The predictors of poor outcomes in patients with femoral artery injuries

C. Yavuz, S. Demirtas, A. Çaliskan, F. Ertas, H. Kaya, M. Aydin, E.D. Benli, Y. Celik, M.N. Eren

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Department of Cardiology, and Department of Biostatystic; Medical Faculty, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. celalyav@hotmail.com

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• Angiology

PURPOSE: This study investigated the predictors of poor outcomes, including limb loss and death, in patients with femoral artery injuries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 158 patients aged 2-82 (mean age 28.4 ± 16.5) with femoral arterial injury (common, deep, and superficial femoral artery) that were treated surgically between 2000 and 2010. Isolated venous injuries were excluded. Demographic and clinical data of the patients, including age, gender, admission time, pulse rate and blood pressure, hematocrit value, reason of injury, associated injury, and Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) were recorded.

RESULTS: Of the 158 patients, the death and amputation rates were 5.7% (9) and 5.1% (8), respectively. In logistic regression analysis, four variables (pulse rate, MESS, hematocrit, and bone trauma) were found to be independent predictors for poor outcomes. The Odd’s ratios and confidence interval values of these variables were as follows: 7.24 (1.94-26.92), 21.75 (5.41-87.48), 5.93 (3.04-11.54) and 7.46 (2.09-9.56), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: The MESS value, presence of bone fracture, hematocrit, and pulse rate on admission are predictive risk factors for poor outcomes in patients with femoral artery injury. Therefore, in these patients, prompt intervention by experienced surgeons is crucial for limb salvage and decreased mortality.

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