Asociación entre metilación del ADN y tabaquismo en pacientes con isquemia crónica amenazante de extremidades inferiores / Association between DNA methylation and smoking in patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia

Introducción y objetivo: estudiar la asociación entre tabaquismo y el nivel de metilación de dos regiones genómicas en pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica (EAP). Método: estudio transversal de 297 pacientes (edad media: 69,6 años; varones: 78,5 %) diagnosticados de isquemia crónica de extremidades inferiores en diferentes estadios clínicos entre marzo de 2016 y diciembre de 2019en el servicio de cirugía vascular del Hospital del mar (Barcelona). Se analizó la metilación de Cg02156642 y deCg03636183 asociados en otros estudios al tabaquismo. Se realizó una regresión lineal múltiple para discriminar lasvariables asociadas al nivel de metilación. Se calculó el área bajo la curva ROC para discriminar el nivel de metilaciónentre fumadores y no fumadores. Resultados: de la muestra, 46 pacientes (15,5 %) eran no fumadores; 132 (44,4 %), exfumadores y 119 (40,1 %),fumadores. No se observó una asociación entre la exposición al tabaco y el nivel de metilación del Cg02156642,pero sí con el de Cg03636183: los fumadores presentaban menor nivel de metilación y, además, a más carga detabaco menos metilación (Rho de Spearman: -0,324; p < 0,001).Un nivel de metilación en este CpG del 80 % tiene una sensibilidad (S) del 90,0 % y una especificidad (E) del83,5 % para discriminar entre fumadores y nunca fumadores. Para discriminar entre fumadores y exfumadores,un nivel de metilación del 75 % tiene una S del 69 % y una E del 56,9 %.Al ajustar por todas las variables relacionadas con la metilación, la magnitud de esta asociación entre Cg03636183y tabaquismo se mantenía signifi cativa entre los nunca fumadores y los fumadores. Conclusiones: la metilación del cpg cg03636183 se asocia a tabaquismo en pacientes con eap y está directamenterelacionada con la carga de tabaco. Este biomarcador podría utilizarse en la práctica clínica para valorar el consumode tabaco de nuestros pacientes.(AU)

Introduction and objective: to study the association between smoking and the methylation level of 2 genomicregions in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Method: cross-sectional study of 297 patients (mean age, 69.6 years; males, 78.5%) diagnosed with chronic lowerextremity ischemia at various clinical stages from march 2016 through December 2019 at the Vascular Surgery Unitof Hospital del mar, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. methylation analysis of Cg02156642 and Cg03636183, previouslyassociated with smoking in former studies was performed. multiple linear regression was conducted to identifyvariables associated with methylation levels. The area under the ROC curve was estimated to discriminate meth-ylation levels between smokers and non-smokers. Results: among the sample, 46 patients (15.5%) were non-smokers, 132 (44.4%) were former smokers, and 119(40.1%) were current smokers. No association was seen between tobacco exposure and methylation levels ofCg02156642. However, an association was found with Cg03636183: smokers had lower methylation levels, anda higher smoking load was associated with lower methylation (Spearman's Rho, -0.324; p < .001). A methylationlevel of 80% in this region showed a 90.0% sensitivity and an 83.5% specificity to discriminate between smokersand never smokers. To discriminate between smokers and former smokers, a methylation level of 75% had an 69%sensitivity and an 56.9% specificity. After adjusting for all variables associated with methylation, the associationbetween Cg03636183 and smoking remained significant among never smokers and smokers. Conclusions: methylation of the Cg03636183 region is associated with smoking in patients with PAD and is directlyassociated with the smoking load. This biomarker could be used in the routine clinical practice to assess tobaccouse in our patients.(AU)

Influence of Operative Time in the Results of Elective Endovascular Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: A prolonged operative time (OT) is a well-recognized risk factor of postoperative complications after many open surgical procedures, although little is known about its impact in less-invasive endovascular procedures. We aimed to define the characteristics related to a prolonged OT in the endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysms (EVAR) and to evaluate the influence of OT on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 284 consecutive patients (mean age 75 years, 95% male) who underwent an elective EVAR between 2000 and 2019. Operative characteristics related to OT and the impact of OT in postoperative results was studied using multiple lineal and logistic regression analyses, respectively. RESULTS: The mean surgical time was 200 min. OT was associated (regression model) with the implantation of straight endografts (-38 min, P = 0.007), femoral artery surgery (+80 min, P < 0.001), hypogastric preservation procedures (+70 min, P < 0.001), associated peripheral arterial disease (+22 min, P = 0.013), general anesthesia (+34 min, P < 0.001), and aneurysm diameter (+9 min/cm, P = 0.002). During the postoperative period (<30 days or at discharge), 21% presented a complication and 2.8% died. OT was independently associated with a higher incidence of postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR] for each additional 30' of surgery = 1.34, P < 0.001), such as immediate (OR = 1.48, P = 0.003) and 6-month mortality (OR = 1.28, P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: A prolonged OT is an independent risk factor for complications and mortality after EVAR. Surgeons must take this factor into consideration when defining the best therapeutic strategy for abdominal aortic aneurysms.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of the introduction of a specialised consultation with duplex ultrasound assessment prior to vascular access surgery for haemodialysis.

INTRODUCTION: Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is increasingly used before vascular access (VA) surgery for haemodialysis. However, the cost-effectiveness of this approach is unknown. Our objective was to assess whether the introduction of a specialised consultation with DUS assessment modifies the cost and the time delay to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort of patients undergoing a first VA (June 2014-July 2017) after a specialised consultation with DUS (ECO group). They were compared with a historical cohort (January 2012-May 2014) where VA was indicated exclusively by clinical evaluation (CLN group). We analysed the cost related to visits, DUS assessments, interventions, hospital admissions and graft materials to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis at least during 1 month. RESULTS: 86 patients in the CLN group were compared with 92 in the ECO group. Patients in the ECO group were younger (68.4 vs. 64.0 years; P=.038) but no other differences were seen among groups. The average cost to achieve a first AV valid for haemodialysis was significantly lower in the ECO group (2707 vs. 3347€; P=.024). There was a higher cost associated with DUS assessments in the ECO group yet the CLN group had a higher cost related to follow-up visits, successive surgical interventions, prosthetic material, days of hospital admission and catheters. The mean time needed to achieve a first AV valid for haemodialysis was also shorter in the ECO group (49.9 vs. 82.9 days, P=.002). CONCLUSION: The introduction of a specialised vascular access consultation with DUS prior to VA surgery has reduced the cost necessary to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis. From the patient's point of view this has meant less interventions and hospital admissions and a shortening of the time delay.

Impacto de la introducción de una consulta específica con valoración eco-doppler en el costo asociado a la obtención de un primer acceso vascular para hemodiálisis / A cost-effectiveness analysis of the introduction of a specialised consultation with duplex ultrasound assessment prior to vascular access surgery for haemodialysis

Introducción: La valoración mediante eco-doppler (ED) previa a la realización de un acceso vascular (AV) está cada vez más extendida, pero existen pocos estudios que aborden su coste/efectividad. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar si la introducción de una consulta específica de AV con ED modifica el coste, los tiempos de demora, el número de re-intervenciones e ingresos para lograr un primer AV útil.Pacientes y métodosCohorte prospectiva de pacientes sometidos a un primer AV (junio 2014-julio 2017), a quienes se practicó un ED preoperatorio (grupo ECO). Se compararon con una cohorte histórica (enero 2012-mayo 2014) de primeros AV indicados exclusivamente mediante valoración clínica (grupo CLN). Se calcularon los costes de realización y el seguimiento para lograr un AV útil para hemodiálisis durante como mínimo un mes sin complicaciones.ResultadosSe compararon 86 pacientes del grupo CLN con 92 del ECO, siendo estos últimos más jóvenes (68,4 vs. 64,0 años; p=0,038). El coste medio del grupo ECO fue significativamente inferior (ECO=2.707 vs. CLN=3.347€; p=0,024). El grupo ECO tuvo un coste mayor en ecografías preoperatorias y de seguimiento. El grupo CLN tuvo un coste superior respecto a consultas de seguimiento, intervenciones quirúrgicas sucesivas, material protésico, días de ingreso y catéteres. Se disminuyó el tiempo de demora para la realización del AV (CLN=82,9 vs. ECO=49,9 días; p=0,002).ConclusiónLa introducción de una consulta específica de AV para hemodiálisis con valoración ED, ha permitido disminuir el coste para lograr un primer AV útil, como consecuencia de una reducción en los tiempos de demora, visitas de control, re-intervenciones, días de ingreso e implantación de catéteres. (AU)

Introduction: Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is increasingly used before vascular access (VA) surgery for haemodialysis. However, the cost-effectiveness of this approach is unknown. Our objective was to assess whether the introduction of a specialised consultation with DUS assessment modifies the cost and the time delay to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis.Patients and methodsProspective cohort of patients undergoing a first VA (June 2014-July 2017) after a specialised consultation with DUS (ECO group). They were compared with a historical cohort (January 2012-May 2014) where VA was indicated exclusively by clinical evaluation (CLN group). We analysed the cost related to visits, DUS assessments, interventions, hospital admissions and graft materials to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis at least during 1 month.ResultsEighty-six patients in the CLN group were compared with 92 in the ECO group. Patients in the ECO group were younger (68.4 vs. 64.0 years; P=.038) but no other differences were seen among groups. The average cost to achieve a first AV valid for haemodialysis was significantly lower in the ECO group (2707 vs. 3347€; P=.024). There was a higher cost associated with DUS assessments in the ECO group yet the CLN group had a higher cost related to follow-up visits, successive surgical interventions, prosthetic material, days of hospital admission and catheters. The mean time needed to achieve a first AV valid for haemodialysis was also shorter in the ECO group (49.9 vs. 82.9 days, P=.002).ConclusionThe introduction of a specialised vascular access consultation with DUS prior to VA surgery has reduced the cost necessary to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis. From the patient's point of view this has meant less interventions and hospital admissions and a shortening of the time delay. (AU)

A cost-effectiveness analysis of the introduction of a specialised consultation with duplex ultrasound assessment prior to vascular access surgery for haemodialysis. / Impacto de la introducción de una consulta específica con valoración eco-doppler en el costo asociado a la obtención de un primer acceso vascular para hemodiálisis.

INTRODUCTION: Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is increasingly used before vascular access (VA) surgery for haemodialysis. However, the cost-effectiveness of this approach is unknown. Our objective was to assess whether the introduction of a specialised consultation with DUS assessment modifies the cost and the time delay to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective cohort of patients undergoing a first VA (June 2014-July 2017) after a specialised consultation with DUS (ECO group). They were compared with a historical cohort (January 2012-May 2014) where VA was indicated exclusively by clinical evaluation (CLN group). We analysed the cost related to visits, DUS assessments, interventions, hospital admissions and graft materials to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis at least during 1 month. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients in the CLN group were compared with 92 in the ECO group. Patients in the ECO group were younger (68.4 vs. 64.0 years; P=.038) but no other differences were seen among groups. The average cost to achieve a first AV valid for haemodialysis was significantly lower in the ECO group (2707 vs. 3347€; P=.024). There was a higher cost associated with DUS assessments in the ECO group yet the CLN group had a higher cost related to follow-up visits, successive surgical interventions, prosthetic material, days of hospital admission and catheters. The mean time needed to achieve a first AV valid for haemodialysis was also shorter in the ECO group (49.9 vs. 82.9 days, P=.002). CONCLUSION: The introduction of a specialised vascular access consultation with DUS prior to VA surgery has reduced the cost necessary to achieve a first VA valid for haemodialysis. From the patient's point of view this has meant less interventions and hospital admissions and a shortening of the time delay.

Outcome of elective endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms in octogenarians.

AIM: The need to adjust the indications of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair among patients with a limited life-span deserves a specific evaluation for octogenarians. The aim of this study was to compare the postoperative results and the long-term survival after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic and/or iliac aneurysms (EVAR) in octogenarians compared with patients under 80 years of age. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 241 consecutive patients who underwent an elective EVAR between 2000 and 2017. EVAR was not considered among patients with clear life-limiting conditions. Patients receiving other than commercially standard infra-renal endoprostheses were excluded. RESULTS: Seventy patients (29.0%) were octogenarians. They had a lower rate of active smoking (10.0% vs. 30.4%, P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of previous cerebrovascular disease (21.4% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.055) than younger patients. Thirty-day/in-hospital complication and mortality rates were not significantly higher among octogenarians when compared with younger patients (24.3% vs. 16.9% and 2.9% vs. 2.4%, respectively). Octogenarians had a lower long-term survival at 1, 3 and 5 years (92.6% vs. 93.3%, 67.7% vs. 78.0% and 39.3% vs. 60.6%, P = 0.039) in the bivariate analysis. However, an age ≥ 80 years per se was not an independent predictor of survival after adjustment for confounding factors. CONCLUSION: An age above 80 years was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications or long-term mortality. Our results suggest that EVAR can be considered in elderly patients without a clear life-limiting condition and with a suitable aneurysm anatomy. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 392-397.

Historia natural del paciente sometido a una amputación infracondílea: análisis de la supervivencia y protetización durante 2 décadas / Natural History After Below-knee Amputation: Analysis of Survival and Prosthetic Fitting Over 2 Decades

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este estudio es conocer la historia natural de los pacientes sometidos a una amputación infracondílea (AIC) y comparar su evolución a lo largo de 2 décadas, así como los factores predictores de supervivencia, protetización, y amputación contralateral. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 209 pacientes consecutivos (edad media 72,9 años, varones 67,9%) sometidos a AIC a lo largo de 2 periodos: 1996-2005 y 2006-2015. Se valoró mediante análisis de supervivencia la protetización, el riesgo de amputación contralateral y la supervivencia, así como sus factores predictores. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron 133 AIC en el 1996-2005 y 106 en el 2006-2015. La etiología global que motivó la AIC fue por isquemia aguda (4,3%), crónica (34%), infección (9,1%) o mixta (crónica+infección, 52,6%), sin diferencias entre periodos. Se incrementaron las revascularizaciones previas entre ambas décadas del 31,6 al 54,3%. Supervivencia: mortalidad a un mes = 9,2%; un año = 31,9%; 2 años = 43,8% y 5 años = 63,9%, sin diferencias significativas entre ambos periodos. Protetización: tasa de protetización global del 44,5% durante todo el seguimiento, sin diferencias significativas entre ambos periodos. Lograron deambular el 41,1% de los pacientes. Amputación contralateral: El 20,1% de los pacientes requirieron posteriormente una amputación mayor contralateral, sin hallar diferencias significativas entre ambos periodos. CONCLUSIONES: En la última década han disminuido las AIC probablemente por un incremento del intervencionismo de revascularización previo. A pesar de ello, no se modificaron los resultados de protetización, amputación contralateral o supervivencia. En cualquier caso, el número de pacientes que llegan a alcanzar la deambulación es modesto, por lo que se subraya la necesidad de una óptima selección del paciente tributario a AIC con el objetivo de protetizarse

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to evaluate the natural history of patients undergoing below-knee amputation (BKA) and compare their evolution over 2 decades, as well as survival predictors, prosthetic fitting, and contralateral amputation. METHODS: Retrospective study of 209 consecutive patients (mean age 72.9 years; 68% males) who underwent BKA in 2 periods: 1996-2005 and 2006-2015. The fitting of prostheses, risk of contralateral amputation and survival, as well as their predictive factors, were assessed by survival analysis. RESULTS: 133 BKA were performed from 1996-2005 and 106 from 2006-2015. The etiology that motivated the BKA was acute ischemia (4.3%), chronic ischemia (34.0%), infection (9.1%) or mixed (chronic+infection, 52.6%), with no differences found between periods. Survival: mortality within one month = 9.2%, one year = 31.9%, 2 years = 43.8% and 5 years = 63.9%, with no significant differences between the 2 periods. Prosthetic: the fitting rate was 44.5% throughout the follow-up, with no significant differences between the two periods. 41.1% patients managed to walk. Contralateral amputation: 20.1% of the patients later required a major contralateral amputation, with no significant differences between the two periods. CONCLUSIONS: In the last decade, fewer BKA have been performed probably, due to higher previous interventional revascularization. Despite this, the results of fitting, contralateral amputation or survival were not modified. In any case, the number of patients who are able to achieve ambulation is modest, so it emphasizes the need for an optimal selection of patients with BKA with the goal of prosthetic fitting

Natural History After Below-knee Amputation: Analysis of Survival and Prosthetic Fitting Over 2 Decades. / Historia natural del paciente sometido a una amputación infracondílea: análisis de la supervivencia y protetización durante 2 décadas.

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to evaluate the natural history of patients undergoing below-knee amputation (BKA) and compare their evolution over 2 decades, as well as survival predictors, prosthetic fitting, and contralateral amputation. METHODS: Retrospective study of 209 consecutive patients (mean age 72.9 years; 68% males) who underwent BKA in 2 periods: 1996-2005 and 2006-2015. The fitting of prostheses, risk of contralateral amputation and survival, as well as their predictive factors, were assessed by survival analysis. RESULTS: 133 BKA were performed from 1996-2005 and 106 from 2006-2015. The etiology that motivated the BKA was acute ischemia (4.3%), chronic ischemia (34.0%), infection (9.1%) or mixed (chronic+infection, 52.6%), with no differences found between periods. Survival: mortality within one month=9.2%, one year=31.9%, 2 years=43.8% and 5 years=63.9%, with no significant differences between the 2 periods. Prosthetic: the fitting rate was 44.5% throughout the follow-up, with no significant differences between the two periods. 41.1% patients managed to walk. Contralateral amputation: 20.1% of the patients later required a major contralateral amputation, with no significant differences between the two periods. CONCLUSIONS: In the last decade, fewer BKA have been performed probably, due to higher previous interventional revascularization. Despite this, the results of fitting, contralateral amputation or survival were not modified. In any case, the number of patients who are able to achieve ambulation is modest, so it emphasizes the need for an optimal selection of patients with BKA with the goal of prosthetic fitting.