Quality of Life in Individuals With Peripheral Arterial Disease Who Underwent Toe Amputations: A Descriptive,...

Studies have shown above- or below-the-knee amputation has a profound impact on physical, mental, and emotional health; the impact of having a toe(s) amputated is unknown.

This descriptive research study measured health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using the Vascular Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-6 (VascuQol-6) among persons with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who had undergone toe amputations.

A list of 127 patients discharged from the hospital in 2016 with a diagnosis of PAD and toe amputation was provided to the investigator. The independent variables of age (subsequently divided into groups of persons <65 and ≥65 years of age), gender, race, diabetes mellitus, and time of PAD diagnosis (within the year or 2 to 7 years before 2016) were abstracted from the patient charts. A letter was mailed to potential participants that explained the study and the VascuQol-6 tool, along with a prepaid envelope to return the completed tool. The VascuQol-6 tool is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing HRQoL that covered the different aspects of quality of life (QoL) affected by PAD. The tool contains six 4-point Likert scale questions about activity, symptoms, pain, emotional status, and social life, resulting in a total score between 6 and 24. Higher values indicate better perceived quality of life. Variables were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, and a standard t test was used to compare interval scale items. Statistical significance was noted when P <.05.

Thirty-eight (38) completed surveys were returned (30% completion rate). The mean total score was 15.5 ± 3.93 (range 7-24), and the mean overall score of the 6 items was 2.66 ± 0.90 (range 1-4). In addition to a low overall QoL score, the data showed QoL was negatively affected in every area assessed, but some participants were strongly affected whereas others were not affected at all. No significant differences in QoL scores were noted concerning age groups, gender, race, the presence of diabetes mellitus, or time since PAD diagnosis.

In this study, patients with PAD and toe amputations had low QoL scores related to their disease. Additional research is needed to better understand HRQoL related to PAD to facilitate education of patients considering toe amputation.