Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 29, 2025
Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
Published on: October 22, 2014
Disparities in Advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease Presentation by Socioeconomic Status
Elzerie de Jager1, Ronny Gunnarsson2,3,4, Yik-Hong Ho5,6
1College of Medicine and Dentistry, The James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia. elzerie.dejager@my.jcu.edu.au.
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) advanced presentations, including amputations and complications, are higher in unemployed, low socioeconomic status, and rural Australian patients. These findings highlight significant healthcare access barriers for vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Public Health
- Health Economics
Background:
- Diabetes and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) frequently co-occur, leading to severe complications like foot ulceration, infection, and gangrene, often necessitating lower limb amputation.
- Significant global disparities exist in the advanced presentation rates of PAD, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rates of advanced PAD presentations among unemployed individuals, those in low Index of Economic Resources (IER) areas, and rural residents in Australia.
- To identify socioeconomic and geographic disparities in the management and outcomes of PAD.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzed 1115 patients undergoing surgical procedures for PAD between 2008 and 2018 at a regional tertiary care center.
- Advanced PAD presentation was assessed by examining complication rates (gangrene/ulcers), amputation proportions, and emergency-to-elective surgery ratios.
- Multivariable logistic regression was employed to adjust for demographic and clinical factors.
Main Results:
- Unemployed and rural patients exhibited higher rates of lower limb amputations (OR 1.99 and 1.83, respectively).
- Higher rates of presentation with complications were observed in unemployed (OR 7.2), disadvantaged IER (OR 1.91), and rural patients (OR 1.73).
- The ratio of emergency to elective surgeries was significantly higher for unemployed (OR 2.32) and rural patients (OR 1.92).
Conclusions:
- Disparities in advanced PAD presentation metrics, including complications, amputations, and emergency surgeries, were evident for patients of low socioeconomic status and those in rural areas.
- These findings suggest the existence of substantial barriers to timely and effective healthcare access for these vulnerable patient groups.
- Addressing these disparities is crucial for improving PAD outcomes and reducing the need for amputations in underserved populations.
More Related Videos
08:05Occlusion of the Great and Small Saphenous Vein Using Copolymeric Glue Based on N-Butyl Cyanoacrylate and Methacryloxy Sulfolane
Published on: December 9, 2022
14:52Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
Published on: December 11, 2013
Related Concept Videos
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
01:26Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management
01:27Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care
01:27Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
01:27Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above...