Outcomes of upper extremity access during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair

Objective

Upper extremity (UE) access is frequently used during fenestrated-branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) to facilitate catheterization of downgoing vessels. Limitations include risk of cerebral embolization and of UE arterial or peripheral nerve injury. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes of F-BEVAR using UE access.

Combined fenestrated-branched endovascular repair of the aortic arch and the thoracoabdominal aorta

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to evaluate patients who underwent extensive endovascular aortic stent graft coverage (from the aortic arch to abdominal aorta) in terms of early and midterm clinical outcomes.MethodsA retrospective multicenter study was undertaken. All patients were treated with extensive endovascular aortic stent graft coverage with fenestrated and branched endografts at three experienced endovascular centers.ResultsBetween 2012 and 2017, there were 33 patients (22 male [67%]) treated with a combination of fenestrated-branched stent grafts in the aortic arch and the thoracoabdominal aorta. Most of the patients (20/33 [61%]) had fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (fb-EVAR) of the thoracoabdominal aorta as a second-stage procedure after thoracic arch (fb-Arch) repair, 10 had fb-Arch repair as the first procedure, and three patients had a single-stage procedure. The mean age was 67 ± 13 years, and the mean interval between procedures was 13 ± 12 months. For fb-Arch repair, 20 fenestrated and 13 branched devices were used; for fb-EVAR, 23 fenestrated, 5 branched, and 5 composite devices were used. The use of spinal drainage was more common in fb-EVAR (20/33 [61%]). Technical success was 100%. Mean hospital stay was 15 ± 13 days for fb-Arch repair and 12 ± 9 days for fb-EVAR. Two patients died in the hospital after fb-EVAR, resulting in a 30-day mortality of 6% (2/33). No deaths occurred during the fb-Arch repair component or in the single-stage cases. Four patients developed spinal cord injury (12%), 1 had permanent paraplegia (3%), and 2 patients had a neurologic event (1 stroke [3%] and 1 transient ischemic attack [3%]). Six patients (18%) died during a mean follow-up of 23 ± 17 months. The survival at 12 months after the second procedure was 72%, and the freedom from any reintervention was 82%. The 12-month freedom from reintervention was 87% for fb-Arch repair and 81% for fb-EVAR.ConclusionsExtensive endovascular coverage of the aorta for aortic disease seems to be a feasible procedure in experienced centers, with acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality. Spinal cord ischemia appears acceptable despite extensive aortic coverage.     

Outcomes of iliofemoral conduits during fenestrated-branched endovascular repair of complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveTo describe the technical pitfalls and outcomes of iliofemoral conduits during fenestrated-branched endovascular repair (FB-EVAR) of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms (CAAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 466 consecutive patients enrolled in a previous prospective nonrandomized study to investigate FB-EVAR for CAAAs/TAAAs (2013-2021). Iliofemoral conduits were performed through open surgical technique (temporary or permanent) in patients with patent internal iliac arteries or endovascular technique among those with occluded internal iliac arteries. End points were assessed in patients who had any iliac conduit or no conduits, and in patients who had conduits performed prior or during the index FB-EVAR, including procedural metrics, technical success, and major adverse events (MAE).ResultsThere were 138 CAAAs, 141 extent IV, and 187 extent I-III TAAAs treated by FB-EVAR with an average of 3.89 ± 0.52 vessels incorporated per patient. Any iliac conduit was required in 35 patients (7.5%), including 24 patients (10.4%) treated between 2013 and 2017 and 11 (4.7%) who had procedures between 2018 and 2021 (P = .019). Nineteen patients had permanent conduits using iliofemoral bypass, 11 had temporary iliac conduits, and 5 had endoconduits. Iliofemoral conduits were necessary in 12% of patients with extent I to III TAAA, in 6% with extent IV TAAA, and in 3% with CAAA (P = .009). The use of iliofemoral conduit was more frequent among women (74% vs 27%; P < .001) and in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (49% vs 28%; P = .013), peripheral artery disease (31% vs 15%; P = .009), and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of III or higher (74% vs 51%; P = .009). There were no inadvertent iliac artery disruptions in the entire study. The 30-day mortality and MAE were 1% and 19%, respectively, for all patients. An iliofemoral conduit using retroperitoneal exposure during the index FB-EVAR was associated with longer operative time (322 ± 97 minutes vs 323 ± 110 minutes vs 215 ± 90 minutes; P < .001), higher estimated blood loss (425 ± 620 mL vs 580 ± 1050 mL vs 250 ± 400 mL; P < .001), and rate of red blood transfusion (92% vs 78% vs 32%; P < .001) and lower technical success (83% vs 87% vs 98%; P < .001), but no difference in intraoperative access complications and MAEs, compared with iliofemoral conduits without retroperitoneal exposure during the index FB-EVAR and control patients who had FB-EVAR without iliofemoral conduits, respectively. There were no differences in mortality or in other specific MAE among the three groups.ConclusionsFB-EVAR with selective use of iliofemoral conduits was safe with low mortality and no occurrence of inadvertent iliac artery disruption or conversion. A staged approach is associated with shorter operating time, less blood loss, and lower transfusion requirements in the index procedure.     

Risk of spinal cord ischemia after fenestrated or branched endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms

Objective

The aim of our study was to analyze the incidence of spinal cord ischemia (SCI) in patients presenting with complex aortic aneurysms treated with endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and to identify risk factors associated with this complication.

Comparative outcomes of open,hybrid, and fenestrated branched endovascular repair of extent II and III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveOpen repair of extent II and III thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA) is associated with substantial morbidity. Alternative strategies, such as hybrid operations combining proximal thoracic endovascular aortic repair with either staged open distal TAAA repair or visceral debranching (hybrid), as well as fenestrated/branched endografts (FEVAR), have been increasingly reported; however, benefits of these approaches compared with direct open surgery remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of these three different strategies in the management of extent II/III TAAA.MethodsAll extent II/III TAAA repairs (2002-2018) for nonmycotic, degenerative aneurysm or chronic dissection at a single institution were reviewed. The primary end point was 30-day mortality. Secondary end points included incidence of spinal cord ischemia (SCI), complications, unplanned re-operation, 90-day readmission, and out-of-hospital survival. To mitigate impact of covariate imbalance and selection bias, intergroup comparisons were made using inverse probability weighted-propensity analysis. Cox regression was used to estimate survival while cumulative incidence was used to determine reoperation risk.ResultsOne hundred ninety-eight patients (FEVAR, 92; hybrid, 40; open, 66) underwent repair. In unadjusted analysis, compared with hybrid/open patients, FEVAR patients were significantly older with more cardiovascular risk factors, but less likely to have a connective tissue disorder or dissection-related indication. Unadjusted 30-day mortality and complication rates were: 30-day mortality, FEVAR 4%, hybrid 13%, open 12% (P = .01); and complications, FEVAR 36%, hybrid 33%, open 50% (P = .11). Permanent SCI was not different among groups (FEVAR 3%, hybrid 3%, open 6%; P = .64). In adjusted analysis, 30-day mortality risk was greater for open vs FEVAR (hazard ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-9.2; P = .01) with no difference for hybrid vs open/FEVAR. There was significantly lower risk of any SCI for open vs FEVAR (hazard ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.96; P = .04); however, no difference in risk of permanent SCI was detected among the three groups. There was no difference in complications or unplanned reoperation, but open patients had the greatest risk of unplanned 90-day readmission. There was a time-varying effect on survival probability, with open repair having a significant survival disadvantage in the first 1 to 6 months after the procedure compared with hybrid/FEVAR patients (Cox model P = .03), but no difference in survival at 1 and 5 years (1- and 5-year survival: FEVAR, 86 ± 3%, 55 ± 8%; hybrid, 86 ± 5%, 60 ± 11%; open 69 ± 7%, 59 ± 8%; Cox-model P = .10).ConclusionsExtent II/III TAAA repair, regardless of operative strategy, is associated with significant morbidity risk. FEVAR is associated with the lowest 30-day mortality risk compared with hybrid and open repair when estimates are adjusted for preoperative risk factors. These data support greater adoption of FEVAR as first-line therapy to treat complex TAAA disease in anatomically suitable patients who present electively.     

