The association between nutritional and functional status in patients undergoing endovascular intervention due to chronic lower limbs ischemia

Abstract

Background: The nutritional status and functional status of patients are important prognostic factors. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between patients' nutritional status and the outcome of endovascular intervention in patients with chronic lower limb ischemia during one-year follow-up. Materials and methods: In 79 consecutive patients subjected to endovascular intervention due to chronic leg ischemia following examinations were performed before and after 3 and 12 month after surgery: physical examination, Minimal Nutritional Assessment (MNA) score, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 score (NRS2002), Barthel, ADL, IADL scale, ankle-brachial index (ABI), claudication distance on the treadmill and handgrip strength. Results: More than half of patients were initially overweight or obese. Following 3 months after the surgery, improvement in lower limb symptoms was observed, together with significant increase in ABI, claudication distance, total MNA score and IADL scale. The risk associated with malnutrition (MNA questionnaire), Barthel score and hand grip strength showed a statistically significant relationship with the subjective feeling of improvement after surgery. Its absence was more frequent in patients characterized by higher risk of malnutrition, with less muscular strength and poorer fitness. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of lower limbs ischemia improved not only symptoms of leg ischemia but also the general functional status of patients. The initial nutritional status, functional status and hand grip strength of patients with chronic lower limb ischemia were associated with a better clinical outcome of endovascular intervention.