Using intermittent pneumatic compression therapy to improve quality of life for symptomatic patients with infrapopliteal diffuse peripheral obstructive disease.
BACKGROUND
Although the acute effect of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) therapy had been documented for patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial obstructive disease (PAOD), its efficacy in improving quality of life (QOL), especially for those with infrapopliteal diffuse lesions, remains unclear.


RESULTS
Thirty-one patients with infrapopliteal diffuse or multiple segmental lesions were enrolled in the study. Based on receipt of IPC therapy (3 h daily for 3 months), patients were allocated to a study (n=23) or control (n=8) group. The 6-min walking test, transcutaneous oxygen tension (TcPO₂), and QOL evaluated with the Short-Form 36 questionnaire were measured at the beginning and end of the study. In the QOL analysis, scores for physical functioning, physical and emotional role functioning, bodily pain, and general and mental health showed significant changes after IPC therapy. In the 6-min walking test, duration, and the initial and absolute claudication distances were significantly increased in the study group. The TcPO₂ also significantly increased in the distal end of the target limb after IPC therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients at high risk for amputation with infrapopliteal diffuse or multiple segmental lesions can improve their walking ability, TcPO₂ of the target limb and QOL after IPC therapy.
Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Chia-Yi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 6 Sec. West Chai-PuRoad, Pu-TZ City, Chai-Yi Hsien, Taiwan. cst1234567@yahoo.com.tw
Shih-Tai
ST
Chang
Jen-Te
JT
Hsu
Chi-Ming
CM
Chu
Kuo-Li
KL
Pan
Shih-Jung
SJ
Jang
Pi-Chi
PC
Lin
Hung-Chih
HC
Hsu
Kuo-Chin
KC
Huang
D000368:Aged; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D048228:Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058729:Peripheral Arterial Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011150:Popliteal Artery; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013624:Taiwan; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking