Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 26, 2026

High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Footpad Vasculature in a Murine Hindlimb Gangrene Model
08:16

High-Resolution Three-Dimensional Imaging of the Footpad Vasculature in a Murine Hindlimb Gangrene Model

Published on: March 16, 2022

Does infection affect amputation rate in chronic critical leg ischemia?

O Kummer1, M K Widmer, S Plüss

  • 1Swiss Cardiovascular Center Bern, Division of Angiology and Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.

VASA. Zeitschrift Fur Gefasskrankheiten
|April 8, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Local infections significantly increase amputation rates in chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients, even after successful revascularization. Prompt antibiotic treatment is crucial for managing these infections and improving outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Limb Salvage

Background:

  • Chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI) poses a significant risk for amputation.
  • The role of local infection in amputation rates among CLI patients requires further elucidation.
  • Understanding infection's impact is vital for optimizing treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between local infection and amputation rates in patients with chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI).
  • To analyze this association in both successfully revascularized and non-revascularized CLI patients.
  • To determine the clinical significance of infection in limb salvage outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 57 CLI limbs from 56 patients.
  • Infection defined by specific inflammatory markers (temperature, CRP, leukocytes) or putrid secretion.
  • Comparison of amputation rates based on revascularization success and infection presence.

Main Results:

  • Successful revascularization shifted amputations from major to minor.
  • Infection criteria were met in 41.5% and 52.6% of limbs.
  • Infections were significantly more prevalent in patients undergoing amputation (p=0.001).

Conclusions:

  • Successful revascularization reduces major amputations and promotes ulcer healing.
  • Secondary foot infections are common in CLI patients.
  • Infections are linked to higher minor and major amputation rates, necessitating timely and adequate antibiotic treatment.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...
Diabetic Foot Ulcer01:31

Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management01:29

Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a chronic infection of the heart's endocardium, primarily affecting the heart valves. A detailed nursing assessment for a patient with IE involves collecting subjective and objective data to ensure an accurate diagnosis and timely intervention.Subjective DataThe nurse gathers information about the patient's symptoms and complaints during the subjective assessment. Patients with infective endocarditis often report non-specific symptoms that can mimic other...
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...