Quality-of-life assessment as an outcomes measure in critical limb ischemia

J Vasc Surg. 2017 Feb;65(2):571-578. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2016.08.097. Epub 2016 Nov 19.

Abstract

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a diagnosis plagued by significant comorbidity and high mortality rates. Overall survival remains poor in this population regardless of the procedure-related success as demonstrated by freedom from amputation, intervention, and patency. The literature has traditionally focused on physician-centered and lesion-centered outcomes with regards to limb salvage procedures, but there remains a relative paucity of studies of CLI patients describing patient-centered outcomes such as quality of life (QoL), independent living, and ambulation status. Review of the available literature indicates patients do not always experience significant gains in their QoL after limb salvage interventions, despite reasonable graft patency, amputation-free survival, and limb salvage rates. Further research is required using QoL tools in a measurable and clinically relevant fashion to guide optimal quality care that maximizes patient-centered outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Critical Illness
  • Endovascular Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Endovascular Procedures* / mortality
  • Humans
  • Patient Reported Outcome Measures*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / diagnosis*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / physiopathology
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / psychology
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / therapy*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Quality of Life*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vascular Patency
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures* / adverse effects
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures* / mortality