Prognostic factors in rehabilitation of above knee amputees for vascular diseases.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to predict rehabilitation potential and prognostic factors of patients undergoing above knee amputation for vascular diseases.


METHODS
In a prospective study on 144 patients consecutively admitted to our rehabilitation unit for above knee amputation, multiple regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between nine independent variables and a battery of outcome measures: the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and Barthel Index (BI) effectiveness on discharge, length of hospital stay. Two multiple logistic regressions were performed, using as dependent variable the occurrence of good or partial autonomy in mobility, quantified as RMI scores.


RESULTS
Advanced age was the most powerful prognostic factor influencing effectiveness expressed as both mobility (RMI) and BI. Patients aged < 65 years had a greater probability (odds ratio 2.92) of good autonomy in mobility than older patients. The absence of vascular impairment of the residual limb and timely admission to the rehabilitation hospital correlated positively with effectiveness of mobility.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that relevant prognostic factors can be identified at the beginning of rehabilitation treatment.
Traballesi
M
M
I.R.C.C.S., Roma, Italy.
Brunelli
S
S
Pratesi
L
L
Pulcini
M
M
Angioni
C
C
Paolucci
S
S
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D007717:Knee / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D016491:Peripheral Vascular Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome