title: The effect of transradial coronary catheterization on upper limb function.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to analyze the change of upper limb function when percutaneous coronary procedures were performed through the radial artery.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  It is currently unknown if upper limb function is affected by transradial (TR) catheterization.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2013 and February 2014, upper limb function was assessed in a total of 338 patients undergoing coronary catheterization in an ambulatory setting (85% radial approach, 15% femoral approach). Upper limb function was assessed with the self-reported shortened version of the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire. The presence and severity of upper extremity cold intolerance was assessed with the self-reported Cold Intolerance Symptom Severity questionnaire. Both questionnaires were completed before the catheterization and at 30-day follow-up. Higher scores represent worse upper limb functionality or symptoms. The nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the change of upper limb function and symptoms over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Upper limb function did not change significantly over time when catheterization was performed through the radial artery (p=0.06). The number of procedure-related extremity complaints that persisted during 30-day follow-up were not different between both access groups (TR access 10.5%, transfemoral access 11.5%; p=0.82). The upper extremity was not affected by cold intolerance after TR access at 30-day follow-up (p=0.91).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Upper limb function was not affected when coronary catheterizations and interventions were performed through the radial artery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Maarten A H
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: van Leeuwen
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Thoraxcenter, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Nicolas M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: van Mieghem
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Thoraxcenter, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mattie J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lenzen
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Ruud W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Selles
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mirjam F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Hoefkens
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Thoraxcenter, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zijlstra
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Electronic address: n.vanroyen@vumc.nl.
authors.forename: Niels
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: van Royen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017023:Coronary Angiography / Q000379:methods; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005263:Femoral Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017534:Radial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D057566:Self Report; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*
keywords: PCI; catheterization; extremity problems; hand function; transradial