Prospective assessment of health-related quality of life after endovascular repair of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using fenestrated-branched endografts

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate changes in health-related quality of life (QOL) in patients treated for pararenal aortic aneurysms (PAAs) and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) with fenestrated-branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR).MethodsA total of 159 consecutive patients (70% male; mean age, 75 ± 7 years) were enrolled in a prospective, nonrandomized single-center study using manufactured F-BEVAR (2013-2016). All patients were observed for at least 12 months (mean follow-up time, 27 ± 12 months). Patients' health-related QOL was assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire at baseline (N = 159), 6 to 8 weeks (n = 136), 6 months (n = 129), and 12 months (n = 123). Physical component scores (PCSs) and mental component scores (MCSs) were compared with historical results of patients enrolled in the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) 1 trial who were treated by standard EVAR for simple infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms.ResultsThere were 57 patients with PAAs and 102 patients with TAAAs (50 extent IV and 52 extent I-III TAAAs). There were no 30-day deaths, in-hospital deaths, conversions to open surgery, or aorta-related deaths. Survival was 96% at 1 year and 87% at 2 years. Major adverse events occurred in 18% of patients, and 1-year reintervention rate was 14%. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in 30-day outcomes. Patients treated for TAAAs had lower baseline scores compared with those treated for PAAs (P < .05). PCS declined significantly 6 to 8 weeks after F-BEVAR in both groups and returned to baseline values at 12 months in the PAA group but not in the TAAA group. Patients with TAAAs had significantly lower PCSs at 12 months compared with those with PAAs (P < .001). There was no decline in mean MCS. Major adverse events were associated with decline in PCS assessed at 6 to 8 weeks (P = .021) but not in the subsequent evaluations. Reinterventions had no effect on PCS or MCS. Overall, patients treated by F-BEVAR had similar changes in QOL measures as those who underwent standard EVAR in the EVAR 1 trial, except for lower PCS in TAAA patients at 12 months.ConclusionsPatients treated for TAAAs had lower scores at baseline in their physical aspect of health-related QOL. F-BEVAR was associated with significant decline in PCSs in both groups, which improved after 2 months and returned to baseline values at 12 months in patients with PAAs but not in those with TAAAs. Patients treated for PAAs had similar changes in QOL compared with those treated for infrarenal aortic aneurysms with standard EVAR.     

腹主动脉瘤腔内修复与开放手术疗效比较

目的 比较腹主动脉瘤开放手术和腔内治疗的效果.方法 对2002年1月至2007年7月收治的223例分别行开放手术和腔内修复的腹主动脉瘤患者进行网顾性分析.手术组141例,男性118例,女性23例;腔内治疗组82例,男性66例,女性16例.对手术相关情况、围手术期并发症发生率、病死率、随访中并发症发生率等进行对比分析.结果 腔内修复组手术时间、术中出血量、输血量均少于开放手术组(P<0.01),围手术期并发症两组无显著差异(P>0.05),SF-36量表评估显示术后6个月开放手术组优于腔内治疗组,术后2年生存率两组无明显差异(P>0.05),但腔内修复组并发症发生率高于开放手术组(P<0.01).住院费用腔内修复组明显高于开放手术组(P<0.01).结论 腹主动脉瘤腔内修复具有手术时间短、微创的特点,但具有较高的远期并发症,开放手术组6个月健康生存质量优于腔内修复组.     

Intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound examination for endoleak detection after complex and infrarenal endovascular aortic repair

ObjectiveThe aim of this pilot study was to evaluate intraoperative contrast-enhanced ultrasound (iCEUS) examination for endoleak (EL) detection after complex endovascular aortic repairs (EVAR) in comparison with the standard angiographic completion control.MethodsTwenty-one patients (16 male; median age, 73 years [range, 54-81 years]) who underwent single-stage EVARs at our center between October 2016 and October 2018 were included prospectively. The procedures comprised fenestrated and/or branched EVAR (n = 14; 66%), infrarenal EVAR (n = 5; 24%), infrarenal EVAR with bilateral iliac side branch implantation (n = 1; 5%), and infrarenal EVAR with occluder implantation into the internal iliac artery (n = 1; 5%). The used endografts included 14 custom made devices (Cook, Australia Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Australia, n = 6; Vascutek Terumo, Glasgow, Scotland, n = 8) and seven standard infrarenal endografts (Medtronic Inc, Santa Rosa, Calif, n = 5; Vascutek Terumo, Glasgow, Scotland, n = 1; Cook, n = 1). All patients underwent an angiographic completion control for EL detection followed by iCEUS examination. The iCEUS examination was performed by the same examiner who was blinded to the angiography result. In addition to the comparison of the angiographic results to iCEUS examination, iCEUS examination was also compared with the computed tomography angiography (CTA) before discharge (median time to CTA, 5 days [range, 1-7 days]).ResultsAngiography detected eight type II EL, defining the EL origin in four cases. In addition to detecting all of those eight EL, iCEUS examination revealed eight more type II EL not seen on angiography (P = .002) and allowed a definition of the EL origin in all cases. CTA before discharge showed a persistence of only 5 of the 16 type II EL detected by iCEUS examination (31%, P = .002).ConclusionsAn iCEUS examination can be used as another adjunct to decrease exposure to contrast agent and radiation during EVAR, including complex procedures. A replacement of the completion angiography by iCEUS examination is conceivable for infrarenal EVAR, but also for endovascular type IV or type V repairs. Future studies with larger patient numbers will help to further validate iCEUS examination during complex EVAR.     

