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Computerized Dynamic Posturography for Postural Control Assessment in Patients with Intermittent Claudication
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Mortality in Amputees with Peripheral Artery Disease during the Post-COVID Era: A Three-Year Analysis

Mohammad Mahdi Kasiri1, Martina Mittlboeck2, Bernd Gollackner1

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria.

Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 26, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Delayed treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients undergoing amputation during COVID-19 significantly increased mortality. Continuous monitoring is vital to prevent adverse outcomes, particularly for those with diabetes and renal issues.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD) significantly elevates mortality risk post-lower limb amputation.
  • The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have disrupted timely medical interventions for PAD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of delayed treatment on outcomes for PAD patients undergoing amputation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To compare mortality rates and clinical characteristics of PAD amputees during the COVID-19 outbreak versus a pre-pandemic period.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective single-centre cohort study comparing PAD amputees from 2020 (COVID-19 period) with a 2019 control group.
  • Three-year follow-up data analyzed for mortality, amputation level, and patient demographics.

Main Results:

  • The 2020 cohort (n=84) showed a higher proportion of major limb amputations and presented with more advanced PAD stages compared to 2019 (n=50).
  • Long-term mortality was significantly higher in 2020 (49%) versus 2019 (39%), with more than double the non-COVID-19-related deaths.
  • Diabetes and renal insufficiency were identified as significant negative prognostic factors for survival in PAD amputees.

Conclusions:

  • Delayed treatment for PAD patients undergoing amputation, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, leads to increased long-term mortality.
  • Proactive patient monitoring during health crises is essential to mitigate severe consequences, especially for comorbid PAD patients.
  • The findings underscore the need for resilient healthcare systems to ensure continuous care for vascular disease patients during pandemics.
Abstract

Keywords:
COVID-19amputationmortalitypandemicperipheral artery diseasesurvivalvascular disorders

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