Physical Function and the Activity of Daily Living after Bypass Surgery in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia Are Inferior to Patients with Intermittent Claudication

Abstract

Purpose: This study clarifies the difference between postoperative physical function and activity of daily living (ADL) between patients with intermittent claudication (IC) and with critical limb ischemia (CLI). Methods: The clinical records of 113 patients who had bypass surgery for peripheral artery disease (PAD) were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups; 49 patients with IC and 64 patients with CLI. They were compared with regard to the Barthel Index (BI) assessed at discharge. In addition, the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and the Medical Research Council muscle strength scale (MRC scale) were evaluated in 76 patients. Results: The BI was 94.0 in patients with IC and 62.4 in patients with CLI, with significant differences. In the multiple linear regression analysis, the age and CLI were considered as the significant determinants of the BI. There were also a significant difference in the 6MWD and MRC scale; 308.5 m and 197.0 m, and 57.5 and 53.6 in patients with IC and CLI, respectively. In the multiple linear regression analysis, both the age and CLI were correlated with the 6MWD. Conclusions: The physical function and ADL were significantly inferior in patients with bypass surgery for CLI at discharge.