Femoral vein transposition is a durable hemodialysis access for patients who have exhausted upper extremity options

ObjectiveAccess surgeons often encounter patients with end-stage renal disease who have exhausted all upper extremity hemodialysis access options. Although the lower extremity is often the next alternative, prosthetic lower extremity access can be prone to infectious complications and historically has poor patency. We describe our contemporary experience with an autogenous femoral vein transposition (FVT) arteriovenous fistula.MethodsAll FVTs performed at an academic medical center from 2006 to 2018 were analyzed. FVTs were placed after upper extremity access was deemed no longer possible by the treating surgeon. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and access history were described, and perioperative and short-term outcomes, including maturation, were analyzed.ResultsTwenty-one patients treated with FVT were identified. The mean age was 55.3 ± 11.1 years; 23.8% were female, and 71.4% were African American. The median body mass index was 27.1 kg/m² (range, 17-46 kg/m²). Comorbidities included hypertension (100%), diabetes (61.9%), coronary artery disease (57.1%), congestive heart failure (47.6%), and obesity (38.1%). Twenty patients had at least one prior arm access, whereas 13 patients (61.9%) had more than three prior arm accesses. Seventeen patients (81%) had central venous stenosis or occlusion confirmed on preoperative imaging. The mean operative time was 250 minutes (range, 144-406 minutes), and estimated blood loss was 140.5 mL. Preanastomotic tapering was performed in 20 (95.2%) patients. Four (19%) patients returned to the operating room within 30 days. Thirty-day postoperative cardiac and wound complications occurred in 9.5% and 19% of patients, respectively. Distal arterial ischemia requiring revascularization occurred in one (4.8%) patient at 7 months. There were no access-related infections that resulted in fistula ligation. There was no mortality at 30 days. Successful fistula maturation rate at 6 months was 88.9%. At 1 year, primary and secondary patency rates were 65.9%, and 94.7%, respectively.ConclusionsAlthough autogenous FVT performed in patients without upper extremity options has a significant wound complication rate, it is associated with an outstanding maturation rate and excellent patency rates at 1 year. This access should be readily considered in hemodialysis patients without upper extremity access options.     

覆膜支架腔内隔绝和开腹手术治疗腹主动脉瘤破裂疗效比较

目的比较开腹手术和腔内隔绝术治疗腹主动脉瘤破裂的手术效果。方法 2000年3月-2011年7月,收治48例腹主动脉瘤破裂患者,其中40例行腹动脉瘤切除、人工血管移植术治疗(开腹组),8例行覆膜支架腔内隔绝术治疗(腔内隔绝组)。两组患者性别、年龄、瘤颈长度≤2 cm构成比、瘤颈成角≥60°构成比、髂外动脉严重扭曲构成比、术前收缩压、术前合并症组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),具有可比性。术后对两组患者输血量、手术时间、重症监护时间、术后并发症、二期手术率、术后24 h内死亡率和术后30 d内死亡率进行比较。结果两组术后24 h死亡率、术后30 d死亡率以及非移植物相关并发症发生率比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05);但组间手术时间、输血量、重症监护时间、二期手术率及移植物相关并发症发生率比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论腔内隔绝术对解剖条件良好的腹主动脉瘤破裂患者是一种可行的手术方式,在输血量、手术时间、重症监护时间方面与传统开腹手术相比具有明显优势。     

Use of a microvascular coupler for repair of major distal upper extremity artery injuries

Background

Non-suturing alternatives to expedite a microanastomoses while still insuring maximum patency rates to date have best been achieved using everting ring-pin devices. Although these so-called couplers have heretofore primarily been used for the venous microanastomosis during free flap transfers, they have also had limited value for their arterial counterpart.

