data via Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ-12) and Visual Analog Score (VAS). These data are collected pre- and post-LVAD implantation. Though previous studies have shown that overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) improves at one year after implantation, specific factors that predict a higher quality of life have not been identified.HypothesisSelf-perceived quality of life after LVAD implant is influenced by demographics and preexisting comorbidities.MethodsWe identified 118 patients in the INTERMACS database who received a LVAD at our institution. Of these, 26 patients completed the KCCQ-12 questionnaire and 32 patients completed VAS at 1-year follow up. An exploratory data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, correlation tests, and non-parametric comparison tests such as Wilcoxon rank-sum to identify important trends and predictors for changes in HRQoL. Multiple variables (patient characteristics, clinical data) were tested independently against the KCCQ-12 and VAS scores at one year and with the absolute change in these scores over a one-year period. Due to low sample size, we were not able to perform a multivariate model.ResultsNew York Heart Association Class IV symptoms at baseline (p=0.01) were predictive of large gains in VAS scores at one year. Frailty, although not reaching significance, may be associated with smaller magnitudes of improvement in KCCQ at one year (p=0.067). The presence of peripheral vascular disease at pre-implant predicts a lower VAS score at one year (p=0.03). Demographic factors such as age, sex, and marital status at implant did not predict higher post implant quality of life by either VAS or KCCQ.ConclusionExisting non-cardiac comorbidities should be taken into consideration when assessing the health related quality of life benefit of LVAD implantation.

Limb loss in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury

Objective: The purpose of this study is to describe a population of individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI), who underwent lower limb amputations, identify indications for amputations, medical co-morbidities and summarize resulting complications and functional changes. Design: Retrospective observational cohort study. Setting: SCI Service, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care System. Participants: Veterans with SCI of greater than one-year duration who underwent amputation at a VA Medical Center over a 15-year period, using patient registry and electronic health records. Diagnosis and procedure codes were utilized to identify amputations. Interventions: Not applicable. Outcome measures: Amputation level, complications, functional status, change in prescribed mobility equipment and mortality. Results: 52 individuals with SCI received amputation surgery with a mean age of 62.9 years at time of amputation. Thirty-seven (71.2%) had paraplegia, and 34 (65.3%) had motor-complete SCI. Pressure injuries and osteomyelitis were most common indications for amputation. Amputations were primarily (83%) at the transtibial level or more proximal, with the most common amputation level at transfemoral/through-knee (29;55.8%). Postoperative complications occurred in five individuals. Seven of nine individuals who were ambulatory pre-surgery remained ambulatory. Equipment modifications were required in 37 (71%) of individuals. Five-year survival following amputations was 52%, and presence of peripheral vascular disease was significantly associated with mortality (P = 0.006). Conclusions: Pressure injuries and osteomyelitis were most common etiologies for limb loss. Less than half experienced functional change after amputation; more than half required new or modified mobility equipment. An increase in mortality may reflect overall health deterioration over time.

A Study on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Ankle Brachial Index In Patients with Various Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease

The presence of peripheral vascular disease in chronic kidney disease portends a dismal prognosis due to the increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular events. Peripheral vascular disease is asymptomatic in about 40%. The study was designed to identify the prevalence of the peripheral vascular disease in chronic kidney disease, which is a state of accelerated atherosclerosis. A sample of 90 patients of chronic kidney disease attending the outpatient department in medicine and nephrology were assessed for the prevalence of peripheral vascular disease by measuring the Ankle-brachial index and Carotid intima-media thickness. Gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes and ischemic heart disease profiles of the sample were analyzed for association with peripheral vascular disease. Majority of the patients belonged to the age group 40-50 years. 82 were males, of these 47 were smokers. 6 patients in the sample had symptoms suggestive of peripheral vascular disease. While 21%(n=19) of patients in the sample were diabetics and 21%(n=19) had evidence of ischemic heart disease, hypertension was present in 41%(n=37) of the patients. 50% of the patients belonged to CRF stage 4. The prevalence of the peripheral vascular disease, as determined by ABI&lt;0.9, was 31.1%. CIMT thickness &gt; 0.9mm has a positive correlation with CKD stages and has a statistically significant P value of &lt;0.05. In conclusion, this study revealed that there is an increased prevalence of PVD in smokers, diabetics and in ischemic heart disease compared to those with hypertension.

Free flap reconstruction of sarcoma defects in the setting of radiation: a ten-year experience

Neoadjuvant treatment and surgical resection for sarcoma patients can often leave devastating wounds necessitating soft-tissue coverage in the form of free flaps. There is still debate as to the optimal flap for reconstruction of defects in irradiated fields. We aim to describe our experiences with free fasciocutaneous and free muscle flaps for sarcoma reconstruction in the setting of radiation therapy. A retrospective chart review was conducted encompassing all patients requiring soft-tissue reconstruction secondary to sarcoma resection from January 2010 to June 2019. Patient characteristics, flap viability and post-operative healing outcomes were all recorded and examined. In total, 49 patients who underwent 51 free-flaps were identified. Of these, 30 flaps were fasciocutaneous, while 21 were muscle-based. Most patients received pre-operative radiotherapy (76.5%), although these rates were not different between groups of flap type, and had no significant association with post-operative outcomes. Complication rates (31.3%) and re-operative rates (21.6%) were also comparable between flap types. Diabetes mellitus was significantly associated with delayed wound healing (p < .016), while the presence of peripheral vascular disease had a significant association with post-operative infection (p < .006). This study shows that free fasciocutaneous and free muscle-based flaps are both viable options for soft-tissue reconstruction demanded by sarcoma resection, even in the setting of radiation. Peripheral vascular disease and diabetes mellitus may confer increased wound complications.

P1514PERIPHERIAL VASCULAR DISEASE IN DIABETIC PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS - RISK OF HOSPITALIZATION AND MORTALITY IN A LARGE EUROPEAN COHORT

Abstract Background and Aims Patients with diabetes mellitus on hemodialysis (HD) are at increased risk of development and progression of vascular calcification, atherosclerosis and peripheral vascular disease (PVD). Presence of PVD constitute a major risk factor for the development of cardiovascular events, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization or cardiovascular death. The presence of PVD is also associated with a reduced quality of life and disability. A significant proportion of patients with PVD are asymptomatic with no or few classical symptoms and early detection to prevent progressive disease is therefore very important. Both the ACC/AHA and KDIGO guidelines recommend screening of individuals who are at risk. Method We analyzed the frequency of foot complications following implementation of a standardized foot examination in 345 prevalent diabetic hemodialysis patients in 12 DaVita centers; 8 in Poland (n=177 patients) and 4 in Portugal (n=168 patients). The protocol includes: history of ulcers, amputation and examination of the pedal pulses (a dorsalis pedis and a tibialis posterior). Foot complications were classified according to Wagner (grade 0-5). PVD was classified by clinical pulse measurement (normal vs weak or missing). We analyzed associations between foot complications and peripheral pulses with risk of hospitalization and mortality using Cox proportional hazard models. Results The mean age in all diabetic HD patients (58% men) was 70.4 (14 SD) yrs. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was 8.8 (2.4), Kt/V 1.8 (0.4), s-albumin 39 (4) g/L, Hb 11.1 (1.3) g/dL. A normal pulse in both a dorsalis pedis and both a tibialis posterior was found in 18% and 10% of patients. All other patients had weak or absent pulses. The Wagner classification score was 0 in 79% of patients, 1-3 in 16 % patients and 4-5 in 5 %. All-cause mortality was 31% during the 2 year follow up and 71% of patients had at least one hospital stay In patients hospitalized during follow up, a dors ped was normal/abnormal in 12% and 88% respectively (p&amp;lt;0.05); a tib post was normal/abnormal in 8% and 92%, respectively (p&amp;lt;0.05). There were no associations between Wagner score 0-5 and hospitalization or mortality. In unadjusted Cox models presence of weak or absent pulses in a dorsalis pedis was significantly associated with all-cause mortality RR 2.1 (CI 1.1-4.3; p&amp;lt;0.05). In adjusted analyses including age, sex, Hb, albumin, Kt/V, vascular access, phosphorus, PTH and CCI, only albumin was associated with mortality (RR 0.89, CI 0.84-0.94; p&amp;lt;0.001) and risk of hospitalization (RR 0.92, CI 0.89-0.96; p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Diabetic patients on HD have a high prevalence of PVD that warrant close clinical attention. Documentation of peripheral foot pulses for early detection of PVD is simple and suitable to identify patients at high risk of future complications and mortality. This standardized protocol could be the basis of a program to improve overall health outcomes in this vulnerable group of patients.

Acute Aortic Thrombosis Following Anterior Resection - A Rare Complication

INTRODUCTION : Anterior resection is a commonly performed surgery for rectal cancer worldwide. It is associated with a wide spectrum of complications which include haemorrhage, pelvic sepsis, wound infection, anastomotic breakdown, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral nerves injury, impotence and urological dysfunction. However acute aortic thrombosis post anterior resection is a very rare complication. CASE PRESENTATION : We report a rare case of aortic thrombosis in a 67 year old gentleman following anterior resection for rectal cancer. DISCUSSION : We also discuss its possible causes as there are many postulations to the cause of this devastating complication. Prolonged surgery, abnormal blood coagulation in cancer patient, lithotomy position and the presence of peripheral vascular disease are predisposing factors contributing to this rare acute aortic thrombosis in our patient. A standard routine neurovascular examination of the extremities should be done in the postoperative period to help detect early any neurovascular complication. The use of prophylactic anticoagulant such as fondaparinux, low molecular weight heparin or low dose unfractionated heparin are strongly recommended in high risk surgery patients undergoing a major surgery which helps prevent thromboembolic episode following surgery.

What happens to our amputees? The Darling Downs experience.

Major lower limb amputation is occasionally required in the management of end-stage pathology where other treatment options have failed. The primary aim of this study was to determine the 30-day and 1-year mortality rates of patients undergoing nontraumatic major lower limb amputation. Secondary aims were to investigate risk factors for poor outcomes, incidence of previous minor amputation, and the rate of subsequent major amputation. All nontraumatic, major lower limb amputations performed at Toowoomba Hospital during an 18-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Mortality data were obtained from the Queensland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine survival after amputation. A total of 147 patients were included in the study, with 104 undergoing below knee and 43 undergoing above knee amputations. Ten patients identified as having an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. For all patients, the 30-day mortality was 4.1% and 1-year mortality was 21.1%. For Indigenous patients, 30-day mortality was 10%. Previous minor amputation had occurred in 40 patients. Twenty-nine patients underwent further minor surgery after their initial major amputation, with thirteen requiring subsequent major amputation. Factors that increased mortality risk were the presence of peripheral vascular disease, an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of four and age greater than 65 years. The morbidity and mortality following major lower limb amputation is significant. The findings of this study highlight the importance of preventative measures to minimize the incidence of lower limb amputations in the future.

Routine preoperative doppler ultrasound examination of arterial system in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is beneficial: A retrospective study.

Background:Presence of peripheral vascular disease enhances surgical risk in cardiac surgical patients. Prior knowledge of peripheral arterial disease may help the physician make changes in the monitoring and cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation plans. It is claimed that the incidence of peripheral vascular disease in cardiac surgical patients ranges from 11 to 30%.Aims:This study was conducted to understand the characteristics of peripheral vascular disease and their implication on cardiac surgery.Settings and Design:This was a prospective study undertaken in a tertiary referral hospital.Materials and Methods:All adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery during the period of six months were included. A Doppler examination of the neck, upper limb, abdomen and lower limb was carried out by our inhouse radiologist. The incidence of peripheral vascular disease, the implication on invasive pressure monitoring site and cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass or intraaortic balloon pump or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were made note of.Results:During the said period, six hundred twenty eight patients underwent cardiac surgery, of whom five hundred and sixty-one patients who underwent CABG surgery. All these were subjected to Doppler examination. We observed peripheral arterial disease in 105 patients (20%). In general men suffered from PAD more often than women. Monitoring site of invasive arterial pressure, the choice of beating heart surgery, insertion of intraaortic balloon pump, femoral arterial route for cardiopulmonary bypass were some of the decision that were altered.Conclusions:Performing Doppler examination in cardiac surgical patients may yield important data that might prevent complications and support patient safety.

The Quality of Life in Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcers

Diabetes mellitus is one of the commonest chronic diseases, resulting in a lot of complications including a diabetic foot ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) including the risk to progress to amputation, also deteriorate the quality of life of the patients and their care givers. Diabetic foot ulcers not only affect the physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients but the social, psychological and economic aspects of the patient’s life are also affected. Research studies have shown that factors such as female gender, obesity, presence of Peripheral Vascular Disease and stressful life events further decrease the quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This editorial advocates that diabetic foot ulcers being a huge burden on the healthcare system also deteriorate the quality of life of patients.

Primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients older than 80 years of age: survival and outcomes.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) reliably improves shoulder pain and function for a variety of indications. However, the safety and efficacy of RSA in elderly patients is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to report the mortality, morbidity, complications, reoperations, and outcomes of primary RSA in patients aged > 80 years. Between 2004 and 2013, 242 consecutive primary RSAs were performed in patients aged > 80 years (mean 83.3 years (sd 3.1)). Of these, 53 were lost to follow-up before two years and ten had died within two years of surgery, leaving 179 for analysis of survivorship, pain, motion, and strength at a minimum of two years or until revision surgery. All 242 patients were considered for the analysis of 90-day, one-year, and overall mortality, medical complications (90-day and overall), surgical complications, and reoperations. The indications for surgery included rotator cuff arthropathy, osteoarthritis, fracture, the sequela of trauma, avascular necrosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. A retrospective review of the medical records was performed to collect all variables. Survivorship free of revision surgery was calculated at two and five years. One patient (0.4%) died within the first 90 days. A total of 45 patients (19%) were known to have died at the time of the final follow-up, with a median time to death of 67.7 months (interquartile range 40.4 to 94.7) postoperatively. Medical complications occurred in six patients (3%) and surgical complications occurred in 21/179 patients (12%). Survivorship free from revision was 98.9% at two years and 98.3% at five years; survivorship free from loosening was 99.5% at final follow-up. The presence of peripheral vascular disease correlated with a higher complication rate. Primary RSA was safe and effective in patients aged > 80 years, with a relatively low rate of medical and surgical complications. Thus, age alone should not be a contraindication to primary RSA in patients aged > 80 years. However, a careful evaluation of comorbidities is required in this age group when considering primary RSA. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1520-1525.

1431. Comparison of Treatment Outcomes with Definitive Antibiotic Therapy and Empiric Antibiotic Therapy in Osteomyelitis

BackgroundDefinitive therapy for osteomyelitis (OM) is thought to be superior to empiric antimicrobial therapy; however, identifying causative pathogens is difficult.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients treated with either definitive or empiric antimicrobial therapy for OM at VA St. Louis HCS between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2018. Definitive antibiotic therapy was defined as a regimen tailored to susceptibilities of an organism(s) cultured from bone or deep tissue. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as a need for unplanned surgical intervention or re-initiation of antibiotic therapy for OM of the same anatomical site within 6-months after initial therapy was discontinued. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD), and thrombocytopenia. Surgical intervention as part of initial therapy, presence of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), creatinine clearance < 50 mL/minute at initiation of therapy, receiving antibiotics at an extended care facility, age > 60 years, and receiving definitive antibiotics were included in a univariate analysis with variables with a P < 0.2 included in a multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThere were 301 patients included; 179 in the definitive therapy group and 122 in the empiric therapy group. Baseline characteristics were similar among groups; however, more patients receiving definitive therapy had a bone biopsy compared with those treated with empiric therapy (58.1% (104/179) vs. 36.8% (45/122); P < 0.05). 33 percent (60/179) of patient treated with definitive therapy failed compared with 45% (55/122) treated with empiric therapy (P = 0.109). No significant differences were observed in secondary outcomes; however non-CDAD diarrhea occurred more in the empiric therapy group than definitive therapy group (3.9% (7/179) vs. 8.2% (10/122); P > 0.05). Receiving definitive therapy (OR 1.43, CI 0.89–2.313; P = 0.138) and presence of PVD (OR 1.34; CI 0.823–2.197; P = 0.238) were included in the multivariate logistic regression, but neither were independently associated with failure.ConclusionDefinitive antibiotic therapy was not associated with a significant decrease in treatment failure.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Computed Tomography-Determined Muscle Quality Rather Than Muscle Quantity Is a Better Determinant of Prolonged Hospital Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Computed tomography (CT)-determined skeletal muscle measures have been used for predicting postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We investigated the impact of CT-determined muscle quantity (measured as psoas muscle area [PMA] and psoas muscle index [PMI]) and quality (measured as psoas muscle density [PMD]) on hospital length of stay (LOS) after TAVI. We retrospectively identified 182 consecutive patients who underwent TAVI between March 2013 and August 2017 with adequate preprocedural CT imaging. Baseline demographic and clinical data, the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score, the essential frailty toolset (EFT) frailty rating, and precontrast PMD, PMA, and PMI were obtained in all study patients. The primary outcome was prolonged postoperative LOS defined as greater than 14 days. Patients with prolonged LOS had a significantly higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (p < 0.001) and significantly lower PMD (p < 0.001) than those with LOS ≤14 days. More patients with prolonged LOS had concomitant peripheral vascular disease (p = 0.001), had undergone percutaneous coronary interventions (p = 0.022), and had an EFT score ≥4 (p < 0.001) compared to those without prolonged LOS. Neither PMA (p = 0.123) nor PMI (p = 0.271) were associated with prolonged LOS. Multivariate analysis identified EFT score ≥4, the presence of peripheral vascular disease, and PMD as independent predictors of prolonged LOS. The precontrast CT-determined muscle quality measurement PMD is a simple and objective predictor of prolonged LOS after TAVI.