Abstract
Introduction:Obstructive arteriosclerosis (ASO) is a common disease associated with atherosclerosis and its incidence is increasing. However, there is little consensus regarding blood viscosity and coagulation in ASO progression. Objection: To investigate the risk markers of ASO progression. Design: Retrospective observation study. Patients and study site: One hundred-forty seven ASO patients required surgical treatment or angioplasty in tertiary teaching hospital. Methods: The preoperative Fontaine classification was extracted from retrospectively collected database. For definition of the ASO, patients were divided into two Fontaine groups; mild cases (Fontaine grade I and II), and severe cases (Fontaine grade III and IV). The parameters of ankle-brachial pressure index (ABI), blood cultures, and coagulation factors were evaluated by bivariate and the multivariate logistic regression analysis in association with the Fontaine-defined ASO groups. Results: The hematocrit and the serum fibrinogen concentration were found to be associated with the Fontaine classification. The hematocrit (OR 0.882, p < 0.01) and serum fibrinogen (OR 1.003, p < 0.05) were significantly different in subjects Fontaine I/II from III/IV, suggesting these to be strong predictive parameters for ASO. Conclusion: In examination of low ABI, we should be aware of the high risk of progression to ASO in cases of decreasing hematocrit and increasing serum fibrinogen. Routine screening of these parameters by laboratory test would enhance the detection of critical ASO and would allow secondary treatment to prevent critical limb ischemia.