Methods

Applications for use of the microanastomotic coupler has been extended to repair solitary arterial injuries in the distal upper extremity. Over the past year, 4 patients specifically with hand or forearm arterial injuries alone, had rapid coupling of the injured vessels.

Results

Direct end-to-end repair of all hand or forearm arterial injuries using a microanastomotic coupler was possible in 3 of four cases. Because of the greater extent of injury, the exception required an interposition vein graft; but that too was coupled to each end of the divided artery in end-to-end fashion. In no case was there any compromise of vascular patency.

Conclusion

Although hand perfusion in no individual in this series was ever at jeopardy because of persistent collaterals, this demonstration of the efficiency and efficacy of this device may justify future use for critical limb revascularisation.     

腹主动脉瘤腔内治疗并发症内漏的诊治

目的 探讨血管内技术治疗腹主动脉瘤时特有并发症内漏的诊断与处理方法。方法 对已施行腔内治疗37例腹主动脉瘤患者进行回顾性分析,讨论部分患者并发内漏的原因、诊断、处理、结果及预后。结果 37例支架型血管放置完成后,13例发现存在不同程度的内漏,其中I型6例,Ⅱ型3例,Ⅲ型2例,Ⅳ型1例,不明原因1例,1期经相关技术处理后I型、Ⅲ型内漏完全消失。手术结束时原发性内漏发生率13．5％（5／37）。随诊发现原发性内漏3例自愈,2例转化为持续性内漏;另发现2例继发性内漏发生率13．5％（5／37）。随诊发现原发性内漏3例自愈,2例转化为持续性内漏;另发现2例继发发现人漏。本组患者晚期内漏发生率10．8％（4／37）。结论 引起漏血的原因可能与瘤颈形态、长度、成角、钙化、移植物选择、分支血管血液倒流等因素有关。强调术中发现并一期处理,术后应密切随访。增强CT、血管超声和MRA检查是术检后检测内漏的主要手段。对漏血量及瘤体有增大趋势的内漏应积极处理。     

Long-term durability of multibranched endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal and pararenal aortic aneurysms

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the durability of multibranched endovascular repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs) and pararenal aortic aneurysms by examining the rates of late-occurring (beyond 30 days) complications.

游离腓骨(皮)瓣移植修复上肢长段骨缺损

目的 探讨游离腓骨(皮)瓣移植修复上肢长段骨缺损的临床应用及效果.方法 自2000年6月至2010年12月,应用游离腓骨骨瓣修复上肢长段骨缺损12例,其中携带皮瓣4例.男11例,女1例;年龄19～ 55岁,平均35岁.修复肱骨缺损2例,尺骨缺损6例,桡骨缺损4例.腓骨瓣切取范围1.5 cm× 2.0 cm～ 12.0 cm× 16.0 cm,腓骨移植长度6.0～ 20.0 cm.结果 12例均成功并获得随访,随访时间平均2年5个月.4例携带皮瓣全部存活;创面Ⅰ期愈合11例,Ⅱ期愈合1例,愈合时间12～18 d;腓骨移植骨愈合时间3～6个月,平均4个月.应用Enneking上肢功能标准评分为22～29分,平均27分;供区无功能障碍.结论 游离腓骨(皮)瓣移植修复上肢长段骨缺损可一期完成骨缺损修复,且可同时解决软组织缺损.虽难度大、风险高,但仍是一种很理想的治疗方法.     

肾动脉下腹主动脉瘤腔内治疗后并发症的防治

目的　总结肾动脉下腹主动脉瘤腔内治疗后常见并发症的预防与处理。　方法对已施行腔内治疗的 71例肾下腹主动脉瘤患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析 ,讨论常见并发症发生的原因、处理、结果及预后。　结果　 71例接受腔内治疗的肾动脉下腹主动脉瘤患者技术成功率1 0 0 % ,无中转开腹手术者。原发性内漏 8例 ,神经并发症合并急性血栓形成 1例。一过性缺血性肠炎 2例。无肾动脉梗死、肢体栓塞等并发症。平均随访时间 (2 6± 5)个月。围手术期病死率 1 3 % (1 /71 ) ,总病死率 4 2 % (3/ 71 )。死亡原因 2例为急性心肌梗死 ,1例为急性心功能衰竭。随访过程中发现 3例原发性内漏转为持续性内漏 ,另发现继发性内漏 4例。本组患者 1个月后内漏发生率 9 8%(7/ 71 )。 2例继发性Ⅰ型内漏随访中瘤体增大 ,1例进行二期腔内治疗。　结论　动脉瘤的腔内治疗具有创伤小、技术操作可行、效果肯定的优点 ,内漏血是该技术主要并发症。对漏血量及瘤体有增大趋势的内漏应积极处理     

