Objective measurement of lower extremity function and quality of life after surgical revascularization for critical lower extremity ischemia

The purpose of this study was to evaluate health-related quality of life after major lower-extremity amputation in a cohort of patients with diabetes mellitus. We evaluated 81 patients with diabetes and transtibial amputation (TTA) who had a minimum of 1 year of follow-up. Of these 81 patients, 50.6% completed the Short Form Survey (SF-36) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) preoperatively and postoperatively. Outcome measures before and after TTA were compared using Welch’s ANOVA for continuous variables and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables. There was significant improvement in all 8 subscales of the SF-36, physical component summary (PCS) score, mental component summary (MCS) score, and the FAAM. The median SF-36 PCS score improved from 26.2 to 36.6 preoperatively versus postoperatively ( P < .0005). The postoperative PCS score improved in 75.6% of patients and worsened in 24.4%. The median SF-36 MCS score improved from 43.7 to 56.1 preoperatively versus postoperatively ( P < .0005). Both the FAAM activities of daily living (ADL; P < .005) and FAAM sports scores ( P < .05) improved significantly. The postoperative FAAM general/ADL score improved in 75.6% of patients and worsened in 24.4%. Patients who were nonambulatory postoperatively had significantly lower SF-36 general health subscale scores and lower FAAM scores than patients who were ambulatory postoperatively. In select patients with nonfunctional lower extremities resulting from instability and/or chronic infection, TTA can result in significant improvement in quality of life and lower-extremity function. We acknowledge that 25% of patients had a reduction in self-reported quality of life; however, 75% of patients improved their quality of life.

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Quality of Life and Self-Reported Lower Extremity Function in Adults With HIV-Related Distal Sensory Polyneuropathy

Physical Therapy ◽

10.2522/ptj.20130337 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 94 (10) ◽

pp. 1455-1466 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Mary Lou A. Galantino ◽

David M. Kietrys ◽

James Scott Parrott ◽

Maureen E. Stevens ◽

Anne Marie Stevens ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Lower Extremity ◽

Hiv Disease ◽

Lower Extremity Function ◽

Medical Outcomes ◽

Mental Health Summary ◽

Outcomes Study ◽

And Function ◽

Sensory Polyneuropathy

Background Distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) is a common complication of HIV disease. Its effects on quality of life (QOL) and function have not been well described. Objective The study objectives were: (1) to compare QOL and lower extremity function in people with HIV-related DSP and people with HIV disease who do not have DSP, (2) to determine the extent to which function predicts QOL, (3) to evaluate the agreement of 2 function scales, and (4) to describe the use of pain management resources. Design This was a cross-sectional survey study with predictive modeling and measurement tool concordant validation. Methods A demographic questionnaire, the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI), and a review of medical records were used. General linear modeling was used to assess group differences in QOL and the relationship between function and QOL. Bland-Altman procedures were used to assess the agreement of the LEFS and the LLFI. Results Usable data for analyses were available for 82 of the 94 participants enrolled. The 67% of participants who reported DSP symptoms tended to be older, had HIV disease longer, and were more likely to receive disability benefits. Participants without DSP had better LLFI, LEFS, and physical health summary scores. In multivariate models, lower limb function predicted physical and mental health summary scores. The LLFI identified participants with a lower level of function more often than the LEFS. Participants with DSP were more likely to use medical treatment, physical therapy, and complementary or alternative treatments. Limitations A sample of convenience was used; the sample size resulted in a low power for the mental health summary score of the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health Survey. Conclusions Quality of life and function were more impaired in participants with HIV disease and DSP. The LLFI was more likely to capture limitations in function than the LEFS. Participants with DSP reported more frequent use of pain management resources.

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