Abstract
We measured transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO2) in 40 lower limbs of non-diabetic subjects without peripheral vascular disease (PVD, API≥1.0) and 122 limbs of diabetic subjects. Measurements were made on the subclavicular region and metatarsal area of each foot in the supine position, and leg elevation (40cm) was employed to assess limb vascular reserve. Regional perfusion index (RPI) was calculated as foot TcPO2/subclavicular TcPO2 in each position.
RPI values in diabetic subjects without PVD (API≥1.0) were similar in the supine position, but were significantly lower after leg elevation compared with those in non-diabetic subjects. Diabetic subjects with PVD (API≥0.8) demonstrated lower RPI in the supine position, and the decreases in RPI caused by leg elevation were more pronounced. RPI values were significantly correlated to API in the supine position (r=0.56, p<0.001), and the relation was more significant after leg elevation (r=0.72, p<0.001). Legs with the history of gangrene or ulcer showed lower API as well as marked decreases in both TcPO2 and RN after the leg elevation.
These results indicate that TcPO2 measurement with the leg elevation is a sensitive method for the evaluaton of limb ischemia in diabetic subjects.