Non-activated autologous platelet-rich plasma for the prevention of inguinal wound-related complications after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms

The endovascular repair (EVAR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) usually involves the surgical exposure and catheterization of the femoral arteries. Several inguinal surgical wound-related complications have been reported postoperatively. The aim of this report was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intraoperative application of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for the prevention of wound-related complications in AAA EVAR. The authors conducted a patient- and assessor-blinded controlled trial involving 100 subjects undergoing EVAR of an AAA. PRP was produced using an autologous platelet separator and was applied, without prior thrombin activation, in 50 patients eligible for inclusion. The results were compared with a control group of 50 patients who underwent AAA EVAR within the same time period. The primary outcome was the difference in postoperative hospital stay. Secondary outcomes included subjective assessment of wound healing and wound-related complications. Age, sex, and other comorbidities related to wound healing were not significantly different between cases and controls. One patient treated with PRP developed a unilateral wound infection with lymphorrhea, and two patients developed a bi-lateral superficial infection. Twelve patients within the control group developed a wound-related complication. The postoperative hospitalization was significantly lower in the PRP group. The overall surgical wound-related complications rate was also significantly lower in the PRP group. Application of non-thrombin-activated PRP seems to prevent major postoperative wound-related complications (p = .026) and shorten postoperative hospital stay duration after femoral artery exposure and catheterization for AAA EVAR (mean, 4.48 +/- 0.48 vs. 6.14 +/- 0.39 days).     

Prospective,nonrandomized study to evaluate endovascular repair of pararenal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms using fenestrated-branched endografts based on supraceliac sealing zones

Purpose

To investigate outcomes of manufactured fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (F-BEVAR) endografts based on supraceliac sealing zones to treat pararenal aortic aneurysms and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAAs).

Health-related quality of life after upper extremity injuries and predictors for suboptimal outcome

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the impact of upper extremity injuries (UEIs) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adult patients compared with victims of other types of injuries and with the general population, in order to establish recovery patterns of different types of UEIs and determine predictors for suboptimal outcome in the long term.MethodsData were obtained from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System, from the National Hospital Discharge Registry, and from a patient follow-up survey. A total of 608 patients (aged ≥18 years) with an UEI were included. The main outcome measure was HRQoL measured at 2.5, 5, 9 and 24 months after UEI according to the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). The predictors for the suboptimal outcome were examined by multivariate linear regression analyses.ResultsFor non-hospitalized UEI patients, a substantial loss in HRQoL was observed after 2.5 months which improved to the level of the general population norms by 24 months. For hospitalized UEI patients, HRQoL improved from 2.5 to 24 months but remained far below population norms. The more proximal UEI had a lower HRQoL and a slower recovery of HRQoL than distal injuries. At all time points, the proportion of UEI patients with limitations on the health domains self-care, usual activities and complaints of pain and/or discomfort was higher than in the group of all injuries. Female gender, higher age, low educational level, co-morbidity, shoulder or upper arm injury, multiple injuries and hospitalization are independent predictors for long-term loss in HRQoL.ConclusionsThe impact of UEI exceeds the health consequences of the group with all injuries, for both non-hospitalized and hospitalized patients. The presence of UEI substantially reduces HRQoL in the short and long term, mainly due to limitations on the health domains self-care, usual activities and complaints of pain and/or discomfort.Clinical relevanceThe impact of UEIs on HRQoL exceeds the health consequences of the group with all injuries. Proximal UEIs had a lower HRQoL and slower recovery than distal injuries. The predictors for the outcome on specific UEIs need to be further investigated in clinical studies, to understand how these differences affect patient-reported outcome measures. These data provide additional insight into treatment outcome and are needed to improve quality of care.